AFA E-Lines: Jul 12, 2024
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AFA Debrief - July 12, 2024
- Family Medical Leave – Former Eligibility Requirements Now In Place
- 2HOT2COLD
- KCM Update - Know the rules!
- Master Executive Council Summer MEC Meeting Reminder
Family Medical Leave – Former Eligibility Requirements Now in Place
Today the company notified the Union that the eligibility requirements for Family Medical Leave (FML) approval will revert to the requirements in Section 15.I.4 of our joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA). The eligibility rules in the JCBA require that:
- Twelve (12) months prior to FML application/usage, a Flight Attendant must:
o Have been paid at least 60% of their monthly guarantee during that time, AND
o Worked or have been paid for at least 504 hours (vacation, medical, and sick pay excluded)
This is a change to the temporary eligibility requirements the company instituted in March, which only required that a Flight Attendant have two (2) months of active service within 12 months for FML eligibility. This reversion to the JCBA rule for eligibility is effective as of today.
Flight Attendants who have already been approved for FML under the former 2 months of active service rule will NOT have their FML eligibility taken away. However, if a Flight Attendant submitted an FML application that has not yet been approved, the Company will apply the Section 15.I.4. eligibility rules to these outstanding applications still in process – plus all future applications.
If you have questions about your application status or your qualifying hours, please contact FAST.
2HOT2COLD
As aviation's first responders, one of our goals is to ensure a safe environment from the moment we and our passengers step foot on the aircraft.
During boarding, a warm or cold aircraft can quickly escalate to a dangerous environment, putting both the crew and passengers at risk of experiencing symptoms like fatigue and dizziness, which may lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or hypothermia.
This has been a long-fought issue. While we have seen progress towards industry-wide cabin temperature regulation with the inclusion of a Temperature in Aircraft Cabins study, passed as part of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, the situation is still far from being resolved. We need your continued support and advocacy by taking the appropriate steps and reporting all 2Hot2Cold events.
When you board an aircraft and find the temperature unsafe, you should immediately notify the pilots (when available) and the Customer Service Agents working the flight. Follow United's Cabin Temperature SOP most recently communicated through the June 26, 2024 Inflight Services Weekly.
Promptly complete a 2Hot2Cold report through the App. Your reports generate important data for AFA to track. This allows AFA to address this safety matter on all fronts, with the FAA, United Safety, and on Capitol Hill. Remember to also file the appropriate safety reports.
Download the App today from the Apple Store or Google Play for Android and make a commitment to fight unsafe cabin temperature conditions.
KCM Update - Know the rules!
Known Crew Member (KCM) is a vital benefit that allows Flight Attendants the convenience of expedited security screening at many of the airports from which we work. The program's continued success depends on crew members demonstrating that they can be trusted to comply with all related requirements and keep up to date with any changes.
It is always our responsibility to periodically review and abide by the KCM rules for this program to ensure continued use and compliance with government requirements.
KCM rules and any updates to the program, as well as issues related to barcodes, account access or how to update your information can be found on Flying Together here.
To review the company's most recent communication on KCM rules and regulations, visit Flying Together, ISW June 19, 2024.
Master Executive Council Summer MEC Meeting
The United Master Executive Council Regular Meeting for Summer 2024 is scheduled to be held at the Hyatt Rosemont in Chicago from Tuesday, July 16th through Thursday, July 18th. During this meeting, your elected Local Council President, along with the 13 other Local Council Presidents representing the various Councils in our Union.
Over the three-day period, they will collaborate discussing the issues facing Members and work toward solutions. They will receive annual reports from the MEC Reserve Committee, MEC Communications Committee the MEC Negotiations Committee, and MEC Central Scheduling Committee.
We welcome all Members in good standing to join us and participate in the democratic process of our Union. Complimentary shuttles are available from the Chicago ORD to the Hyatt Rosemont every 30 minutes (at the:15 and 45) and depart from the hotel pickup area at the lower level of Terminal 2.
Review the meeting agenda and learn more about the upcoming meeting on the United MEC Summer Meeting page at UnitedAFA.org.
Reminders:
JUL - Disability Pride Month
JUL 16-18 - MEC Summer Meeting
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