Q: I’m wondering why AFA was able to negotiate the current VX commuter policy for VX, however not for AS in the JCBA.
A: The JNC did push for implementation of the current VX commuter policy for all Flight Attendants. We were able to attain ground commuting provisions for all Flight Attendants. However, management was unwilling to allowing the Commuter Policy provisions to cover non-AAG flights. Management refuses to assume “liability” for flights that they did not control.
Q: I was wondering why our commuter policy doesn’t apply to other airlines? I live at Orlando Fl, I was told our LAX-MCO route will be taken away. How can I be protected if I can’t fly on my own metal? Also what’s the chance of this policy be updated.
A: The AFA Negotiating Committee tried to achieve extending the Commuter Policy protections to non-AAG flights in the last round of Section 6 negotiations and the JNC attempted to do so again in these Merger negotiations. However, management’s very firm position is that they have no control over other airlines’ flights and will not assume that liability. Consequently, you are not protected for off-line commuting, and management does not seem willing to revisit its position on the issue any time in the near future.
Q: If you are an air commuter from a city that is not serviced by an Alaska, Horizon, or Virgin America flight, you may not use the commuter policy. Is this correct? Without that protection may I ask what recourse a commuter has in the event of bad weather or some other event making commuting difficult?
A: That is correct: You cannot use the Commuter Policy in that situation. However, you may register out of an AAG city closest to your residence or the closest AAG city to your residence that has the most service. Commuters do not have recourse in the provided example. Unfortunately, management has stated on more than one occasion that commuting is a choice, and commuters must make their life choices accordingly.
Julian S. says
I would like to get clarification. If this TA passes, the current VX commuter policy will remain in place (covering non-AAG flights) for pmVX and pmAS will have a different commuter policy?
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
That is correct: pmVX will have the VX Commuter Policy and pmAS will have the AS Commuter Policy until Full Integration (estimated March 2019). After that, pmVX will transfer to the AS Commuter Policy.
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
The answer to your question has now been posted on the JNC blog http://afaalaska.org/asvx-merger/jnc_blog/commuter-policy-air-commuting-3-jcba