12.03.23 – Unpaid VLOA Bidding Open for January 2024

Unpaid VLOA Bidding Open for January 2024

Sunday, December 3, 2023

In accordance with JCBA Section 25.B, full month, unpaid Voluntary Leaves of Absence (VLOA) are being offered for the January 2024 bid month at all bases.

Bidding for January 2024 full month, unpaid VLOAs will close Thursday, December 7 at 1200 (CT). You may access the ballot in Comply365 > My Forms > AAFA > FA Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA).

VLOAs will be awarded in the following order:

1. Lineholders in seniority order until all available leaves are granted, or until there are no more requests.
2. If leaves are still available after awarding Lineholders, Reserves will be awarded in seniority order until all remaining leaves have been granted or until there are no more requests.

Lineholder/Reserve Designator (LRD):

When logging into Crew Portal, the LRD tool will be visible on the righthand side of the page, below your Projected Monthly Credit. For the month of January 2024, you will either be in Lineholder, Tentative or Reserve status in LRD. The LRD will also show your seniority for the group you are associated with.

• Lineholder – You will be processed as a Lineholder in the VLOA, even if you toggle to Reserve.
• Tentative – You will be processed as a Lineholder in the VLOA, even if you toggle to Reserve.
• Reserve – You will be processed as a Reserve in the VLOA, even if you toggle to Lineholder.

It is important to remember, if you are satisfied with your designated status shown when LRD opens, you do not need to do anything. If your status is Lineholder or Tentative and you would like to be on Reserve (Senior Bump), you should toggle to “Pref RSV”.

The Lineholder/Reserve Designator (LRD), used to toggle onto or off of Reserve, will close Thursday, December 7 at 1200 (CT).

Important reminder: If you have more than three (3) days of vacation and Senior Bump onto Reserve, it will not count towards your Reserve obligation. 

This LRD Tool PowerPoint Presentation will provide you with more information and examples regarding the LRD tool.

Important notes:

• If you are awarded a VLOA as a Lineholder or Tentative and have toggled to Reserve, you will be considered a Lineholder and will not receive Reserve credit.
• If you are awarded a VLOA as a Reserve, you will receive Reserve credit for the month.
• Because VLOAs are awarded to Lineholders first, a junior Lineholder could be awarded a VLOA before a senior Reserve Flight Attendant.

Additional Information about VLOAs

• If you are on an absence ending on or after the 1st contractual day of the voluntary leave request month, or have expired qualifications, you are not eligible for a VLOA.
• You must be eligible to hold a bid award for that month. (Absences ending in the month prior to the voluntary leave request month are eligible).
• You will continue to accrue sick and vacation while on VLOA.
• Your health, life and other insurance as well as non-rev travel benefits continue as though you are active.

Q1. Can I request a voluntary leave for a different span of days other than the full month option?
A1. No. Voluntary leaves are only available for a full bid month.

Q2. Can I ballot for a VLOA if I have a carry-over trip into a VLOA month?
A2. Yes. You are eligible for a VLOA even if you have a carry-over trip. If you are awarded a VLOA and you have a carry-over trip, you are responsible for the trip. You may work it or drop it. If you drop the trip, you should submit a form on Crew Portal > Links > Support Tab > FA Manning/Planning > VLOA, so that your VLOA can be adjusted to begin on the 1st day of the bid month.

Q3. Is it mandatory to attend CQ Training during my VLOA?
A3. At your option, you may attend CQ Training in your base month while on VLOA. However, if awarded VLOA during your grace month, you will be required to attend CQ Training.

Q4. How will I be paid for the January 2024 VLOA?
A4. VLOAs are an unpaid leave of absence (JCBA Section 25.B).

Q5. I have vacation in January, what happens to my vacation if I take a VLOA?
A5. Your January vacation days will be paid out.

Q6. Can I pick up trips from TTS/UBL/ETB while on VLOA?
A6. No. This is an unpaid leave of absence and you will not be able to work while on VLOA.

In Solidarity,

Jeff Petersen
APFA National Contract Chair
[email protected]

Marti McMillan
APFA National Scheduling Chair
[email protected]