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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Government Affairs Committee

        Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020

        March 19, 2020 15:30

        In This Edition

        • Ongoing Conversations With Management
        • FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers
        • Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation
        • Tell Congress: Put Aviation Workers First
        • KCM Access Point Staffing
        • Challenges with Onboard Trash Stowage
        • Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying
        • Telephone Support Group For Flight Attendants Under Self-Quarantine
        • COVID-19 Resources

        Ongoing Conversations With Management

        AFA and management are continuing to have active, ongoing discussions regarding a number of issues of importance to our Flight Attendants.

        Inflight Service Changes

        Yesterday, Executive Vice President and COO Gary Beck sent out an email outlining a series of reductions and changes to inflight service intended as mitigations to COVID-19.  Our AFA officers have received resounding feedback that these mitigations do not take enough action to protect our Flight Attendants from possible risks.  Discussions between AFA representatives and management to advocate for more drastic service reductions are continuing today.

        Recurrent Training

        Members of the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Training Committee, and the MEC have been engaging in conversation with management over the past week to advocate for protective measures related to recurrent training (RT) and the RT facilities.  Based on those discussions, management has taken steps to implement measures such as a pre-class briefing on COVID-19 precautions being taken, increased the frequency of training equipment sanitization, provided hand sanitizer to be used before and after touching equipment or door trainers, and provided disposable gloves to be used when conducting door and equipment drills. 

        AFA representatives have also asked management to take immediate and necessary action to discontinue PBE and CPR drills due to the high potential of exposure to respiratory droplets that are known to spread COVID-19.  Management has taken steps to request an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the requirement to complete PBE and CPR drills based on the ongoing spread of the disease.  AFA is calling upon management to immediately discontinue these drills as continuing to ask Flight Attendants to perform them is a serious safety and health risk.

        Food Availability on Layovers

        As a preventive measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, many restaurants in our layover cities are being ordered closed by local and state authorities.  Those that remain open are usually limited to take out or delivery only and are operating under limited hours.  The AFA Hotel Committee and the MEC are working with management to ensure that food options continue to remain available to Flight Attendants, ideally within the health guidance outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) (see “FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers” below).  Management has been asked to compile a list of food options that remain open and available near each layover hotel and to post the list in a place easily accessible to Flight Attendants.


        FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

        Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued updated COVID-19 health guidance for crew members in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).  This guidance includes recommendations to protect Flight Attendants from exposure and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.  AFA recommends that Flight Attendants follow this FAA & CDC guidance to the extent that you are able to do so.

        While On a Layover In The United States or Internationally

        • Travel as a group in private transport provided by the air carrier when traveling between the airport and hotel (note: management has started implementing this provision already; see “Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation” below).
          • Minimize contact with ground personnel and time in public areas while moving between the aircraft and the private transport.
          • Do not use public transportation, including when traveling between the airport and hotel.
        • Stay in your hotel room to the extent possible.
        • Minimize going out into the general population and use social distancing (maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet, if possible) whenever out in public. Avoid crowds, stores, sporting or mass entertainment events, and other situations likely to attract large numbers of people.
        • Eat in your hotel room with either room service or delivery service. If in-room dining options are not available, eat at a restaurant located in the hotel. If not available at the hotel, eat at a restaurant located close to the hotel.
        • Avoid contact with sick people.
        • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled.
        • Avoid touching your face.

        Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

        Hotel Committee

        In response to guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), management will be temporarily implementing private, crew-only vans in cities where transportation had been previously provided by the hotel and the van was shared with other passengers.

        Management has instructed all transportation providers to adhere to the following criteria:

        • Vehicles must be sanitized and wiped down as much as possible prior to each pick up (seat belts and buckles, armrests, door handles, any touch points)
        • If possible, provide wipes and sanitizer in their vehicles
        • Gloves should be used if handling crew bags
        • Tipping may be limited due to risk of transfer on cash

        This change means that in cities where the hotel provides transportation directly, the hotel will either now be providing “crew only” vans or, if the hotel is unable to provide a vehicle exclusively for crew, management will be arranging for contracted transportation providers to provide this service.  Please note that with this change, company provided layover hotel transportation will be limited to crewmembers only for the foreseeable future.  Crewmembers who are planning to travel with family or other guests will need to make other arrangements for them to get to the hotel. 

