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Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

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AFA Update – December 11, 2020

In This Edition

  • MEC Resolution on Gender Equality
  • CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before
  • Georgia Senate Runoff Election
  • Community Resources for Those in Need

MEC Resolution on Gender Equality

Master Executive Council (MEC)

AFA has long been a champion of equality both in and out of the workplace.  Over the course of many years, we have made achievements in our struggle to realize fair treatment for all.  There is still much work to be done, however, and we continue with our efforts to achieve workplace equality almost daily.

The Master Executive Council (MEC) recently adopted a resolution in support of gender equality, specifically in regard to the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and gender expressions.  As a part of the resolution, the MEC is calling upon Alaska Airlines management to make much needed changes to company policies in order to recognize, accept, and include non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.  You can view the complete language of the resolution on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

What Are Gender Identity and Gender Expression?

Gender identity refers to how you view your gender internally (e.g., man, woman, or another gender).  Gender expression refers to how you present your gender on the outside through your behavior, mannerisms, the clothing you wear, your voice, and other characteristics. Gender non-conforming is a broader term that describes people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.

In our society, many people identify and express themselves as either male or female.  This is often referred to as the “gender binary”, meaning that it has two parts—male and female.  People who are non-binary have a gender that doesn’t fall into one of these two categories. They may have a gender that blends both male and female elements, is different than male or female, or they may not identify with any gender.

If you’d like to read more to further understand non-binary and gender non-conforming people, you can find additional information using the links below:

A Request for Immediate Action

Earlier this week, the MEC sent a formal letter to management requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the resolution and begin the process of working to study, review, and update company policies as quickly as possible.  We have requested that the frontline employee uniform and appearance standards be reviewed first as they are one of the most significantly impactful areas of inequality for those who are non-binary and/or gender non-conforming.

Questions?

Please contact your LEC President with any questions about the MEC Resolution.

CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before

Government Affairs Committee

We’ve rallied, marched, called, emailed, tweeted, and more to demand our members of Congress extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Our activism is forcing lawmakers to publicly come out to support #ReliefNow for Flight Attendants and essential aviation workers and urge their colleagues to take action. 

Throughout the next 7 days, we have to be louder than we’ve ever been before

The $908 billion bipartisan proposal on emergency relief has significant support across Congress, but there are a few outstanding issues unrelated to PSP. Our action and voices are critical to getting this legislation over the finish line.

Congress is gearing up to depart Washington, D.C. for the holidays and before they leave, they must pass a government funding bill by Friday, December 11th, to avert a government shutdown. Congress is expected to extend that deadline to December 18th. That is unfortunate because every day counts for those out of work and all the disruption and suffering caused for people without relief – and even those on the job under these conditions. We need to continue to demand #ReliefNow. Every day counts! This is a bridge of emergency relief for the whole country for four month. Stimulus discussions for recovery would be renewed in the New Year. More relief will be needed for our country to recover.

Our members of Congress must hear from us, our family members and friends, every day

SENATE: (888) 848-4824
HOUSE: (888) 907-9365

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to tell my (Senator/Representative) that we need emergency relief and an extension of the Payroll Support Program TODAY. We are out of work and without healthcare. Do not leave Washington, D.C. without passing emergency relief for our families. Do your job. Thank you.”

Georgia Senate Runoff Election

Government Affairs Committee

On January 5, voters in Georgia will have the opportunity to vote in an election to determine who will represent them in the United States Senate.  Georgia voters will have the opportunity to send two candidates to Washington who support working Americans through the right to organize and bargain collectively.  This election is critical as the outcome has the ability to affect the balance of power in the Senate.

