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Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

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The AFA Disaster Relief Fund is now open given the Presidential major disaster declaration, and individual assistance has been designated for Sonoma County.

We know that disasters can change lives forever. While we can’t stop destructive events from happening, we can, as a Union, assist our members with their recovery. AFA established the Disaster Relief Fund after September 11th to assist our members whose lives were placed in harms way. AFA members and retirees, whose primary residence is in the counties listed at www.afacwa.org/drf are eligible for $200.00 from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund. It is a gift made possible by the generosity of your fellow union sisters and brothers with AFA.

If you would like to apply for AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds, visit www.afacwa.org/drf and download the Disaster Relief Fund Application. There are multiple ways of submitting your application including:

  • Fax it to the International AFA EAP Department at 202-434-1411
  • Mail it to AFA-CWA EAP Department, 6th Floor, 501 Third Street NW, Washington D.C. 20001-2797.
  • Email the application information to lfoster@afanet.org
  • Phone in the necessary information to 1-800-424-2406.

If you wish to make a contribution either by check or electronic payment, please visit www.afacwa.org/drf for more information on donating.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

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The following preliminary seniority lists were received from the Company and were used by the Seniority Merger Integration Committee to generate the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) mailed on October 10, 2017. Posting of these lists satisfy the requirements of Section X.C.2.d of the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws.

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Preliminary Seniority List > (password protected)

Virgin America Flight Attendant Preliminary Seniority List > (password protected)

(Password is located here in the emailed version of this communication.)

Due to the sensitive nature of this information, both lists are password protected. Please do not share or repost the password.

If you have any questions, contact the Seniority Merger Integration Committee at seniority@afacwa.org.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Your Seniority Merger Integration Committee – Sandra Morrow, Rolando Teran, Lynne Voigtsberger and Marie Maxwell

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*Reminder*

Your AFA Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has developed this survey to solicit feedback regarding your expectations for merger negotiations. Your participation is extremely important. Providing your union leaders with your input and support will better help us to represent you at the bargaining table.

Keep in mind that merger negotiations are a different process than regular negotiations. These talks are not under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board or Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, and neither management nor AFA believes the entire contract is open for discussion. Therefore, discussions are focusing on transitioning the Virgin America Flight Attendants to the Alaska contract and on a very short list of potential improvements to the Alaska contract that will benefit Flight Attendants from both groups.

The survey is now open to all Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Flight Attendants and will close on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 9am Pacific Time.

(Survey link is located here in the emailed version of this communication.)

For security reasons, the survey link will be included only in the emailed version of this communication and distributed to personal email addresses on file in the AFA Newsletter Sending System. The survey link will not be available on the afaalaska.org website nor on social media, and AFA requests that you do not repost the link.

If you have any questions or if you need the survey link sent to you, email the Joint Negotiating Committee from a personal email address. If you have a requesting a survey link, please provide the following for verification purposes: your name, employee number and current domicile.

In Solidarity,

Your Joint Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

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The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) has finalized the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) that are being mailed today: October 10, 2017.  Over 5,000 letters are being sent to Alaska Airlines (AS) and Virgin America (VX) Flight Attendants, and they will begin arriving at mailing addresses on file with the Company within a week.

While letters are being mailed to everyone, the SMIC recognizes that F/A’s living and receiving mail outside the U.S. might face delayed deliveries.  To better ensure a timely delivery to F/A’s living and receiving mail outside the U.S., a copy of the letter will be placed in the company mailbox/v-file of anyone with a non-U.S. mailing address.

If you do not receive a Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) by October 23, you may request that a duplicate be sent to you by email.  To do so, send your request to the following email address: seniority@afacwa.org.  Your request must include your Name, Employee Number, Council/Base, and your Email Address.  You will receive a response within five business days.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Reporting Issues vs. Contract Questions

A new email is available for reporting Crew Access issues (incorrect illegality, unable to swap, etc.). For issues specific to Crew Access functionality, please email: mgmt.facrewsked@alaskaair.com.

If you have any contract or pay questions, we encourage you to file a report using the AFA Online Support Center. This ensures your question is routed to the correct AFA representative and tracked for informational purposes. Access the AFA Online Support Center here: http://support.afaalaska.org/

Irregular Operations

Whenever flight attendants experience irregular operations, union representatives reach out to offer assistance and ensure the flight attendants know what to request through an Activity Claim Form. For your convenience, we have attached the Irregular Operations document we send to affected crews. Keep in mind this is a quick reference guide of contract provisions. We advise you spend time familiarizing yourself with the contract as well.

