WELCOME TO THE JOINTOGETHER DIGEST !!!
the interactive forum for Delta flight attendants from DeltaAFA
>>HAVE YOU SIGNED AND MAILED YOUR AUTHORIZATION CARD YET?<<
We won't get to VOTE unless you SIGN and MAIL your card!
Just go to http://www.deltaafa.org/authorizationcard.pdf
OR http://deltaafa.org/join2.html
Print it out - fill it out - mail it in TODAY!
THEN.....print some cards out for your flying buddies!
PRINT this out~~FORWARD it on~~SHARE it with your colleagues!
Postings in this issue dated January 4-5, 2005, include:
* MEMO from
* WE NEED YOUR INFO!
* REPLIES TO: more changes, tax write-offs, memo
* Sidenote to Kevin Donovan commentary
* LINK TO: Labor Board's Critics see a bias against workers
* COMMENTS: de-icing and other problems, insurance claims
**********************************************************************
**********
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:34:18 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether MEMO from
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday, 4 January 2005 10:25 ET
To: IFSATL611, IFSATL610, IFSCVG610, IFSDFW610, IFSMFL610,
IFSMCO610, IFSNYC610, IFSLAX610, IFSSLC610
From:
Subject: Memo from
As part of our company's ongoing imperative to achieve financial
health and viability, In-Flight, along with all other divisions,
continues to look for ways to reduce costs. These past few years
have been the toughest many of us have faced in our careers, and
the decision to make needed changes comes with great
consideration and concern. We strive to achieve rapid cost
reductions that have the least amount of impact to you.
Listed below are In-Flight's cost-cutting initiatives identified
to help us move closer to the corporate Profit Improvement
Initiative's target established last year. While some of these
changes are not effective until the second quarter, many of you
have requested advance notice whenever possible. There is never
a "perfect" time or way to deliver news that impacts the lives of
our employees. However, during this difficult financial period,
we commit to providing you with timely, accurate and honest
information about the state of our business so you can plan and
adjust accordingly.
Effective January 31, 2005, the following changes will occur:
Training Pay - Pay for attending recurrent or requalification
training will remain the same at 2:45 per training day. The pay
rate for travel days to recurrent/re-qualification training will
move to a flat rate of $50.00. Required training and meeting pay
will change to a flat rate of $12.00 per hour. There are no
changes to other training pay elements.
Per Diem - The hourly per diem will be reduced by 20 cents per
hour, matching the current Delta pilot rate. Internationally, we
still provide the highest paid flight attendant per diem and,
domestically, we are second in the industry, directly behind
Southwest.
On-Board Staffing - Regular bid positions will be reduced by one
flight attendant on all 76ER and 777 transoceanic flights. Load
factor parameters to add the 8th position on the 76ER and the
10th position on the 777 remain unchanged. Domestically, the
load factor position on all transcontinental, Shuttle and
Caribbean flights will be eliminated. Even with these reductions,
we remain well above FAA minimum staffing requirements. We are
currently reviewing and revising onboard service processes to
reflect these staffing changes.
Trip Demographics - The ATL hub restructure and DFW de-hubbing
will affect trip demographics in all bases. Crews will change
aircraft on 10 percent of all flights in/out of ATL--down from
25 percent today--greatly reducing gate/terminal changes.
Second Quarter 2005 Changes:
Domestic Crew Meals - Effective April 1, 2005, crew meals will
be discontinued for pilots and flight attendants on all domestic
routes.
Domestic Hotel Changes - An effort is underway to evaluate and
negotiate with domestic hotels to reduce associated transportation costs. This may result in layover hotels closer
to airport locations. Safety, cleanliness and comfort will be
paramount to the selection process. April 1 is the earliest
anticipated date for any hotel changes.
Chennai Staffing - A new non-stop service from Paris to Chennai,
India, is scheduled to begin in May 2005. The operating
parameters of this route, as well as cultural nuances and
language requirements, make it necessary to use Chennai-based
staffing.
Recalls - The increased productivity we expect to gain with
Operation Clockwork, may present an opportunity to recall as
many as 250 flight attendants to support the summer schedule.