        Management will be sending emails to those crews where transportation is being switched from hotel-provided to contracted transportation.  Pairings are also being updated in Crew Access if the transportation provider has changed.  Please be mindful of any emails or Crew Access notifications regarding transportation changes.

        Questions?

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


        Tell Congress: Put Aviation Workers First

        Government Affairs Committee

        The coronavirus pandemic is decimating our aviation industry. It is a public health crisis and it is creating a financial catastrophe that dwarfs the economic cost of the Great Recession and September 11th combined.

        We’ve seen catastrophe before. We know what didn’t work before and we won’t let those things happen again. We need relief that focuses on real people. And we have a plan for that.

        Flight Attendants and other aviation workers have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus emergency from day one. Before most Americans knew what COVID-19 meant, we were calling for government action to keep it from disrupting our lives and our economy.

        Our plan is focused on keeping people on the payroll and stopping furloughs. Airlines are burning cash so quickly they will not be able to meet payroll within a few months, if not a few weeks. You will see furlough announcements that reflect this, but know this: we are working with airlines to get relief that keeps the paychecks going without furloughs.

        Washington is gearing up to save aviation. But we cannot accept another “no strings attached” government bailout for corporations and their executives that leaves Flight Attendants and aviation workers behind. This time it will be a RELIEF package focused on workers first with no stock buybacks or dividends and no executive bonuses.

        Send a letter to your members of Congress to demand that any public relief plan be a People First plan with legally-binding rules, including (but not limited to):

        1. Paycheck continuation without furloughs/layoffs
        2. No stock buybacks
        3. No executive bonuses
        4. No dividends
        5. No breaking contract

        >> Click here to take action now <<

        Amplify Your Message with a Call

        Call your Member of Congress and Senators now and tell them to support our position on a People First relief package for aviation.

        SENATE: 855-973-4213

        HOUSE: 877-782-8274

        Read more about our plan in this article >


        KCM Access Point Staffing

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

        Due to the rapid changes caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is directing Federal Security Directors to implement measures to maintain continuity of business. These measures could include some changes to the operation of Known Crewmember Program (KCM) access point locations. Crewmembers should expect periodic closures of KCM access points without notice. If KCM access points are closed, the TSA will accommodate crewmembers at TSA PreCheck™ locations where available or at standard passenger screening lanes. The TSA is taking measured steps and following CDC recommended guidance to preserve the health and safety of Transportation Security Officers

        More Information

        Please check the Known Crewmember website for more information and updates.


        Challenges with Onboard Trash Stowage

        Inflight Service Committee

        Our AFA Inflight Service Committee and Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) have been working to advance AFA’s request to discontinue any onboard sorting of trash in the wake of COVID-19.  Many Flight Attendants have attempted to collect trash without employing the usual sorting process that would be used for onboard recycling and have come up against numerous challenges based on the lack of adequate trash space.  This has become especially challenging on double catered flights, flights in the Florida and Hawaii markets, and flights on A319 and certain A320 aircraft.

        These concerns have been brought forward to the onboard food and beverage department, which is part of marketing.  Management is reviewing possible solutions to mitigate the lack of appropriate trash space.  AFA is continuing to stress the importance of providing adequate space for trash over discretionary provisions such as inflight entertaining tablets.  This comes down to safety—the company’s catering procedures should never be prioritized over providing adequate space for Flight Attendants to contain trash in a regulatory-complaint manner.

        Have You Experienced Inadequate Trash Stowage Space?

        If you are on a flight where you have inadequate trash stowage space, AFA highly encourages every Flight Attendant on the crew to file an Aviation Safety Action (ASAP) report using ReportIt!.  More information about ASAP, including a link to file a report, can be found here.


        Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        It is prudent for all Flight Attendants to assess their personal financial positions in anticipation of income reductions.  While every Flight Attendant’s situation will vary, below are some general considerations that can help you begin strategizing how best to weather the financial impact of flying cutbacks on your household.

