3.04.21 – Update: Unpaid VLOA Available for April

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Update: Unpaid VLOA Now Available for April

Yesterday, we communicated that American suddenly changed the rules of the EVLOA-2 without APFA input. As predicted, this has caused upheaval and frustration for our Flight Attendants with respect to vacation, unemployment, and those attempting to extend a current leave of absence. It is concerning that American would move to make such a large, divisive move without consulting APFA- we should all be working to make our member’s lives easier, not harder and more complicated.

Since the Company dropped this plan in our laps, APFA National and Base Leadership have been pushing for a more humane solution. While we understand the uncertainty for American surrounding the pandemic, changes to travel demand, and the Payroll Support Program continuation, we continued to convey the need for a more respectful VLOA process.

Over the past year, we have had many changes in our work lives, and through every change, we have strived to follow the language as written in the JCBA when possible. By offering the 70-hour VLOA before the contractually required unpaid VLOA, the JCBA language was circumvented.

American has now agreed to offer an unpaid Voluntary Leave of Absence for April, in compliance with the language outlined in JCBA Section 25. After this leave is closed and awarded, the Company will then proceed with the offering of a 70-Hour Voluntary Leave of Absence if an overage still exists. The timelines are as follows:

Unpaid Voluntary Leave of Absence

Bidding opens: March 4, 2021 1200 CST
Bidding Closes: March 7, 2021 at 1200 CST

How do I submit my unpaid VLOA bid?

Click Here to access the Unpaid VLOA Ballot.

70-Hour Voluntary Leave of Absence (if an overage still exists)

Bidding Opens: March 8, 2021 at 1200 CST
Bidding Closes: March 11, 2021 at 1200 CST

How do I submit my 70-hour VLOA bid?

Information to be released soon.

We cannot say it enough: this past year has been rife with last-minute, difficult decisions that have greatly affected our personal and work lives. We have been forced to make decisions, often with little information, and these rapid changes continue. Your APFA Leadership will continue to look out for all members and offer choices whenever possible.

We hope we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Please continue to look out for one another, and fly safely.

In Solidarity,

Julie Hedrick
APFA National President
[email protected]