This is encouraging and exciting news and shows a potential for
future growth.
Your base leaders have been updated and can assist you with any
questions. This is a challenging time for all of us. You can
expect to hear more about the transformation initiatives
associated with the new Delta product to be announced in
January. Thank you in advance for your patience as we continue
to transform Delta to become the right airline in a forever-
changed industry.
________________________________________________________________
I don't know about the trip lengths but the rest of Ka's
statements are true about the per diem and layover. I was
told by a supervisor that this was going to happen, but
please keep in mind that in the ever changing world of
invisible ink we know as Delta things can change without
a word.
The key to ink you can see and read is in a contract which
will only change per your negotations. Also please don't
forget about the decreasing of staffing on some of our
international routes ie on the ER staffing will be reduced
to 8.
Thank you Delta::
This is the one thing that I hope will
change if not this will just be another thing in our ever
shrinking work force.
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:49:37 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether Sidenote tocommentary
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello all.....Just in case you are wondering why Mr. Donovan has
this particular insight it is because he "was" a loyal employee
of this now seemingly rudderless company for 21 plus years as
well as being a personal friend of mine. Who am I? Just another
one of you hanging on by the skin of my teeth and wondering if it
will get much worse. Anyway, I thought you might be interested
to know that the modest Mr. Donovan neglected to mention that a
recently completed a novel of his entitled "AIRLINE" will soon be
published and available via Amazon sometime in mid to late
January. It is fiction of course but I think you all will
recognize the "airline" that it is loosely based on. It's a
great read and I think that most of you would probably enjoy the
storyline. Check it out if you get a chance.....P.S.....
Mr. Donovan has left Delta and is pursuing, among other things
"a career as a novelist". He was a great employee for Delta and
I wish him all the best for his future just as I wish those who
have decided to pursue another path in life. For those who are
staying with Delta {such as myself for the time being} I hope
that things somehow get better for us in both the short and long
run. Good Luck!...........G
________________________________________________________________
"I have a friend who works for the IRS and said you can only
deduct things Delta requires per rules and regulations. ie things
that you need for work shoes, stockings, etc. Everything else is
optional and things you choose to do at your expense."
Maybe things have changed now, but I couldn't write off my
makeup, shoes etc. I was audited a few years back, and IRS told
me that shoes & stockings (unless there is a company logo on the
item and that you can only use it at work) are not tax
deductible. I contested, but milk & gravy spots on my galley
shoes were not accepted as a "company logo."
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:54:46 -0800
I haven't posted in a long time, but must chime in.
As to CVG not having de-icing fluid, that has been the case in
DFW for the last two years. Delta does not hedge the fluid, not
wanting to spend the money. When the random ice storm hits, the
Airlines who have the bucks have already contracted for the
trucks, and we at Delta cannot get any fluid. Last year, I called
sked. about my flight, was told it was operating, took 1 hour to
get to the airport where it normally takes me 8 minutes, signed
in and then was told we were canceled. All flights showed "go",
passengers and crew alike risked life and limb to slide to
airport, only then to be told to go home. This is NORMAL Delta
procedure in our area.
Also, just to give an example of how the right hand is not
talking to the left, and Delta is wasting loads of money: On Dec.
29 I put in a p/up for a trip on the 31st. I was denied the trip,
because I did not get it in before the noon working. I called and
asked what happened saying I thought they needed people to fly. I
was told that correct procedures had been used. I did not submit
the request prior to the noon working 48 hours before the trip
and so had not been awarded it. It went to an A day person. On
Dec. 31, in the morning, I was called for a critical coverage
trip and begged to take anything. I took a turn on Jan. 01.
Signed in for my turn, and the OBL who had originally been on the
trip showed up as she had not checked her schedule. She had been
awarded Authorized Leave! Here she was present, on leave, and I
was being paid critical coverage for her trip! Such a waste of
money for Delta. Glad to have it for me!
And to all those who still write and only put their initials, a
union will never happen in secret. Sign your name!
