On May 8, 2007 the United Master Executive Council met in special session through a conference call and unanimously adopted a resolution to meet with the company to explore the feasibility of satellite domiciles.

Since that time AFA has met with the company to review management’s concept of satellite locations.

Satellite Overview

• United currently has the ability to operate flying in non-domicile locations through Contractual TDY assignments.  Management is seeking to achieve significant cost savings by establishing operations other than domiciles or TDY through the concept of satellites.
• Satellite locations are sought by management for savings on hotel costs, per diem, greater percentage of one day flying in satellite and hub locations, more segments per day, increased sit time and more duty periods in excess of 12 hours.
• Usage of Flight Attendant satellite locations has increased in recent years through concessionary bargaining at American Airlines (AA), Northwest Airlines (NWA), AirTran, ATA and imposed upon Delta Flight Attendants.
  
  
  • AA Flight Attendants currently staff satellite locations in SAN, MSP and ATL.
  • NWA has not yet implemented the program.
  • DAL staffs satellites in SFO, FLL, TPA, HNL, SAN, SEA, DCA and BDL.

Satellite Concept

United Management has identified 21 potential satellite locations.  They have immediately identified MCO, SAN, SMF and TPA as company desired locations to begin a satellite program.

Provisions of a Satellite Location

• Flight Attendants would not be based in the satellite, they would be required to transfer to a specific hub such as ORD in order to be eligible for the associated satellite.
• Training and meetings with supervisors will occur at the hub where the Flight Attendant is based.
• During vacation months, the entire month schedule must be bid at the hub location.
• Participants must live within 75 miles of satellite airport.
• Participants must agree to fly out of the satellite location for 12 months.  The company retains the ability to add additional Flight Attendants during peak months.
• The satellite is not a domicile, therefore any Contractual provisions associated with a domicile do not apply.  For example, paid moving expenses would not apply.
• Each participant must be on call for flight assignment during a certain number of days per month, with no associated pay.
• If a Flight Attendant goes on extended sick leave, the company retains the right to remove them from the satellite.
• If a Flight Attendant is unable to fly a scheduled trip, she/he is responsible to ensure trip is covered.  For example: trades with open flying or RDO.
• No ANP (WOP), PTO (GWOP).
• Company maintains satellite “report card.” 

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