Tentative Agreement Full Text

Dear Flying Partners

Full text of the 2013 Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement has been posted on OurAFA.org. Printed copies will be made available in the bases as soon as possible.

We now have the right to vote for immediate improvements and secure our seat at the table for the next merger negotiations. The National Mediation Board used the January 22/23 Status Conference to bring AFA and the Company together in one final attempt to achieve a single agreement for US Airways Flight Attendants. The framework for that discussion was narrow. The result was improved economics for US as well as clear details on our involvement in Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) discussions related to the merger. Here is the framework of the agreement: (more…)

Agreement Reached: Our Bridge to the Future

Dear Flying Partners:

We have secured your right to vote for immediate improvements, as well as negotiations for additional gains as a result of the pending merger.  The National Mediation Board used the Status Conference to bring AFA and the company together in one final attempt to achieve a single agreement for US Airways Flight Attendants.  The framework for that discussion was narrow.  The result was improved economics for US Airways Flight Attendants as well as clear details on our involvement in MOU discussions related to the merger.  Here is the framework of the agreement: (more…)

JNC/MEC Special Meeting

Dear Members,

A special meeting of the JNC and joint MEC’s has been called for this morning in Philadelphia to review the details of the Status Conference.  Please stay tuned to ourafa.org and your email – we will report to the full Membership as soon as possible.

In Solidarity,

Status Conference

January 22, 2013

Dear Flying Partners,

This afternoon in Philadelphia, we will meet with the National Mediation Board and management for the two-day Status Conference called by the NMB. (more…)

USAPA MOU – We Have Options

January 15, 2013

Today USAPA released the details of their conditional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  This agreement was reached as part of Parker’s merger bankruptcy exit plan for American Airlines.  This could be a good development for US Airways pilots who have not otherwise been able to reach an agreement together.  We congratulate our pilot counterparts.

The conditions surrounding the pilots’ interest in taking part in the American Airlines bankruptcy process do not directly relate to the options we have. We will have the same opportunity to address merger issues that are important to us. Instead of entering merger discussions from a negative position, we can improve our leverage by securing our single contract first. (more…)

NMB Calls Parties Together for Status Conference

We have received a National Mediation Board official notice that Board Member Linda Puchala and Mediator Jim Mackenzie will hold a status conference on January 22nd and 23rd in Philadelphia.  This means that the NMB is bringing US Airways management and AFA together for these two days.  The NMB facilitates this process and their invitation has strictly limited AFA’s participants to MEC Presidents Roger Holmin and Deborah Volpe in addition to AFA’s Collective Bargaining Director Clare Burt, attorney and professional negotiator Joe Burns and AFA International Officers.

This is a positive step for us.  We have been reporting on our continued work with the NMB to utilize the Section 6 process to achieve a single agreement for US.  This is the only process that provides this option. (more…)

Merger Update – Our Leverage

This week it is widely reported that a merger announcement will not occur until the end of January. This merger is being pitched to American’s creditors; the context for Parker’s merger plan is to secure it as the bankruptcy exit plan for American Airlines. Therefore, it must be approved by American’s creditors.

American Flight Attendants have supported the plan throughout this past year because they are concerned about their future without it and strongly believe Parker’s plan is the strongest option. That’s why the limited description of their MOU, which is subject to their non-disclosure agreement (NDA) states, the “MOU further illuminates the financial benefits of a merger to AMR’s creditors.” American’s creditors are looking for the highest return on their bankruptcy loss – and they want to know that the plan Parker is putting forward will provide that for them. As we know all too well, a large part of bankruptcy is cutting and containing labor costs. (more…)

The NMB Calls MEC Presidents to Washington DC

December 12, 2012 – The National Mediation Board (NMB) summoned the East and West MEC Presidents to Washington DC to meet regarding our negotiations. Roger Holmin and Deborah Volpe were joined by AFA International President Veda Shook, AFA International Vice President Sara Nelson and AFA Director of Collective Bargaining Clare Burt.