DFW soon to be ATL
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:58:57 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether LINK TO: Labor Board's Critics see a bias against workers
Reply-To: [email protected]
Fromate: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is link to a good article entitled:
Labor Board's Critics See a Bias Against Workers
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
January 2, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/02/national...bb001523d8512a4
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:01:49 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether Info request on OJI and docking pay
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking for any flight attendant who had a on the job injury
after the new pay last year and your pay was docked because you
could not fly over 45 hours.. I was one and am looking at some
legal help to correct his.. how can they dock you when you were
hurt on the job and could not fly.. one of deltas little stick it
to the employees program..
Thanks
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:05:35 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: Insurance Claims
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Having problems getting your United HealthCare claims paid?
Every year I get the run around when I put in for my annual
out of network well woman exam. First they said it was subject
to the deductible, it isn't. Then they said my Doctor put down
the wrong billing code and diagnosis. I pointed out that it was
the same ones as the previous year. They said that couldn't be
and someone must have changed them. I faxed a copy of the
previous year's claim. They then denied payment saying the codes
had been "refined" but they wouldn't tell me what the new code
was!
Finally I wrote to Robert Kight, Delta's Director of employee
benefits with copies to New York State's Health Bureau, my
Assemblyman and my lawyer. Quickly I got a letter from Delta
stating that they had looked into the matter and I would be paid.
I was.
If you are getting jerked around by the dishonest people at
UnitedHC I suggest you write Robert Kight right away. By the way
the secret billing code for the well woman exam is 99396
diagnosis is "ICD 9CM V72.3." United HC is not in the business
of paying our claims, they want not to pay them and will say
just about anything to do so!!
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:08:15 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether FYI: AERO Elections Alert!
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: ./NYC
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a "Head's Up" for the F/A's who are retiring with AERO
and have the upcoming departure dates of February 1st, March,
and April 1st. You will receive a very lengthy, rather
complicated package of election papers from Delta. Throughout
these papers there will be reference after reference to the date
these election choices must be made and returned to the Employee
Service Center. ( In my case this date is January 11th, since my
retirement date was January 1st.) However, the most important
date of all, and it differs from the other date, is the date that
the medical coverage elections must be made and returned to the
ESC. (It was December 16th, for January 1st. retirees.) This
date was placed in a one line sentence on the medical elections
form, and nowhere else! It is extremely obscure, very easy to
miss, and conflicts with much of the other information in the
package. NYC
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:12:01 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: Jan. 31, 2005 PAYCUT!!
Reply-To: [email protected]
From:------------------------------------------------------------------
Well Jan. 1 started off with a good round number like 10%. NOW
they are already adding to that figure!!(No I haven't forgotten
July 1, 2004 blended paycuts either!)
email to us today re: staffing cuts, per diem cuts, etc.
add up to more work for less money; AGAIN.
Will this finally be enough for the camels to sign their cards so
we can vote and start negotiating?
TIP OF THE DAY: Besides printing out union cards and getting them
signed also take a few "customer comment cards" and make some
copies. Soon they will be a hot commodity. Keep them on your
beverage or meal (if there is one?) cart. Keep them in your
smocks. The first hint of "I have been sitting here for two hours
with this meal tray" simply take one out and graciously present
our "customer" with the chance to ask if management stock options
are more important than our paying passengers convenience. Remind
our passengers that they have the power to change things; and so
do we!
This slash and burn employee approach was done before during 7.5
It seems our management decided that its so much simpler to take
from us and ask from the pilots than to address the real
underlying issues: REVENUE and not ALL COSTS.
With there soon to be NO service in our service industry company
how can they honestly at the G/O think anyone with half a mind
will spend a penny for the Delta brand if they diminish their
product further. Less f/as mean less service; ? comment in
her email that our staffing levels still exceed FAA staffing
requirements makes me laugh even further. Do they think we do not
realize that staffing levels for SERVICE and FAA staffing for
SAFETY are two different things! It shows once again that this
management is not better; simply reshuffling an old hand and not
doing ANYTHING to enhance our product or name. Will this really
in the end save our company?
