2.13.20 – The Scoop

Did you know that A. Philip Randolph was an American labor unionist, civil rights activist, and socialist politician? In 1925, Randolph organized and led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African-American labor union. In 1940, Randolph forced then President Franklin D. Roosevelt to ban discrimination in the defense industries. He also pushed President Truman to integrate the armed forces in 1948.

Through his civil rights efforts, A. Philip Randolph was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Johnson. Soon after, he founded the A. Philip Randolph Institute, an organization aimed at studying the causes of poverty and co-founded by Randolph’s mentee Bayard Rustin.

After Randolph’s death at the age of 90, Rustin said, “Hardly anything blacks achieved whether through protest, legislation, negotiation or moral suasion does not bear the mark of Randolph’s leadership and principles.”

“A community is democratic only when the humblest and weakest person can enjoy the highest civil, economic, and social rights that the biggest and most powerful possess.” –A. Philip Randolph

As APFA members we share a proud and diverse history.

Cancellations Extended for HKG, PEK, & PVG

American Airlines has extended the cancellations of flying to and from mainland China and Hong Kong from DFW and LAX.

• DFW – HKG suspended through April 23
• DFW – PEK & PVG suspended through April 24
• LAX – HKG, PEK & PVG suspended through April 24

Boeing 737 MAX

As Boeing contemplates the return of the 737 MAX by the middle of 2020, the company is rethinking its plans for what happens next.

Boeing’s new CEO Dave Calhoun, wants the product development strategists to go back to the drawing board over plans for a new mid market airplane.

Congratulations TWU – IAM on Their AIP 

As previously announced, the TWU-IAM Association reached Agreements in Principle (AIP) last week with American Airlines on five new Joint Collective Bargaining Agreements (JCBAs). The five-year accords run through 2025.

Valentine’s Day – Happy? Sad? Or just a bother?

Every Valentine’s Day brings up different emotions and feelings.  Maybe a childhood memory of bringing all those little valentine cards you would bring to school and all the valentine candy hearts you could eat.  Maybe as you got older wearing a red dress on that first date with a nice dinner and red roses.  Whatever emotion is stirred up for Valentine’s Day, they always seem to surface on this day. You may view it as a day to celebrate a special relationship, friendships or your family.  Or you may view it as a day that you would rather not celebrate or acknowledge a relationship, or the lack of them in your life.

There are so many thought processes surrounded by this day.  It may bring up being reminded you are not in a relationship.  It may remind you that you ARE in a relationship, or trying to be in a relationship, or that you are trying to bring your relationship to the next level.

Valentine’s Day is right up there with other holidays that can be very emotional times. People will do all kinds of things when they are emotional.  Arguments, fights, abuse, failed proposals all can leave scars emotionally, mentally and physically.  Break ups can even happen immediately before, during or after this day.

Fortunately, in the end, Valentine’s Day is just a day.  It can be a happy one, but if it seems that you are not happy about it, keep things in perspective.  You are not alone.  The measure of any relationship should be how you live your life the other 364 days of the year.  If you are in a relationship, make a deep commitment to the relationship, accept the other person as they are.  Communicate open and honestly.  Share your feelings and listen to them attentively. Take responsibility for your mistakes.  Be open to negotiation and forgiveness.  Use conflict positively to stimulate discussion and try to let go of your need to always be right or in control. Give and receive support, trust and loyalty.  Have fun together and be friends too.  One day should not determine a relationship.  Spend it with friends, family, or even your loyal pets.

Confidential help is available by calling your APFA EAP Department at (817) 540-0108 ext. 8701.  You may also email us your questions at [email protected]

Employees also have the option to meet with a counselor for up to four free in-person counseling sessions by calling our Optum EAP line at (800) 363-7190. Let them know that you are an American Airlines Flight Attendant and are interested in taking advantage of the four free counseling sessions. You will communicate with the operator to let them know where you live so they can research local therapists in your area. You would then choose from these therapists and call to make an appointment. We provide confidential support and we are here for you to assist you with information, resources and referrals and a friendly ear.

Department of Homeland Security Suspends Global Entry for New York Residents

In response to last week’s announcement that DHS would suspend the Global Entry program for new and re-enrolling participants, APFA sent a letter to the Acting Secretary of DHS, Chad Wolf.

Read the letter here:    https://www.apfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-DHS-Letter-Acting-Sec-Chad-Wolf-February-7-Final.pdf

Human Trafficking Prevention Survey

January 2020 was marked as the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As Flight Attendants, we are in a unique position to share our experiences and provide information that can help save lives.

APFA, in collaboration with United Against Slavery, is distributing the National Outreach Survey for Flight Attendants. The survey will help to identify what is and is not working on the frontlines.

By taking the online survey, you will:

• help outline areas of concern when trying to identify signs of sex and labor trafficking
• indicate what additional training is required
• share your knowledge of this crime and areas where you need more information

The survey closes on April 6, 2020 and is optional.

Thank you to those who have participated. If you have started the survey, you have the option to return and complete the rest of it as your schedule allows.

Take the survey