        Assess Your Financial Status

        • Prepare a household budget and cut any non-essential items.
        • Prepare a list of all creditors and a contact person.  Make minimum payments.
        • Place your money in a bank in which you have no debt.
        • Attempt to secure a loan early, so you will have a cash flow.
        • Assess your tax situation.  You may be owed a refund or need to file an extension.
        • Be proactive.  Assess your credit card debt.  Look into a temporary reduction or abatement in payments.

        Contact Your Creditors

        You must communicate with your creditors before any payments become delinquent, and the sooner the better.  You can negotiate a lower repayment schedule before you run out of money.  Be professional, but assertive.  Creditors are easier to work with if they know ahead of time that there’s a problem.  Also, it shows ‘good faith’ that you are concerned about your debts and intend to pay.

        The goal is to make the amount of money you’ve saved last as long as possible.  Pay what you can on a regular basis, even if it is less than expected.  Partial payments may keep collection agents away.  Follow-up all telephone conversations with a letter and keep documentation.  Even in the worst-case scenario, it takes a long time for collections, repossessions and evictions to occur.  Contact credit counselors who can help you sort out your financial affairs.  Be sure to remember to contact the creditors that are automatically payroll deducted.

        Even if you can’t pay creditors the amount they want, make your best effort to pay something regularly.  This holds arrears as low as possible and lets the creditor know that you are doing all you can.  Partial payment may keep your account from being turned over to a collection agency.

        Put your payments in order of importance: this will help you pay first things first when money is short.  Generally, your most important payment will be the mortgage or rent payment, followed by utilities, health insurance and car payments.

        And after the initial contact, it’s important that you keep in contact with creditors – every two weeks or so.  This reassures the creditor, shows a responsible attitude toward your obligation and may keep the creditor from ‘hounding’ you.

        Prepare a Household Budget

        A budget helps you see where you spend your money and where you can save.  Your budgeted expenses should include:

        • Fixed expenses, including: mortgage, rent, taxes, insurance, loans, installment payments, credit card payments and any other monthly payments.
        • Monthly expenses, including: food, gas, repairs, dues, recreation, prescriptions.
        • Future expenses, including: income/property tax and any other outstanding debts.

        Your budgeted income should include:

        • Any remaining income
        • State disability insurance benefits
        • Workers’ compensation checks
        • Savings
        • Social Security
        • Unemployment compensation
        • Other pension funds

        Your assets may include:

        • Cash value of insurance policies
        • Equity in your home
        • Prepaid burial or funeral policy
        • Resale value of vehicles (including boats and snowmobiles)

        Now you are ready to adjust your expenses, negotiate with creditors and use assets in the most effective way possible.

        Questions?

        Contact your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee or call (949) 470-0493.


        Telephone Support Group For Flight Attendants Under Self-Quarantine

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        In order to provide additional support to those Flight Attendants who are under self-quarantine, AFA International EAP is sponsoring a bi-weekly telephonic support group meeting.  The meetings are facilitated by a confidential mental health professional.

        Calls started on Tuesday, March 17 and are scheduled Tuesdays at 12 PM PDT (March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14) and Sundays at 5 PM PDT (March 22, 29, April 5, 12).  Each call will last one hour and can support up to 100 Flight Attendant participants.

        Call-In Number

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

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


        COVID-19 Resources

        • AFA International Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) page
        • Alaska Air Group Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite (AAG Sign-On Required)
        • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Service Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, CDC, Congress, COVID-19, FAA, KCM, novel coronavirus, transportation

        AFA Update – September 13, 2019

        September 13, 2019 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Contractual Supporting Documents
        • Reminder: New KCM Identification Requirements
        • FAA Responds to AFA Advocacy to Move on 10 Hours Rest Implementation

        Contractual Supporting Documents

        Contract Committee

        When there is a disagreement or difference of opinion regarding the intent of contractual language or how a contractual provision should be applied, AFA and management work through an established process to attempt to resolve the dispute.  Depending on the issue at hand, the resolution might be documented in one of several forms: a letter of agreement, memorandum of understanding, labor memorandum, or contractual settlement agreement.  Regardless of the format, these documents are contractually enforceable and supplement the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement.

