4.16.22 – APFA ORD Base Brief – Saturday, April 16, 2022

Saturday, April 16, 2022

APFA ORD Base Brief

Illinois Sick Reminder

We are very pleased to announce that on December 11, 2021, IL Governor Pritzker signed HB106 Illinois Sick Leave Act into law that became effective immediately. This is great news for the aviation workers of Illinois, this bill couldn’t have passed without the support of many of you. Since we let you know about the passing of this bill in the January Base Brief, the Company has since created and communicated a process for people looking to be covered under this new law.

This change allows Flight Attendants to utilize sick time for a family member.

Who is qualified as a family member? 
Child, stepchild, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, mother/father-in-law, grandchild, grandparent or stepparent.

How much time is covered?
This allows for up to 27 hours of accrued sick time per calendar year. These 27 hours of sick time are not in addition to contractually accrued sick time.

Eligible sick absences attributed to Illinois Kin Care will not incur attendance points. You must request a record of an absence within 48 hours of returning to work, unless there are mitigating circumstances. Send your Attendance Manager an email to request a recode.

These 27 hours are not additional sick hours. The benefit of utilizing this recode is your absence does not accrue points under our attendance policy.

If you have any questions regarding Illinois Kin Care or need a recode, please reach out to your Attendance Manager (AFSM).

APFA Pins

As you know, we are currently in negotiations with the Company. This is a great time to show unity among our workgroup. The easiest way to display unity is to wear your APFA pin. If you don’t have a pin, there will be APFA representatives in ORD on April 24th and 25th distributing pins to everyone. Keep an eye out for your colleagues that are spreading the message of unity!

Reserve Reminder

On January 5th and April 4th, the Company communicated Reserve reminders. You can read the last one attached to our March Brief. The April 4th communication did not mince words.

If you have a triggering event while on Reserve, such as a Missed Trip (TM), late sick call, sick on contact, etc… the Company will be alerted, and they will conduct a review of your travel to ensure you were in position for your reserve assignment. Depending on the investigation findings, your actions could result in discipline up to and including termination. To be clear, FAs across the system HAVE been terminated for infractions. We believe the discipline imposed in many cases is excessive and will continue to fight those individually. If you have questions about your responsibilities while on Reserve, please reach out to us.

The Wings Foundation offers assistance to American Airlines Flight Attendants who are in critical need of financial assistance due to illness, injury, disability or a natural disaster.

Wings is a nonprofit organization that was formed and is managed by Flight Attendants.

Last year 70% of the funds raised by Wings were from automatic payroll deductions. There is a method for donating to wings through bi-monthly payroll deductions. On the homepage of the Wings Foundation, you can find information on how to donate to wings.

With the return of so much international flying, it is a good idea to be prepared for an emergency. In the event you experience a medical emergency, the company has partnered with MedAire.

MedAire provides immediate 24/7 assistance to crewmembers traveling overseas that might require access to medical specialists. It is a good idea to save their number in the event you experience a medical emergency while outside the country.

MedAire: +1-480-333-3801

Daily Operations is also available 24/7: 682-315-7070 or 888-222-4737

Click Here for more information on MedAire

Mandatory Meeting Representation

We have seen an uptick in required meetings between Flight Attendants and members of Management. JCBA Section 35.R. defines your contractual right to have Union Representation present for all meetings with the Company. This includes your FSM, HR and Corporate Security. We are here to support you! If needed, reach out to local reps prior to these meetings.

Please be kind to one another! Stay safe.

In Solidarity,

Susan Wroble
APFA ORD Base President
(630) 802-2268
[email protected]

Dray Howard
APFA ORD Base Vice President
(630) 215-8410
[email protected]

Justin Patterson
APFA ORD Base Council Representative
(509) 720-0067
[email protected]