Source: Dear AFA (January 15, 2013)

Last week we told you, the company had approached United AFA on a new crossover proposal. The United Master Executive Council (MEC) met and reviewed the proposal, and weighed the benefits as well as any potential negative impact on United Flight Attendants. The MEC's evaluation of the idea was thorough and in depth.

While there could potentially be some limited benefit to a few individuals who chose to participate, the overall impact on the entire Flight Attendant population would be detrimental.

First and foremost, this is not an effective way for the company to manage their staffing problems. Equally important is the piecemeal approach to solving issues through agreements such as this outside of our negotiations.

The last crossover program was combined with an Early Out and included in our overall Section 6 negotiations. The benefit of including a crossover, in combination with the Early Out, and as part of our entire Tentative Agreement provided meaningful benefit to our entire Flight Attendant community. This current proposal does not.

The appropriate place for management to address staffing concerns is in Joint Contract Negotiations. Any attempt by management to circumvent that process, or to create distraction or dissention among our Membership is unacceptable. Our Union is committed to a positive outcome for all United Flight Attendants, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of an Industry Leading Contract.

On Friday, January 11, Master Executive Council (MEC) President Greg Davidowitch posted this letter to the Membership:

"The United Master Executive Council reviewed another crossover proposal from management. Upon consideration of the proposal and the implications associated with offering another crossover, it was decided that based on feedback from Members, a proposal such as this does not advance the interests of our United Membership."

"Another Crossover Program impacts seniority as it relates to transfers. Many Flight Attendants have identified concerns such as, the ability to exercise their seniority rights to transfer to a location. Instead people are being forced to crossover in order to be domiciled in a city of their choice."

"Based upon the experiences with the crossover last year, which was intended to be a one-time event, the program does not meaningfully address any identified overage of Flight Attendants at United Airlines. There was very limited participation last year, and since that time very few people have expressed interest in another Crossover Program."

"And finally, there may be unforeseen consequences with another crossover which has the potential to adversely affect our Joint Contract Negotiations. A successful conclusion to our Joint Negotiations is paramount."

"The United Master Executive Council has concluded that we should advance a discussion with management on another Early Out as a potential way to mitigate any identified overage of Flight Attendants at United Airlines. For additional information, please contact your Local Council."