        To allow for the easiest possible access, these contractual supporting documents can easily be accessed from the contract home page of the AFA Alaska website at https://afaalaska.org/contract.  You can also access them on your IMD through the Good Reader app by tapping ASFASupplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about contractual supporting documents, please contact your LEC President.

        Reminder: New KCM Identification Requirements

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

        As a reminder, new crewmember identification requirements for KCM, went into effect on Friday, September 6, 2019. The requirements are:

        If the crewmember is wearing a uniform, the crewmember must present, as they do now:

        • A non-expired government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license); and
        • An aircraft operator-issued crewmember photo ID (crew ID)

        If the crewmember is not wearing a uniform, the crewmember must present:

        • A non-expired government-issued photo ID;
        • An aircraft operator-issued crewmember photo ID; and
        • A third form of identification, either:
          • A valid FAA Airman’s Certificate
          • A valid FAA Flight Attendant Certificate of Proficiency; or
          • A second non-expired government-issued photo ID

        This means that out of uniform you must plan to present a passport and driver’s license/government ID card or one of these items and your FAA Certification card.

        At some airports Flight Attendants have been improperly directed to passenger screening if not in uniform, and in addition, that new KCM electronic randomizer function is selecting a very high percentage of crewmembers for passenger screening. AFA continues to work with TSA to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Your reports have been instrumental in our ability to address these issues and correct discrepancies.

        Please continue to respectfully question when given instruction that is not consistent with reported procedures. If the TSA Officer or manager persists with the instruction, comply and then document the incident through our reporting form.

        KCM Questions and Reporting Form

        We fought hard to be included in KCM program. It is both a privilege as trusted crewmembers and a responsibility as part of aviation security. We all need to work together to ensure it continues to promote security and compliments our work as aviation’s last line of defense. 

        Please continue to follow all KCM program requirements.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions regarding KCM, please submit your question using the above form or contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officersfor assistance.

        FAA Responds to AFA Advocacy to Move on 10 Hours Rest Implementation

        Government Affairs Committee

        Last year we successfully achieved 10 Hours minimum rest free from duty under the law. According to the legislation timeline and past practice on implementation of new rules, airlines should have had to comply with the law by the beginning of June 2019. Instead, a few airlines mounted significant opposition to the implementation and argued it would be too costly and difficult to implement. The Government Shutdown and the Boeing 737 MAX grounding further delayed the implementation of hundreds of provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. 

        Flight Attendants made our rest a top priority and it’s because of all of you that we were able to achieve this legislative win. We have been working diligently on several fronts to remove obstacles to getting our rest implemented. We have worked directly with Chairman DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman Larsen (D-WA) and several other members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. As we did with the original bill, we had both Republicans and Democrats from the Committee speaking up and pushing for implementation with FAA and DOT. We also have worked with our airlines to remove obstacles and specifically negotiated and implemented the 10 hours rest at Frontier and PSA. This also helped to demonstrate to regulators that the implementation should not be as difficult as they had been told by some airlines.

        Recently confirmed FAA Administrator Steve Dickson assured AFA and lawmakers he would make implementation of 10 hours rest a priority. Today, under his leadership the FAA took an official and public step forward announcing a rulemaking process for implementing the 10 hours minimum rest. Within hours, Delta announced they would implement the rest with the February bid month – demonstrating the truth that all airlines can do this within a few months time. We will keep the heat on and press for full federal implementation as soon as possible. This is about safety, health, and equality.

        Questions?

        Please reach out to your Local Government Affairs Committeeif you have any questions.

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Contract, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2019, contract, Fight for 10, KCM, MOU

        AFA Update – August 16, 2019

        August 16, 2019 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Hotel Crew Room Blocks Card Now Online
        • REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming
        • TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!
        • Cabin Air Quality Resources

        Hotel Crew Hotel Room Blocks Card Now Online

        Hotel Committee

        Your AFA Hotel Committee has succeeded in their effort to have the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card uploaded to an easily accessible location on both the Inflight website and the IMD.  The Crew Hotel Room Blocks card (commonly known as the “purple card”) is a quick reference card that provides information about appropriate hotel room features and room locations.  This card can be shown to hotel staff when you are assigned a hotel room that does not meet the requirements of the company’s contract with the hotel in order to hopefully remedy the situation on-the-spot. 

