AFA's efforts continue to achieve reciprocal cabin seat agreements for United Flight Attendants. First, we should clarify that agreements already reached at other airlines are for CABIN SEATS and not JUMPSEATS. We too are advocating for the cabin seats as this will enhance the benefit with greater opportunities for Flight Attendants.

As you know from Dear AFA and E-lines communications, achieving these agreements has been a priority during our discussions with the company over quality of life issues. We have long advocated for United to reach reciprocal cabin seat agreements with other airlines to reduce commuting hassles and enhance travel benefits for Flight Attendants.

We appreciate the feedback from you, confirming what we knew to be true, that achieving this benefit is a priority for Flight Attendants. Our advocacy has taken on particular interest as Flight Attendants have been displaced from their homes due to base closures. Reducing hassles for Flight Attendants commuting to work will benefit our airline as more employees will have the ability to focus on the success of the company rather than expending time, energy and compensation on getting to and from work.

American Airlines management has agreed to reciprocal cabin seat agreement for their Flight Attendants, most recently announcing an agreement with Jet Blue. The deals reached at American are proof that other airlines are interested and that such agreements can work for United as well. Even as AFA focuses efforts on achieving these agreements, we encourage every Member to continue to speak out for your desire for these travel enhancements as well.

We continue to express this desire to management and we know that other airlines have expressed an interest in achieving these agreements with United Airlines. There can be no down side to reaching these open seat agreements with other airlines. Simply put, reciprocal cabin seat agreements will have a direct impact on operational integrity, employee engagement and begin to restore confidence in the decisions made by management.

We are waiting for a formal response from United on this issue and will keep you updated through regular AFA communication vehicles including 1-800-Dear-AFA, AFA E-lines and our website, www.unitedafa.org.