Diminished but not deterred,
John
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:18:24 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: mail.deltaafa.org
From: MAC
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
In a recent memo detailing our per diem cut, load factor cuts on
some airplanes, training pay travel day cut and hotel layovers at
basically the airport in the near future, did anyone else notice
the spin?
It was said how management wants to be honest and inform us as
soon as possible about upcoming changes. First of all they said
about the staffing cuts that we are still well above FAA
minimums. As an oxymoron, it seems we will be AT FAA MINIMUMS
now. At least due to FAA rules they will not be able to cut any
further in that area. Regarding the way it was said that due to
productivity we should be able to recall 250 Flight Attendants
for the summer schedule. With normal attrition aside and 800-900
leaving in retirement, does this not leave us with another net
loss of those on the seniority list? Figure out the percentage
for yourself.
Frankly, when one asks to speak frankly to me I expect just that
and please don't call me Shirley!
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11
30 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: the next tsunami
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: ATL
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Has anyone else wondered with the recent announcement of more
staffing cuts why didn't management make this known to us when
the last round of recent retirement packages was out? Why didn't
they inform us so those who knew their base was closing or that
their seniority was soon to not hold some type of flying (form of
income$) that they could have made a more INFORMED decision.
Does anyone believe management didn't know/have planned these
further reductions when AERO was flying around?
Not only do we have to endure the lack of income and worsening
work conditions we also have to work with management that is
really not being honest with us again.
You build a solid home with solid materials. Honesty is one of
those materials.
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:23:40 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether REPLY TO: Insurance Claims
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: in
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
I have had the EXACT same experience with well-woman exams, most
recently in Nov. UHC'S "explaination" of why my claim was not
paid is IDENTICAL to the writer's in every way.
I will certainly contact the people and agencies mentioned in
Pam's note about this, and encourage anyone else who has been
affected by this farce to do the same.
By the way, the pilots have an advocate to contact when this kind
of thing happens to them. We have had to contact her several
times and miraculously the problem gets solved when she gets
involved.
Oh the wonders of having a contract!!
________________________________________________________________
the interactive forum for Delta flight attendants from DeltaAFA
>>HAVE YOU SIGNED AND MAILED YOUR AUTHORIZATION CARD YET?<<
We won't get to VOTE unless you SIGN and MAIL your card!
Just go to http://www.deltaafa.org/authorizationcard.pdf
OR http://deltaafa.org/join2.html
Print it out - fill it out - mail it in TODAY!
THEN.....print some cards out for your flying buddies!
PRINT this out~~FORWARD it on~~SHARE it with your colleagues!
Postings in this issue dated January 4-5, 2005, include:
* MEMO from
* WE NEED YOUR INFO!
* REPLIES TO: more changes, tax write-offs, memo
* Sidenote to Kevin Donovan commentary
* LINK TO: Labor Board's Critics see a bias against workers
* COMMENTS: de-icing and other problems, insurance claims
**********************************************************************
**********
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:34:18 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether MEMO from
Reply-To: [email protected]
Date: Tuesday, 4 January 2005 10:25 ET
To: IFSATL611, IFSATL610, IFSCVG610, IFSDFW610, IFSMFL610,
IFSMCO610, IFSNYC610, IFSLAX610, IFSSLC610
From:
Subject: Memo from
As part of our company's ongoing imperative to achieve financial
health and viability, In-Flight, along with all other divisions,
continues to look for ways to reduce costs. These past few years
have been the toughest many of us have faced in our careers, and
the decision to make needed changes comes with great
consideration and concern. We strive to achieve rapid cost
reductions that have the least amount of impact to you.
Listed below are In-Flight's cost-cutting initiatives identified
to help us move closer to the corporate Profit Improvement
Initiative's target established last year. While some of these
changes are not effective until the second quarter, many of you
have requested advance notice whenever possible. There is never
a "perfect" time or way to deliver news that impacts the lives of
our employees. However, during this difficult financial period,
we commit to providing you with timely, accurate and honest
information about the state of our business so you can plan and
adjust accordingly.
