Anticipating Flight Reductions Following the DOT and FAA Announcement
The DOT and FAA have recently announced that they will cut 10% of flights in preparation for the extended Government Shutdown. Starting Friday morning, 40 major airports nationwide will reduce operations, affecting all Airline Carriers. United will be complying with this DOT order. While we are unsure how this will affect our day-to-day operations, it is crucial to understand your Contractual rights and be prepared for any changes that may affect your schedule.
While this information may be alarming, please know that your Union is here to support you during this uncertainty. United is well-positioned to absorb these reductions in flying for a sustained period, with many levers to relieve pressure on the system.
We will keep you updated when we have more information. At this time, anticipate for cancelled flights across the system, resulting in advanced notice reassignment instances.
Your Contractual Protections: 7.Q.3 Reassignment
7.Q.3, which covers our JCBA language regarding reassignment with more than one calendar day’s notice, protects us when these situations may arise. When you receive notice that your pairing has experienced loss of flight time, you have a few options at hand to resolve the missing assignment.
Notice of one or more calendar day provides the company with the option of advising the Flight Attendant of a replacement pairing or relieving her/him of responsibility. If the company does not provide a reassignment or relieve the Flight Attendant of her/his responsibility, she/he is provided options to either make up time on days not originally scheduled with an adjustment to her/his line guarantee, make up time as close as possible to the time lost on days originally scheduled to fly with no loss of pay, or be subject to reassignment as provided in paragraphs 7.3.c.1. & 2.
To best protect yourself when you notice a change to a flight in your pairing, such as a cancellation, calling in advance can save you time and stress. By calling scheduling as soon as you notice a cancellation of a segment or an entire trip, you stop the clock for reassignment. Scheduling must remedy the situation upon time of the call, with a release from duty or new reassignment.
Should you need further help or information about Reassignments, please contact your Local Council.
