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MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Interviews

The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to thank Blair Kimball for stepping up and serving as MEC Chairperson of the AFA Inflight Service Committee over the past several years. Under Blair’s leadership, the committee has expanded involvement and helped to advocate for Flight Attendants as management has introduced major service changes. Blair will remain in position during the transition period as the MEC selects and appoints a new MEC Chairperson.

Background

The MEC Chairperson of the Inflight Service Committee is responsible for coordinating the activities of the committee at the airline level. The Chairperson works closely with each Local Committee Chairperson to gather feedback and input and represents the positions of the Committee and MEC in interactions with management.

Additional Information From the MEC Policy Manual

INFLIGHT SERVICE COMMITTEE

1. SCOPE

a. The Inflight Service Committee shall act to support the Union’s interest with respect to inflight service and sales onboard flights. The Committee shall meet with the Company to discuss any change in inflight service or sales, procedures to be followed and other pertinent matters prior to the implementation of such service

2. POLICY/RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The MEC Inflight Service Committee shall consist of the MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson and the Local Inflight Service Committee Chairperson from each council.

b. It shall be the policy of the Union to make any significant change in inflight service or sales subject to negotiations between the parties. The Union shall always place Flight Attendants’ health and safety as its first priority when considering the feasibility of any inflight service or sales change and the location of inflight service or sales items in galleys or other stowage locations.

c. The MEC Chairperson shall:

(i)  Immediately contact the MEC President should the Company override his/her objections and proceed to implement changes in inflight service or sales against his/her recommendation

(ii)  Compose informational and educational articles of interest to the membership and provide them to the MEC Communications Chairperson to be included in MEC communications and posted to the MEC website.

d. The Committee shall:

(i)  Represent the Flight Attendant point of view to the Company in all matters pertaining to onboard sales and service policies, procedures, and practices

(ii)  Work with the Scheduling Committee to determine available service time, projected loads and staffing when the Company determines a certain service is required on a flight

(iii)  Monitor feedback from all domiciles on flights where services, load, staffing, or flight time cause the Flight Attendants difficulty in completing the standards of performance

Qualifications

  • Robust working knowledge of inflight service procedures, including all positions and routes (including short haul, Mexico, Hawaii, midcon, and transcon)
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, including being present in Seattle on occasion
  • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meetings agendas and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks

Duties

  • Participate in reviews of inflight catering, packing, service, and sales with management
  • Review Flight Attendant complaints or concerns regarding catering and inflight service. Gather information and work with management to satisfactorily resolve each issue.
  • Schedule, plan, and conduct quarterly meetings of the committee and other meetings and conference calls as needed
  • Correspond with the Local Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons and MEC regularly to provide status updates. Prepare and send a monthly committee report to the MEC.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This is position eligible for Flight Pay Loss (FPL) reimbursement by the Company under 27.P Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss with a 5% override and “A” pay. CB is compensated at 0.75 TFP per hour of work.
  • Estimated 8-10 hours per week (24 to 30 TFP per month). Some work may be accomplished remotely. Regularly required to be in Seattle to work on projects and attend meetings.

Working Relationships

With The Inflight Service Committee

Constant interaction with the Local Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons. Frequent interaction with Local Inflight Service Committee Members.

With The Master Executive Council

This position reports to the Master Executive Council. The MEC executive sponsor for the committee is the MEC Vice President.

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Manager of Inflight Experience (Matthew Coder) and Director of Catering Operations (Susan Morse)

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

  • The MEC will hold interviews during the April MEC meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.
  • Interviews will be at the AFA Alaska MEC office in Seattle. Our office is located in the Alaska Airlines Flight Operations and Training Center, Suite 280 at 2651 South 192nd Street, Seattle, WA 98188.
  • Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Gesch at yvette.gesch@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Friday, April 1, 2016. Yvette will be able to provide additional information regarding transportation and booking of flights if necessary.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt

AFA Alaska Logo No Tag

Clarification to iPhone 6+ Charging

On March 8, an AFA communication was released outlining recommendations for the iPhone 6+ inflight mobile device that is currently being distributed to all Flight Attendants. In that communication, it was suggested that Flight Attendants could potentially leave the iPhone 6+ in their crew bag while the device was plugged in and charging.

After further review of documentation provided by Apple, it is recommended that you do not leave your iPhone 6+ in your crew bag while it is charging. The iPhone 6+ must be kept in a well-ventilated area while charging in order to ensure proper temperature regulation of the device. When charging your iPhone 6+, please ensure it is in an open area away from materials that could insulate the device and potentially cause it to overheat.

You can find more information and safety recommendations pertaining to use of the device in the iPhone User Guide located on the Apple website at https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1565/en_US/iphone_user_guide.pdf.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt and MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Chairperson Seth Heiple

MEC 5B Logo

Initial Recommendations for the new iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device

Pick up begins in some localities beginning tomorrow, March 9th

Our new Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) the iPhone 6+ will be ready for pick up in some localities beginning tomorrow, March 9th. Distribution will continue through the system over the next six weeks or so. This is a very exciting development, as the iPhone 6+ will eventually replace our Flight Attendant Manual and it will also contain our contract. (Yes, a printed version of the contract will also be available and so far we’re looking on track for publication in middle to late spring.) Keep in mind that nobody is required to carry the IMD until Wednesday, May 6th. “Early Adopters” of the IPhone 6+ IMD are converted to the general policy starting tomorrow, which means many of the special protections of that program will no longer apply.

