We have all experienced the frustrating circumstances of confronting busy messages when trying to access Unimatic from home.

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The problem is usually exacerbated towards the end of the month when open flying trade activity is at its peak, but it seems that the message can come at any time. United explains that the numerous and annoying "ERR: UNI-AOL BUSY" messages occur because of an overload and volume problem on Unimatic. In this case, it is not a problem with AOL. Regardless, as long as the system is accessible from the domicile, United is not violating our Contract. Still, we cannot accept this response to the problem as United intends to move more towards electronic communication and training. The reality is that more and more, employees are accessing work functions electronically from home. When this is beneficial for the corporation, United is more than happy to accept this fact. When it is inconvenient, however, for the employee, we don't get an acceptable response from the company.

If you are having problems with Unimatic and/or Apollo after sign-on to the system, contact the United Support Desk at 1-800-255-5801 and ask them to log your issue with a “problem ticket.” If you are having a problem completing a task such as a trip trade request, contact the crew desk, your Local Domicile, or both to input the trade for you.

Additionally, we are gathering documentation from you here to provide us with specific issues and their frequency so we have the tools to adequately address the problem with United. You will not receive a response to your feedback, but it will be cataloged to support arguments for an improved system and help us identify the problem so we can address the real issues with United. Enter a log here each time you experience technical difficulties so AFA can trend the frequency and depth of the problem for Flight Attendants.