Greetings,

Dear Co-worker,

We have met several times with Inflight Services, Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning folks over this last week and have gotten very close to completing the application documents and a Q & A that you will be using if you are interested in any of the previously mentioned voluntary programs crafted to address our staffing situation.  Those will include our contractual Extended Leave of Absence (ELOA) and Voluntary Furlough (VF) programs, as well an Early-Out Program (EOP).  While the final aspects of these programs are not locked in, there are enhancements to some of the contractual programs that are already agreed upon.  Depending upon what programs folks are interested in we may use some or all of them.  EOP will be awarded first, there will probably be two durations of ELOA, a one-year and a two-year, the two-year will be awarded next. If the need is still 

there, they will award the shorter ELOA and then any VF.   There will 

be loads more info next week.

My main purpose for this note is to get the word out that this process is going to move pretty quickly.  Management expects to have the information posted on the Flight Attendant website for review and download next Wednesday, August 13th.  We will have them posted on the AFA website as well.  There will be limited hardcopies at the bases.  You will have the opportunity to bid for more than one program if you wish, indicating your preferences on one application document.  The application closing date is projected to be September 5th, with awards by September 10th.  All of the programs will be effective November 1st.

WATCH FOR IT!

Kelle Wells

MEC President

August 8, 2008