With judicial nominees, a stimulus deal, infrastructure and health care measures, and tax and spending policies all on the line, the Senate races in Georgia are likely to take on an intensity that mirrors the presidential race that just ended.  We need to do everything possible to encourage Georgia voters to vote and get the word out about pro-worker candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

Our fellow AFA and CWA members will be working to reach out to Georgia voters through phone banking activities every Tuesday until the election as well for several days prior to the election itself.  You can help make a difference and get the word out by signing up for a shift and joining the phone bank!  Available shifts are:

Tuesday, December 15th2 to 5 PM PST 
Tuesday, December 22nd2 to 5 PM PST
Tuesday, December 29th2 to 5 PM PST
Sunday, January 3rd9 AM to 5 PM PST
Monday, January 4th2 to 5 PM PST
Tuesday, January 5th (Election Day)9 AM to 3:30 PM PST
Click here to sign up for a shift

Signing up for just one shift can make a difference and you’re welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like.  After you sign up for shifts, you’ll receive Zoom information about how to connect to the phone bank.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Government Affairs Committee.

Community Resources for Those in Need

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Your AFA EAP Committee has compiled the below list of websites that may prove helpful with the financial strains of our times.

Food Banks, Housing and Utility Assistance, Clothing Closets, Veteran Services etc.  

Health Care

Behavioral Health Care

Prescription Assistance Programs

  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance: A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications. http://www.pparx.org  Ph: 888-477-2669 
  • NeedyMeds: A nonprofit group that has an extensive database of information about patient assistance programs, state assistance, drug discount programs, and free or low-cost medical care. You can search the database for free on its website. The site also has information on thousands of programs to help consumers through the application process. www.needymeds.org
  • RxAssist: An online database of drug company programs that provide free or affordable drugs and copay assistance. www.rxassist.org
  • RxHope: A web-based resource where you can search by medication to find assistance programs. It also offers help with the application process. www.rxhope.com
  • RxOutreach: A mail-order pharmacy for people with little to no health insurance coverage. www.rxoutreach.org

Questions?

Contact your Local EAP Committee if you’d like more personalized assistance in understanding and accessing these or other resources.

AFA Update – September 4, 2020

In This Edition

  • #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
  • National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
  • A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8

Government Affairs Committee

On Tuesday, September 8th, the AFA Council 19 Government Affairs Committee will be hosting a #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle to demand a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program. We will be rallying outside the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell at 12 PM Pacific. An extension of the Payroll Support Program will provide job security for hundreds of thousands by requiring airlines continue their promise of no furloughs through March of 2021. With hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line, including hundreds here at Alaska, we ask that you join us in rallying and demanding an extension.  

What: Seattle #ReliefNow Rally
When: Tuesday, September 8 a 12 PM Pacific
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174

This event is open to all, including Flight Attendants laying over in Seattle as well as friends and family members.  Not able to join in Seattle?  Visit the #ReliefNow page to find an event near you.

Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!

Flight Attendants continue to pressure Congress to put in place #ReliefNow. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talked about extending aid to airlines but acknowledged that Congress must act — executive orders will not save our jobs. Congress is set to return to D.C. on September 8th. We have to keep up the pressure this week with one message: #ReliefNow for aviation workers and all Americans. Get it done. 

Make three calls every day this week. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.

SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365

Sample Script:

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

You can also find local office information by looking up your Representative and Senators at house.gov and senate.gov.

National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs

Benefits Committee

Most Company-offered supplemental insurance coverage continues while on COVID-19 leaves or furloughs, and the premiums for such insurance are double-deducted upon return to service or are direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company depending on the situation. However, premiums for supplemental insurance offered by National Group Protection (NGP) / Continental Accident Insurance Company (CAIC) and payroll deducted as “Continental Insurance (CAIC)” are not double-deducted or direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NGP has offered a generous continuation of coverage and a six-month suspension of premiums for Flight Attendants on leaves or furloughs beginning in May and for the remainder of 2020. The six months are not required to be consecutive and the waiver of premium may continue into 2021 if the Flight Attendant is on leave or furlough as of December 31, 2020.

No action is required in order to maintain coverage. CAIC will honor claims during this time (subject to policy provisions/language and documentation requirements). NGP will communicate directly with Flight Attendants who are expected to exhaust the waiver of premium.

If you have any questions, you may contact NGP directly at 1-800-344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.

