Section 27 - Missing, Interned, Hostage or Prisoner of War

SECTION 27

MISSING, INTERNED, HOSTAGE OR PRISONER OF WAR

27.A. COVERED PERIOD AND COMPENSATION

A Flight Attendant shall be entitled to continued compensation during a Covered Period equal to their her/his rate of pay, including overrides and premiums, times the average monthly hours paid for active months during the twelve (12) months preceding the event, plus amounts due under the Company’s on-time performance program, the Profit Sharing Plan, or other similar plans and programs. If a new hire Flight Attendant has no hours in the twelve (12) prior months, compensation shall be at their her/his rate of pay, including overrides and premiums, times the monthly guarantee.

27.A.2.

A Covered Period means any time a Flight Attendant is involuntarily missing, involuntarily and wrongfully detained, or taken prisoner of war, in each case while on a pairing or performing official duties for the Company. 

27.A.3. 

Compensation shall be provided to the most recent beneficiary(ies) designated by the Flight Attendant. If no beneficiaries have been designated, the Company shall pay the compensation to the Flight Attendant upon their her/his release or, if death has been legally determined, to the legal representative of the Flight Attendant’s estate.

27.A.4.

The Company shall be entitled to recover any amount paid pursuant to this Section for any period when the Flight Attendant is not involuntarily missing, involuntarily and wrongfully detained, or taken prisoner of war, in each case while on a pairing or performing official duties for the Company. 

27.A.5.

The Company, in conjunction with the Union, shall take all actions that are reasonable in the circumstances to secure the release of the Flight Attendant during a Covered Period.

27.B. CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS

27.B.1.

During a Covered Period the Flight Attendant shall be regarded as if they are she/he is an active employee to the extent reasonably possible. For example, pass travel and current health and welfare elections for the Flight Attendant’s dependents shall be continued.

27.B.2.

Compensation and accrual of vacation and sick leave shall continue during Covered Periods until the Flight Attendant is released or death is legally established. All vacation accrued during Covered Periods shall be made available to the Flight Attendant upon their her/his return or paid to their her/his beneficiary(ies) when death is legally established. 

27.B.3.

When a Flight Attendant has been missing for twelve (12) months, the Company shall aid the beneficiary in obtaining legal proof in order that death benefits under Company plans can be paid, consistent with applicable law. In no event shall more than one (1) death benefit be paid per Flight Attendant. 

27.C. SENIORITY 

Flight Attendant shall maintain and continue to accrue seniority and longevity for all Covered Periods.