Speaker: Todd Smitala, Technology Solutions Architect
Does a yes vote mean I’m giving away my right to vote on dues increases?
Todd Smitala: Hi, I'm Todd Smitala, APFA Technology Solutions architect and I want to clear up a misconception. Some flight attendants are worried that a yes vote on the dues restructure would allow APFA to raise dues in the future without member approval. Let me be clear, this is not true. Your right to vote on future increases remains protected. Here's the reality. Our dues have been fixed at $41 per month for over 20 years, and that amount no longer covers our expenses. We've managed recently, thanks to a larger negotiations budget, but now that negotiations are complete, that resource is gone. The proposed restructure is basically a one-time adjustment. However, instead of a fixed dollar increase, it's tied to the hourly wage of a six-year flight attendant, which adjusts annually for inflation. Today, that amount is $53.67 and it will rise gradually over the next few years, aligning with our scheduled wage increases. This insurers dues stay fair and proportional to our pay without requiring a much larger one-time increase. This vote is critical. We've achieved an industry leading contract, making us the highest paid flight attendants in the world, but with our success comes rising union costs, driven in large part by union reps' wages, which are tied to the same pay increases we've just secured for everyone. A yes vote ensures APFA remains strong and able to support you without falling behind due to inflation or rising costs. Let's keep APFA strong and let's keep moving forward together. Thank you.
