Furlough contract language
 

The flashy contract comparison guides put out by our MECs rarely if ever touch on furlough sections. I assumed all of us had similar language, but in talking to a neighbor today I was surprised to find his benefits were a bit different. What is your airline's general furlough language?

JetBlue:

• 60 days notice/pay in lieu of notice
• Furlough pay (75 hours per month) for:
  • 1/2 month for less than one year longevity
  • 1 month for each year of longevity up to six years (e.g., 3 months pay for 3 years longevity)
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance benefits at active rates for duration of receiving furlough pay
• Retain pass privileges

Any “act of god” exceptions?

Always.

Questionable whether that will hold up for COVID-induced economic circumstances six+ months from now.

I see no such provision for SWA

"Force Majeure" has been used before but a "Force Majeure" clause must be included in the contract otherwise it can't be used. Google "Airline Contracts Force Majeure" and you'll find several articles about COVID-19 and Force Majeure. But again it has to be written into the CBA for airlines to invoke it and bypass the contract without going into Chapter 11.

The other issue is more or less deliberate violations with a plan to arbitrate it later. $50 million cash now may be worth more than $55 in 18 months

Just because Force Majeure is in the contract doesn't mean it would be able to be applied here.

You point out a brilliant thought.
I could see that happening.
Have you served on a grievance committee? Because with a hostile company that’s exact what would happen with a smaller issue than 50 mil.

Ok so no one posted their airline’s language. Great.

no, I’ve just read “The Prince”

in rising water, you stand on anything you have handy. I wouldn’t attribute it to hostility so much as desperation. Not sure if contract nuances have enough juice in them for the effort, but it’s a forseeable possibility