Effective January 31, 2005, the following changes will occur:
Training Pay - Pay for attending recurrent or requalification
training will remain the same at 2:45 per training day. The pay
rate for travel days to recurrent/re-qualification training will
move to a flat rate of $50.00. Required training and meeting pay
will change to a flat rate of $12.00 per hour. There are no
changes to other training pay elements.
Per Diem - The hourly per diem will be reduced by 20 cents per
hour, matching the current Delta pilot rate. Internationally, we
still provide the highest paid flight attendant per diem and,
domestically, we are second in the industry, directly behind
Southwest.
On-Board Staffing - Regular bid positions will be reduced by one
flight attendant on all 76ER and 777 transoceanic flights. Load
factor parameters to add the 8th position on the 76ER and the
10th position on the 777 remain unchanged. Domestically, the
load factor position on all transcontinental, Shuttle and
Caribbean flights will be eliminated. Even with these reductions,
we remain well above FAA minimum staffing requirements. We are
currently reviewing and revising onboard service processes to
reflect these staffing changes.
Trip Demographics - The ATL hub restructure and DFW de-hubbing
will affect trip demographics in all bases. Crews will change
aircraft on 10 percent of all flights in/out of ATL--down from
25 percent today--greatly reducing gate/terminal changes.
Second Quarter 2005 Changes:
Domestic Crew Meals - Effective April 1, 2005, crew meals will
be discontinued for pilots and flight attendants on all domestic
routes.
Domestic Hotel Changes - An effort is underway to evaluate and
negotiate with domestic hotels to reduce associated transportation costs. This may result in layover hotels closer
to airport locations. Safety, cleanliness and comfort will be
paramount to the selection process. April 1 is the earliest
anticipated date for any hotel changes.
Chennai Staffing - A new non-stop service from Paris to Chennai,
India, is scheduled to begin in May 2005. The operating
parameters of this route, as well as cultural nuances and
language requirements, make it necessary to use Chennai-based
staffing.
Recalls - The increased productivity we expect to gain with
Operation Clockwork, may present an opportunity to recall as
many as 250 flight attendants to support the summer schedule.
This is encouraging and exciting news and shows a potential for
future growth.
Your base leaders have been updated and can assist you with any
questions. This is a challenging time for all of us. You can
expect to hear more about the transformation initiatives
associated with the new Delta product to be announced in
January. Thank you in advance for your patience as we continue
to transform Delta to become the right airline in a forever-
changed industry.
________________________________________________________________
I don't know about the trip lengths but the rest of Ka's
statements are true about the per diem and layover. I was
told by a supervisor that this was going to happen, but
please keep in mind that in the ever changing world of
invisible ink we know as Delta things can change without
a word.
The key to ink you can see and read is in a contract which
will only change per your negotations. Also please don't
forget about the decreasing of staffing on some of our
international routes ie on the ER staffing will be reduced
to 8.
Thank you Delta::
This is the one thing that I hope will change if not this will just be another thing in our ever
shrinking work force.
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:49:37 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether Sidenote tocommentary
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello all.....Just in case you are wondering why Mr. Donovan has
this particular insight it is because he "was" a loyal employee
of this now seemingly rudderless company for 21 plus years as
well as being a personal friend of mine. Who am I? Just another
one of you hanging on by the skin of my teeth and wondering if it
will get much worse. Anyway, I thought you might be interested
to know that the modest Mr. Donovan neglected to mention that a
recently completed a novel of his entitled "AIRLINE" will soon be
published and available via Amazon sometime in mid to late
January. It is fiction of course but I think you all will
recognize the "airline" that it is loosely based on. It's a
great read and I think that most of you would probably enjoy the
storyline. Check it out if you get a chance.....P.S.....
Mr. Donovan has left Delta and is pursuing, among other things
"a career as a novelist". He was a great employee for Delta and
I wish him all the best for his future just as I wish those who
have decided to pursue another path in life. For those who are
staying with Delta {such as myself for the time being} I hope
that things somehow get better for us in both the short and long
run. Good Luck!...........G
________________________________________________________________
"I have a friend who works for the IRS and said you can only
deduct things Delta requires per rules and regulations. ie things
that you need for work shoes, stockings, etc. Everything else is
optional and things you choose to do at your expense."
