Ladies and Gentlemen:

On November 11, 2013, United announced the need to reduce staffing by 1,950 Flight Attendants.  Bidding for Voluntary Furlough closed this morning at 0800 CST.  United has awarded 1,101 requests for Voluntary Furlough.  We are aware many of you are questioning why, despite the fact you had submitted a bid, that you were not awarded the Voluntary Furlough.  As a result of not having received 1,950 eligible requests, management has determined the prospect of an Involuntary Furlough still exists.  Therefore, bids submitted from those below the 5/1/2006 seniority date will not be processed at this time.  They will be retained for consideration within the context of the Partnership Program award.  Keep in mind the Voluntary Furlough award is not final until after Partnership has been considered and awarded. 

As indicated in the Voluntary Furlough Packet, if you are at the most junior seniority level, bidding Voluntary Furlough will not automatically prevent you from being placed on Involuntary Furlough status.

The Partnership Program 11 bidding period closes on January 13, 2014 at 0800 CST.  As a reminder to those currently out on the March 2, 2013 Voluntary Furlough and who are planning to return to work on March 31, 2014, you are eligible to bid for Partnership Program 11.

The Partnership Program 11 is for a 3-month period, for the April – June 2014 Schedule months.  As you know, the Partnership Program was established solely for the protection of United Flight Attendant jobs.  If you are interested in Partnership flying, we encourage you to consider submitting your bid before the deadline.  Please review the Partnership 11 Program Packet available from our website. 

We sincerely appreciate all Members who volunteered for the Voluntary Furlough and those who are considering the Partnership Program.  The United Master Executive Council is resolute in our commitment that we will take any and all necessary action to prevent any Member from being placed on Involuntary Furlough status as a result of the productivity improvements.  As we move forward to the next step of the Partnership Program next Monday we will continue to advocate to United Airlines management the value of making the right choice for Flight Attendants and our future success. 

In Solidarity,