A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions.  September 11, 2020 will be no different.  Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials.    For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th.  For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans. 

However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it.  If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find local EAP Committee Member contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.  Remember, we’re just a phone call away.  

AFA Update – August 28, 2020

In This Edition

  • Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires
  • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS
  • Update on Our PSP Extension Fight
  • Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires

Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to affect the state of California. For any Flight Attendants who reside in the declared disaster area who have been directly impacted, several resources are available to provide assistance.

AFA Disaster Relief Fund

The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since its beginning in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.

To request assistance from or make a donation to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://www.afacwa.org/disaster_relief_fund.

CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund

As a CWA member, affected by the California Wildfires, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance from the CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund. This emergency assistance is based on availability of funds and need. 

Please review the application for assistance on the CWA website and return the completed application to your LEC President.

AFA Employee Assistance Program

As always, members of the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee are also available to provide assistance.  You can find AFA EAP contact information at https://afaalaska.org/eap.

Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS

Scheduling Committee

It is with sadness that we announce that Steve Poynter, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS, will be retiring from both his AFA position and Alaska Airlines, effective October 1, 2020.  Throughout his career, Steve has been involved in AFA in various roles including Negotiating Committee Member.  Steve was instrumental as a key AFA representative during the transition from paper line bidding to the preferential bidding system (PBS) in 2007 and since 2013 has served as the Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson for the PBS Subcommittee.  His contributions have benefitted countless Flight Attendants and he will certainly be missed. Steve wants to thank all of you for your support and kind words over the years and looks forward to seeing you from a passenger seat!

Effective October 1, Adam Clarey will assume the role of MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS for the duration of the term of appointment.  Adam currently serves as a PBS Subcommittee Member and is the Alternate PBS Subcommittee Chairperson.  He will continue to work with PBS Subcommittee Members Sheri Rochel and Virginia Fritz to oversee the bidding and bid award processes on behalf of AFA.

Update on Our PSP Extension Fight

AFA International

Flight Attendants and other aviation workers will not accept inaction from Congress. Even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has recessed the Senate, both he and Speaker Pelosi have stated they will bring Congress back to vote if an overall COVID-19 relief deal is reached. Congressional staff is still working and leadership is still able to meet.

We have to continue to demand a relief package now. “When you say Congress does nothing, you give them permission to do nothing and that’s not okay.”

WATCH AFA on The Today Show: Flight Attendant Jobs are in Jeopardy, Congress Needs to Take Action Now >

Your calls, emails, and tweets have worked. We have built broad bipartisan support for our Payroll Support Program (PSP) Extension from the House of Representatives, to the Senate, and even the President. Read this summary >

But our PSP extension won’t happen unless an overall deal is reached. We must keep pushing on a PSP Extension. Regardless, we’ve got to get the extension locked in because it is the best way to protect our jobs, keep our airlines intact, continue serving all of our communities, and have the ability to recover once the virus is contained.

Flight Attendants have seen crises before and this time we know the importance of preventing bankruptcies and other fallout. That is why we will not stop.  

Take Action

SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365

Sample Script:

"Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

After you call, sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >

Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. While many things remain outside your control, your mindset is key to coping with difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.

The Role Of Uncertainty In Life

Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. Yet as human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.

We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and worry, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same situation at this time. It’s also important to realize that no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel, there are steps you can take to better deal with uncontrollable circumstances, alleviate your anxiety, and face the unknown with more confidence.

Learning To Cope With Uncertainty

To cope with all this uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over uncertain circumstances. You may believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Unfortunately, chronic worrying can’t give you more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment in the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up at night. Below are few tips to consider in developing healthier ways to cope with uncertainty. 

Tip 1: Take Action Over The Things You Can Control

Much about life is uncertain at the moment—and many things remain outside of your control. But while you can’t control the spread of a virus, the recovery of the economy, or whether you’ll have a pay check next week, you’re not totally powerless. Whatever your fears or personal circumstances, instead of worrying about the uncontrollable, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the aspects that are within your control.

