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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees

        Your Air Matters!

        June 1, 2016 05:00

        Do you know how to identify if you’ve breathed ventilation air contaminated with either oil or hydraulic fluid fumes?  Are you aware of how important it is to seek immediate treatment if you’re showing symptoms of exposure?  This month your Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) presents Your Air Matters, a campaign designed to ensure that everyone knows how to identify possible signs of breathing these fumes onboard and the importance of seeking immediate treatment if you develop symptoms.

        How Can I Identify Contaminated Cabin Air?

        Is the unusual smell coming from the vents, or is it sourced to something in the cabin like galley equipment or a carryon?  Though smoke or haze might be present, most incidents involving oil or hydraulic fumes only involve the presence of fumes (odor) in the cabin supply air without any visible smoke or haze.  Characteristic odors include dirty socks, mold, old cheese, heated garbage, chemicals, or an electrical-like scent.  Quickly try to identify where the fumes are coming from and what they smell like, and notify the pilots.

        If You’re Showing Symptoms, Seek Treatment Immediately!

        Time is of the essence if you’ve breathed those kinds of fumes.  It is crucial to see a physician as soon as possible after a potential exposure.  If you have symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide (which can be present in the fumes) then you need to get your blood tested, ideally within a few hours.Your Air Matters Logo

        Seeking immediate care also allows you to establish a medical history and begin treatment for your symptoms.  A physician will be able to evaluate and create a timely record of your symptoms.  By having an understanding of your health soon after exposure, this could assist with treatment options if your symptoms persist or worsen over time.

        Know Where to Get Help

        In the event that you need to use this information, you’ll want to know how to access it quickly.

        Keep It with You

        Pick up an air quality quick reference card from your base.  Keep the card with your badge or in your purse or wallet in case you need it.  You can also print your own card.

        Find It On Your IMD or Mobile Phone

        1. Open Safari
        2. Type afaalaska.org in the menu bar
        3. Click “air quality exposure info” from the menu on the front page

        Keep an eye on the AFA Alaska Facebook page and Twitter feed for more information about aircraft air quality throughout the month.  If you have any questions, your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Members can help.  Find their contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Timothy Green and Brice McGee; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Latest News Tagged With: 2016, air quality, air quality campaign, Your Air Matters

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson Interviews

        May 27, 2016 05:00

        The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to thank Karyn Kobe her service as Chairperson of the AFA Air Quality Subcommittee and also as Council 18 LAX ASHSC Chairperson over the past several years.  Karyn has helped numerous Flight Attendants through incidents of contaminated cabin air exposure and has relentlessly advocated for continued improvement to the way that the company handles air quality events.

        With the continued growth of the company and corresponding increase in work for the ASHSC, the MEC has elected to establish a Vice Chairperson position for the ASHSC.  The former responsibilities of the Air Quality Subcommittee will become part of the duties of the new ASHSC Vice Chairperson.

        Background

        The Vice Chairperson of the ASHSC will assist the MEC Chairperson as needed with the work of the committee.  S/he will also have responsibility for overseeing all AFA and ASHSC efforts pertaining to aircraft air quality including responding to complaints or incidents involving possible contaminated air.

        Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual

        1. SCOPE

        a. The Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) shall work with the Company on matters pertaining to cabin and Flight Attendant safety and health.

        2. POLICY/RESPONSIBILITIES

        a. The MEC ASHSC shall consist of the MEC ASHSC Chairperson, MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson, and the Local ASHSC Chairperson from each council.

        …

        d. The MEC Vice Chairperson shall:

        (i) Perform the duties of the MEC Chairperson in her/his absence

        (ii) Assist the MEC Chairperson as needed

        (iii) Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson on all activities, meetings, and work being performed

        (iv) Work on all matters pertaining to the quality of air onboard the aircraft.  Coordinate ASHSC response to any incidents or complaints involving air quality, specifically:

        (A) Handle any air quality or contamination issues as they arise

        (B) Work with the company to investigate and address the source of air quality or contamination when it occurs

        (C) Assist Flight Attendants in obtaining proper care, treatment, and testing when involved in an air quality or contamination incident

        (D) Follow up with the Flight Attendant(s) involved to ensure they have received proper care, treatment, and testing