Double Checking Pay

Many flight attendants have questions on how to accurately double check pay/TFP totals. While the union agrees flight attendants should not need to double check and request their hard earned pay and TFP, we also want you equipped with the best information possible.

If you choose to check your pay or TFP totals, use your Crew Paysheet as your main resource. Use the Pay Sheet Description and Crew Pay Sheet Codes to interpret your paysheet. You may then compare this to the totals on your actual paycheck each month.

Transition Training

Currently, transition training is scheduled to begin July 2018 and run through November 2018. Alaska FAs will learn the Airbus aircraft and Virgin America FAs will learn Boeing. More information and details will be released once management and AFA discuss the process.

Crew Access

Trading with Codes

There have been many questions recently about trading in Crew Access with TO and non-coded trips. We have attached a document explaining what trades are legal/allowed on Crew Access. Please keep in mind that multiple trades, previously allowed on eMaestro, are not allowed on Crew Access.

‘Published’ vs. ‘Release’ roster report

The Published Roster report is current and should reflect the trips you have flown/are scheduled to fly in a month period. The Roster Release report shows the trips you were originally awarded from PBS, and does not reflect any changes to your schedule.

The TFP ‘Circle’

The TFP ‘circle’ at the top of Crew Access shows your monthly TFP totals. Keep in mind this number only reflects your TFP through the current day of the month. To avoid any error, we advise you to use the published roster report for an accurate TFP total for the month.

Trading Recurrent

Recurrent training may be traded with any open recurrent day in OT, the same as you would trade any trip. You may also direct trade recurrent dates with another flight attendant the same as you would direct trade a trip. Notice the ‘trip number’ for recurrent in the picture below.

Please note: when trading recurrent, you will need to contact CS to remove travel days from your schedule in order to pick up trips on those dates. You will also need to cancel any hotel reservations. SAN FAs – currently, trading recurrent must be done after “out of domicile” trades are allowed.

If you have any questions, please email your Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson.

Fly safe! – MEC Scheduling Committee

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Your AFA Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has developed this survey to solicit feedback regarding your expectations for merger negotiations. Your participation is extremely important. Providing your union leaders with your input and support will better help us to represent you at the bargaining table.

Keep in mind that merger negotiations are a different process than regular negotiations. These talks are not under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board or Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, and neither management nor AFA believes the entire contract is open for discussion. Therefore, discussions are focusing on transitioning the Virgin America Flight Attendants to the Alaska contract and on a very short list of potential improvements to the Alaska contract that will benefit Flight Attendants from both groups.

The survey is now open to all Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Flight Attendants and will close on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 9am Pacific Time.

(Survey link is located here in the emailed version of this communication.)

For security reasons, the survey link will be included only in the emailed version of this communication and distributed to personal email addresses on file in the AFA Newsletter Sending System. The survey link will not be available on the afaalaska.org website nor on social media, and AFA requests that you do not repost the link.

If you have any questions or if you need the survey link sent to you, email the Joint Negotiating Committee from a personal email address. If you have a requesting a survey link, please provide the following for verification purposes: your name, employee number and current domicile.

In Solidarity,

Your Joint Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

AFA is not okay with the situation

The Master Executive Council (MEC) sent out a “Trip Trades/Pickups and Screenshots” communication on September 20, 2017, that generated a number of concerns from the membership. We wish to clarify the intent of that communication and to assure you that AFA is definitely not okay with the situation.

Our new crew tracking system is a hot mess

Let’s be honest: From the Flight Attendant perspective, our new crew tracking system is a hot mess. As just one example, pairing values sometimes change due to reasons unknown as of this writing. Crew Administration has been taking the position that in order to guarantee pay when a pairing value has changed on the roster or is different than listed in the bid packet, then there needs to be a screenshot as proof. Otherwise, Crew Administration generally has not been paying the difference.

Documentation (e.g. screenshots) is generally needed as evidence in order for claims to be successful

In order for AFA to successfully achieve pay protection for a Flight Attendant pursuant to CBA §10.W [Scheduling Errors], management has usually been requiring objective evidence to substantiate the pay claim. One of the easiest ways for a F/A to provide evidence to AFA in order to help us advocate on your behalf is to take a screenshot of the pairing.

Similarly, if F/As wish to bring forward complaints to the state or to file a lawsuit, then documentation (e.g. screen shots) is generally needed as evidence in order to be successful. When you also consider that F/As can only look back 60 days on their respective rosters, then screenshots seem like one of the easier methods of verifying activity. AFA’s primary goal here is to get you paid correctly as soon as possible, which is why we recommended screenshots in the previous communication.

