3.13.24 – Vice President SBA (Grievance) Update

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

We would like to provide you with some updates to some of the Presidential Grievances filed by APFA.

What is a Presidential Grievance?

A Presidential Grievance is a dispute between APFA and the company involving any action of the company affecting all Flight Attendants.

A Presidential Grievance is filed by the National President. An attempt to reach a settlement is made, and if no settlement can be reached, the case moves to arbitration.

Where can I find more information about Presidential Grievances?

A list of open and settled Presidential Grievances and their statuses in the process may be found on the System Board of Adjustment (SBA) webpage.
Update to Current Presidential Grievances

APFA Logo Shirt Presidential Grievance

Last October, APFA filed a Presidential Grievance over management’s decision to disallow wearing APFA t-shirts with the Union logo when attending or traveling to/from training, violating JCBA 16.E.

The APFA red logo shirt is a proud display of solidarity amongst our members. APFA is pleased to announce that we have reached a settlement on the APFA Logo Shirts Presidential Grievance scheduled to be heard in May 2024. This settlement confirms that the red APFA t-shirt is not a t-shirt with a slogan, and may be worn when attending or traveling to/from training.

Co-Pairing Presidential Grievance

This Presidential Grievance was originally a PHL Base Grievance, later converted to a Presidential Grievance for violation of the LUS contract (Red Book) in 2017 when the Company failed to construct Transoceanic International Pairings to co-pair Flight Attendants with Pilots from the same bases.

Once the Arbitration was completed, we awaited the award from the Arbitrator. During that time, the Arbitrator attempted to mediate settlement discussions between APFA and AA. Ultimately, we could not reach a resolution that APFA believed benefited the affected PHL Flight Attendants from 2017. In October of 2023, we issued a letter to the Arbitrator requesting that she discontinue mediated settlement discussions and finally issue her award. While we presented a strong case with compelling evidence showing the violation of the Red Book LUS language, unfortunately, the award did not favor APFA. The full award may be found here.

Reduction in Staffing Levels Presidential Grievance

We are in final preparation to present our case at the Reduction in Staffing Levels Arbitration in New York on April 16-19th, committed to addressing the staffing reductions and securing an Arbitrator decision that restores staffing on the affected aircraft and provides understaffing back pay for all affected Flight Attendants.

For more information on the SBA (Grievance) department, visit the System Board of Adjustment (SBA) webpage, aimed at providing you with improved access to pertinent information and updates related to Notice of Disputes (NOD) and Grievances filed on your behalf.

In Solidarity,

Larry Salas
APFA National Vice President
[email protected]