AFA Debrief April 4, 2024

• May 2024 Special COLA Opportunity
• Arab American Heritage Month
• AFA Welcomes Class 2402

May 2024 Special COLA Opportunity

Inflight Scheduling has determined that there may be an opportunity to award one-month Special COLAs (Company Offered Leave of Absence) effective for the May 2024 bid month. The number of Special COLAs to be awarded at each domicile has not been determined, and all active Flight Attendants are eligible to participate.

The deadline to submit your request in CCS for this Special COLA is Friday, April 15, 2024, at 0800 CT. If interested, please submit a bid through CCS > Leaves > Special COLA.

As a reminder, once a Special COLA is awarded, it cannot be rescinded. After bids close, it is not possible to remove your names from the list.

For more information regarding Special COLAs, please visit: Flying Together > My Work > Crew Planning, Scheduling, and Administration > Crew Planning > COLAs, Job shares, and Partnership Awards.

Arab American Heritage Month

Beginning in 2017, Arab American Heritage Month honored the history, culture, contributions, and achievements of the American Arab community. Formally recognized by the White House in 2021, April was designated as Arab American Heritage Month.

In the United States, the Arab community is a diverse mix of individuals with roots to over 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Bahrain, the Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The different nationalities bring with them their unique backgrounds, heritage, religions, and stories and are linked together by their primary language, Arabic, and their shared culture.

While celebrating cultures and heritage is a joyful experience, bringing people together and bridging differences, we cannot overlook the discrimination, bias, and hate that is still directed at members of this Arab community.

As unionists, we strive to narrow the gap between workers and foster a place of acceptance and understanding. We champion the ideals of equity and strive for credit to be afforded and recognized by all laborers for their contributions to society and the world's industries, regardless of race, religion, or background.

We are Flight Attendants and unionists. We have a unique opportunity to find connections and share experiences that can bridge the gap of understanding between people. When we share in the human experience with one another, we have a chance to create a more tolerant, enlightened, and empowered world. 

This April, United AFA MEC Honors the work and history of the Arab American community and their contributions to our Union.

AFA Welcomes Class 2402

Every time a new Flight Attendant joins our career, they bring with them their unique talents and abilities, further strengthening our profession and our Union. On behalf of United AFA, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest Members of our Flight Attendant family, Class 2402!!

Flight Attendants from 2402 will be based at our domiciles in DEN, SFO, IAD, and EWR. We look forward to helping them as they begin this incredible career.

As you meet new Flight Attendants on the line, please remember that they are on probation. Connect them with the most accurate information to support them as they begin their careers by directing them to their AFA Local Council for assistance on Contractual issues.

If you are interested in supporting our newest Members, reach out to your local council to see how you can be a part of shaping their early careers as an AFA volunteer!

Reminders:

APR - World Autism Awareness Month
APR - National Arab American Heritage Month
APR 6 – Laylat al-Qadr
APR 9 - Eid al-Fitr
APR 11 - DAY OF ACTION!
APR 22 - Passover Begins

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