With the ever-changing operation, the Education Committee wanted to provide you with information to help guide you through the vacancy bidding process. For those who were involuntarily displaced, your Union continues to advocate on your behalf. While Southwest Airlines Crew Planning solely makes these decisions, we will continue to monitor the vacancy process for compliance.
When Crew Planning makes adjustments to the size of a base which causes primary as well as secondary involuntary displacements, our Contract has protections. Through a Vacancy Award, if a Flight Attendant is involuntarily displaced, their status remains as such until they either return to the base they were displaced from, or they decide to change their vacancy to a different domicile. While this process is never desirable, your Union will work to ensure that anyone who is displaced has options afforded to them.
Contract 2024 provided several improvements to our ability to take a leave of absence for life and unexpected events. In addition to being the first Flight Attendant Contract in the United States to have paid maternity and parental leave, we now have the ability to take a contractual medical leave for physical and mental health reasons.
When there is a need to be off from work for a personal medical situation, our Contract provides options in Article 15. Whether it is planned or unexpected, all Flight Attendants, regardless of tenure, can utilize a Medical Leave to both receive the needed medical care and take the time required to recover. Let’s discuss some of the language regarding Medical Leave in this week’s Fast Fact Friday.
The day has arrived! After much preparation, the beginning of Red Eye flying has commenced. And while there are many feelings surrounding this new type of flying, we are committed to ensuring our Members are aware of the language protections and what your Union is doing to keep the collective safety and interests of our Membership at the forefront. Article 8.8, Article 11.18, and Article 21.26 have language specific to Red Eye flying. Let’s delve into a super-sized Fast Fact Friday regarding Red Eye flying!