We were advised that the Board believes our negotiations for reaching a single agreement at US Airways are at a critical juncture.

The Board advised us we cannot divulge the substance of our discussions during the meeting. (more…)

Webcast Questions and Answers

Since the webcast concluded on November 12, 2012 we have been responding to individual questions from members.  Listed below are the top 20 commonly asked questions during the webcast or in questions we were not able to get to within the hour-long on-line meeting.  We will continue to post questions as we receive them and work with our professionals to provide you with answers.

1. Can we put out a sheet that illustrates how the new pilot work rules are going to effect the Flight Attendants? The documentation needs to be there so the Flight Attendants can see how it works.

We are working to compile a handout on the new pilot regulations along with examples of how these rules will likely impact our schedules and earning power One caveat is that the airlines, including US Airways, are still petitioning the FAA for waivers. Therefore, although we have the new rules, at this point no one knows to a certainty what might be waived.

2. What will we be striking for exactly?  

There is no certainty there will be a strike. We will present to the NMB the issues most important to Flight Attendants as a whole: economics and work rules, East and West. We must first convince the NMB that we have a focused, specific, and limited list of issues before it will consider directing the Company to meet with us. If and when the process is exhausted without an agreement, the remaining issues would be the “strike issues.”   (more…)

US Airways Flight Attendants Picket November 14 As Strike Vote Results Are Due November 20

Failure of US Airways Management to Negotiate New Contract Draws Nationwide Protest

Washington, DC – US Airways Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), will march on informational picket lines at four airports across the country on Wednesday, November 14. Management has failed to negotiate an acceptable single contract, which means the US Airways/America West merger of 2005 remains incomplete. The 6,700 Flight Attendants are fed up and currently taking a strike vote to demonstrate what they are willing to do to achieve a contract that can be ratified.

“Parker has his eyes on a new merger with American Airlines, but he needs to finish this merger first and work with his current  employees who have brought him record profits. Forming the largest airline in the world will take the support of workers and US Airways Flight Attendants are not happy,” stated Roger Holmin and Deborah Volpe, presidents for AFA representing Flight Attendants for pre-merger US Airways and America West, respectively. “We sacrificed for this airline, we work hard for this profitable airline every day and it’s high time this management gets serious about finishing this merger by recognizing the workers on the frontline. How can we trust Parker to get the next merger done when seven years later he hasn’t completed this one?”

Airport Picket Lines and Local Times:

(more…)

JNC Update – Company’s Intentions for Negotiations

November 1, 2012

We have been advised by the Company that they do not intend to develop a proposal for a revised tentative agreement. The Company has indicated they are only willing to meet if directed by the NMB and are not willing to engage in negotiations outside of that process. Additionally, Doug Parker indicated at Crew News that the Company has no plans to put more money into the Flight Attendant Agreement.

The JNC met earlier this week in PHX and the Joint MECs will be meeting next week in CLT. We will provide further information at that time.

Sending our Message – Strike Vote Begins Today!

October 31, 2012

Dear Flying Partners,

Today marks a significant step in our negotiations as the Strike Vote opens.  Voting instructions and details about the Strike Vote were mailed to every Flight Attendant on Monday, although delivery may be slowed due to Hurricane Sandy.

We all need more money in our pockets and protections for our future.  Your vote on TA1 and TA2 indicated the majority of Flight Attendants believe the improvements management has been willing to put into a single contract are not enough.  The Company has indicated to AFA they do not intend to make another proposal and will meet only if mediation dates are scheduled by the NMB.  There is no other proposal waiting in the wings. (more…)

Strike Vote and Negotiations Process

October 12, 2012

Why are we taking a strike vote?  The reason is simple.  To go back to the bargaining table and demand an improved offer, we need to demonstrate the support of the entire membership.

