Source: Elines

As of Today, 909 Members have submitted a bid for the upcoming 2014 Voluntary Furlough, scheduled to commence on April 1, 2014 and conclude on March 30, 2015.  Bidding for the Voluntary Furlough will close on January 8, 2014 at 0800 Central Time.

The Voluntary Furlough offers schedule flexibility and maintenance of some benefits, with a return to work after the Voluntary Furlough period.  Taking the Voluntary Furlough may be a good option for Members who would like to take advantage of scholastic opportunities, pursue travel or to spend more time with family.  

Bidding for the Partnership Program 11 is also open, and will close on January 13, 2014 at 0800 Central Time.  The Partnership Program exists solely to avoid any involuntary furlough.  Additionally, the Partnership Program, if implemented, also allows for a more flexible schedule and provides you with the ability to continue flying with additional time off to pursue other areas of interest in your life.

For additional information, please contact your Local Council Office and check our websitefor updated Voluntary Furlough information.  If you are interested in bidding for a Voluntary Furlough please refer to the Voluntary Furlough Information Packet, dated November 18, 2013, and read it carefully.

Return to Work from Voluntary Furlough Process

In an effort to clarify the process by which Flight Attendants currently on Voluntary Furlough will return to work, we're providing the following overview.
 
The following items will be required prior to returning to work:

• Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug Testing
• Background Checks
• Fingerprinting*

*Based on individual circumstances, some individuals may be required to submit actual fingerprints at a company facility depending on the length of time they have been away from work.
 
Because all Flight Attendants awarded the Voluntary Furlough were either active, or had cleared medical prior to being awarded the Voluntary Furlough, everyone returning from Voluntary Furlough is considered to be medically able to return to work.  The company will rely on individual Flight Attendants to advise if they have a medical condition that will prevent a return to active flying.
 
In an effort to target communication where it is needed and to avoid confusion, the company will wait until after Voluntary Furlough awards have been completed before sending specific communication on requirements necessary to return to flying.  By doing so, these Return to Work communications will only be sent to those individuals who will be returning from Voluntary Furlough.