10.31.08

Dear InfoReps,

This is Diana Dunn, Contract Negotiator, with this weekís InfoRep Hotline.

REMEMBER NOVEMBER:

As previously announced, November 18 marks the 15th anniversary of our historical strike against American Airlines. Picketing events are planned at DFW/JFK/DCA. We must remind the public and management that we are willing to take the ultimate step should the company fail to give us the contract we deserve. Your participation is crucial and this is an excellent opportunity to display our unity. All Flight Attendants are encouraged to attend. All bases will have local representatives spending the day in operations on the 18th to discuss various topics and answer your questions.

Further details of the ëRemember Novemberí events around the system will be announced via this hotline, the www.apfa.org website as well as from your local base leadership.

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE:

Negotiations continued this week with more subcommittee discussion on Article 10 – Reserve. The Membership has been heard loud and clear and I want reaffirm the Negotiating Team’s commitment to addressing the negative impact that Reserve has on so many.

In other negotiations business, committees met to discuss Article 27 – Bereavement. Additionally, APFA presented counter proposals on Article 5 – Uniforms and Accessories and Article 12 – Filling of Vacancies.

It is our desire to reach an agreement as expeditiously as possible. Flight Attendants have suffered long enough! We have set a self imposed deadline of May 1, 2009; thus making May Day = Pay Day. We feel too much time has passed already and Flight Attendants need relief as soon as possible!

As negotiations intensify, we will be activating the phone tree. Please email your Chairperson if you are interested in helping be a part of this by acting as a phone tree captain or caller. We need our InfoReps involved now more than ever.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Last week this Hotline referenced the Fall 2008 Board of Directors Convention and the unity displayed by creating a plan to strengthen our union and a goal to achieve a contract we all deserve. The Board unanimously passed a resolution to send a referendum to the membership proposing a dues increase to be directly allocated to negotiations. Having 7,000 fewer Flight Attendants paying dues today versus the last round of negotiations is one of the reasons your Board of Directors is supporting this increase. Attached to this hotline are facts and information to help you answer any questions that may arise. Feel free to print this information and carry it with you. Please let us know if you have other questions.

APFA President Laura Glading recorded a special message with a report on the convention and an appeal toward continued unity among APFA members. If you have not yet listened to the message, please call the APFA Hotline at 800-399-2732 and select option 1 from the main menu.

OTHER ITEMS:

Keep encouraging everyone to make sure APFA has their most current contact information. Once the phone tree is constructed, it will be imperative that APFA has correct phone numbers. American Airlines does NOT notify APFA when Flight Attendants change their contact information.

Don’t forget to "fall back" this weekend. This Saturday/Sunday is the time to set your clocks back one hour. Those of you on your 8 hour layovers should enjoy the much needed extra hour!

Tuesday, November 4th, exercise your right to vote!