Q: Why can’t the GST transfer be grandfathered in? Seems like forcing AS rules on VX retroactively is unfair. I don’t think GSTs would have transferred in knowing their pay would be frozen for years. Can you please explain?
A: Management initially took the position that all rates should be re-set to Flight Attendant Occupational Seniority. However, the VX Red Circle Pay Rates Letter of Agreement provides for L-VX Flight Attendants whose Company Seniority is greater than their Occupational Seniority to remain at their current pay step. Other Alaska Airlines employees who transfer into Inflight as a FA do not receive pay rates based their Company Seniority. Additionally, Horizon Air (QX) FAs “transfers” do not receive credit for time served as a QX FA to establish their pay step.
AFA proposed full Air Group Seniority for pay purposes, but management would not agree due to cost. The red-circled rates was the best we could achieve given the totality of circumstances.
Frankie watson says
Why are VX cadre class flight attendants grandfathered in when their pay step doesn’t match their inflight years? Why are the early GST transfers grandfathered in at their company seniority for bidding purposes?
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
L-VX FAs from the cadre class have been receiving pay based on their Company Seniority date (just like any other internal transfer) ever since AFA and management agreed to the interim pay rates in April 2017. Cadre will experience the same “red circled” pay rate application as any other internal transfer to VX Inflight under the JCBA LOA VX “Red Circled” Pay Rates.
However, competitive bidding seniority is a completely different application. The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) will merge the lists together using a fair and equitable application codified in Section X [Merger Policy…] of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws. One of the central tenets of the Merger Policy is that no adjustment to relative seniority may occur with respect to others on one’s pre-merger carrier seniority list. On a go-forward basis, any supervisory/management personnel holding FAA Flight Attendant certification will be subject to limitations on seniority accrual pursuant to §6.E.1 of the JCBA.
Specific questions about competitive bidding seniority integration should be directed to the SMIC: seniority@afacwa.org.