B. AUTO may be requested by using the following procedures:

1. Until such time as an automated AUTO award system is implemented, a Flight Attendant will submit her/his request to Crew Resources either through the computer, facsimile or in writing. Once automated, AUTO for a full trip(s) must be requested via the computer system. These requests may be submitted beginning at 1800 on the 28^th of the month for the next month and may continue to be submitted throughout the following month. Requests must be submitted by 0400 the day prior to the trip report date. These requests will be processed in seniority order and the results will be available that same day, no later than 1600.
2. AUTO for a partial duty period must be submitted to Crew Resources in writing or by facsimile no later than 0400 on the day before the trip departs. These requests will be processed in seniority order and the results will be available no later than 1600 on the day before the trip departs. Same day requests may be made by contacting Crew Resources by telephone and will be granted based solely on staffing and at Crew Resources’ discretion.

3. Situations of a compelling nature requiring AUTO will be handled on a first come first serve, case by case basis by contacting an Inflight Supervisor. Whenever practical, Flight Attendants should utilize the procedures in Paragraphs 1 and 2 above. AUTO covered by this Paragraph 3 will be tracked by Inflight.

4. Once a request is submitted, it shall be processed daily, whenever AUTO is available, until:

a. The request is awarded; or

b. The request is withdrawn by the Flight Attendant before the next daily processing; or

1. The day prior to the affected duty period(s).

C. If an AUTO request disrupts a multiple day trip duty and trip rigs shall not apply for the portion of the trip disrupted by the AUTO. In such circumstances the Flight Attendant shall have the following options:

1. Rejoin the originally scheduled trip at a location mutually agreed by the Flight Attendant and Crew Resources;

2. Be released from duty and have her/his pay prorated, provided staffing permits; or

3. Be assigned Guaranteed Reserve for the remaining duty periods affected, per Section 7, Scheduling.

D. AUTO awarded by Crew Resources shall not be tracked for the purpose of discipline, determination of an employee’s attendance record or eligibility for company benefits (i.e., attendance/incentive passes, profit sharing/performance incentives).