This is the second in a series of “Reduction in Force” communications from the Master Executive Council (MEC). See “Reduction in Force Part 1” for the previous edition.
In This Edition
- Avoiding Involuntary Furloughs: Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program
- Status of Primary Travelers and Registered Domestic Partners
- Order of Awards for EOs, ELOAs and EVFs
- Seniority Accrual, Pay Rates and Retention of Longevity
Avoiding Involuntary Furloughs: Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program
The single most impactful thing that you can do to completely avoid involuntary furloughs (IVFs) in October would be for you, your family members and your friends to contact Congress and demand our legislators extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program.
We need urgent action on this now and every day in July:
- Call your Representative and Senators. Flight Attendants, family and friends should make three calls every day: two to the Senate line and one to the House line.
House: 888-907-9365
Senate: 888-848-4824
Sample Script:
Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask [Representative] /[Senator] to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers in order to avoid massive job loss in October. Keep us connected to our jobs, our paychecks, and our healthcare. Thank you for your urgent attention to this.
- Sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >
- Tell five flying partners and your friends and family to do the same!
Status of Primary Travelers and Registered Domestic Partners
On ELOA, EVF and IVF
AFA has confirmed with Employee Travel that Primary Travelers and Registered Domestic Partners retain online pass benefits (Alaska Airlines [AS], Horizon Air [QX] and SkyWest operated as Alaska Airlines [OO]) while on an Extended Leave of Absence, Enhanced Voluntary Furlough or during the contractual eligibility period (of varying durations pursuant to §18.M [Online Pass Privileges During Involuntary Furlough]) if involuntarily furloughed.
On Retiree Travel
For Flight Attendants considering the Early Out packages, Registered Domestic Partners but not Primary Travelers retain online pass benefits under the Early Out packages (and Retiree Travel if eligible).
Order of Awards for EOs, ELOAs and EVFs
Early Outs (EOs), Extended Leaves of Absence (ELOAs) and Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs (EVFs) will be awarded in the following order:
- EOs (EOP-1 and EOP-2) in Occupational Seniority (system seniority) order
- ELOAs (ELOA-12) and EVFs (EVF-6, EVF-9, EVF-12, EVF-15) in Occupational Seniority (system seniority) order
Seniority Accrual, Pay Rates and Retention of Longevity
Seniority accrual
Pursuant to the Reduction in Force 2020 Sideletter of Agreement (7/8/2020), Occupational Seniority (e.g. for schedule and vacation bidding, Longevity Paid Time Off eligibility) and Company Seniority (e.g. for vacation accrual and non-revenue travel boarding priority) will continue to accrue while on an Extended Leave of Absence, a Voluntary Furlough or if involuntarily furloughed.
Pay rates
Flight Attendants will continue to move through the step rates of pay if eligible while on ELOA, EVF or IVF.
Longevity
Longevity, which is “vesting service” for 401(k) vesting and retirement eligibility, is frozen (retained but not accrued) while on ELOA, EVF or IVF.
Coming Soon
- Dues Obligation
- Order of Recall for IVF, EVF and ELOA
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. As your direct representative on the MEC, your LEC president is available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about all the information presented here. Contact information for your respective LEC president can be found by clicking here.
We hope to see you at the remaining “Early Out & Leave Options” informational session tomorrow (7/21)!
SueEllen Timpe says
Thank You ALL for your continued efforts to work each and every day to insure this challenging moment in our World is eased through understanding and legitimate choices. Will the current side-letter or letter of agreement that was awaiting a signature be signed? Before we have to fill out required paperwork? Am I understanding that correctly or has it been signed? Thank You!
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
Yes–both have already been signed and posted to the AFA Contract LOA page.
“Reduction in Force 2020” Sideletter >
“October 2020 Involuntary Furlough Mitigations” LOA >