By focusing on the aspects of a problem that you can control in this way, you’ll switch from ineffective worrying and ruminating into active problem-solving. Of course, all circumstances are different and you may find that in some situations all you can control is your attitude and emotional response.

Tip 2: Actively Deal With Your Emotions

When circumstances are out of your control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. When you can do nothing else about a situation, you can still actively face your emotions—even the most negative and fearful ones. If you allow yourself to feel fear and uncertainty, they will eventually pass. Focus on the present moment and your breathing and allow yourself to simply feel and observe the uncertainty you’re experiencing. Take some slow, deep breaths or try a meditation to keep you anchored in the present.

Tip 3: Identify Your Uncertainty Triggers

Some uncertainty can be generated by external sources, especially at times like this. Reading media stories that focus on worst-case scenarios, spending time on social media amid rumors and half-truths, or simply communicating with anxious friends can all fuel your own fears and uncertainties. Notice what scenarios or people raise your anxiety levels and try to reduce your exposure to them. 

Tip 4: Focus On The Present

Uncertainty is often centered on worries about the future and all the bad things you can anticipate happening. It can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed about the days ahead, exaggerate the scope of the problems you face, and even paralyze you from taking action to overcome a problem.

One of the surest ways to avoid worrying about the future is to focus on the present. Instead of trying to predict what might happen, switch your attention to what’s happening right now. By being fully connected to the present, you can interrupt the negative assumptions and catastrophic predictions running through your mind.

Tip 5: Seek Assistance 

The uncertainties of our time are new to all of us.  There is no ready template to instruct us how to navigate them.  Be open to asking for help.  Your AFA EAP is just a phone call away.  We are ready to help and we are confidential.  You can access your Local EAP Committee Members by calling (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap .

AFA Update – July 13, 2020

In This Edition

  • ACTION ALERT: Call Congress to Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program
  • Vanguard Retirement Webinars
  • Telephonic Support Groups for Flight Attendants
  • Ground Commuting During Significant Weather Events 
  • Temporary Requalification (RQ) Training Timeline Modification

ACTION ALERT: Call Congress to Extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program

Government Affairs Committee

We need to generate phone calls to Congress every day. Flight Attendants and family members should be making two calls to the Senate line and one call to the House line.

We are calling for a six month aviation Payroll Support Program extension through March 31, 2021, to protect our jobs. This is the most successful jobs program of the CARES Act and it needs to be extended since COVID-19 cases are again on the rise.

All of aviation labor is standing together to call on Congress to pass a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program before the summer Congressional recess. Waiting until September for this action is too late because October planning will be done and hundreds of thousands of workers will already be told they are out of work. Already, Delta Air Lines pilots and United Airlines workers have received WARN notices. 

We need urgent action on this now:

1.         Call your Representative and Senators: Flight Attendants and family should make three calls every day. Two to the Senate line and one to the House line.

House: (888) 907-9365
Senate: (888) 848-4824

Sample Script:

Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask [Representative]/[Senator] to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers in order to avoid massive job loss in October. Keep us connected to our jobs, our paychecks, and our healthcare. Thank you for your urgent attention to this.

2.         Sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >

3.         Tell 5 flying partners and your friends and family to do the same!

A CARES Act extension must pass Congress before they recess later this summer. Take action now and plan to keep taking action every day throughout July.

WATCH: AFA Government Affairs Activists Urge Flight Attendants to Make Calls

Vanguard Retirement Webinars

Retirement Committee

As the company will be offering early out packages, your AFA Retirement Committee, in conjunction with Vanguard, the company’s 401(k) plan administrator, will be conducting an online webinar to provide information and answer questions about the planning process for retirement.  More information from Vanguard is below.

Switching from earning a paycheck to living off your retirement savings and Social Security is a big change. If you’re within a few years of retiring, learn how you can turn your savings into a steady paycheck. This webinar will help you answer:

  • How much will my retirement cost?
  • Where will I find the money to pay for retirement?
  • How do I make my savings last as long as my retirement?
  • How do I invest my money during retirement?

