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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Human Rights & Equity Committee

        AFA Alaska Update – September 17, 2021

        September 17, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
        • PBS Subcommittee Appointment
        • Why a $5 Starbucks Card is Important to Your Contractual Rights

        Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

        Human Rights Committee

        September 15 marks the first day of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States.  The celebration, which is also referred to as National Hispanic Heritage Month, began as Hispanic Heritage week when it was established by legislation that was signed into law by President Lydon Johnson in 1968.  In 1988, the single week event was expanded to a month-long period to be celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15.

        September 15 is of significance as it marks the anniversary of independence of the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Mexico also celebrates independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21. 

        Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

        You can learn more about the accomplishments of Hispanic-Latinx Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

        • Library of Congress – National Hispanic Heritage Month
        • National Archives – Hispanic Heritage Month
        • National Park Service – Hispanic Heritage Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – Latino Center
        • Alaska Air Group Latin Culture Resource Group (LCRG) – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (AAG sign-on required)

        Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pins Coming in 2022

        The AFA Executive Board recently passed a resolution recognizing Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and providing for the creation of a new diversity AFA pin in celebration.  You can read the complete text of the resolution by clicking here.  The new pin will be undergo the design and development process over the next year and will be made available in September 2022.

        Questions?

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


        PBS Subcommittee Appointment

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews this week for an additional PBS Subcommittee Member as previously announced in the August 6 AFA Update email.  The MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. After thorough consideration, the MEC has appointed SAN-based Flight Attendant Steven Patronsky to the position.

        About Steve

        Representing the membership and upholding contract compliance are the aspects of the work that most excites Steve about being appointed to the PBS Subcommittee. His volunteering history for AFA includes work on the Scheduling and Hotel Committees.  Steve’s recent accomplishments include completing a Master’s Program at the University of Central Florida and remodeling a 50’s era Mid-Century home in Orlando. 

        About the Position

        The PBS Subcommittee, part of the Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system and oversee the bidding and bid award processes.  The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.  Additional information about the position and subcommittee can be found by clicking here.


        Why a $5 Starbucks Card is Important to Your Contractual Rights

        Grievance Committee

        In early 2020, our Grievance Committee included information in an AFA Update about a settlement agreement related to management issuing $5 Starbucks cards to ANC-based Flight Attendants for meeting an attendance goal back in 2015.  You can read the original communication from March 25, 2020 by clicking here (scroll to the Grievance Committee Update article, then the Recent Settled Grievances heading).  Due to the pandemic and other administrative issues, management is just now distributing the Starbucks card as agreed upon.

        So Why Is This Important?

        The issue at hand isn’t so much about the amount of the Starbucks card but rather what management did wrong.  The priority of our Grievance Committee is to ensure that management complies with our collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  In this case, management violated the CBA by awarding gift cards to a particular group of Flight Attendants for having better attendance rates than others without negotiating it with AFA.  Gift cards, which have a dollar value, are considered a form of compensation which is a negotiated part of our CBA.

        If our Grievance Committee had failed to address this contractual violation, regardless of how small it may seem, it could open the door to management making other attempts to change our compensation or working conditions in violation of the CBA.  This settlement agreement protects your rights and makes all Flight Attendants equal in terms of the CBA.  Although it may only be $5 to each Flight Attendant, the overall cost to management for the settlement agreement is significant and a reminder not to violate the language in our contract.

        Questions?

        If you have questions about the settlement agreement or reasoning behind it, please feel free to reach out to your Local Grievance Committee.

        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2021, committee appointments, grievance settlement, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, PBS

        AFA Alaska Update – August 20, 2021

        August 20, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January
        • Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements
        • REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey

        TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently confirmed that it will extend its federal mask mandate on transportation until at least January 18, 2022. The mandate, which was previously scheduled to expire on September 13, was extended to “minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” according to a TSA spokesperson.

        AFA International President Sara Nelson released a statement on Wednesday in support of the extension of the mask mandate and said in part, “…the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will help tremendously to keep passengers and aviation workers safe.”  The complete statement is available on the AFA International website.

        AFA Alaska representatives from the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Service Committee, and Master Executive Council (MEC) have been in communication with inflight management regarding the extension of the mask mandate.  Management has indicated that they do not anticipate any changes to mask/face covering policies at this time and current procedures will remain in effect for the new duration of the mandate.

        Mask Mandate in the News

        • U.S. will extend COVID-19 transport mask mandate through Jan. 18 (Reuters)
        • TSA extends mask mandate for transportation through Jan. 18 (CNBC)

        Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements

        Human Rights Committee

        As Flight Attendants, we are used to certain routines and habitual behaviors when it comes to how we do our job.  The processes of performing the safety demo, setting up our galleys and carts for service, and many others are second nature to us, and we often don’t give them a second thought.  One of those deeply ingrained habits for many is starting our cabin announcements with the phrase “ladies and gentlemen”.

        What you may not know, however, is that “ladies and gentlemen” is no longer part of our announcement scripts. Section 10 of the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and the announcements section of Block2Block no longer include any gender-specific references.  Though it may take some effort to drop the habit of using the phrase, doing so is important in creating an inclusive environment for all our fellow Flight Attendants, other co-workers, and passengers.

