Reduction of Flying at American Eagle 

This past Wednesday most of you have heard AMR announced up to a 12% capacity reduction in flying for both mainline and regional jets. Due to fuel prices AMR has decided to reduce frequency to certain markets to ensure our future survival.  Because of the APA scope clause American Eagle must reduce our flying to meet the ASM (Available Seats Per Mile) Cap. American Eagle can only fly a percentage of AA's overall flying, thus forcing us into a reduction of flying as well. 

At this time it is not known what routes and/or bases will be impacted. Senior Officers of AMR along with AA marketing will make this determination in the near future. American Eagle Senior Management has committed to a conference call with the AFA Master Executive Council to brief us once it is known how the American Eagle operation will be impacted. The reduction to service is scheduled to begin September, 2008. Please bear in mind that your AFA Master Executive Council will not be provided with too much advance notification before this goes public. SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) violations are applicable due to this highly sensitive part of our business. 

As a result of this announcement many of you may be concerned about the possibility of furloughs. Please be assured that your AFA Master Executive Council is quite confident that none of the American Eagle Flight Attendants will be faced with a furlough. In the highly unlikely event that we do face staffing problems at American Eagle, our Collective Bargaining Agreement does allow for voluntary leaves in the event of overages to avoid furloughs.  AFA would absolutely enforce those rights to ensure all of our Flight Attendants who wish to remain online, will be able to do so.  

Here is what we do know at this time: some of our current line holders may return to reserve status (in some bases) and there is a VERY REAL possibility of displacements. Again, this is not concrete, nor do we know what bases could be affected at this time.  

The AFA Master Executive Council has stressed the importance of American Eagle's responsibility to quickly outline their plan to implement these reductions so that American Eagle employees may have some understanding of what their future holds and can plan accordingly. Rest assured that your AFA Master Executive Council stands ready to assist Management in navigating this current challenge. We will share more information as the situation unfolds.

In Solidarity, 

Veronica Tenerelli

AFA-CWA MEC President