Fall 2009 InFlight Services Voluntary Furlough Program
East Q & AQ: Why is the Company offering voluntary furloughs?
A: Based on the current staffing models, we find ourselves in an over-staffed situation for the time period offered.
Q: Will the furloughs be done by base?
A: No. All awards will be based on system seniority.
Q: Will I be able to extend this leave?
A: No. At this time the leaves are for the time period indicated. Should the current staffing projections change, there may be an option to extend.
Q: What about those flight attendants who are currently on furlough? Many of them are waiting to come back.
A: This is indeed an unfortunate situation as many of them are very excited about returning to work. We have successfully recalled all involuntary furloughed flight attendants. Those who remain on furlough either opted for the indefinite furlough or are on the voluntary furlough with limited recall.
Q: Why does the leave begin on the 5th of the month?
A: It was necessary to protect the schedule. Many of the lines for those taking the leaves will have lead-in trips into the following month. We want to ensure adequate coverage.
Q: Do I have to bid for the first month of the leave?
A: If you are a lineholder, you will get a pay purposes only (PPO) line and have no responsibility to fly a schedule for September. You will, however, be responsible for any trips that lead into September from August.
Q: What about reserves?
A: Reserves should plan to bid a schedule for September as they will be available to Scheduling up to and including the 4th of September. If a reserve is able to hold a line that has the first days off, they will not be obligated to fly during that month unless assigned into OFF days.
Q: Will it be necessary for me to attend recurrent training before I go out on leave?
A: You should plan to attend all necessary training prior to the commencement of your leave.
Q: My qualifications expire while I am on leave. Will I be able to attend recurrent during my regular month?
A: While you are on your furlough, you may not attend recurrent. This situation will be factored into the return process. Recurrent will be offered in early December (more than likely December 2) for those who need to requalify. Scheduling all required training will be a part of the return process. Importantly, should you have to attend recurrent in December, your base month will remain as it is and will not be adjusted to December. However, what this means is you will have to attend recurrent again in your regularly scheduled month in 2010 (unless your base month is January).
Q: I have been out before and had to fingerprint and drug test when I returned. Will this occur here?
A: The TSA only requires the Company to fingerprint and drug test anyone who has been off property for more than 180 days; therefore, this process would not apply to these three-month leaves.
Q: Will I lose any seniority as a result of taking this leave? What about longevity?
A: As you know, longevity refers to pay and step increases whereas seniority refers to bidding order. For these leaves, there will be no loss of either longevity or seniority.
Q: What about my benefits?
A: Benefits will continue for those who currently have benefits until the end of the first month of the leave only. After that time, you will be COBRA eligible if you currently have benefits with the Company.
Q: Will my flying benefits be limited during this time period?
A: No, you will have unlimited travel privileges; however, your boarding status will be behind that of active employees (SA4).
Q: Will I have companion passes?
A: Unfortunately, while on an unpaid leave, companion passes are not available.
Q: I currently have a registered guest. Will they be able to fly with me?
A: Here again, since it is an unpaid status, there will be no registered guest privileges.
Q: Am I able to use ZED fares or obtain ID90s? What about jumpseating on those airlines with reciprocal agreements?
A: These privileges are not available to someone on an unpaid leave. Use of the reciprocal cabin seat agreement is up to the policies of the other carriers.
Q: What happens to my vacation during the time of the leave?
A: Depending on the type of leave you are requesting, you will have different options. Please see the bid form for those choices available to you.
Q: If I decide to resign or retire during my leave, am I able to do so?
A: Yes, you may do either. Should you decide to resign, simply submit a letter of resignation to InFlight Planning. You would be entitled to any benefits for which you qualify. Should you decide to retire, you would need to submit a completed Retirement Notification Form at least 30 days before your intended retirement date.
Q: Once I submit my form, am I able to make changes?
A: Yes. The most recent form received will be processed. Once the bidding period closes, however, no changes will be allowed.
Q: Is it possible that I could be called back early?
A: As with any program like this, the Company does reserve the right to recall ahead of the scheduled end date should staffing levels require it. However, it is not our intent to do so.
Q: Should I choose to return early, may I do so?
A: No. Once awarded the voluntary furlough, you would not be able to shorten the duration.
Q: I am not requesting the voluntary furlough, but it concerns me that many in my base are talking about it. Is it possible that I could be displaced?
A: Unfortunately, yes. We have no way of predicting from which bases the bid requests will come. Therefore, if seniority allows leaves from one specific base over another, displacements may then become a possibility.
Q: I am currently on a personal leave of absence. I would like to take advantage of this program. May I?
A: If your personal leave is scheduled to end prior to the commencement of this leave, then you may participate. Remember, you have to be active and available at the time the leave commences.
Q: Will I be able to bid for a December line even though I am on a leave.
A: Yes. You will be placed on an over-ride list for your home-access to CATCREW, allowing you to maintain this service. If, however, you do not use the home access for a ninety-day period, your system password will have to be reset. You may also utilize a bid service. Remember, should you fail to bid for a December line, you will be assigned one. If you need access to a crewroom, you may contact your operational supervisor.
Q: Where can I obtain a bid form?
A: Bid forms are available on theHub and Wings, and at your base.
Q: Will I be able to keep my ID during this leave?
A: No. Since this is an unpaid leave, you will be required to surrender your ID. Instructions for doing so will be in your award letter.
Q: I have some questions regarding my benefits. Who should I contact?
A: You may direct any questions regarding your benefits to our Benefits department via email USAirwaysCbaBenefits@hewitt.com or call 888-860-6178.