July 1, 2005

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Throughout United’s bankruptcy, the integrity of our benefits has been thrown into doubt each time United attacks our Contract through the bankruptcy court.  Recognizing the reasonable concerns of our Members and the need to preserve health benefits critical for our families, AFA has been actively seeking a supplemental insurance program to be available to our Members at an affordable price.  United agreed to work with us to design and provide a program for Flight Attendants following our most recent Contract ratification.  Although we were able to secure a proposal from a provider that would have afforded all United employees the option of additional benefits and our airline with a tax break, United refused to simply provide access to payroll deduction to make the whole program work.  When it became clear that we could not count on our employer to meet our insurance needs, we sought out alternatives.

Thanks to the persistence and hard work of our Insurance and Retirement Co-Chairpersons Jadyn Loedding and Ellon Jarvis, we are pleased to announce a supplemental insurance initiative designed to give our members and other United employees and retirees new options for important coverage. The plan will be provided by Aflac, the nationally recognized provider of supplemental insurance benefits.  All Aflac plan policies, including Cancer, Personal Accident Indemnity, and Dental will be available to Members on an ala carte basis and a full explanation and list of these policies will be available for review prior to the Open Enrollment scheduled to begin this August.  AFA found a fix around United’s unexplainable refusal to provide payroll deduction and instead reached an agreement with Aflac for an automatic deduction through the credit union.

Flight Attendants and other employees who are actively employed with United may apply for coverage through age 70, provided they meet underwriting requirements.  On a special note to our retirees, there will be a one time only sign-up period for current retirees and you must be under the age of 65 at the time of application.  Other United Airlines employees will have the opportunity to benefit from AFA’s agreement with Aflac too.

Aflac policies may be used outside the United States but may be purchased only in the United States and its Territories. If you are based outside the US you will be provided the same benefits but you will have to apply for the policy while you’re in the country on a layover or on personal business.

Over the next couple weeks we will post on our website full details about this supplemental insurance program, eligibility to enroll and the benefits of the program.  Prior to the enrollment period we will also mail this information to every Member’s home address.

In the midst of all the chaos created by the actions of United management during our airline’s 32 months in bankruptcy, we will continue to ensure that our actions are focused on providing the best protection and benefits for Flight Attendants.

In Solidarity,

Greg Davidowitch, President
Helen McArdle, Vice President
Shirley Barber, Secretary-Treasurer