The law says the burden of proof for wage claims lies with the employer, not the employee

That being said, AFA believes the scheduling and payroll situation is completely unacceptable. Your AFA leaders and representatives advocate to management on a near-daily basis that Flight Attendants are being denied the tools to successfully manage their schedules and to verify their pay. Thankfully, AFA and management recently arrived at the same understanding on one very important point: The law says the burden of proof for wage claims lies with the employer, not the employee.

Consequently, AFA is advising F/As that you should not be required to provide screenshots to management in order to be properly compensated. However, AFA will continue to ask members who request our assistance with pay discrepancies to supply us with screenshots and any other available documentation so that we can research and resolve your disputes.

Jeff Butler’s October 3rd “JCTE and Payroll” email is a step in the right direction

The MEC appreciates Vice President of Inflight & Call Center Services Jeff Butler acknowledging the issues in his October 3rd “JCTE and Payroll” email, which is a step in the right direction. AFA is committed to continuing to work with management and advocating on your behalf to resolve these issues as soon as possible.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams and MEC Grievance Committee Representative Christina Frees

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A message from your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

You may be struggling to understand how a shooting could occur and why such a terrible thing would happen. There may never be satisfactory answers to these questions.

We do know, though, that most people will experience a variety of emotions following such a traumatic event. These feelings can include shock, sorrow, numbness, fear, anger, disillusionment, grief and others. You may find that you have trouble sleeping, concentrating, eating or remembering even simple tasks. This is common and should pass after a while. Over time, the caring support of family and friends can help to lessen the emotional impact and ultimately make the changes brought about by the tragedy more manageable. You may feel that the world is a more dangerous place today than you did yesterday. It will take some time to recover your sense of equilibrium. Meanwhile, you may wonder how to go on living your daily life. You can strengthen your resilience — the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity — in the days and weeks ahead.

Here are some tips:

Talk about it

Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen to your concerns. Remember, your AFA EAP is available for confidential assistance.  Visit http://afaalaska.org/eap or call (800) 424-2406 for your local committee members.

Strive for balance

When a tragedy occurs, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and have a negative or pessimistic outlook. Balance that viewpoint by reminding yourself of people and events which are meaningful and comforting, even encouraging.

Turn it off and take a break

You may want to keep informed, but try to limit the amount of news you take in whether it’s from the Internet, television, newspapers or magazines. While getting the news informs you, being overexposed to it can actually increase your stress.

Honor your feelings

Remember that it is common to have a range of emotions after a traumatic incident.

Take care of yourself

Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress.

If you have recently lost friends or family in this or other tragedies

Remember that grief is a long process. Give yourself time to experience your feelings. It is important to get professional help if you feel like you are unable to function or perform basic activities of daily living.  Your AFA EAP can help you with a referral.

 

This tip sheet was made possible by the American Psychological Association. 

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Commuter Policy Starts Today October 1

Today we begin the trial period of the newly negotiated VX Commuter Policy.  Please read the Letter of Agreement to understand how the policy can help when encountering commuter challenges by air and ground transportation. As a reminder, for the trial period, SHP will be available for use concurrently with the new policy. Stay tuned in November for a request by AFA to participate in another survey to give feedback on the effectiveness of the policy.  For questions, please review the FAQs or contact your Council 35 officers.

Relaxed Hair Standards Starts Today October 1

Council 35 has been advocating for a change to the hair requirements for VX since interim improvement talks began in April.  As of today, management has agreed to allow VX Flight Attendants to follow the AS uniform standard as it relates to hair requirements while on duty. Please see the September 29 VX Uniform Update communication for details on the new standards.

Council 35 Membership Meeting November 2 in SFO

AFA Constitution and Bylaws require that local councils hold a membership meeting twice per calendar year.  Our first meeting was held in June with United Council 11 to discuss the AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda.  The next meeting for Council 35 members will be November 2 in the SFO Terminal 2 Conference Room. This meeting will be open to all Council 35 members in good standing who have submitted a membership application.  The purpose will be to provide members the opportunity to ask questions and receive updates on the latest issues that are impacting Council 35 members. For specific topic discussions, please submit an agenda item to Council 35 by October 26.  Light refreshments will be offered, so please complete the online registration form to help with attendance expectations.

