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We are hearing from some Members who have expressed concern about the timing of the closing of the Voluntary Furlough bid in relation to the announcement of our recently achieved Tentative Agreement (T.A.)  Further, some Members are concerned that if they take the Voluntary Furlough they will not be eligible to participate in the improvements contained in the T.A.  Be assured, Flight Attendants on Voluntary Furlough will be able to participate in the improvements negotiated in the T.A.  If you are interested in taking advantage of the Voluntary Furlough, you are encouraged to bid.

Bidding for and being awarded the Voluntary Furlough will not affect your ability to participate in any Early Out/Voluntary Crossover Program that may result from the T.A., if you meet the negotiated criteria/eligibility requirements.  You do not need to remove your Voluntary Furlough bid in order to participate.

The Voluntary Furlough bid process will close as scheduled on Monday January 9th.  The timing of the close of this furlough was, and is, based on the timing United needs to facilitate those returning from furlough and those participating in the new furlough.  As we’ve reported recently, if you choose to bid for and are awarded the Voluntary Furlough, you will have the ability to vote on the Tentative Agreement that resulted from the Expedited Mediation process, provided you are an active Member in good standing.

The voting process for the Tentative Agreement will take place after the close of the Voluntary Furlough.  By that time your ability to participate in the Voluntary Furlough Program will have passed.  We recommend that if the Voluntary Furlough is the right option for you at this time, you place your bid on file, participate in the review and vote of the new Tentative Agreement recognizing that you retain your ability to participate in potential improvements such as Early Out/Voluntary Crossover.  Bidding closes at 0800 on Monday January 9, 2012.