Update: Instead of furloughing additional flight attendants, United will increase staffing on certain international flights and offer daily and 30-day ANP.

This was an excellent decision. Well done!

Additional Information

Letter from MEC President:

January 8, 2009

PDF Version

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am pleased to announce that discussions between the Company and the Union have eliminated the need to furlough additional Flight Attendants as previously planned.

Instead of furloughing additional Flight Attendants and conducting a complete furlough rebid, the Company will increase staffing on certain international flights and maintain discretionary time off such as daily and 30-day ANP.  This will provide some additional international flying opportunities while maintaining a level of schedule flexibility.

Staffing cuts over the past year have contributed to the need for a Flight Attendant furlough and reduced our available flying.  It has placed a strain on Flight Attendants and passengers alike.  In support of our advocacy we encourage you to continue to report circumstances of sub-standard service through the Marginal Service Reporting Form on our website.

We are encouraged by the resolution to this potential furlough and appreciate the efforts of Alex Marren and United senior management in working with us on the issue.  We have avoided the need for additional Flight Attendant furloughs and a rebid of the current furlough that would have potentially disrupted the lives of Members. We believe this resolution will also help to address the lack of flying reserves experienced in the fall through the staffing additions and opportunities for discretionary time off.

Today's decision is a step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing to work with the Company to address areas of mutual concern. 

In Solidarity,

Greg Davidowitch, President
United Master Executive Council