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MEC Grievance 1-26: Challenging Improper Reserve Availability Requirements

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In March of this year, the Union filed MEC Grievance 1-26 to challenge the company’s arbitrary and improper position that Reserve Flight Attendants are required to be physically present at their base, regardless of whether they have received an assignment. As we proceed through the System Board arbitration process, we would like to provide you with some additional background information and guidance.
Why the Grievance Was Filed
In February 2026, the company began issuing discipline, including terminations, for Reserves deemed to be “out-of-position,” even when they had not been assigned to a pairing or Standby. The company is asserting that in order to be considered “available,” Reserves must be in their base as early as 2300 Home Domicile Time (HDT) the day prior to beginning Ready Reserve status and remain there for the duration of their block of days.
The Union believes the company may not require Reserves to remain in base without an assignment. All Flight Attendants, whether Lineholder or Reserve, have the right to live where they choose, provided they fulfill their obligation to report for assigned duty.
The company's assertion that a Reserve must be at their base prior to the start of reserve availability is in direct conflict with Section 8.H.4, which states: "A Reserve must be available for call at 0001 and shall be required to report for duty at 0400 or later, Home Domicile time, on the day following days off, vacation, personal drop, Union business, DIF, or day at a time vacation."
Furthermore, Section 28.G. explicitly confirms that the Commuter Program applies to both Lineholders and Reserves. The Contract only requires that a Reserve be available to accept an assignment and then timely report for that assignment as given.
Guidance for Reserve Flight Attendants
It is possible that the company may continue to discipline Reserves if they are not in base, whether or not they have an assignment. We will continue to pursue this dispute through the System Board arbitration process. This is the mechanism to enforce our Contract.
Therefore, until this grievance is resolved, please keep the following in mind to protect yourself:
  • Understand Your Obligations: While you have the flexibility to live where you choose as a Reserve, you are contractually required to be available for contact during periods of availability and responsible for reporting for work as scheduled, with as little as a 3-hour notice prior to report time. Section 28 also requires commuting Flight Attendants “to conduct themselves with reasonableness, prudence, and good judgement.” This includes paying close attention to the news and weather forecast in both your home and base location, as well as other main hub locations, to be aware of any issues that could impact the airline operation system-wide and plan accordingly.
  • Monitor Reserve Time and the Reserve Availability List: When making decisions about your commute, be sure to check your potential for assignment in CCS by reviewing the open trips and Standby positions in Reserve Time and Sick Leave Trips. Monitor your position on the Reserve Availability List, paying particular attention to when those ahead of you on the list are available for assignment.
  • Use the Tools Provided in the Contract: Take advantage of the Contractual provisions that provide some control and flexibility for Reserves such as Reserve Preferencing (8.D), Ready Reserve preferencing (8.G), Trading Days Off and Assigned Pairings (8.J.), as well as options for discretionary time off (PD, PTO and DATV).
  • Request Representation: If you are called into an investigation regarding your location or "availability," you have the right to Union representation. Always exercise this right. Having a representative present ensures the Union is aware of the company's tactics and allows us to better document these issues for the MEC Grievance.
  • Document and Report: If you have previously been issued discipline related to being "out-of-position," inform your Local Grievance Representatives immediately so they can include your case in the MEC Grievance. The more examples we have, the stronger our case becomes.
  • Utilize Your Local Reserve Committee: If you need assistance understanding these protections or help navigating the challenges of Reserve life, reach out to your Local Reserve Committee. They are your primary resource for understanding how these provisions apply to your specific situation.
We will continue to update you as this grievance moves forward. We are committed to upholding your Contractual rights and protecting the flexibility you are entitled to under the CBA. Stay informed, stay involved, and continue to file Local Council Worksheets for any potential Contract violations.