Additional Involuntary ANP for May
The War in Iraq and SARS epidemic continue to have a negative effect on passenger bookings. United will continue utilization of Section 5.L. of the Contract for the month of May. Flight Attendants currently on involuntary ANP may remain on unpaid status. United needs to further reduce our Flight Attendant workforce by approximately 1875 active and inactive Flight Attendants beginning May 1. This is in addition to those who are currently on voluntary or involuntary furlough and involuntary ANP. Flight Attendants with and junior to a classification seniority (SW seniority) of May 26, 1997 may be affected. United will contact all affected Flight Attendants by phone.
Flight Attendants with seniority greater than May 26, 1997 who request and are awarded 31-day ANP will help to offset the number of Fight Attendants placed on involuntary ANP. Requests for voluntary ANP may be placed on file until 1200 noon CDT on April 21, 2003. To expedite the process, awards for voluntary ANP will begin prior to April 21, 2003. Once awarded, no changes can be made to the request. If you are interested in taking the 31-day voluntary ANP, we suggest that you request it regardless of your seniority. The line of those eligible for the award may move down as the more senior Flight Attendants are awarded the 31-day voluntary ANP. Flight Attendants, both lineholders and reserves, affected by 5.L. will be able to complete any trip beginning in April that overlaps into May.
Flight Attendants who are currently on 30-day ANP for the months of March and April or for just April can take the 31-day ANP for May without it converting to a three or two month leave of absence, respectively. This exception has been granted for this three-month period only. Please note that Flight Attendants awarded (voluntary) 31-day ANP will drop any trips that are scheduled into May.
During the 5.L. period, Flight Attendants will continue to accrue seniority and retain all benefits including pleasure travel. Medical and dental coverage continues while you are on ANP status on the same basis as for employees on a pay status. If you are enrolled in an HMO that requires a monthly premium, the premiums will be deferred during the ANP period, but they will be collected beginning with your first paycheck when you return to work. If you do not return to work, you will be billed for any uncollected HMO premiums and pass travel charges you incurred while on ANP status.
We sincerely encourage all Flight Attendants who are able to volunteer for the 31-day ANP in May to do so.
If there is an insufficient number of requests for voluntary 30-day ANP, Section 5.L. of the Agreement will be imposed using inverse system seniority order. The length of the involuntary ANP will be determined based on changes in passenger demand. While on 5.L. status, it’s important that Flight Attendants keep current contact information on file with United. Remember that United only gives 24 hour recall notice if on 5.L. status for less than 14 days, 72 hours notification for 15 – 30 days, and 14 days notice for 31 or more days.
Contact the furlough/ANP call center at 1-866-825-5444 or via FLT-LINE (option 7,7).
Please continue to stay informed through all AFA communication channels and support each other while we work together to ensure our future.