Dates, Times, and Registration Information

Two sessions will be available:

  • Friday, July 17 – 10 AM PDT
  • Wednesday, July 29 – 1 PM PDT

Advanced registration is required and can be completed using the link below:

Click here to register for one of the sessions

Questions?

If you have any questions about the upcoming webinars, please contact MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson Terry Taylor at terry.taylor@afaalaska.org.

Telephonic Support Groups for Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Build your resiliency by joining these telephonic support groups just for Flight Attendants.  Groups are sponsored by your AFA EAP/FADAP and facilitated by a confidential mental health professional.  All Flight Attendants are welcome.

Learn some techniques on stress management, decision making under pressure, emotional balance and connect with flying partners during this period of uncertainty in the Aviation Industry. Join any or all sessions.  No pre-registration required.

Calls start on Monday, July 13 and are scheduled Mondays (July 13, 20, 27, August 3) and Fridays (July 17, 23, 31, August 7).  Each call begins at 12 PM PDT and will last one hour.

Call-In Number

(855) 544-2320 or (401) 648-9218

If outside the U.S., follow the directions here.

Ground Commuting During Significant Weather Events 

Grievance Committee

The MEC recently mediated Grievance 36-99-2-30-19, Violation of Section 28.G.2 Ground Commuting Policy.  This grievance arose out of the February 2019 snow events.  The grievance alleged the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement   Section 28.G.2 [Domiciles:  Commuter Policy/Ground Commuting Policy], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when during the February 2019 Pacific Northwest snowstorms, it did not allow Flight Attendants to use the ground commuter policy because the Company did not consider a snowstorm-related ground commuting failure to be unanticipated. 

Originally, we sought to arbitrate this grievance, however it seemed better with this particular case to mediate the issue with an unbiased mediator.  Arbitration results in a decision made by the arbitrator usually with one side winning and the other side losing; whereas mediation allows both parties to have a say in the outcome.   An arbitration award cannot change or add contract language, it may only interpret what was already present, however in mediation the parties may come to agreements about adding or changing language.  

The issue was resolved very favorably with the addition of language for ground commuting during significant weather delays.  This adds protections for Flight Attendants attempting to get to work whether the weather event is anticipated or not.  The new language adds a detailed process for management to follow, thereby removing any subjectivity, which typically was only a detriment to our Flight Attendants. 

A complete copy of the sideletter of agreement that includes the newly agreed upon language related to ground commuting during significant weather events has been uploaded to the AFA Alaska website and can be accessed by clicking here.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the grievance or sideletter of agreement, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

Temporary Requalification Training (RQ) Timeline Modification

Grievance Committee

For Flight Attendants returning from a leave of absence or who have been unable to complete Recurrent Training (RT) by the end of their eligibility period, completing Requalification Training (RQ) is a requirement before being able to return to work.  Section 30.B.3 of the joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) requires management to offer a full RQ class within the first five working days of every month, but this requirement has recently caused significant stress for many of our Flight Attendants.  Due to a recent changes in how management interprets the eligibility period of Flight Attendants who are required to take Requalification Training (RQ), the home study CBT that must be completed prior to attending class is no longer made available until the first day of the month when scheduled to attend class.  With this change, Flight Attendants who might be scheduled to take RQ on the 2nd of the month would not even have access to the CBT until the 1st of the month.

Due to this very compressed timeline that Flight Attendants are now being given to complete the CBT prior to RQ, the MEC approached management to work to extend the period of time that would be available to complete the CBT prior to class.   We were able to reach a temporary agreement with management to extend the contractual requirement for the Company to offer a full RQ class from within the first five working days of the month to having the class offered no sooner than the seventh working day of the month.  The temporary agreement also provides pay protection for any affected Flight Attendants between the fifth working day of the month (the contractual requirement to offer class) and the day prior to when the Company actually offers the class.  Even with this temporary extension to the Company’s requirement to offer a full dedicated RQ class, Flight Attendants who are due to take RQ may continue to exercise their contractual right to trade into the RQ slot in any regularly scheduled RT class during the month if space is available.

