Voluntary Furlough Update
Voluntary Furloughed Flight Attendants may request a return to active status on July 1 by contacting the Company no later than 0800 Chicago Time on Wednesday, June 11. (May 27, 2003)
The furlough rebid has been a top concern for many of us. Although we do not have detailed information about a furlough rebid, we do have some updates that will provide more clarity for making your personal plans.
We know that some of you may wish to return to work due to the new cost of a co-pay for medical and dental insurance starting July 1. In order to return, you must notify the Company of your intention to return on July 1. This should be done via email at SWBenefitsReturn@ual.com or voicemail at FLT-LINE, option 7,8, no later than 0800 Chicago Time on Wednesday, June 11. The company requires that you include your name, domicile, file number and telephone contact. After completing this notification, the company will express ship a package to you providing details of your July 1 return, including training requirements and the re-issue of security identification.
As a result of changes to the company’s projected Flight Attendant needs over the next few years, furlough periods and allocations that are currently in effect will be adjusted. This will require a complete furlough re-bid. The company plans to initiate the re-bid in late June or early July with an effective date no earlier than Aug. 31, 2003. The company anticipates that the number of Flight Attendants to be furloughed during the re-bid will be at minimum equal to the number currently on voluntary furlough status. Today, the company does not know the total number needed for the furlough, nor the duration and allocation of each furlough time period. We will update you on this recording, through AFA E-lines, and on our website as soon as we have more specific information about the furlough rebid.
It’s important that each inactive Flight Attendant, including those on voluntary furlough, participate in Open Enrollment for medical and dental benefits in the balance of 2003. Follow the instructions in your personalized Open Enrollment package that you should have received by mail. If you did not receive your enrollment package or if you have questions call SHPS, 7 a.m. to 7p.m., Central Time at 1-888-999-0656. The deadline for completing open enrollment for inactive Flight Attendants is 9 AM Central Time on June 6th.
