Q: What protections does this TA give L-VX FAs from base closures? What protections does this TA give L-VX FAs from L-AS FAs transferring to L-VX current bases and significantly affecting bidding seniority?
A: The TA does not contain a specific provision to prevent a base closure, but there are provisions in Section 28 [Domiciles] of the JCBA (and the current CBA) that make base closures very expensive and complicated to carry out. A base closure requires a “master re-bid” (i.e. a “flush bid”) for the entire system in Occupational Seniority order. A master re-bid inevitably bumps out some junior FAs from some domiciles; any Flight Attendants who are involuntarily transferred as a result of a master re-bid are eligible for Company-paid relocation benefits, which are very costly to the Company.
There are no specific protections for L-VX FAs from L-AS FAs transferring into L-VX domiciles. However, there are no “bumping rights” pursuant to this merger. That means L-AS FAs cannot displace L-VX FAs from a domicile–they may transfer into a domicile only when there are vacancies in the domicile; transfers are awarded in Occupational Seniority order. Likewise, L-VX FAs may exercise their Occupational Seniority by transferring into L-AS domiciles (e.g. San Diego) when vacancies exist and their seniority holds the transfer.