JFK Station Closure Agreement

Date: October 30, 2015
Source: AFA Article

Click here to view the Moving and Transfer Packet specific to the JFK station closure. 

Over the course of the past two weeks, the Officers of the United Master Executive Council met with representatives from Inflight Services to address the recent closure of the JFK station in New York City.  While the Union has previously taken the position that this action results in a domicile closure, management has taken a contrary position.  Typically, disagreements involving the interpretation of the Contract are resolved through our Contractual Grievance process.   Often, the process can take some period of time to conclude.  

As a result of discussions with Inflight management and in an effort to avoid a protracted dispute over this issue, the company and the Union have reached the following agreement:

• Without prejudice to the position of either party, the company and AFA will reserve their respective positions on the issue of domicile closure.
• Flight Attendants domiciled at JFK as of June 16, 2015 (the date of station closure announcement was made) will be eligible for a paid move under Section 24 of our Contract.
• To be eligible for a company paid move you must meet the following requirements:
  • Satisfy the provisions of Section 24.A. (Moving Expenses) of our Contract, and
  • Move to a new primary residence that is at least 25 miles from your current address, and
  • Change the city of your primary residence (“primary residence” means your PeopleSoft Employee Profile permanent street address), AND
  • Lease, rent or purchase a new residence in your name, AND
  • Your new primary street address (not a Post Office box) must be located within 50 driving miles (determined by Google Maps or similar service) of the EWR airport. AND
  • You must move to a location that is closer to EWR than your old location.
• There will be no reduction in personnel through either furlough or surplus as a result of the closure of the JFK station*
• In the coming weeks, it is anticipated that reference to the domicile will transition from JFKSW to EWRSW. 
• Ready Reserve Preferencing is expected to be made available for the LGA co-terminal.
• Income taxes will be based on the UG100 address of the employee.  However, there are certain New Jersey taxes that will be applied based on the change in work location.

*As an added protection for our Members, we have reached the following understanding:  United also agrees, prior to execution of a joint Collective Bargaining Agreement between United and AFA, United will not contest on jurisdictional grounds any unemployment claims filed either in New York or New Jersey by affected pre-merger United Flight Attendants within the New York Metropolitan area.

It is important to note, because you are not changing work location (base), the cost to ship your household goods and/or automobile will be taxable.  United will, however,  pay the taxes associated with these expenses on your behalf.  The amount of this expense will be reported on your W-2 as imputed income, but should have a net zero effect on your taxes.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact your Local Council Office.

Printed from the official United Master Executive Council website at www.unitedafa.org.