From AFA's Announcement:

Due to an increase in passenger demand and aircraft hours planned for December, United announced a recall of 350 Flight Attendants from voluntary furlough. This is good news for our jobs and our airline, yet we recognize this will present unique challenges for our flying partners being recalled. With this in mind, we discussed with the Company the feasibility of modifications to the Collective Bargaining Agreement to explore the possibility of a voluntary recall. However, due to time constraints associated with this recall, the Company is not able to conduct a recall that differs from the inverse seniority order recall procedures contained in Section 21.A.4.c. of our Contract. We will continue to explore other options for future recall procedures.

The Company plans to recall 350 Flight Attendants in two phases. The first phase will recall 250 of the most junior Flight Attendants on voluntary furlough, regardless of their furlough period, and be effective December 1, 2003. The second phase will recall 100 of the most junior Flight Attendants on voluntary furlough, regardless of their furlough period, and be effective December 10, 2003. All Flight Attendants will be recalled to the domicile from which they were furloughed, in accordance with Section 21.A.3.e. of the Agreement. The Company told us there is a need to recall in two phases because of the large number of Flight Attendants in both groups needing Requalification and Recurrent Emergency Training. Three days will be required, if both of these trainings need to be completed for qualification.

United sent recall letters today by Federal Express to those Flight Attendants recalled effective December 1, 2003. A second set of letters will be sent tomorrow, October 22, to those being recalled effective December 10, 2003. The recall letter includes an information packet that provides explanations of training, TSA badge requirements, medical clearance and uniform ordering.

We encourage all Flight Attendants on voluntary furlough to review the voluntary furlough information package available on our website at www.unitedafa.org and SkyNet.

Hardship Returns

This recall does not affect the ability of any voluntarily furloughed Flight Attendant to request a return prior to the expiration of her/his furlough period for personal reasons due to hardship, with the approval of United labor relations. Please contact your local AFA Council office for assistance if you believe you would qualify for such consideration.

The following is a breakdown of the number of Flight Attendants to be recalled at each domicile and includes the SW Classification Seniority of the most senior Flight Attendant to be recalled: