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.
Lisa says
When is the soonest a base transfer could occur for l-vx fa into AS base? After March 2019 when we are all cross trained and integrated? Will there be any ‘fences’?
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
There will be no fences. Assuming Full Implementation in March 2019, the first month that transfers would potentially be available if there were vacancies would be April.