        Our MEC adopted a resolution on gender equality in December 2020.  The resolution affirms the MEC’s support of the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and expressions both in and out of the workplace.  As not everyone identifies as male or female, preceding cabin announcements with the term “ladies and gentlemen” does not support a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.  Let’s work together to create an inclusive environment by using language that is welcoming to all!

        Questions?

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


        REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey

        AFA International

        AFA is partnering with United Against Slavery in a global effort to end the scourge of human trafficking. As Flight Attendants and aviation’s first responders, we are uniquely positioned to identify human traffickers and assist their victims.

        Human trafficking is a billion-dollar business, but Flight Attendants can be 100,000 Eyes in the Skies to recognize and report it. We can be the ones to make the difference.

        Historical efforts to gather and understand information to implement effective solutions for this crime have been a challenge and success seemed unattainable. Why? They have not involved collecting the knowledge that only those on the frontlines have.

        Click here to take the survey >

        Filed Under: Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2021, announcements, COVID-19, face mask, gender equality, human trafficking, novel coronavirus

        AFA Alaska Update – May 28, 2021

        May 28, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Grievance Committee Update
        • Join the Delta AFA Campaign
        • UNCF Commitment Aircraft
        • Mental Health Awareness Month

        Grievance Committee Update

        Grievance Committee

        Our Grievance Committee has been very hard at work ensuring disciplinary due process and contractual compliance on your behalf.  The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) requires a minimum of 13 arbitration dates yearly to dispute discipline/termination cases and contractual issues.  AFA typically prioritizes termination cases to return a Flight Attendant back to work as soon as possible; however, we seek a balance between discipline and contractual cases.  AFA and management mutually decide which cases to arbitrate next based on many factors. 

        Steps of discipline are confirmation of oral warning (COW), written warning (WW), suspension (varied number of days) to termination.  COWs, WWs, and suspensions remain in the Flight Attendant’s file for 18 months, and then are removed.  If a Flight Attendant is in a step of discipline and gets another violation, the new violation will build on the previous violation.  Management doesn’t always progressively travel up the steps of discipline.  There is no middle ground or progressive discipline for certain violations.  If management investigates a Flight Attendant for theft or abuse of sick leave, for example, management will terminate the Flight Attendant if there is evidence to support its findings; if there is no evidence, then the Flight Attendant will most likely be issued a record of discussion (ROD).  A ROD is not considered discipline.  

        For Your Information – Block2Block Team Messaging

        Everything that Flight Attendants and other employees type in the team messaging feature of Block2Block is recorded, saved, and regularly reviewed by management.  Anyone in the company who has access to the system can log on to a flight and use the system to communicate or just see what is being said. Also, if they choose, they can go back and review conversations from past flights.  

        Subjects of Most Recent Discipline

        • Sick leave and FMLA abuse—terminations on the rise due to travel audits among other things.  Anything written in the advertising comments on trip trades and personal drops can be seen, even if later deleted.  Also, recorded telephone conversations with Crew Scheduling can be referenced for use by management in discipline.  If management determines abuse it results in termination.  The Company will be looking at sick leave patterns around holidays as well.  This means, for example, if a Flight Attendant has called in sick for 3 of the last 3 Mother’s Days, s/he may be called in for a sick leave abuse meeting.  
        • Timecard fraud—for example: delaying boarding door closure to obtain sit pay.  Management has terminated for this violation.
        • Drug/alcohol violations
        • Theft.  Anything other than an opened/used bottle of water, unused pilot crew meal or purchased food removed from the aircraft will result in termination.  
        • Harassment and discrimination
        • Reserve Flight Attendants commuting during the reserve availability period (RAP) even if self-assigned a trip and/or not being in base for the entirety of the RAP (except as provided for in §11.C.5 on the last day of the block).  Management has terminated for commuting during the RAP several times.
        • Commuter Violations
          • Flight Attendant released from DHD and used D8Y home
          • Flight Attendant used D8Y when they picked up out of base
          • Flight Attendant used D8Y to/from incorrect cities
          • Flight Attendant used D8Y for pleasure travel.  Commuter audits are being used for researching whether commuting reserve Flight Attendants are in base for their full RAP, and if not, it typically results in termination.
        • Social media violations including sending friend or follow requests to passengers on social media based on information gained from Block2Block.  Also, postings which can be deemed harassing or discriminatory typically result in discipline ranging from written warning to termination.
        • Lost IMD or other required items
        • Failing to complete CBT—even if Flight Attendant just forgets to hit the close out x at the top to switch it from in process to complete.
        • Uniform Issues—Flight Attendants can and have been pulled from working their flights without pay for uniform non-compliance and/or issued discipline.