Taking a strike vote does not mean that we are able to strike right away.  Under the Railway Labor Act, which governs negotiations in the airline industry, Flight Attendants are not free to strike until released by the National Mediation Board.  We have not been released nor have we yet requested a release to strike.

As we have indicated, getting a release from the National Mediation Board to strike will not be easy.  It will require going in with a focused set of bargaining demands.  It will also require us to mobilize and speak with one voice. (more…)

Strike Vote: See US Together – Hear US Together

October 10, 2012

Dear Flying Partner:

You can change the dynamics in negotiations.

On Tuesday, October 9, your AFA leadership met to discuss the next steps to obtain a fair contract for US Airways Flight Attendants.  Attending the meeting were the AFA MEC officers, LEC Presidents, the Joint Negotiations Committee, local council officers, International President Veda Shook, International Vice President Sara Nelson, and experts from the AFA collective bargaining and legal departments.

At the meeting, both MECs unanimously authorized sending out a strike ballot to US Airways Flight Attendants.  We remain focused on achieving a contract that works for all of us and in order to do that we need to back up our demands by taking action together.  We will be providing detailed information regarding the strike vote, including strategic information on AFA’s trademarked CHAOS™ strike tactics.  The vote will commence on October 31 and conclude on November 20. (more…)

Meeting in D.C.

October 9, 2012

Dear Flying Partners:

We are meeting with our International Officers and professional advisors in Washington DC today to review possible options before us.  We appreciated hearing from you over the past week as we began this process through conference call.  During the voting period there was a unified message throughout the system:

1. Every Flight Attendant expects and needs improvements.
2. Every Flight Attendant recognizes the importance of job protections.

We are wasting no time in taking the necessary steps for a methodical review and strategic planning.  As we noted last week, public discussion may diminish our ability to exercise certain options. (more…)

Vetting Options

September 28, 2012

Dear Flying Partners:

During the ratification process we had the opportunity to speak directly with most AFA members. Regardless of how votes were cast, we heard a consistent message that every Flight Attendant expects and needs improvements. Every Flight Attendant wants job protections. Improving conditions for all US Airways Flight Attendants and ensuring protections are in place in the event of any merger remains our collective goal.

The Tentative Agreement was the product of a unified effort by all of the leadership of AFA and it was based on the priorities defined by you. In order to produce that agreement for your consideration we had to get the National Mediation Board to schedule mediation sessions. We were able to do that within this framework:

• Negotiate based on the parameters of first Tentative Agreement – which included over $40 million annual increases.
• Identify the top priorities for Flight Attendants and narrow the negotiations to those issues.
• Agree to discuss specific issues associated with a future merger through subsequent negotiations – which also preserved the industry-leading Labor Protective Provisions within the Tentative Agreement. (more…)

Q & A 8/27/12

BENEFITS

1. Do domestic partners lose insurance benefits in this TA?

Same sex domestic partners will continue to receive domestic partner benefits.   West FAs who cover domestic partners of the opposite sex, under the terms of the TA will lose that benefit. This will not be a change for East FAs as they have only had insurance benefits for partners of the same sex. (more…)

One Final Negotiations Session Scheduled Next Week

August 3, 2012

This week the National Mediation Board (NMB) continued to communicate with the company and AFA in an effort to narrow the outstanding issues.  As a result of these discussions, the NMB has decided to schedule one last and final Negotiations session to be held next week.

The NMB has made it clear that if we are not able to reach an agreement during this session they will not be scheduling any additional negotiations.

We are pleased that the NMB has recalled the parties to the table.  Much progress has been made to get us to this point and we are hopeful that this final push will get us to an agreement that you can vote on.  This is the only way we will achieve improvements and protections prior to a new merger.  Reaching an agreement means protecting our jobs and putting us in a better position to raise the bar further in a merger. (more…)

NMB Continues to Work on our Negotiations

July 27, 2012

Last week we reported that the mediated session ended without an agreement although progress was made.  We also reported that we would be meeting to review our options and determine our next strategic steps.  This week the National Mediation Board (NMB) continues to reach out to the parties.  Per the request of the National Mediation Board, we are not able to release details of the negotiations at this point.

