3.29.22 – Recouping $3 Million in Unpaid Dues

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Recouping $3 Million in Unpaid Dues

As of today, there are 7,636 members in dues arrears totaling $2,983,410.10 owed to APFA. That means that roughly 32% of our members are behind on their dues and are in bad standing.

Note: Flight Attendants showing based in DCU and STL have left the company with a past due balance. This chart shows their last base of record.

At APFA, our Union dues are the lowest in the industry. They have been the same since 2002, even though the membership has seen a 14% increase in contractual wages. A little over 90% of your dues go to the actual operation of the Union. The other 10%, or $4 of every $41, goes to a mandatory restricted account for negotiations known as the Negotiations and Negotiations Related Fund (NNRF). Members who are not in good standing are ineligible to vote and attend Union meetings.

If you are in dues arrears, you will receive an “alert” letter with your dues status and how it will impact your employment at American Airlines.

Please visit the APFA website to view your account for any past dues balances, especially if you are on or returning from a COVID-19 negotiated leave, a leave provided for in the JCBA, or the Pilot Supply Program Letter of Agreement. Payments may be made online or by calling the Dues Department at 817-540-0108 x8151. You may also mail a check to 1004 W. Euless Blvd., Euless, TX 76040.

APFA will be launching Memberlink this summer which will provide you with more visibility into your account. You will be able to see all your transactions, including dues check-off (payroll deduction). Members who have outstanding balances will be able to leave a credit or debit card on file.

Below are some frequently asked questions that we believe you will find helpful in better understanding your membership and your dues obligation.

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1. What is an Active Member?

An active member is a current AA Flight Attendant who has signed a Union membership card. If you are on leave at AA for any reason, you are still considered an active member and will be billed for dues during your leave.

2. What is an Inactive Member?

An inactive member is a retired AA Flight Attendant who does not have a dues obligation, or an honorary member designated by the Board of Directors. Inactive members maintain their right to attend meetings, however, are ineligible to vote.

3. How do I know if I am active?

We will have a membership card on file. If you are unsure of your status, reach out to [email protected] to verify.

4. What does it mean to be in good standing?

A member in good standing is a member who is current on their dues obligation. Members in good standing are eligible to vote, attend any APFA events, and access the members-only section of the APFA website.

5. What does it mean to be in bad standing?

A member in bad standing is a member who is 60+ days in arrears on their dues obligation. Members in bad standing are ineligible to vote, unable to attend APFA events, and will be unable to access the members-only section of the APFA website.

6. Does the contract address delinquent dues? Can I be terminated for not paying my dues?

Yes, you can be terminated for not paying dues.

Section 35.F of the JCBA, titled ‘Delinquent Dues Procedures’, states:

When a Flight Attendant who is a member of the APFA becomes delinquent within the meaning of Paragraph E, the following procedures shall apply:

1. The Secretary/Treasurer of the APFA shall notify the Flight Attendant, in writing, certified mail, return receipt requested, copy to the Vice President of Labor Relations of the Company, that she/he is delinquent in the payment of initiation fee and membership dues, as specified herein and, accordingly, is subject to discharge as an employee of the Company. Such letter shall also notify the Flight Attendant that she/he must remit the required payment within thirty (30) days of the date of the mailing of the notice, or be subject to discharge.

2. If, upon the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the Flight Attendant still remains delinquent, the APFA National President shall certify, in writing, to the Vice President of Labor Relations, copy to the Flight Attendant, that the Flight Attendant has failed to remit payment within the grace period allowed and is, therefore, to be discharged. The Vice President of Labor Relations shall then take proper steps to discharge such employee from the service of the Company.

3. A Flight Attendant discharged by the Company under the provisions of Paragraph F shall be deemed to have been discharged for cause within the meaning of the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

Article IV of the APFA Constitution further defines your dues obligation.

7. I heard there are members/representatives who owe the Union money. Why are you collecting from other members when they owe?

All members must be treated equally, and representatives are no exception. At the 2021 Spring Convention, your APFA Leadership passed Resolution 13 outlining the process and timeline for collecting non-dues-related funds owed to APFA. That process is being followed today, and those debts that have remained uncollectable have been turned over to an outside collection agency for collection or legal action, as applicable.

8. I have a balance that is in arrears. However, I am unable to pay it in full. Am I able to make payment arrangements?

Absolutely! The past few years have been a challenge for our members, and Article IV, Section 3.C of the APFA Constitution requires the Dues department to provide payment arrangements to members returning to AA from an unpaid status if requested. You will be required to sign a promissory note, and it will remain in effect until the balance is paid in full. Dues owed during regular employment or paid leaves are ineligible for payment arrangements and must be paid in full.

9. Am I able to have my past due balance or my payment arrangements withheld from my paycheck?

Not at this time. In accordance with JCBA Section 35.P., only current active dues may be deducted from your paycheck. The ability to pay arrears via payroll deduction will be addressed in negotiations.

10. I am in dues arrears, but I am currently making payment on arrangement. Am I allowed to vote or attend meetings?

Payment arrangements apply to dues owed during unpaid leaves only. Dues owed during regular employment or paid leaves are not eligible for a payment arrangement. This answer depends on the breakdown of your balance:

• Balance consists of dues owed during unpaid leaves only – Yes. Once APFA receives your signed promissory note you will be able to attend meetings and events. The signed promissory note must be received at least 30 days prior to the ballot count for your vote to count.
• Balance consists of both dues owed during unpaid leaves and dues owed during regular employment/paid leaves – Once APFA receives your signed promissory note for the dues owed during unpaid leaves and your regular employment/paid leave dues balance has been paid in full, you will be able to attend meetings and events. The signed promissory note must be received at least 30 days prior to the ballot count for your vote to count.

11. My account has been sent to collections. How do I make payments?

Reach out to our outside collections agency, Diversified Credit Systems, at (800) 256-3838, to further discuss your account.

12. I am currently out on a paid leave of absence. Why do I receive a bill every month?

You will continue to receive a bill from APFA for dues while on your leave. You will become a member in bad standing after 60 days in arrears. Paying those dues while on leave will allow you to remain in good standing to vote and attend APFA events.

13. Why does APFA continue to bill members who are out on leave? 

Most, if not all, leaves of absences have been negotiated by APFA. This includes:

• Flight Attendants in the AA Cadet Program
• Standard VLOAs
• EVLOAs
• PVLOAs
• STLOAs
• 12-month VEOPs
• Education Leaves
• Paid Medical Leaves
• Paid IODs
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Personal Leaves
• Furloughed Flight Attendants eligible for furlough/severance pay

If you are on a paid leave, you continue to be dues obligated.

14. I am on involuntary unpaid leave. Am I still obligated to pay dues?

If you are on an unpaid Medical Leave, unpaid IOD, Military Leave, or terminated/suspended from AA and are currently seeking reemployment through the APFA SBA Department, you will continue to receive a bill from APFA for dues while on your leave. However, if you return, that balance will be wiped away.

Although per APFA Constitution Article II, Section 4.B(4), you are exempt from your dues obligation during unpaid status and remain in good standing. You will not be able to vote or attend meetings during your unpaid status if you are 60+ days in dues arrears.  This means that you must remain current on your dues obligation during any unpaid status if you wish to vote or attend meetings.