| ATA Airlines Ceases Operations
Help for ATA Airlines Flight Attendants
TO: ATA Flight Attendants
FROM: AFA EAP
As you, your partners, and families begin the process of responding to the certainty of ATA’s closure, please remember that AFA EAP services will continue to be available to you and your family members. We can offer you emotional support and assist you with identifying resources and services for which you may now qualify.
If you become aware of a flying partner who is in need of our assistance, please pass our contact information onto her or him.
To Contact AFA EAP by Phone: 800-424-2406
To E-Mail AFA EAP : eapassist@afanet.org |
Questions and Answers from AFA ATA MECP Rhonda Hogard
Q: Will our union fight for us to get our unpaid vacation pay that is due to us?
A: We are petitioning with the bankruptcy court tomorrow for a spot on the creditors committee. This is also where we will fight for our vacation pay.
Q: Will our union fight to get our matching 401K for the first quarter since the first quarter has already passed?
A: This is another round for court as any $$$ the Company has will now be fought over between all of those that are owed.
Q: WILL OUR UNION FIGHT TO GET US IMMEDIATE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE, NOT LAPSE COVERAGE AS OF APRIL 3RD? IT SOUNDS AS IF THEY ARE BREAKING THE LAW?
A: The Company is providing COBRA through GAL. It is the same with every Company that is self insured - once the Company is no longer operating - the employee has the ability to purchase the COBRA insurance. If you do so during the alloted time - there is no lapse in coverage and since it will still be with United Healthcare - any deductable we have already paid this year will carry over.
Q: I read a fa has to be 55 with 10 years of employment in order to receive retiree travel benefits? Is there any flexibility with this since many of us have been with ATA for many years?
A: Our Company has ceased operations - we are unfortunately not retired. I am going to follow up with the Company when I meet with them next week. I do not think it is ATA's decision - but the other carriers. In my past experience when Pan Am went out of business - the people that were already retired lost the benefits on other carriers because the Company no longer existed. I will certainly see what options are available to us.
Q: I think the union should have a letter on the web immediately along with a hotline number for questions?
A: I am posting information as soon as I get it and trying to follow the questions as they come in. I will ask about setting up a phone line. You can certainly call your LECP and they will try to get your answers to you. I have talked to or called every person back that has contacted me today and I will continue to try to provide the answers you are looking for. It is just easier to post the question and answer instead of calling ten people back with the same info.
Q: Will CWA provide us with any useful information regarding immediate health care insurance coverage?
A: Each base or location of a large group of our F/a's is setting up a meeting place to have EAP and AFA staff or volunteers available to give you information. There will be information on community resources, insurance alternatives, unemployment, job sharing, and additional resources that will benefit the current needs of our group. Please check the website for times, dates and places. We will post as they come in.
Q: What do I do if I am owed money from ATA for previous payroll mistakes or crew expenses?
A: The Company has already asked the court to be allowed to pay employees what is owed to them. They will have to get court approval but will try to get this done as quickly as possible.
Q: Will I get my perdiem?
A: This is an expense that the Company plans on paying out - they have not confirmed the date yet.
Q: I was sent a letter of previous over payment what will happen to this?
A: The Company will not pursue any over payment. It was not taken from your recent check and will simply be waived.
Q: Will the Union try to get us jobs with NAA or World?
A: I have already asked about this and it is another topic for discussion when I meet with ATA. They have said they will certainly do what they can to help our employees getting jobs with the other two carriers as much as possible.
Depending on what happens with the aircraft,we will pursue through the court any way possible to ensure our members some type of employement if at all possible. I think the bankruptcy will negate our loose fragmentation language - but we will fight the fight.
Q: Is it really over or will the bankruptcy allow us to come back in some form?
A: Unfortunately this is the end of the road for ATA as we know it. The bankruptcy moved right to liquidation and what is left will now be fought over by the creditors.
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