AFA Membership Applications Needed

Every VX Flight Attendant must complete and submit a membership application to become an official member of AFA.  Please be aware that this form cannot be completed online.  The hard copy form must be submitted directly to an AFA representative or mailed to the AFA International Office in D.C. You can download and print one by clicking here. Completing an application ensures that you have the right to participate in voting activities and to attend membership meetings.

New AS PED Policy in Effect for VX

Management has recently implemented the new and improved PED policy for Virgin America Flight Attendants. The policy, in relation to PED use, was taken from the AS Flight Attendant Manual.  Please review the Personal Conduct portion of the policy to ensure understanding of the changes as it relates to personal use while on duty.  If you have any questions about PED usage, please contact your Council 35 officers.

Grievances and AFA Representation at Meetings

Council 35 has been in attendance for 75 meetings with VX Flight Attendants since June 1, when the Grievance Letter of Agreement went into effect.  These meetings have been for investigations and issuance of discipline.  To date, we have filed 25 grievances on behalf of Flight Attendants to dispute discipline issued and for contractual violations.  If you want to know more about the grievance process please review the Letter of Agreement and the July 5 Council 35 News for an explanation of the just cause employment relationship.  If you need representation for a meeting with management, please contact your Council 35 officers.

FAQs and Rumor Control

I heard that the AS eligibility requirement for baby bonding is 1250 hours. As a CA employee am I subject to this requirement?

Council 35 officers have been investigating the changes to benefits and leaves that are coming to VX because of the merger.  Leave requirements differ by state and there are a lot of factors involved to determine an individual’s eligibility. This week C35 officers will be meeting with management and leave specialists to review these changes and determine how they will impact VX F/As.  Please stay tuned for an upcoming communication with more details regarding benefit changes.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!  You can reach us at vx@afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & Jamie

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The AFA Alaska-Virgin America Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) just wrapped up this week’s session of merger negotiations, our fourth so far; we met with management from Tuesday, September 26th through Thursday, September 28th in Seattle, WA. Representing management: Vice President of Labor Relations Greg Mays, Vice President of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Inflight & Call Center/Guest Services Jeff Butler, Managing Director of Labor Relations-Air Elizabeth Ryan and Virgin America Manager of Labor Emily Kimmel.

Management presented the Joint Negotiating Committee with a comprehensive transitional proposal on the first day, which provided a springboard for discussions the remainder of the week. The parties are starting to reach tentative agreements on transitional items in several sections of the Alaska contract.

The Joint Negotiating Committee is planning on soliciting your feedback regarding your expectations and/or priorities for these negotiations in the very near future. We know that our combined membership of over 5,000 will not ratify a transitional-only contract. Be on the lookout for the merger negotiations survey to be released early next week.

Keep in mind that merger negotiations are a different process than regular negotiations. These talks are not under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board or Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, and neither AFA nor management believes that the entire contract is open for discussion. Discussions are focusing on a short list of items. All the provisions in the AFA Alaska contract (scheduled pay raises, etc.) will continue in force for pre-merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants; all the provisions in the Virgin America work rules will remain in effect for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants unless modified and/or superseded by the AFA Virgin America letters of agreement.

Our next merger negotiations session is scheduled for October 24-26.

In Solidarity,

Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

Latest News

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Flight Attendant Preliminary Seniority Lists

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The following preliminary seniority lists were received from the Company and were used by the Seniority Merger Integration Committee to generate the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) mailed on October 10, 2017. Posting of these lists satisfy the requirements of Section X.C.2.d of the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant Preliminary Seniority List > (password […]

AFA Merger Negotiations Survey *Reminder*

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*Reminder* Your AFA Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has developed this survey to solicit feedback regarding your expectations for merger negotiations. Your participation is extremely important. Providing your union leaders with your input and support will better help us to represent you at the bargaining table. Keep in mind that merger negotiations are a different process […]

Seniority Verification Letters Being Mailed Today

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The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) has finalized the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) that are being mailed today: October 10, 2017.  Over 5,000 letters are being sent to Alaska Airlines (AS) and Virgin America (VX) Flight Attendants, and they will begin arriving at mailing addresses on file with the Company within a week. While letters are […]

[AS] MEC Scheduling Committee Update

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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Reporting Issues vs. Contract Questions A new email is available for reporting Crew Access issues (incorrect illegality, unable to swap, etc.). For issues specific to Crew Access functionality, please email: mgmt.facrewsked@alaskaair.com. If you have any contract or pay questions, we encourage you to file a report using […]

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