Dear AFA Recording: Feb 27, 2015

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Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to Dear AFA. We are a democratic, Member driven Union of Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. Today is Friday, February 27, 2015.

Complete the NEW E-Lines Verification – Without This Verification You Will NOT Receive Further E-Lines Emails
The United AFA Communication Committee is in the final stages of upgrading the E-Lines newsletter system to a more reliable, faster and more economical server. In preparation for this upgrade we require all current subscribers to E-Lines to verify and update their information in order to receive the E-Lines Newsletter after the relocation has occurred.

In addition to the E-Lines Newsletter upgrade we have added a Text Message feature.  This feature will ensure that the United MEC is able to convey very important information to our Members as quickly as we receive it.  The text messaging system will be utilized on an occasional basis and only to communicate time sensitive information.  An example where a text message might be sent would be to alert and direct you to important safety and/or security information.  Additionally, we will use the system to communicate breaking Union news items such as reaching a Tentative Agreement (TA) on a Joint Contract.

If you have not verified your information by the March 3, 2015 deadline you will no longer receive the E-lines newsletter. Verifying your information is quick and simple. Please visit our website for instructions. Once you have provided the information you will be set for the transition.

What Does it Mean to be Reassigned?
As we all know, during the operation, flight schedules can fall apart, and while frustrating, reassignments are part of our job. To protect our rights during reassignment, the company is obligated to follow the provisions outlined in our Contract.

When United’s operation causes all, or part of our ID(s) to cancel, resulting in a misconnect, or becoming illegal for our scheduled trip; our Contract outlines procedures for reassignment. Sections 8.J. for domestic and 12.I. in the international operation apply only when at your home domicile. Away from home, Sections 9.I. and 9.K apply for reassignments domestically, and 12.Q. and 12.R. for the international operation.

Any reassignment must ensure you remain legal for your next scheduled assignment. The reassignment must also comply with legalities including 35-in-7 and 8:30-in-24 domestically; and 24-in-7 and 1-in-7 for both operations. Additionally any reassignment must fall within your monthly maximum.

Reassignment procedures vary based on a number of factors, and we have compiled a comprehensive article on some of the nuances to better assist you when navigating any reassignment situation. More information, including examples, is available on our website.

Flight Attendant Website Calendar
The United MEC website includes a Flight Attendant Calendar to assist in making life as a Flight Attendant a little less hectic.  We know that in an industry where change is consistent, it may be difficult to keep track of one’s personal and work schedules, yet alone the additional important dates such as Benefits Open Enrollment and Vacation Bidding.

This Flight Attendant Calendar lists many of the important dates that we, as Flight Attendants need to refer to including:

• Flight Attendant Schedule Months
• Schedule Bid Due Dates
• Domicile Specific Holidays
• US & EU Daylight Savings
• Vacation Bidding
• Open Enrollment
• MEC Scheduled Meetings
• BOD Scheduled Meetings
• MEC Office Closures

If you are a Google Calendar user, you can add these events directly to your personal calendar.  You are able to access the calendar from the home page of the MEC website quick hits menu or the button below the menu on the left side.  

30-Day ANP Available for April Schedule Month
The company has announced they will be offering 30-Day ANP for the April 2015 (04/01/15 – 04/30/15) schedule month.  The number and locations to which 30-day ANP will be awarded have not yet been determined.  If you are interested in 30-day ANP for the April schedule month, you must have your request on file through Unimatic by 0800 Central Time (CT) on March 13, 2015. April 30-day ANP awards will be posted by 1730 CT the same day.  Once 30-day ANP is awarded it cannot be rescinded.

Keep in mind, if you are awarded 30-day ANP directly touching (immediately adjoining) another period of 30-day ANP or single day of ANP without at least one day off in between the periods of ANP your benefits may be affected.   We encourage you to review and remove any requests for which you no longer have an interest.  Following the initial award the company reviews manpower requirements and may award additional 30-day ANP before the start of the schedule month.

When requesting any time off, we encourage you to fully review all available information and ask questions about anything that is unclear.  Should you have additional questions, please contact your Local Council office.

Joint Negotiations This Week
The most recent session of Joint Negotiations concluded in Houston today.  The JNC has provided an update on the OurUnited website and through the OurUnited newsletter.

As a reminder, all JNC updates can be found on the JNC website at ourunited.org.  If you are not signed-up to receive the OurUnited Newsletter please do so also on ourunited.org.

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