We’ve heard concerns from some of our Members related to the October 17 Inflight Communication announcement from Sam Risoli announcing the opening of s-CO bases in LAX and IAD.

These new s-CO bases are being opened to accommodate existing s-CO flying in these locations, and to create a more efficient scheduling process.  The flying being assigned to these new bases is currently scheduled in the s-CO HOU and s-CO EWR bases.  The bases are being opened to redistribute s-CO aircraft scheduling and do not involve any flying assigned to s-UA.  These changes were announced earlier this year in United’s fleet optimization update and are begin executed upon effective for the February 2014 schedule month.

Remember, we have merger and related agreements in place that specify the allocation of flying and assignment of aircraft (metal) as well as which Flight Attendants will be assigned in accordance with that schedule.  Remember also, that while seasonal schedules do fluctuate, and United has, and has always had the ability to schedule aircraft within our operation in accordance with our Contract; the ratio and balance of flying remains consistent with those values from 2010.  Specific flights and routes may be managed between the subsidiaries, but the ratio, metal and balance is protected until we have a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement and a combined Seniority List in place.