We have protections in our AFA Contract at Alaska. Our contractual scope language protects our jobs. Scope language ensures that work traditionally performed by Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants remains our work every day we board a plane, close a bin, brief an exit row, and conduct predeparture equipment checks and services along with many other duties. However, the language itself does not ensure the protection of our jobs.
Together We Protect our Jobs
Together we can enforce our contract and protect our jobs. As Union members we have this responsibility to each other. Each of us individually enforcing our contract is always important work. Our efforts are especially relevant when we consider our collective efforts to negotiate Contractual improvements.
Who may perform Flight Attendant duties?
Only Flight Attendants on the Alaska Airlines System seniority list except that Inflight management employees may perform Flight Attendant duties during their Initial Operating Experience (IOE) concurrent with the Initial Flight Attendant training class. Management employees holding an FAA Flight Attendant certificate may also perform duties while conducting a check ride or an IOE.
Where am I able to locate current Scope and Labor Protective Provisions?
Section 3 – Scope
Section 4 – Labor Protective Provisions
How does the Boeing Aircraft Order letter of agreement from TA1 assist Flight Attendants?
This letter of agreement guarantees that Flight Attendants on the Alaska Airline FA seniority list will continue to perform Flight Attendant duties on those aircraft ordered under the agreement. Approximately 73 additional aircraft will be added to the current fleet. This order is projected to take Alaska Airlines through 2020.
Is there any protection under the current agreement for these aircraft?
No
How does the Alaska Air Group (AAG) letter of agreement from TA1 assist our Flight Attendants?
This letter of agreement binds Alaska Air Group to the important Scope protections that we make with Alaska Airlines. It prevents the parent company from taking actions to circumvent agreements made with a subsidiary such as Horizon Airlines (QX).
Do we have any Scope protections linking AFA agreements with Alaska Airlines to Alaska Air Group?
No
How does the Job Protection LOA from TA1 assist Flight Attendants?
In the event Alaska or AAG acquires another air carrier, they cannot transfer the flying to the acquired carrier and furlough Alaska Flight Attendants. The effective date starts in any contract during which the acquisition happens and extends through the current contact duration plus one additional year. Protections in the event of a merger or acquisition are in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
We want to be paid for additional duties and on-board sales; I heard SWA is paid for additional duties and on-board sales?
SWA does have a scope clause that reads: “Prior to the Company engaging in future product or service sales conducted or transacted by Flight Attendants on-board any aircraft operated by the Company which would affect the ability of Flight Attendants to fulfill their overall duties and responsibilities, the Company agrees to bargain with the Union concerning the terms and conditions of these additional responsibilities.”
Do we have a current provision for on-board sales or additional duties in our contract?
No. There is currently no language or protections for on-board sales or additional duties.
Did we ask for this same provision or similar during the negotiation process?
Yes, your committee did ask for additional scope language regarding on-board sales. In TA1 we were unsuccessful with achieving a provision in Scope regarding on-board sales. We will reevaluate comments, concerns and suggestions while proceeding accordingly in our next session in October.
We should be paid for our additional duties! What is the committee doing with all the new added duties on the aircraft?
The negotiating committee does understand the importance of being paid appropriately for the additional job duties that are being required on-board and expect compensation to reflect the new requirements. Duties remain a separate issue from on-board sales and are maintained by the Company through our Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) under Section 7 Standards and Duties and Section 8 Service.