Maybe things have changed now, but I couldn't write off my
makeup, shoes etc. I was audited a few years back, and IRS told
me that shoes & stockings (unless there is a company logo on the
item and that you can only use it at work) are not tax
deductible. I contested, but milk & gravy spots on my galley
shoes were not accepted as a "company logo."
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:54:46 -0800
I haven't posted in a long time, but must chime in.
As to CVG not having de-icing fluid, that has been the case in
DFW for the last two years. Delta does not hedge the fluid, not
wanting to spend the money. When the random ice storm hits, the
Airlines who have the bucks have already contracted for the
trucks, and we at Delta cannot get any fluid. Last year, I called
sked. about my flight, was told it was operating, took 1 hour to
get to the airport where it normally takes me 8 minutes, signed
in and then was told we were canceled. All flights showed "go",
passengers and crew alike risked life and limb to slide to
airport, only then to be told to go home. This is NORMAL Delta
procedure in our area.
Also, just to give an example of how the right hand is not
talking to the left, and Delta is wasting loads of money: On Dec.
29 I put in a p/up for a trip on the 31st. I was denied the trip,
because I did not get it in before the noon working. I called and
asked what happened saying I thought they needed people to fly. I
was told that correct procedures had been used. I did not submit
the request prior to the noon working 48 hours before the trip
and so had not been awarded it. It went to an A day person. On
Dec. 31, in the morning, I was called for a critical coverage
trip and begged to take anything. I took a turn on Jan. 01.
Signed in for my turn, and the OBL who had originally been on the
trip showed up as she had not checked her schedule. She had been
awarded Authorized Leave! Here she was present, on leave, and I
was being paid critical coverage for her trip! Such a waste of
money for Delta. Glad to have it for me!
And to all those who still write and only put their initials, a
union will never happen in secret. Sign your name!
DFW soon to be ATL
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:58:57 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether LINK TO: Labor Board's Critics see a bias against workers
Reply-To: [email protected]
From
ate: Tue, 4 Jan 2005------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is link to a good article entitled:
Labor Board's Critics See a Bias Against Workers
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE
January 2, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/02/national...bb001523d8512a4
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:01:49 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether Info request on OJI and docking pay
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
I am looking for any flight attendant who had a on the job injury
after the new pay last year and your pay was docked because you
could not fly over 45 hours.. I was one and am looking at some
legal help to correct his.. how can they dock you when you were
hurt on the job and could not fly.. one of deltas little stick it
to the employees program..
Thanks
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:05:35 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: Insurance Claims
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------
Having problems getting your United HealthCare claims paid?
Every year I get the run around when I put in for my annual
out of network well woman exam. First they said it was subject
to the deductible, it isn't. Then they said my Doctor put down
the wrong billing code and diagnosis. I pointed out that it was
the same ones as the previous year. They said that couldn't be
and someone must have changed them. I faxed a copy of the
previous year's claim. They then denied payment saying the codes
had been "refined" but they wouldn't tell me what the new code
was!
Finally I wrote to Robert Kight, Delta's Director of employee
benefits with copies to New York State's Health Bureau, my
Assemblyman and my lawyer. Quickly I got a letter from Delta
stating that they had looked into the matter and I would be paid.
I was.
If you are getting jerked around by the dishonest people at
UnitedHC I suggest you write Robert Kight right away. By the way
the secret billing code for the well woman exam is 99396
diagnosis is "ICD 9CM V72.3." United HC is not in the business
of paying our claims, they want not to pay them and will say
just about anything to do so!!
________________________________________________________________
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:08:15 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether FYI: AERO Elections Alert!
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: ./NYC
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005
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This is a "Head's Up" for the F/A's who are retiring with AERO
and have the upcoming departure dates of February 1st, March,
and April 1st. You will receive a very lengthy, rather
complicated package of election papers from Delta. Throughout
these papers there will be reference after reference to the date
these election choices must be made and returned to the Employee
Service Center. ( In my case this date is January 11th, since my
retirement date was January 1st.) However, the most important
date of all, and it differs from the other date, is the date that
the medical coverage elections must be made and returned to the
ESC. (It was December 16th, for January 1st. retirees.) This
date was placed in a one line sentence on the medical elections
form, and nowhere else! It is extremely obscure, very easy to
miss, and conflicts with much of the other information in the
package. NYC
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Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:12:01 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: Jan. 31, 2005 PAYCUT!!
