Section 10 - AMC Operation

SECTION 10

AMC/CRAF OPERATION

All provisions of the Agreement, except as modified or excepted by this Section, shall apply to the Flight Attendants assigned to an AMC/CRAF trip pairing(s).

10.A. DEFINITIONS

10.A.1.

“AMC Operation” means any flights regardless of the nature of the payload transported, all or part of which are conducted in accordance with any contract made between United Airlines, Inc. and the Air Mobility Command for operation outside the continental limits of the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) but shall not include the Company’s certified service or commercial charter service.

10.A.1.a.

Note: CRAF (Civil Reserve Air Fleet) defined.  

The term Civil Reserve Air Fleet (“CRAF”) for the purpose of this Section means all flight operations conducted in accordance with the agreement between United Airlines and the Department of Defense but shall not include the Company’s certificated service or commercial charter service of any other government operation.

10.A.2.

Any government operation conducted solely within the continental limits of the United States (excluding Hawaii and Alaska) shall not be considered flight time under this Section. Flight Attendants assigned to flights which require exemption under Sub chapter C.49CFR shall be provided the protection established in Paragraphs C, D, E, and F.

10.B. ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION

10.B.1.

Note: Increase in AMC override to $5 (from $4). 

In addition to the regular compensation, a Flight Attendant shall be paid an override of $5.00 $4.00 for each hour or portion thereof flown or credited.

10.B.1.a. 

Note: $7/hr for aero medical operation (new).   

In addition to the regular compensation, Flight Attendants engaged in an aero medical operation shall be paid an override of $7.00 for each hour or portion thereof flown or credited.

10.B.1.b.

Flight Attendants will be paid either under 10.B.1. or 10.B.1.a., depending on the type of flying, but not both.

10.B.2.

The maximum scheduled and actual duty times of Section 6.T. may be extended by the Company as necessary up to the FAR duty time maximums.

10.B.3.

Scheduled international AMC trip pairing(s) that exceed the limitations provisions of Section 6.T. of the Agreement, will receive additional pay at the Flight Attendant’s regular rate of pay for each hour or portion of an hour actually on duty in excess of those limitations, in accordance with Sections 6.Y.2. and 3.

10.B.4.

Scheduling will apply the override described above based on scheduled duty time. Such compensation is for pay purposes only and may not be used to offset any other guarantees.

10.C. DEATH BENEFITS 

In the event of the death of any Flight Attendant while assigned to an AMC trip pairing or in the event of death of any Flight Attendant resulting from injury or disease received while assigned to an AMC trip pairing, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid, subject to the conditions of Paragraph G. below, $150,000 $25,000 ($50,000 where exemption under Sub chapter C 49CFR is required, or in the event of death caused by hostile action of a representative of any government while the Flight Attendant is outside the United States during assignment to an AMC trip pairing) to the beneficiary or beneficiaries in the order and manner named in the last Group Life Insurance certificate issued for such Flight Attendant. Such death benefit shall be paid either in a lump sum or in installments, as the Flight Attendant may, in writing, direct. Such benefits shall be in addition to the benefits prescribed in the Company’s Flight Attendant Group Life Insurance and Group Accident-Sickness and Dental Insurance Program.

10.C.1.  PERSONAL LIFE INSURANCE PROTECTION  

The Company shall protect a Flight Attendant from any reduction in their commercially available personal life insurance benefits which may result from their assignment to AMC Operations up to a maximum of $500,000 of total personal life insurance coverage.

10.D. PERMANENT TOTAL DISABILITY

In lieu of death benefits described in Paragraph C. above, in the event of the permanent total disability of a Flight Attendant resulting from injury or disease received while assigned to an AMC trip pairing, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid, subject to the conditions of Paragraph G. below, compensation in the sum of $150,000 $50,000 or $100,000 where exemption under Sub chapter C 49CFR is required, or in the event of permanent total disability caused by hostile action of a representative of any government while the Flight Attendant is outside the United States during assignment to an AMC trip pairing. Such compensation shall be paid either in a lump sum or in installments, as the Flight Attendant may, in writing, direct. The loss of, or the loss of use of, both hands, or both arms, or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or any two thereof, shall constitute permanent total disability for the purpose of this Paragraph. In all other cases under this Paragraph, permanent total disability shall be determined in accordance with the facts. Such benefits shall be in addition to the benefits prescribed in the Company’s Flight Attendant Group Life Insurance and Cooperative Group Life and Group Accident/Sickness and Dental Insurance Program.