        Going forward, the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card will be published on the first page of the monthly Hotel Hotline document.  The Hotel Hotline can be found on the Flight Attendant website under Hotel, Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline.  On the IMD, you can find the Hotel Hotline under ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline.

        If you have any questions, please reach out to your Local Hotel Committee.

        REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming

        Human Rights Committee

        In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors approved the creation of Human Rights Committees across AFA, with committees to be formed at each Local Council and MEC.  Members of the Human Rights Committee will work to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.  This work will involve close coordination with local community and CWA allies to engage in efforts that advance both human rights and worker’s rights.

        As part of the formation of the Committee, volunteer involvement opportunities are available both at the local level (Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson) and the airline level (MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson).  If you are interested in filling the role of Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson, please refer to recent communications from your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers or contact your LEC President.

        MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

        Information about the MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson can be found in the August 2, 2019 AFA Update.

        The MEC will hold interviews for the position of MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 17.  Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/bns2FHqC11PLe3889.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 10.  After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

        Please note that in order to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

        TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!

        Government Affairs Committee

        The Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019 aims to protect airline passengers and crew from the harmful effects of toxic cabin air.

        “Our workspace is the public’s travel space and in that space today, crews and passengers are breathing toxins and it has to stop,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson.

        Call your Representative and Senators today and tell them to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act. The House bill is H.R. 2208 and the Senate bill is S. 1112. 

        Call Your Representative: 866-937-4359

        Call Your Senators: 877-750-7411 

        “Hi, my name is_________. As a constituent and a Flight Attendant, I am calling to ask you to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019. Flight Attendants and passengers can be exposed to toxic fumes in the cabin. We need the FAA to intervene and implement protections. Support clean air onboard for passengers and Flight Attendants!”

        AFA’s efforts to improve the cabin environment span the last three decades, from advocating for smoke-free skies to stopping poisonous pesticide spraying to addressing the dangers of contaminated bleed air. We advocate that the airline industry either end the use of engine bleed air for cabin air supply like on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or mitigate the circulation of contaminated air. In 2015, AFA was an active member of the ICAO task group that published Circular 344, which advises airlines to enhance their operational procedures to minimize onboard exposure to smoke and fumes. This led to an FAA Safety Alert published in 2018. This is progress, but it doesn’t go far enough. 

        “Most Americans go to work with the expectation of breathing clean air. Flight Attendants don’t have this guarantee, and it is past time for that to change,” AFA President Sara Nelson said.

        Cabin Air Quality Resources

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Air Quality Subcommittee

        Your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Air Quality Subcommittee have worked with AFA International to put together a number of tools and resources to use in the event of a cabin air fume event.  Some of the resources available are listed below.

        Air Quality Fume Event FAQs

        The Committee has compiled a comprehensive question and answer document to help provide information about many of the questions and concerns that have been received about cabin air fume events.

        You can access the Q&A document by clicking here.

        Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card

        The Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card is a wallet sized card that explains what to do in a contaminated cabin air exposure event.  The card can be kept in a badge holder behind your company ID or in your wallet.

        The card was recently updated by the Committee and now includes information about the Airbus fleet.  If you currently have an older version of the card, please destroy your old card and replace it with a newly updated one. The updated cards are currently being distributed to each domicile.

        Look for more information from your Local Council about where to pick one up at your base.  You can access and print the card on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

        AFA Alaska Website

        Additional air quality information, including a flow chart that describes what to do in a cabin air fume event, can be found at afaalaska.org under Committees > Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC) > Air Quality.

        Questions?

        If you have additional questions about cabin air quality or the AFA resources available, please email airquality@afaalaska.org or contact a member of your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC).  

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Government Affairs Committee, Hotel Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2019, air quality, cabin air, committee chairperson appointment, crew rooms, Government Affairs, Hotel Committee, hotels, Human Rights Committee, interviews, MEC Committee Chairperson, toxic fumes

        8->10 Day of Action

        August 9, 2017 20:59

        Tomorrow is August 10 (8-10), our Online Day of Action to keep our rest and jobs in front of Congress. Our representatives need to take action now to enact 10 hours irreducible rest for Flight Attendants and protect good U.S. aviation jobs.

