LOU 2 - LAYOFF AND RECALL


Q: In LOU 2 there is language around language qualification allowing the Company to recall junior bilingual CCMs prior to unilingual senior CCMs. Can you please clarify.

A: In the layoff and recall article, there is language that outlines how recall will be done, and language is not in there. LOU 2 does say if there is a business need for a specific language in order to be able to crew to specific destinations, that the Company could come to the Union to negotiate. Barring extreme circumstances, the Union has no intention to agree to that. To be clear, the Employer cannot, based on language qualifications, recall out of seniority order. If the Union saw a demonstrated need for this language, which the Company would have to provide to us in these negotiations (say they would not be able to open a new route without a number of language speakers), we would review those as they came up, and communicate with the members regarding any such negotiations. Any arbitrary or bad faith application of language agreed to in Bargaining would be challenged by the Union using all available means. 

Q: If the TA is voted in, when does the MSL come into effect? If my Company DOH is earlier than my Inflight DOH will I be furloughed?

A: Furloughs have already happened. The change to MSL would not trigger a layoff. The only thing that triggers a layoff is a work shortage.