10.E. PERMANENT DISABILITY OTHER THAN TOTAL

In the event of permanent disability other than permanent total disability of a Flight Attendant resulting from injury or disease received while assigned to an AMC trip pairing, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid, subject to the conditions of Paragraph G. below, for a period of not less than twelve (12) months commencing with the date of incurrence of disability, the amount each month during such period by which the minimum pay provided for in Section 4.A , and Paragraph B. above, exceeds the sum of (a) the amount to which such Flight Attendant is entitled under Section 13.F., and (b) the amount of pay received for such month in the same or other employment with the Company. Under the conditions of this Paragraph, a Flight Attendant’s pay shall be calculated on the basis of seventy-two (72) credited hours per month.

10.F. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS

Workers’ Compensation Benefits shall be provided by the Company for all Flight Attendants assigned to an AMC trip pairing in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.F. The monetary benefits so paid shall be in addition to any monetary benefits paid pursuant to Paragraphs C and D of this Section and will be paid to the beneficiaries prescribed by the applicable law herein provided.

10.G. GENERAL CONDITIONS

10.G.1.

The provisions for death benefits in Paragraph C and for disability benefits in Paragraphs D and E are intended to apply to Flight Attendants while assigned to an AMC trip pairing, as follows:

10.G.1.a.

When outside the continental United States in connection with or as a result of said operations, irrespective of whether they are actually engaged in active duty at the time of death or injury.

10.G.1.b.

When within the continental United States, only if they are actually engaged in the course of employment at the time of death or injury, except that when not actually engaged in the course of employment at the time of death or injury, Flight Attendants shall receive the group insurance benefits now in force on the Company’s domestic routes.

10.G.2.

The obligation of the Company to make payment provided for in Paragraphs D and E is subject to the condition the injury or disease, resulting in the permanent total or partial disability, shall not have been occasioned solely by her/his attempted suicide.

10.H. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 

10.H.1.

AMC trip pairings may be constructed with a report time up to ninety (90) minutes earlier than the normal check-in time for that aircraft type. In the event that the Company increases scheduled check-in time(s), it shall make increases in five-minute (0:05) increments up to a maximum increase of ninety (90) minutes. Flight Attendants shall be paid for the increased time in accordance with Section 6.R.6.

10.H.2.

Flight Attendants shall continue to fly any AMC flight deemed essential to the national defense, provided such flights are solely military in nature and carry cargo composed entirely of military requirements even though at the time such military flights are necessary, the Flight Attendants have for any reason withdrawn from domestic airline service.

10.H.2.a.

To assure the movement of a particular flight under such circumstances, the Union shall require certification by an appropriate Company official designated by the Company that such flight is in accordance with specifications set forth in Paragraph 2. above. This certification shall be provided prior to movement of the flight where feasible or, where not feasible, promptly thereafter.

10.H.2.b.

A Flight Attendant who flies such military traffic shall not lose any benefits accruing to other Flight Attendants which they would otherwise have received upon settlement of an unresolved labor dispute.

10.H.3.

In the event a trip pairing contains both AMC and regular International flying, the special AMC provisions of this Section will apply only to the AMC flight(s) therein. A deadhead immediately preceding or immediately following a working AMC flight will also be considered an AMC flight for purposes of this Section.

10.I. CRAF OPERATION  

10.I.1.  CRAF LIST  

10.I.1.a.  

A System CRAF volunteer list will be bid and awarded and will be the recognized CRAF list until replaced as the result of any later system bid.

10.I.1.a.(1).  

At least every five (5) years, the Company shall solicit volunteers to fill vacancies resulting from attrition or removals from the CRAF volunteer list. 

10.I.1.b.  

The size of the active CRAF list will be determined by the Company after consultation with the Union.

10.I.1.c.  

If there are insufficient volunteers for the System CRAF volunteer list the Company may assign Flight Attendants in inverse order of system seniority.

