3.02.21 – Update on the Continuation of the Payroll Support Program

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Update on the Continuation of the Payroll Support Program

Over the weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.9T stimulus package which included a six-month continuation of the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Flight Attendants, aviation employees, and our families who have been devastated by the pandemic have depended on Congress to help us through these unprecedented times. The PSP has kept aviation workers connected to our paychecks and health insurance. It has been a lifeline for many of us, and we must ensure its continuation through this crisis.

The stimulus package, known as the American Rescue Plan, would:

• Provide $14B payroll grants to the airlines to continue the PSP.
• Extend furlough protection for aviation workers through September 30, 2021.
• Continue access to healthcare and benefits for aviation workers.
• Continue restrictions on stock buybacks and executive compensation.

Other highlights include:

• Direct payments to qualified individuals and dependents based on 2019 or 2020 income level: $1400 for individuals who made under $75,000 (amount tapers for income up to $100,000); $2800 for couples who made under $150,000 (amount tapers for income up to $200,000).
• Extending federal pandemic unemployment programs.
• Increasing tax credits for families and for employers who offer paid leaves.
• Expanding subsidies to purchase health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
• Funding state and local government aid to assist COVID-19 testing, vaccine distribution, schools, mass transit systems, restaurants, small businesses, and more.

The final House vote was 219 to 212, largely along party lines.This week, the Senate will take up the bill where it is expected to be amended and sent back to the House before March 14th, when unemployment insurance benefits expire. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is adamant that the bill will be on President Biden’s desk before that deadline. A Senate vote could come as early as late this week.

In the Senate, the legislation will require a simple majority (51 votes) to pass. Two Senate Democrats, Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), have signaled concerns with the bill, and their votes will likely be needed for this bill to pass.

What we as aviation workers went through last year between July and December was unpredictable, chaotic, and traumatic. Thankfully, this bill is advancing through a much more predictable process. But until the PSP continuation is inked and official, we must continue to contact our Senators and urge their support for the PSP through the American Rescue Plan.

APFA is grateful for the tremendous bipartisan support for the PSP this past year as we struggled through the most turbulent period in U.S. aviation history. Please take action today!

Contact Your Senators Today

Call script:

Hello, my name is ____________ and I am a constituent. I am also an American Airlines Flight Attendant and an APFA Union member.

American Airlines has recently sent out WARN Act notices due to decreased demand for travel beyond April. With widespread vaccination finally in sight, continuing the Payroll Support Program will protect my job and ensure that critical transportation and public health infrastructure remain in place.

This has been a tough year for my family, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for helping aviation workers like me, as we are just getting back on our feet.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative

[email protected]