3.30.20 – New Leave Options

VXLOA Telephone Townhall Q&A – March 19, 2020

PVLOA, VEOP, & Reduced Operations Flying – View the Details

Monday, March 30, 2020

Dear Fellow Flight Attendants,

I can’t tell you what a whirlwind it has been. Not just today, but these past few weeks dealing with the coronavirus. I know it’s been so stressful for everyone. I’m worried about all of you, my family, our world we live in. Our lives remain in a constant state of flux.

Today, we signed an updated agreement for the Voluntary Extended Leave Option (PVLOA) (click here) that includes a pay component. In addition, if you took the voluntary early out option offered by the Company (VEOP), there is now a pay component and enhanced benefits added as well. (See the Company’s website for more info.)

While APFA will not offer a recommendation, we know that this is a very personal decision for each of you. Your decision to take a leave may be based on any of a multitude of reasons: your health, a family member’s health risk, your personal financial position, or your age.

Upper management has told us they intend to take the stimulus bill grant offered to airlines and they said that should lay-offs be necessary, they will not occur prior to September 30, 2020, as dictated by the government grant.

If you have already opted for an extended leave, you will automatically be placed in the newer option, or you may opt out. The deadline has been extended to this Friday, April 3rd at 2359 central time to make or change your election. Again, these are voluntary personal choices that only you can make.

Here are the key points: 

• Any VXLOA will automatically become a PVLOA
• PVLOA are offered for 3/6/9/12 months
• Paid 19 hours of your current JCBA rate per month
• Continue to accrue vacation and sick days
• You are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance and AD&D benefits at active rates
• Accrue company seniority, occupational seniority, and longevity seniority for pay and vacation step increases while on PVLOA
• Non-Revenue travel remains the same as if active
• These PVLOA can be canceled or reduced by the Company with 30-day notice

As we work through this extremely difficult time, please continue to do what you do best. Take care of each other, stay healthy, and above all, fly safe.

In Unity & Solidarity,

Lori L. Bassani
APFA National President