        Have you signed up for Twitter yet? Twitter is an effective platform to connect with our legislators and we’ve made it simple for you to sign up and participate.

        Click here to get started.

        Tomorrow, go to afacwa.org/8-10. This page will direct you to take action by tweeting at members of Congress and making calls for 10 hours rest and good U.S. aviation jobs.

        8/10 Day of Action Checklist:

        1. Create a Twitter Account.
        2. Like AFA on Facebook and follow AFA on Twitter.
        3. Schedule 15 min on your calendar tomorrow to to make a difference.
        4. Spread the word with your flying partners.

        To create a Twitter account:

        1. Go to http://twitter.com and find the sign up box, or go directly to https://twitter.com/signup.
        2. Enter your full name, phone number, and a password.
        3. Click Sign up for Twitter.
        4. In order to verify your phone number, Twitter will send you an SMS text message with a code. Enter the verification code in the box provided.
        5. Once you’ve clicked Sign up for Twitter, you can select a username (usernames are unique identifiers on Twitter) — type your own or choose one Twitter has suggested. Twitter will tell you if the username you want is available.
        6. Double-check your name, phone number, password, and username.
        7. Click Create my account. You may be asked to complete a Captcha to let Twitter know that you’re human.
        8. Follow @afa_cwa on Twitter.
        9. Add a profile picture to ensure people know you’re a real person and not a bot.

        Thank you in advance for participating!

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, 8->10, Fight for 10

        CALL NOW: Tell Your Representative to Support the AIRR Act!

        July 20, 2017 04:00

        The House FAA Reauthorization Bill (H.R. 2997), also known as the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform & Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, protects our jobs from outsourcing and sets 10 hours non-reducible minimum rest for Flight Attendants.  This is our opportunity to make these provisions law.  But it won’t happen without your action.

        Politico reports: “House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s floor schedule for this week left out Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster’s FAA reauthorization bill. The million-dollar question, of course, is why. It’s likely some combination of not enough votes. The whip count was close to a few dozen votes short as of the time lawmakers left town Friday afternoon.”

        AFA International President Sara Nelson is asking all of us to take action.

        Click Here To Watch The Video

        If Congress does not pass a FAA Reauthorization Bill, it is likely that we will not get a full FAA Reauthorization Bill adopted until after the 2018 elections.  Instead, Congress will likely pass an extension.  That is unacceptable.  We need rest now.  We need job security now.  We need a fully funded FAA now.

        Call your Representative TODAY at (855) 980-2366 and tell them to support the 21st Century AIRR Act (H.R. 2997)!

        Here’s what you can say when you are connected:

        “I’m your constituent and a Flight Attendant. I’m calling to urge my Representative to vote YES on H.R. 2997 when it comes to the House floor. This FAA Reauthorization bill ensures I have 10 hours non-reducible rest and prevents the outsourcing of my job. Flight Attendants can’t wait any longer for these safety and job protections. Please vote YES on H.R. 2997. Thank you.”

        Calling is easy: When you dial the number, you will automatically be connected to your Representative’s office after a brief message. Keep calling every day!

        Why are Flight Attendants supporting H.R. 2997?  The bill advances priority safety and job protections for Flight Attendants, including:

        • Flags Don’t Fly Here — prevents the DOT from awarding foreign air carrier permits to airlines that use the flags-of-convenience model
        • 10 Hours Non-Reducible Rest and a Fatigue Risk Management Plan for Flight Attendants
        • Banning Voice Calls on Planes
        • Secondary Cockpit Barriers
        • Customer Service Agent Assault Penalties
        • Cabin Evacuation Certification Standards
        • Impact of Seat Pitch on Safety
        • Nursing Rooms in Airports
        • Improved Insecticide Notification
        • Expanded Airport Personnel Human Trafficking Awareness Training
        • Improved Lithium Ion Battery Regulations

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, AIRR Act, Congress, FAA Reauthorization, Government Affairs, House of Representatives

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