Lead Pay Q & A

A.  The “A” position duties are not yet equal.  West “A” duties are not yet as extensive as those on the east, but they will be identical on March 1, 2007 (as currently planned).  Initially, the company was refusing to pay any lead pay from November – March and said we would “talk” about it in March.  After extensive negotiations last week, the company agreed to a phased in pay process.

Q.  How is the “A” pay calculated?  Is it by segment or is it applied to the duty or trip rig, if any? 

A.  It’s for the entire trip, including any rig adjustment.  See Section 3, Compensation, B. 2. d. and e. for more information about  Duty and Trip rigs.

Q.  The agreement says that retroactive Lead Premium Pay may be applied.  Why is this?

A.  The company expects that the Maestro payroll format can be updated in time to apply the lead pay, but in case it can’t they have to provide you a retro check.   The November lead pay will show up first on your exception check on December 20, 2006 and hopefully the payroll program will be accomplished by that time.  If not, the company will pay you retroactively as soon as possible.

Q.  If I pick-up a trip as the “A” Flight Attendant through DPU or the Trade Board, do I have to give up the “A” position to the most senior Flight Attendant on my crew if they want that position?

A.  No.  We don’t do that now and won’t do it for the lead pay.  If you bid and hold the “A” position or pick-up the “A” position via DPU or Trade Board that is your position unless you voluntarily agree to switch positions at check-in.

Q.  Our 1^st dropped their trip and the company assigned a Reserve as the “A” on our pairing.  Does the “A” position now go to the most senior Flight Attendant on the trip?

A.  No. We will continue doing it the way we do today.  If a Reserve is assigned as the “A” position, cabin crew positions can change by mutual agreement only.  The Reserve cannot be forced out of the “A” position unless they agree.

Q.  I’m working “A” or 1^st on the 757 to Hawaii cities.  Do I still get the International pay? 

A.  Yes.  You would get $1.25 in “A” pay per flight hour plus the $1.25 per hour International pay from November 1, 2006 through February, 2007.  On March 2, 2007 the “A” position lead pay for International on the 757 increases to $2.75.

There are other issues surrounding the assignment of the “A” position, mainly related to Reserve assignments that are being worked on by the company and AFA.   Information on those scenarios will be forthcoming.