12.07.20 – Update on the Payroll Support Program – Let’s Push!

Monday, December 7, 2020

Update on the Payroll Support Program – Let’s Push!

We are expecting an eventful two weeks in Washington as we approach the end of the year, in part because a government funding bill must be passed by Friday, December 11th, to avert a government shutdown. It is possible, and perhaps likely, Congress passes a stopgap measure to extend this deadline to the following week. Given this critical deadline, we know that legislation will have to move this week or next.

Additionally, coronavirus relief legislation is being actively discussed. A proposal brought forth by a bipartisan coalition of Senators has gained traction with Congressional leadership. An extension of the Payroll Support Program (PSP) is included in this proposal. These past several weeks, aviation leaders in Congress have been working across the aisle to find agreeable language on an extension of the PSP. The proposal includes $17B for airline workers over four months (December – March) and would require furloughed airline workers to be recalled and restored.

Aviation workers are closer than we have ever been to an extension of the PSP. We would not be in this position without your persistence and dedication. Now more than ever, we need to stay loud to continue fighting for our jobs. Make your daily calls to your Senators and Representatives and voice your support for an extension of the PSP. Congress has a responsibility to the American people, and we cannot allow them to go home for the holidays before passing this much-needed relief.

ALL WEEK: Contact Your Representatives

Here is a sample script to use in your calls and emails:

Hello, my name is ______, and I am an American Airlines Flight Attendant of ___ years. My colleagues and I have been on the front line of this pandemic since Day 1, but thousands of us have been disconnected from our jobs and healthcare for the past two months. We need immediate Congressional action to extend the Payroll Support Program to save our jobs. But Congress must act soon.

We are now on the brink of widespread distribution of a successful vaccine, but the aviation industry must be positioned to aid in the distribution for this pandemic to end. Credentialed airline employees cannot simply return to work overnight. The Payroll Support Program must be extended now. A strong aviation industry is the economic driver we will need to build back our economy. Now is the time to invest in the jobs that will keep the industry and the economy strong. Thank you for supporting aviation workers like me.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative

[email protected]

Please remember, we have 7,985 involuntarily furloughed Flight Attendants at American Airlines.