FRH – 1.20.15

 

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FACT Rep Update – January 20, 2015
Flight Attendant Communications Team

 

FACT:  Between January 22, 2015 and January 30, 2015 LAA Flight Attendants will be able to enroll in a third dental option by calling the American Airlines Benefits Service Center. This option pays 100% of preventive care when a MetLife preferred provider is seen. For basic or major dental care the plan will pay 80% of the negotiated rate (up to $1,500 per year) after a $50 deductible. The plan also offers a lifetime orthodontia benefit of up to $1,500 per person for both adults and children.  For additional information and to compare all 3 dental options and rates visit http://my.aa.com/en/dental-2015 and select Legacy American Airlines Flight Attendants.  Please note both coverage and deductions will be retroactive to January 1, 2015.

FACT:  Haneda Route Case Reopened
In response to requests from American and the APFA, the US Department of Transportation has reopened the valuable US to Haneda route case. Delta had originally been granted the right to the route and made promises to fly direct year-round service from SEA. However, Delta has barely operated it since being granted permission, instead opting to hoard the route to put competitors at a disadvantage. The route is now once again up for grabs and American, Delta, and Hawaiian have expressed interest. APFA is the only work group to have weighed in at this point, arguing that more competition on this route means more flying opportunities for Flight Attendants. APFA government affairs will continue to push for the route to be re-allocated to American to be operated from LAX.  We need FACT reps to express their support for AA’s formal application for LAX-HND and to encourage other Flight Attendants to do the same by simply clicking here. #LetAAFlyHaneda
 
FACT:  The APFA Government Affairs program will be integrating LUS Flight Attendants to serve on our APFA legislative team. APFA Government Affairs provides lobby training to our field representatives and will be doing so again in 2015. We’ve asked all Base Presidents to help identify Flight Attendants who would like to participate in our 2015 program. Contact [email protected] for information and to join.

 FACT:  JCBA items being implemented January 31, 2015 for the February contractual month:

LUS

• ATC Hold/ Actual Time Out (Code 59) Section 3.L
• Diversion Pay Section 3.M
• Defined Contribution plan (DC/401k) Section 26

LAA

• IOD Section 27 for LAA with a disability date of 2/1/15 or later 

LUS/LAA

• Crew Rest Section 38 estimated for 2/1/15 but subject to change

 
FACT or fiction?

Q: When does the 35 hours in 7 days replace the current 30-in-7 for LAA Reserves?

A: All LAA Flight Attendants will maintain the 30-in-7 limitation until the International and Domestic operations are merged.  Once the divisions are merged, which is scheduled to begin on  May 2, 2015, the CLA eliminates 30-in-7 for all LAA Flight Attendants.  Eventually, the JCBA will return 30-in 7 scheduled/35-in-7 in actual operation to both Domestic and International Line Holders and 35-in 7 for Reserves, but there is not yet a date for implementation. The JNC is working to secure a definitive date for implementation as this provision will require new computer programming.
 
Q: When will the ATC/Actual Out Time (code 59) apply to LUS and what is covered under the Actual Out Time provision?

A: Implementation for both provisions will be January 31, 2015, the first day of the February contractual month.  

ATC hold is when the captain elects to delay starting the engines due to quoted take-off delays.  Flight Attendants will receive flight time pay and flight time credit prior to the actual time out.  
 
Actual Out Time provides Flight Attendants with flight time pay and flight time credit, prior to the actual time out, from the point at which the aircraft was ready for immediate departure under the following situations:

• Delay at the gate awaiting pushback, power back or taxi out due to airport congestion.
• Deicing.
• Maintenance performed after departure from the gate but prior to take-off.
• Delay at the gate awaiting pushback, power back or taxi out due to congestion with deicing operations off the gate.

 
Q:  When will LUS Flight Attendants receive the additional 2.5% 401(k) Company Match?

A:  On February 1, 2015. 
 
Q: When will the Weight and Balance restriction for LUS Flight Attendant Jumpseat be implemented?

A: It won’t be implemented until Full Operation Integration (FOI) which is currently expected in 2017. Due to the technical problems LUS Flight Attendants have experienced with FCFS, the Company has agreed to wait before attempting to implement the jumpseat weight and balance provision. 
 
American in the news

American Airlines positioned to profit from travel to Cuba
 
American Airlines and US Airways pilots now voting on proposed contract
 
American Airlines crew takes first 787 Dreamliner on acceptance flight
 
American Airlines adds 82 aircraft, gets rid of 69 in 2014

AmericanAirlines + US Airways 
“On Our Way”

Kelli Harrington, LAX-I
FACT Rep Coordinator