        (E) Keep members informed of air quality incidents and developments through the MEC Communications Committee

        (F) Attend Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings and other air quality-related meetings

        (G) Develop, distribute, maintain, and update membership education materials about air quality, contamination, symptoms, and follow up procedures

        (H) In conjunction with the International Office, develop and provide initial and ongoing training to the ASHSC of each Local Council

        Qualifications

        • Previous ASHSC experience required
        • Knowledge of contaminated cabin air exposure protocols
        • Ability to attend meetings as required, including being present in Seattle regularly
        • Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed
        • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and take meeting minutes.
        • Ability to meet deadlines and follow up on assigned tasks

        Duties

        • Fulfill the duties of the MEC Chairperson when s/he is absent or otherwise committed
        • Perform tasks as assigned by the MEC Chairperson. Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Chairperson on all activities.  Assist the MEC Chairperson in preparing the monthly committee report to the MEC.
        • Actively respond to any incidents involving aircraft air quality. Provide assistance to the affected Flight Attendants.  Work with management to determine the root cause.
        • Represent AFA and the ASHSC at bi-monthly Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings in Seattle
        • Assist the MEC Chairperson in planning and conducting bi-monthly meetings of the committee and other meetings and conference calls as needed. Attend and actively participate in all meetings and conference calls in coordination with the MEC Chairperson.

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        • This position is 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 4-6 hours per week (12 to 18 TFP per month).  This amount is highly variable and may be higher or lower depending on the amount of work to be completed each week and month.  Some work may be accomplished remotely.  Regularly required to be in Seattle to work on projects and attend meetings.

        Working Relationships

        With The ASHSC

        Frequent interaction with Local ASHSC Chairpersons and Committee Members

        With The MEC ASHSC Chairperson

        Constant interaction; this position reports to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson

        With Alaska Airlines Management

        Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance, Manager of Inflight Policy, and Inflight Safety & Policy Specialists

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        • The MEC will hold interviews during the July MEC meeting on Monday July 18 or Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.
        • Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Satterlee at yvette.satterlee@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Friday, July 8, 2016. Yvette will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Tim Green and Brice McGee; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

        AFA Alaska Logo No Tag

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2016, air quality, ASHSC, MEC Committee Vice Chairperson, safety, volunteer

        Understanding Open Time Trading with the Codes

        May 18, 2016 17:00

        As reflected in the Open Time Trial Survey Results for May 2016, 87.8% of respondents reported they do not understand or are still learning the Open Time trading codes (TO/DD/CP/TX/no code) and how to trade sequences in Open Time based on those codes.

         

        Open Time Trading with the Codes Quick Reference Guide

         

        Consequently, AFA Alaska has prepared a short (six page) Open Time Trading codes quick reference guide. The Master Executive Council (MEC) thanks the Council 30 Anchorage Local Executive Council (LEC) officers and Scheduling Committee chairperson for developing the guide.

         

        >>> Click here to view the “Open Time Trading with the Codes” quick reference guide in a Portable Document Format (pdf). <<<

         

        Click the following to view each page of the “Open Time Trading with the Codes” quick reference guide in picture format (jpg):

        OT Trading with the Codes 1 of 6

        OT Trading with the Codes 2 of 6

        OT Trading with the Codes 3 of 6

        OT Trading with the Codes 4 of 6

        OT Trading with the Codes 5 of 6

        OT Trading with the Codes 6 of 6

         

        If you have any questions, contact your local Scheduling Committee or Local Executive Council (LEC) officers.

         

        In Solidarity,

         

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-elect Tim Green, Brice McGee; MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones

        Open Time Trading with the Codes Quick Reference Guide

         

        Filed Under: Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2016, Open Time, OT, Trial

        Open Time Trial Survey Results – May 2016

        May 16, 2016 22:00

        The Open Time Trial Survey for May 2016 concluded this morning (May 16, 2016), and the results are now available.

         

        Survey completion information

         

        1,055 surveys were completed and 87 were partially completed. A small number of Flight Attendants submitted more than one survey, in which case only the last submission was counted. There were also a few entries without Arctic numbers, so those were excluded; going forward the survey has been updated to disallow submissions without Arctic numbers. The Master Executive Council (MEC) encourages all Flight Attendants to contribute to future monthly Open Time Trial surveys.

