Q: Addendum to section 15 #5 crossed out personal leaves, parental leaves, maternity but left medical leaves. To me that reads: if a FA accepts a Company-offered personal leave they will not accrue seniority. Is my understanding of this correct?
A: The short answer: No. A FA will continue to accrue seniority on any approved leave of absence regardless of type. The language you are referencing is a misprint in that particular document (2018-2021 JCBA TA).
The long answer: Excellent catch! The language in Addendum to Section 15 Leaves of Absence, #5 was corrected to clarify that a Flight Attendant will continue to accrue seniority for the duration of any leave of absence.
However, there is an error in the comprehensive document that the JNC will address and correct as soon as possible. Although the JNC has made every effort to ensure the comprehensive document matches the signed TAs, it is not surprising that we missed something. Here is the incorrect language in the 2018-2021 JCBA TA:
- Do I accrue seniority while on a leave of absence?
Yes, you continue to accrue seniority during an approved medical leave. [Remainder in strikeout.]
The signed TAs match the language in the Addendum to Section 15, #5 found in the Changes to the 2014-2019 CBA LOA:
- Do I accrue seniority while on a leave of absence?
Yes, you continue to accrue seniority during an approved leave of absence. [Remainder in strikeout.]
A small but significant difference!
In summary, a Flight Attendant will continue to accrue seniority while on any approved LOA. AFA will coordinate a correction to the 2018-2021 JCBA TA document as soon as possible this coming week. We sincerely apologize for the error and for the confusion!
