Strike Fund Purpose and Procedures

2012-2016 Contract

Building a Strike Fund through a temporary dues increase is insurance toward a better future for all United Flight Attendants.  Being prepared may not only win the strike for us, it may even help prevent the necessity of calling one.  Our purpose is to win an Industry-Leading Contract and we must be prepared to do what is necessary to achieve our goals.

Summary of our Proposed Strike Fund

On April 26, 2010 the United Master Executive Council unanimously resolved to:

  • Establish a Strike Fund for the sole use of United Airlines Flight Attendants in accordance with our AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws. 
  • Put to a full Membership vote the question of funding the strike fund through a temporary monthly dues increase of $3.75 until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is ratified by AFA-CWA Members.
  • Set a benefit level of 75% of 100 hours at a striker’s International rate of pay.
  • Administer the Fund by a committee consisting of our AFA United MEC Secretary-Treasurer, the AFA-CWA International Secretary-Treasurer and the AFA United MEC President - according to all established policies, procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Maintain the Fund in an interest bearing investment account that conforms with our Union’s Ethical Investment Policy.

Vote to Fund the Strike Fund

An effective Strike Fund must be well funded.  The ballot proposes a dues increase for a limited period of time specifically for the purpose of building our Strike Fund.  Any dues increase for this purpose must be approved by at least two-thirds majority of Members casting their vote. 

This “Strike Fund Referendum” is being conducted in accordance with Article XI.A.4. of our Constitution and Bylaws, requiring a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the valid ballots cast to temporarily increase the Dues by three dollars and seventy-five cents ($3.75) per month, for the specific purpose of providing funding for the Strike Fund.  The temporary dues increase will remain in place for the duration of our current Negotiations, until such time a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is ratified.

Strike Fund Protocols

The AFA-CWA United Master Executive Council Whatever it Takes! Strike Fund (“Strike Fund”) shall be established in accordance with our AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws.  The accounting and administration of the “Strike Fund” shall be by the United Master Executive Council Secretary Treasurer with the assistance of the International Secretary Treasurer at the direction of the United Master Executive Council President in accordance with all established policies, procedures and applicable regulations.

The Strike Fund shall remain in place in perpetuity.  All money collected and not used will remain in the Strike Fund and shall be maintained in an interest bearing investment account.  This investment account shall conform with our Ethical Investment Policy as delineated in Section 4.L. of our AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws.

Strike Fund Usage and Application Administration

Only in the event of a properly authorized strike will the Strike Fund be available to assist eligible striking Members who are experiencing an economic hardship brought on by management’s failure to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

In the event of a strike, an ad hoc Local Council “Strike Fund Committee” shall be established to administer applications for assistance from the Strike Fund on a case-by-case basis.  This Strike Fund Committee shall be comprised of the Local Council President/designee, the United Master Executive Council Secretary Treasurer and the International Secretary Treasurer.

Strike Fund Eligibility Requirements

The Strike Fund Committee will consider certain factors in determining who will obtain assistance. Members who meet all of the following criteria will be eligible to apply for Strike Fund assistance:

  • Engaged in a duly authorized strike
  • Active Member in Good Standing
  • Being available for and performing strike related activities as assigned by the Local Executive Council, ie. picketing, strike office support, etc.
  • Not working for United or another carrier engaged in a dispute with AFA-CWA
  • Not engaging in any action or deed which might adversely affect the successful outcome of the dispute

Strike Fund Benefits

Once a Member's eligibility has been certified by the Strike Fund Committee:

  • Strike Fund benefit eligibility begins immediately upon an authorized work stoppage and the benefit will continue until the striker is recalled to work or the Fund is depleted
  • Benefits shall be paid monthly by action of the Strike Fund Committee

Benefits will be paid at 75% of 100 hours at the striker’s International rate of pay at the time of the Strike.  Benefits will begin immediately upon a work stoppage and they will be prorated to a daily rate if necessary.

Why should we consider building a Strike Fund?

We must overcome a management mindset that the company is entitled to concessions and feels no pressure to address the issues that matter to Flight Attendants and other workers. We must recognize airline executives are unwilling to agree to significant improvements without a fight. Flight Attendants will stand up to executives like never before with a strong Strike Fund.

Contributions to a Strike Fund today will build a stable financial fund for our future, when we may need it.  This fund brings the power of financial stability AND a tool for offensive strategy and actions during negotiations.

The decisions to reject unsatisfactory offers from managements are inevitably affected by the ability of Flight Attendants to feed themselves and their families.  The commitment to build a Strike Fund is an important symbol that our Union is dealing from a position of strength.  We must always be prepared to do what is necessary to achieve our goals.

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