         

        Survey overview

         

        The results show a clear need to improve general understanding of the Open Time Trial and a strong dissatisfaction for the current system.

         

        Understanding of the Open Time trading codes

         

        87.8% of respondents do not understand or are still learning the Open Time trading codes (TO/DD/CP/TX/no code) and how to trade sequences in Open Time based on those codes.

         

        AFA Alaska is putting the finishing touches on an Open Time trading codes quick reference guide and will publish that very soon.

         

        Understanding of the estimated time frame for making any programming changes to Open Time

         

        A majority (53.6%) reported they do not understand the time frame involved for making any programming changes to the Open Time system.

         

        Based on membership feedback the MEC will make a determination on the future of Open Time:

         

        • Prior to making a determination, the MEC would like to gather several months of survey results and other data pursuant to AFA Alaska CBA §12.F.8.d [Exchange of Sequences: Open Time Trial] for review. The Open Time Trial is scheduled to last up to a year before a final decision has to be made–unless the Association and management mutually agree to extend the trial.

         

        • If the MEC determines to go “back to book,” reverting to the former Open Time system could take approximately one year. This is because the new JCTE crew management system would need to be reprogrammed with the rules for the former OT system. (It is currently being programmed with the new OT rules.)

         

        • If we do go “back to book,” AFA will start negotiating a new system as outlined in CBA §12.F.9 [Exchange of Sequences: Open Time Trial: Cancellation of Open Time Trial]. Implementation of a replacement OT system would likely take a minimum of nine months after reaching an agreement with management.

         

        Strong dissatisfaction with the Open Time Trial

         

        76.1% indicated they are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the Open Time Trial. If a decision were to be made today regarding the future of the Open Time Trial, 81.1% of respondents would prefer to revert “back to book” to the old Open Time system (based on IT limitations) and begin negotiations on a new system; whereas 18.9% would prefer to keep the current system.

         

        Detailed survey results

         

        >>> Click here to view the detailed AFA Alaska Open Time Trial Survey Results for May 2016. <<<

         

        AFA Alaska will review the survey results with management at our upcoming biweekly Open Time Trial Review meeting. Additionally, your MEC officers are very concerned about these statistics and will thoroughly discuss the survey results at this month’s MEC meeting; the May MEC meeting will occur this coming weekend in Atlanta prior to the annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meeting.

         

        In solidarity,

         

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-elect Tim Green and Brice McGee

        AFA Alaska Open Time Trial Survey Results May 2016

        cropped-AFA-Alaska-Logo-Transparent-Background.png

        Filed Under: Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2016, Open Time, OT, Trial

        AFA Alaska Open Time Trial Survey May 2016

        May 13, 2016 08:00

        Pursuant to AFA Alaska Collective Bargaining Agreement §12.F.8.D.5 [Exchange of Sequences: Open Time Trial], the Master Executive Council (MEC) is conducting a monthly poll of membership regarding your satisfaction with Open Time. Your candid responses will help the MEC determine the course of the Open Time trial.

         

        It is important to focus on Open Time functionality, not the technical issues with logging into the system, when answering the questions.

         

        You must enter your Arctic number in order to take the survey. We’re asking for your Arctic number to ensure each Flight Attendant receives one vote per month and is not for tracking purposes. If a survey is submitted more than once with the same Arctic number, only the last response will be counted for this month.

         

        > > > To take the AFA Alaska Open Time Trial Survey for May 2016 click here. < < <

         

        To capture the data for Open Time trading in April/May for the May 2016 bid month, the survey will close on Monday, May 16th at 9am Pacific Time. That is three days from now, so it is important that you do not delay taking it.

         

        Going forward, the MEC intends to open the survey just after PBS bids are due on the 10th and close the survey at the same time as this month (the 16th at 9am PT). The monthly survey will be timed to capture the data for each successive month (e.g. the next survey will be from June 10th – 16th to capture data from May/June Open Time trading for the June 2016 bid month).

         

        In the interest of full transparency, the MEC will publish a summary of results once the responses have been tallied. Thank you in advance for your feedback!

         

        In Solidarity,

         

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-elect Tim Green and Brice McGee

        AFA-Alaska-Logo-Transparent-Background

        Filed Under: Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2016, Open Time, OT

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