We share your frustration with this lengthy process and the inability to provide detailed information related to negotiations.  However, our best option for reaching an agreement continues to be working through the process overseen by the NMB.  We are simply too close to an agreement and there is too much at stake for our future not to protect our best chance for reaching agreement.  We support the current process as we continue to believe we can achieve our collective goal: a ratified contract. (more…)

More Progress, No Deal Yet

July 20, 2012

Moments ago negotiations concluded for the week without reaching a deal. Our focus is Our Contract First and we have committed to negotiate based on the priorities set by you.  We were able to make progress this week. At the end of the session, however, it was not enough to agree to bring a tentative for your consideration.

In order to protect our position in these negotiations we need to thoroughly review the events of the week and our next steps prior to publicly communicating details of the status of our negotiations.  We appreciate your patience as we ensure we move forward strategically with the best options for protecting our future.  Individuals are not able to give out information at this time in order protect the interests of all of us. (more…)

Negotiations Update

Negotiations Happening Now in Philadelphia

“I find it noteworthy that the only opposition to the merger is senior management at American. We are hopeful that we can get their support for it at some point.”

Doug Parker, July 18, 2012 at National Press Club

July 19, 2012

When exactly did our CEO ask for our support? Parker made this comment at a luncheon where he sat at a head table with representatives of American employees. Parker has signed deals with employees of another company. He is walking the halls of Congress and parading down Wall Street with American workers, but he has yet to ask for support for his own employees. It’s time to make a deal with us, Doug. Our Contract First.

Thanks to the National Mediation Board compelling US Airways to come to the table to address your concerns, our Joint Negotiating Committee, including our AFA professional negotiator, is in Philadelphia right now working to get a tentative agreement. Our advocates are focused on reaching an agreement with protections and improvement now before US Airways jumps right over us and into another merger. (more…)

Put It in Writing, Scott

June 27, 2012

As we reported in Friday’s negotiations update, we did make progress toward a tentative agreement, but management did not sufficiently address the issues we brought to the table based on your feedback.  One of the issues that was not addressed was protections for US Airways Flight Attendants in the event of a merger with American.  While AFA presented a comprehensive proposal for our own bridge agreement – including a no furlough clause and an early out – management did not present its own proposal on this issue or come prepared to discuss it. (more…)

Progress, But No Agreement

June 22, 2012 – This week we met for negotiations under the direction of the National Mediation Board.  Our Joint Negotiating Committee, your Local Council Presidents and our professional negotiators exchanged proposals throughout the week with management.  The mediator pressed each party to resolve specific items and narrow the issues on the table.  Although negotiations have not been easy this week, the mediator determined sufficient progress had been made to recommend continued negotiations. (more…)

Negotiations This Week in Phoenix

June 18, 2012

Our Joint Negotiating Committee and your elected AFA leadership last week completed preparations for negotiations with management.  This week we get back to the table with management as our NMB mediator scheduled and oversees our negotiations.  Our goal remains to negotiate based on your feedback and achieve our contract first – protecting us and achieving a better foundation for any future merger.  In addition, we are pursuing our own bridge agreement to take effect if a merger with American is accomplished. (more…)

AFA’s Constitution Mandates “Date-of-Hire” Seniority Integration

June 12, 2012 Memo for AFA US Airways Members from AFA-CWA International Officers:

• Veda Shook, International President
• Sara Nelson, International Vice President
• Kevin Creighan, International Secretary-Treasurer

The purpose of the memo is to make clear the following two points:

1.    The US Airways/America West seniority integration is complete – seniority has been integrated using AFA’s “date-of-hire” seniority policy.

2.    Integrating the list using date-of-hire is AFA’s position on seniority integration in the event of a merger with American Airlines. (more…)