1. New non rev policy affects active employees and retirees: This week the new AA revised it's non-rev travel program for employees. The biggest change affects the retirees by moving them down one classification when they fly. Many have resorted to sending emails and letters to C.E.O. Parker asking him to re-consider this decision. The other group affected is the USAir Flight Attendants. They had a contractual right to be placed on standby lists in order of their seniority. This week an Arbitrator denied their grievance to keep that right. Please click on the link below for more details.
2. United picks new vendor in DEN: Skywest which ground handles all the commuter ground operations in DEN for United will be replaced starting Dec 4th. United declined to answer questions but said in a statement the change will "allow us to run a more competitive operation." (i.e. they found someone to do it cheaper) Simplicity Ground, a subsidiary of Menzies Aviation, will be the new ground handler for their commuter operations with the exception of Skywest. Skywest will maintain their own ground handling. Please click below on the link for more information.
3. USAir coming to termianl 3: The ground handling for USAir came to terminal 3 on July 1st. The second phase of the co-habitation happens this week on Tuesday when their ticket counter and outbound bagroom operation moves to terminal 3. They will occupy piers 30 and 31 in the bagroom and use a separate lunch room also. Please click on the link below for more details.
4. AFA appalled at Envoy's decision to move planes: Last week word came out that Envoy was losing it's Canadian regional jets to PSA airways. This week the AFA (Eagle Flight Attendants Union) reacted in a harshly worded statement questioning that decision. “Rather than investing in the future of an already proven company, AAG management continues to exploit the regional industry through their ‘race to the bottom’ mentality." Please click on the link below to read their full statement.
5. International 29(D) filed for prefunding match payments: This week, AA system Coordinator Dave Virella filed notice with the company that their position on returning the company match of our pre-funding is wrong. A.T.D. Director Virella states "The grievance is occasioned by AA's failure or refusal to take steps to distribute to each T.W.U. represented individual who received the return of certain employee contributions to the Pre-Funding Plan........." Please click on the link above for the whole letter.
6. Annual Cargo/Ramp crossover bid: The other attachment to this update are the letters for those considering transferring from the ramp to Cargo or from Cargo to the ramp in the annual crossover bid. Transfer requests are due Sep. 22nd. Please read the attached letters for more information.