This temporary agreement will take effect with the August 2020 bid month and will remain in effect through at least the December 2020 bid month.  A complete copy of the letter of agreement is available on the AFA Alaska website and can be viewed by clicking here. 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

AFA Update – July 2, 2020

In This Edition

  • Tell Congress: Extend the Payroll Support Program
  • Substance Use During COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Vanguard Retirement Webinar—Coming Soon
  • Union Plus Program Hardship Benefits
  • Updated Board of Directors Information
  • The Dues Pie Chart – Where Do My Dues Go?

Tell Congress: Extend the Payroll Support Program

AFA International

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 are calling for a six-month aviation Payroll Support Program (PSP) extension through March 31, 2021, to protect our jobs, extend the restrictions on stock buybacks, dividends, and executive compensation, and maintain service to all of our communities. Tell Congress to keep our industry intact to ensure aviation can help fight the virus and contribute to economic recovery as opposed to adding to an economic depression.

Amplify Your Voice With a Call

In addition to sending a letter, you can amplify your voice by following up with a phone call to your Members of Congress.  Call your Representative and Senators and say:

Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask [Representative]/[Senator] to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers in order to avoid massive job loss in October. Keep us connected to our jobs, our paychecks, and our healthcare. Thank you for your urgent attention to this.

AFA COVID Relief House – (888) 907-9365
AFA COVID Relief Senate – (888) 848-4824

Substance Use During COVID-19 Pandemic

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Historically, crisis events tend to trigger increased drug and alcohol abuse. Post 9/11, for example, the National Institutes of Health raised concerns about increased substance use by those impacted by the tragedy.  Meanwhile, after Hurricane Katrina, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that hospitalization for alcohol use disorders rose by 35 percent in New Orleans.   Experts fear that we will see similar trends this time, but on a national scale. People frequently self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings of stress and anxiety.  Uncertainty about the future, loneliness, lack of routine, economic dislocation, job loss and fear of death by disease, can all be triggers for those who are vulnerable to substance abuse, including those in recovery – even after long periods of abstinence.  Meanwhile, stay-at-home orders in effect for COVID-19, limit access to support systems such as friends, neighbors, therapists, church, family and recovery groups.  Early indications aren’t good.  Researchers are seeing spikes in alcohol sales, marijuana use, and anti-anxiety and pain medication prescriptions.

If you are concerned about substance abuse for yourself, a family member or flying partner, now is the perfect time to consider treatment, especially if you are on a voluntary leave.  Your AFA EAP Committee can discuss and coordinate all treatment options while maintaining your right to privacy.   If you are getting ready to return from a leave and would like to discuss preventing safety risk associated with drug and alcohol testing violations, contact your AFA EAP Committee for a confidential conversation.   Contact information for your Local EAP Committee can be found at afaalaska.org/eap.

Vanguard Retirement Webinar—Coming Soon

Retirement Committee

As the company will be offering early out packages, your AFA Retirement Committee, in conjunction with Vanguard, the company’s 401(k) plan administrator, will be conducting an online webinar to provide information and answer questions about the planning process for retirement.  Meeting date, time, registration information, and information about how to submit questions in advance will be posted to the Retirement Committee page of the AFA Alaska website and communicated in an AFA update email once finalized.

Retirement Plan Resources

In addition to the upcoming retirement webinar, a list of retirement plan resources and links to these online tools can be found on the retirement resources page of Alaska’s World (AAG sign-on required).

Union Plus Program Hardship Benefits

AFA International

Many of the Union Plus programs, which are an AFA Member benefit, provide hardship benefits.

Members who currently have a Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or Supplemental Insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance through the Mortgage Assistance Program and Union Plus Hardship Help. The Union Plus Mortgage Assistance Program provides interest-free loans and a $1000 grant to help eligible members make mortgage payments when disabled, unemployed, furloughed, locked out or on strike.