10.I.1.d.  

Language positions may be assigned to CRAF pairings as necessary to support the mission pursuant to Section 9.G.5.a. This may include current Language Qualified Flight Attendants and/or non-Language Qualified Flight Attendants who speak a language necessary for the mission and who are on the CRAF volunteer list.  Flight Attendants qualified in the designated language must be used prior to non-language qualified Flight Attendants who speak the designated language.  

10.I.1.e. 

Flight assignments for International Purser positions (as designated) will be filled from among the International  Pursers on the CRAF list at the base to which the CRAF flying is assigned, if available. If there are insufficient volunteers with International Purser qualifications, assignment of International Purser positions will be filled from among Flight Attendants assigned the CRAF pairing.

10.I.1.f.  

The Company shall facilitate the procurement of the appropriate security clearances and restricted area identification, including, but not limited to the Geneva Convention Identity Card (DD Form 489) as required by the appropriate Government authority for all Flight Attendants awarded a CRAF bid. Flight Attendants shall be provided any necessary intelligence/safe-passage briefings prior to operating any applicable CRAF trip.

10.I.1.g.  

A Flight Attendant may remove their name from the System CRAF list with thirty (30) days’ notice to the Company through the process identified by the Company.

10.I.2. FLIGHT ASSIGNMENTS  

10.I.2.a. 

After establishing the active CRAF list, pairing assignments will be made on the basis of seniority and availability at the base to which the CRAF flying is assigned. 

10.I.2.b. 

Before bypassing a Flight Attendant, the Company will make:

10.I.2.b.(1).  

Two (2) calls to the Flight Attendant’s permanent or alternate number within a five (5) hour period for any assignments more than seventy-two (72) hours in advance; or

10.I.2.b.(2).  

Two (2) calls within a four (4) hour period for assignments seventy-two (72) hours or less in advance.

10.I.2.b.(3).  

The Company and the Union agree to meet and confer over the possibility of automating the CRAF flight assignment process. 

10.I.2.c.  

A Flight Attendant may refuse no more than one CRAF assignment in a calendar quarter. A second refusal in a quarter will result in the Flight Attendant’s removal from the CRAF list.

10.I.2.d.  

The Company may draft in inverse seniority order from the active CRAF list if necessary to cover a CRAF pairing.  If insufficient coverage still exists, the Company may then draft in seniority order Flight Attendants on the System CRAF volunteer list who are based at the base(s) to which the CRAF flying is assigned.

10.I.2.d.(1). 

If the Company is unable to cover all positions on a CRAF pairing after drafting as provided for above, it may, at its discretion: 

10.I.2.d.(1).(a). 

Drop the unassigned position(s) into Open Time; or

10.I.2.d.(1).(b). 

Move the unassigned positions to another Base, in which case trip pairing assignments will be made from the CRAF list at that Base on the basis of seniority and availability; or

10.I.2.d.(1).(c). 

Offer the pairing to a Reserve, following the regular order of assignment. A Reserve offered a position on a CRAF pairing may choose to decline assignment and will remain available for other non-CRAF assignments; or

10.I.2.d.(1).(d). 

Any combination of paragraphs (a)., (b)., (c)., above.

10.I.2.e.  

The Company will provide NRPS must ride transportation on the Company’s system to position a Flight Attendant from their address of record to their base and back to their address of record.  Pay and expenses will be based on required check-in to debriefing at their home Base for the pairing.  

10.I.2.f. 

The provisions concerning contacting Flight Attendants during legal rest periods contained in Section 6.Z.3. of the Agreement will apply except in emergencies.

10.I.3.   FLIGHT TIME AND LEGALITIES  

10.I.3.a. 

Notwithstanding above Paragraph I-4.a., scheduled CRAF pairings may exceed the limitations provisions of Section 6.T. of the Agreement, and if so, Flight Attendants will receive additional pay at their regular rate for each hour or portion of an hour actually on duty in excess of the hours of Section 6.T. of the Agreement, in accordance with Section 6.Y.2. and 3. Scheduling will apply the override described above based on scheduled duty time. Such compensation is for pay purposes only and may not be used to offset any other guarantees.

10.I.3.b. 