Reply-To: [email protected]
From:------------------------------------------------------------------
Well Jan. 1 started off with a good round number like 10%. NOW
they are already adding to that figure!!(No I haven't forgotten
July 1, 2004 blended paycuts either!)
email to us today re: staffing cuts, per diem cuts, etc.
add up to more work for less money; AGAIN.
Will this finally be enough for the camels to sign their cards so
we can vote and start negotiating?
TIP OF THE DAY: Besides printing out union cards and getting them
signed also take a few "customer comment cards" and make some
copies. Soon they will be a hot commodity. Keep them on your
beverage or meal (if there is one?) cart. Keep them in your
smocks. The first hint of "I have been sitting here for two hours
with this meal tray" simply take one out and graciously present
our "customer" with the chance to ask if management stock options
are more important than our paying passengers convenience. Remind
our passengers that they have the power to change things; and so
do we!
This slash and burn employee approach was done before during 7.5
It seems our management decided that its so much simpler to take
from us and ask from the pilots than to address the real
underlying issues: REVENUE and not ALL COSTS.
With there soon to be NO service in our service industry company
how can they honestly at the G/O think anyone with half a mind
will spend a penny for the Delta brand if they diminish their
product further. Less f/as mean less service; ? comment in
her email that our staffing levels still exceed FAA staffing
requirements makes me laugh even further. Do they think we do not
realize that staffing levels for SERVICE and FAA staffing for
SAFETY are two different things! It shows once again that this
management is not better; simply reshuffling an old hand and not
doing ANYTHING to enhance our product or name. Will this really
in the end save our company?
Diminished but not deterred,
John
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:18:24 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: mail.deltaafa.org
From: MAC
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
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In a recent memo detailing our per diem cut, load factor cuts on
some airplanes, training pay travel day cut and hotel layovers at
basically the airport in the near future, did anyone else notice
the spin?
It was said how management wants to be honest and inform us as
soon as possible about upcoming changes. First of all they said
about the staffing cuts that we are still well above FAA
minimums. As an oxymoron, it seems we will be AT FAA MINIMUMS
now. At least due to FAA rules they will not be able to cut any
further in that area. Regarding the way it was said that due to
productivity we should be able to recall 250 Flight Attendants
for the summer schedule. With normal attrition aside and 800-900
leaving in retirement, does this not leave us with another net
loss of those on the seniority list? Figure out the percentage
for yourself.
Frankly, when one asks to speak frankly to me I expect just that
and please don't call me Shirley!
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11
30 -0800From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether COMMENT: the next tsunami
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: ATL
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
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Has anyone else wondered with the recent announcement of more
staffing cuts why didn't management make this known to us when
the last round of recent retirement packages was out? Why didn't
they inform us so those who knew their base was closing or that
their seniority was soon to not hold some type of flying (form of
income$) that they could have made a more INFORMED decision.
Does anyone believe management didn't know/have planned these
further reductions when AERO was flying around?
Not only do we have to endure the lack of income and worsening
work conditions we also have to work with management that is
really not being honest with us again.
You build a solid home with solid materials. Honesty is one of
those materials.
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 11:23:40 -0800
From: "webmaster" <[email protected]>
Subject: JoinTogether REPLY TO: Insurance Claims
Reply-To: [email protected]
From: in
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005
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I have had the EXACT same experience with well-woman exams, most
recently in Nov. UHC'S "explaination" of why my claim was not
paid is IDENTICAL to the writer's in every way.
I will certainly contact the people and agencies mentioned in
Pam's note about this, and encourage anyone else who has been
affected by this farce to do the same.
By the way, the pilots have an advocate to contact when this kind
of thing happens to them. We have had to contact her several
times and miraculously the problem gets solved when she gets
involved.
Oh the wonders of having a contract!!
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