09.17.09

September 17, 2009

InfoReps,

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

Negotiations resumed this week in Dallas under the direction of Mediator Zachary Jones. The following is a list of the remaining open articles:

Article 2-Definitions
Article 3-Compensation,
Article 4-Expenses
Article 6-Vacations
Article 7-Hours of Service
Article 8-Minimum Pay and Credit
Article 9-Scheduling
Article 26-Sick Leave
Article 35-Group Life and Health Benefits
Article 36-Retirement Benefit Plan for Flight Attendants

As the company continues its stall tactics, your Negotiating Team needs your support in showing that the membership is behind the effort. A simple and easy way is to participate in the OUR TURN Around campaign. What sounds like a small gesture speaks volumes to both management and your fellow coworkers.

OUR TURN

OUR TURN Around plan is in full swing. Everyone should be wearing the Yellow Disk with their Union Pin and wings.

Members have been asking for a bag-tag insert to go with OUR TURN around campaign. To save costs, the tag inserts are posted on the website for download. Please print a sheet or two in color and pass along the inserts to your crews. Click here.

SAVE THE DATE!

November 18, 2009 ñ OUR TURN Around Begins

Mark this date on your calendar and bid accordingly. Events will be planned at all base cities. More details will follow as we get closer to bidding for November.

VIDEO

Earlier this week, we launched a new YouTube video parodying executive bonuses vs. APFA negotiations. Check it out and share the link with your e-groups, Facebook, family and friends. Click here.

And do not forget the APFA Virtual Picket Line. Share the link – www.APFAvirtualPicket.com

AMERICAN AIRLINES ANNOUNCES NEW FINANCING INITIATIVES AND NETWORK RESTRUCTURING

American today, September 17, 2009, announced what was termed a ìÖ series of actions that will better position it to meet the industry’s near-term economic challenges while continuing to build on its foundation and strategy for long-term success.î

These actions consist of several financial initiatives as well as a reallocation of flights to the major hubs (DFW, ORD, MIA and JFK) as well as LAX, a restoral of some previously canceled flying, an addition of several new markets and cities and a reduction in many markets, including STL and RDU. The company has not announced reductions in overall flying.

The complete information is contained in an update from Lauri Curtis on the Flight Service website, as well as the companyís press release, a special Jetwire and Q&A, and a slide presentation (all available through Jetnet. Links are included below.)

The company has characterized this as a ìreallocationî of our present capacity. It is not apparent at this time that it will result in any general manning decrease. Obviously, though, the STL flying will see some major changes. These two Questions and Answers in the Jetnet Q&A address this fact:
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Why are we reducing flying in STL?

Given an unprecedented economic environment, competitive actions, and changing customer expectations, American is refocusing its network and resources to its five key cities. This was a difficult decision, but our resources must be focused so that we are in the best position to capitalize on important feed and global synergies that are anticipated to result from closer cooperation with British Airways and Iberia, along with other oneworld airlines.

How many employees will be impacted in St. Louis? What about the flight attendant and pilot base?

We don’t yet know how STL/STL-based employees will be affected by the reduction in flying. At present we have no plans to close our crew base.
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APFA will continue to gather information from the company and discuss as needed any impact on our membership and bases.

Please check the links below to read the information available through the Flight Service website and through Jetnet.

Press release from AA.com

Flight Service/Jetnet links (Jetnet login required):

Lauri Curtis announcement
Special Jetwire
Network Restructuring Q&A
Network Restructuring slides