CRAF pairings may be constructed with a report time up to ninety (90) minutes earlier than the normal check-in time. In the event that the Company increases scheduled check-in time(s), it shall make increases in five minute (0:05) increments up to a maximum increase of ninety (90) minutes. Flight Attendants shall be paid for the increased time in accordance with Section 6.R.5.d. 

10.I.4. LINE GUARANTEE  

10.I.4.a.  

If a CRAF pairing cancels prior to the departure of its first segment, a Lineholder Flight Attendant will cover any pairing(s) they dropped in order to fly the CRAF pairing. If the dropped pairing(s) is no longer available, the Lineholder will be subject to Section 7.Q. reassignment(s) as applicable.

10.I.5. EXPENSES  

10.I.5.a.  

Flight Attendants on the CRAF operation will receive expenses per Section 5.A.1.b. of the Agreement.

10.I.5.b.  

Crew meals and drinking water will be provided on all international segments. Meals will not be used to reduce the hourly expense allowances and will be at least equal in quality as those provided for passengers, or for pilots where there are no passengers.

10.I.5.c.  

When meals, lodging, or transportation are not provided by the Company, Flight Attendants on the CRAF Operation shall be reimbursed for such expenses in accordance with Section 5 of the Agreement.

10.I.6. COMPENSATION  

Flight Attendants assigned to a CRAF pairing shall be paid rates of compensation as stipulated in Section 4.A. of the Basic Agreement. In addition, Flight Attendants will receive a premium of $5.00 per hour for all CRAF pairings except for those pairings flown wholly within the United States.

10.I.7. VACATION.  

10.I.7.a.  

Flight Attendants on the CRAF list will maintain their current vacation schedule and at their current rates of pay.

10.I.7.b. 

A Flight Attendant who flies one or more CRAF pairings covering sixteen (16) or more days in a given month will receive credit for an additional two and one-half (2 ½) vacation days for each such month to be taken the following year. Days off between consecutive CRAF trips will count as assigned CRAF days for this purpose.

10.I.8. INSURANCE  

A Flight Attendant assigned to a CRAF pairing will be covered by the insurance and pay continuation benefits prescribed under the AMC provisions, Paragraphs C., D., E., F., and G., and Section 27 (Missing, Interned, Hostage or Prisoner of War) of the Agreement.  In addition, except as modified by this Paragraph, such Flight Attendant shall continue to be covered by the Company’s Group Insurance program.

10.I.9. ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS AGREED 4/11/2023

10.I.9.a. 

Flight Attendants will continue to fly any CRAF flight deemed essential to the national defense, provided such flights are solely military in nature and carry cargo composed entirely of military requirements even though, at the time such military flights are necessary, the Flight Attendants have for any reason withdrawn from regular airline service.

10.I.9.b. 

To assure the movement of a particular flight under such circumstances, the Union will require certification by an appropriate Company official designated by the Company that such flight is in accordance with the specifications set forth in this Paragraph 9 in Paragraph 2. above.  This certification shall be provided prior to movement of the flight where feasible, or, where not feasible, promptly thereafter.

10.I.9.c. 

Flight Attendants who fly A Flight Attendant who flies such military traffic will not lose any benefits accruing to other Flight Attendants which they would otherwise have received upon settlement of an unresolved labor dispute.

3. In the event a trip pairing contains both AMC and regular International flying, the special AMC provisions of this Section will apply only to the AMC flight(s) therein. A deadhead immediately preceding or immediately following a working AMC flight will also be considered an AMC flight for purposes of this Section.

10.I.10.  GENERAL 

The Company agrees to meet with the Union to resolve unanticipated issues as may arise during the CRAF operation.  If requested by the Union, such discussions will include the Senior Vice President Inflight or their designee.

10.I.11.  MAXIMUM DUTY TIME 

The maximum scheduled and actual duty times of Section 6.T. may be extended by the Company as necessary up to the FAR duty time maximums.

10.I.12. ON BOARD REST  

A Flight Attendant will be provided at least two (2) hours on board rest for any combination of flight segments in a duty period which exceed the Section 6.T. maximums.

10.I.13.  STAFFING 

Staffing levels will be augmented above FAA minimums in accordance with FARs based on scheduled duty time.