The IMD is a tool of convenience but exposes a flight attendant to many potential liabilities

The Inflight Mobile Device is an extremely adaptable tool of convenience. However by nature of its functionality, the IMD exposes a flight attendant to many potential personal liabilities. AFA was hoping to have ample opportunity to thoroughly vet all implications of the Company policy surrounding the IMD. Unfortunately, the policy itself and related materials were going through changes right up to the publication of Inflight bulletin 2015-0057 “Your iPhone 6+ Pick Up!” on Thursday, March 5th. Additionally, Management announced to AFA the official start of full distribution only very recently.

AFA cannot overstate the importance of exercising caution with the IMD

AFA cannot overstate the importance of exercising caution with how you use the Inflight Mobile Device. In our opinion, simply adhering to Company policy does not provide adequate protections. Just because the iPhone 6+ can be used in a more expansive manner does not mean you should use it that way.

Location, location, location

Although the location services can be manually turned off, by default the iPhone 6+ IMD is configured with the location function on. Between the required app “Airwatch” that comes pre-installed and the device’s pre-existing location features, the IMD could be used as a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker by Alaska Airlines management. So far AFA has not become aware of any intent by management to use it in such a manner. However, we believe management might go there if a flight attendant were under investigation for pending discipline and management thought the IMD would provide additional information in any way.

Utilize the IMD as a work tool only

AFA urges you to utilize the iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device only as a work tool. Turn it on to ensure you’ve synced your IMD within 24 hours of check-in and to verify the battery’s charge level. Otherwise it should remain off until shortly before scheduled check-in. If you are coming off of a layover then turn on the IMD shortly before boarding. If you use the device in any capacity while at work then assume a supervisor is looking over your shoulder each and every time. Turn the IMD off after the last passenger steps off the aircraft at the conclusion of your sequence (or after you check your email if you’re on Reserve).

Maintain a clear separation between anything personal and the IMD

Do not sync the Inflight Mobile Device to any personal devices. Do not attach any personal accounts to the IMD (email, social media, etc.). Do not download personal media (e.g. photos, music, etc.) to the IMD. Do not purchase or access any apps for personal use. Essentially, you must maintain a clear separation between anything personal and the IMD or else you are exposed to unnecessary liability.

Summary of Initial Recommendation

In summary: use the Inflight Mobile Device at work (or minimally while off-duty) only for work-related purposes and adhere to Company policy. Then you will receive all the benefits of an extremely flexible work tool with none of the drawbacks of personal liability. Finally, the IMD should never leave the five “safe zones” while on duty: in the approved carrying pouch attached to the cart, in beverage cart drawers, in galley compartments (although be aware the device could be easily forgotten here), in a crew bag or on your person. While off duty, the IMD ideally should never leave your crew bag except briefly to charge and to sync the device at the appropriate time in preparation for duty.

More information will be forthcoming

More information will be forthcoming in regards to the iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device.

* * *

In solidarity,

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC Grievance chairperson Jennifer Wise MacColl

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PDX Inflight Service Committee Changes

Inflight Service Committee Changes

The Council 39 Inflight Service Committee will be undergoing a change of Committee Members over the next few weeks.

Tutu Smith

Tutu Smith will be joining the Committee, effective February 12, 2014.  Tutu has been an employee for Alaska Airlines since February 2001.  Her foundation started as a Customer Service Agent in Seattle and she then transferred to Portland after about a year.  In 2007, she decided to pursue a career in Inflight and honestly loves flying.  “I’ve seen familiar faces over the years and definitely have met new ones that have created loyal and lifelong relationships for me,” says Tutu.  Though she has not been involved in any prior union committees, she looks forward to the opportunity to be representing her coworkers on the Inflight Service Committee.

Tutu was born and raised in Portland and has an amazing supporting cast at home: her husband John and daughters Ariana (9) and Averie (4).

David Sutherland

David Sutherland will join the Committee effective February 5, 2014.  David started his flying career 12 years ago and has worked with SkyWest, United and Alaska.  He started his most recent round with Alaska in 2008 and has been based in Portland since 2010.  He loves the Portland base and is lucky enough that he’s able to work with some of closest friends on a regular basis.

David’s previous union involvement includes serving on the Reserve Committee.  As a new member of the Inflight Service Committee, he looks forward to giving Flight Attendant thoughts and feedback on changes that will keep us competitive in this always-changing industry.

David was born and raised in Fairview, Oregon and has lived all over the west coast and in Washington D.C.  He has 3 adorable nephews who keep him occupied on his off time and currently resides in Northwest Portland.

 •    •    •    •

Please join us in thanking Committee Members Alan Sousa and Cali Huynh, who have served on the Committee for the past few years.  They will remain on the Committee during the transition period and will step down on February 28, 2014.  We thank them for their volunteerism and service.

The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses Flight Attendant complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.  They may be contacted through the PDX AFA Hotline at (503) 396-4089, option 7 or through the AFA website at alaskamec.org/pdx/inflightservice.

Yours In Solidarity,

LEC President Cathy Gwynn, LEC Vice President Brian Palmer, and Local Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Todd Horn

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