Union Plus Credit Card holders are eligible for a $300 job loss grant if they have been laid-off or furloughed for 45 days or more due to COVID-19. The eligibility criteria and application process can be found at www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/union-plus-hardship-help-benefits.

The MetLife Legal program is making available additional resources including free consultation and document review and access to a self-help library so members can get questions answered and also review and complete Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives and similar documents for free through July 31, 2020. Additional info, including the instructions to reach the self-help document library, is available here: https://www.unionplus.org/blog/consumer-tips/free-legal-document-review-and-consultations-through-july-31-2020.

The Free College program is making available additional financial aid to students who may need additional assistance for education-related expenses due to COVID-19. Info on Free College is here: https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org.

Updated AFA Board of Directors Information

AFA International

The Board of Directors were scheduled to meet in-person during May 2020, but due to the pandemic conditions, that meeting was cancelled. The BOD met virtually via a Zoom Meeting on May 20, 2020. The purpose of this meeting was to address the 2020-2021 Proposed Annual Budget.

Visit the AFA International Board of Directors resource page for updated meeting documentation that includes the single Agenda Item (Annual AFA Budget), the four Resolutions that were considered and other useful material.

The Dues Pie Chart – Where Do My Dues Go?

AFA International

The Dues Pie Chart depicts where all funds at AFA are budgeted. About 80% of dues dollars are directly allocated to fund the work at each airline (i.e. Local Councils, Master Executive Councils, Negotiations, and System Board). The remaining budgets at the International Office support Government Affairs, Air Safety, EAP, and Communications Departments, each of which provides expert services that are Flight Attendant focused and provide resources for the local leaders and committees of Flight Attendants at each airline. 100% of our dues dollars are allocated to priorities that provide Flight Attendant representation.

Pie chart showing AFA dues allocations.

There are four distinct areas where dues money is spent:

Local and Airline-Specific

Each base has a Local Executive Council (LEC) with elected Officers who provide direct representation and deal with local grievances and other issues. These Local Officers will answer your phone calls and make sure member interests are represented in front of management. For example, in the event of discipline or a contract violation, Local Officers will address the issue where it happened and work to get swift resolution. Additionally, elected Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers provide representation at the corporate level. At both the LEC and MEC, there are committees that solve problems in areas such as safety, schedules, hotels, grievances, etc. These committees also enforce the contract specific to their area of expertise, produce newsletters, and participate in union meetings. The role of your LEC and MEC Officers and committee representatives at each airline is to ensure you are represented by Flight Attendants who know your job because they share it with you at your airline. AFA promotes this autonomy at each airline where your representatives, assisted by experts, negotiate with management and develop and maintain the relationship between airline management and the Union.

Negotiations

Bargaining for pay and working conditions is one of the core representation activities performed by the Union. We start with a membership survey, schedule meetings with management, conduct caucuses with the committee, develop contractual language, support membership engagement and information programs, and we work with AFA-CWA professional negotiators throughout the process including all direct negotiations/mediation with management. The end result is improved contractual language with higher pay, better working conditions, and improved benefits.

System Board (Grievances)

The first step in any grievance is to try to resolve the matter locally. Some airlines have negotiated an alternative dispute process for a faster, collaborative resolution. If that fails, then the final stage for resolution, whether disciplinary or contractual, is an appeal to a neutral arbitrator. An AFA-CWA attorney will work with our Grievance Committee to present our case to the neutral arbitrator. We defend the contracts we negotiate.

International Office Support

While your LEC is the face of the Union to local management and the MEC to corporate management, the International Office is the public persona and brand of the Union. Our presence and name recognition can legislate or improve federal regulations, remove obstacles from the bargaining table, better our position in negotiations and improve our experience on the job across the profession. The International Office maintains the professional staff of attorneys, negotiators, and other personnel that provide administration, accounting and membership services to members and elected leaders. We all work together to support the programs that encompasses our profession.

Questions?

If you have questions about AFA dues, please contact your LEC President. 

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