        Recent Arbitration/Mediation

        ArbitrationOctoberContractual Grievance
        ArbitrationNovemberContractual Grievance
        ArbitrationDecemberContractual Grievance
        ArbitrationJanuaryDisciplinary Grievance

        Recent Arbitration Awards

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-29-20-Violation of §30.C.4 Computer Based Training (CBT).  The Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement [Training], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when on or about January 21, 2020, it significantly increased the number of evaluated drills conducted during recurrent training (RT) and considerably changed the requirements to demonstrate proficiency and pass said drills. To pass all 36 drills with the required perfect score, the Company published 39 videos for Flight Attendant viewing with total watch time of 39 minutes and 40 seconds, none of which Flight Attendants were compensated for watching.

        Details:  Unfortunately, the arbitrator found in favor of the Company.  The arbitrator did recognize the merits of the Union’s case; however, the CBA did not provide for the decision for which we hoped.  

        Recent Grievance Settlements

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-45-17-Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes.  This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §10.S [Scheduling:  Pre-Cancellation], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it altered Flight Attendant schedules due to a schedule change/flight retiming using inapplicable Pre-Cancellation language without prior notice to or approval from AFA.  

        Details:  All pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes and aircraft downgrades that occur in advance of the day of departure of a sequence will be handled under §10.S [Pre-Cancellations] beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. Click here to read the settlement agreement. 

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-144-19-Violation §13.D.1 Uniform Allotment and Optional Pieces.  This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §13.D.1 [Uniforms:  Uniform Allotment/Credits], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it refused to give Flight Attendants the ability to purchase Luly Yang inspired by Alaska Airlines optional uniform pieces (which are or will be available for purchase at the Alaska Airlines Company store) with their contractual uniform allotted funds.  

        Details:  The Company is not obligated to sell Luly Yang items at the Company Store; however, if it does, all Luly Yang items will be sold at cost to all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Click here to read the settlement agreement.

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-165-19- Violation of Vacation Trading Past Practice.  This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement § 14 [Vacation], an established past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it violated an established past practice for a real-time, electronic vacation trading system and the subsequent failure of that system to allow SEA-based Flight Attendants to access and trade vacation at the established start time.  

        Details:  On or about October 28, 2019, the Company’s Flight Attendant vacation trading system went down for 20 minutes affecting many Flight Attendants’ ability to trade their vacation. Approximately 57 Flight Attendants contacted AFA due to the outage.  The Company agreed to pay each of those 57 Flight Attendants 1.0 TFP no later than their March 19, 2021, paycheck.  Click here to read the settlement agreement. 

        Grievances Recently Filed and Denied

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-384-20-Violation of §10.S Scheduling Notifications.  This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §10.S [Scheduling:  Pre-Cancellations], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it used non-contractual scheduling notifications sent to Flight Attendants via the Crew Scheduling system in order to communicate and assign alternate flying or an obligation to call Crew Scheduling within a specific window of time.  If a Flight Attendant accepts such non-contractual scheduling notification(s), which is neither contact by Crew Scheduling via Company email nor via primary phone contact as defined in §10.S.1.a, the scheduling notification(s) violates the contract by abrogating the Flight Attendant’s ability to: (1) decline the alternate assignment and waive pay protection (§10.S.2.b), (2) decline the “out of original footprint by more than two hours” alternate assignment and call Crew Scheduling between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM (local domicile time) the night prior to the start of the original sequence (§10.S.2.c), or (3) waive pay protection and be relieved of any further scheduling obligation (§10.S.3). 

        Grievance No.:  36-99-2-386-20-Violation of §8.Q & §8.R Contactability and Notification of Delay or Cancellation. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §8.Q [Hours of Service:  Contactability] and §8.R [Hours of Service: Notification of Delay or Cancellation], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it used non-contractual scheduling notifications sent via the Crew Scheduling system in order to communicate and assign revised flying to Flight Attendants who were off-duty on a remain overnight (RON). Such scheduling notifications are in violation of the contractually defined means of contact and/or the Flight Attendant’s obligation to respond pursuant to these provisions.

        More Information

        For more information, including the status of previously filed grievances, please visit the Grievance Committee Activity Page.

        Questions?

        Please contact your Local Grievance Committee if you have any questions about the Grievance Committee update.


        Join the Delta AFA Campaign

        AFA International

        Volunteer Delta Air Lines Flight Attendants have been actively working to organize and build their Union and AFA continues to support them in their efforts.  Activities are continuing to ramp up and the AFA organizing team is seeking Flight Attendants from Alaska and other AFA airlines who would like to get involved.  If you have personal connections with Delta Flight Attendants, commute or travel regularly on Delta, or are interested in supporting the organizing effort, please take a moment to complete the online contact form or scan the QR code to the right.

        Want to Know More?

        You can read more about the Delta AFA organizing campaign at https://www.deltaafa.org.


        UNCF Commitment Aircraft

        Human Rights Committee

        On April 26, 2021, Alaska Airlines proudly received its newest livery, an aircraft that symbolizes the Company’s support for education and equity – called “Our Commitment.”  This aircraft was inspired and designed in partnership with the Air Group Black Employees (ABEA) business resource group and others. The profiles on the side of the aircraft are 14 children and grandchildren of Alaska’s employees. Located at the L/R1 doors are two inspirational quotes: “The time is always right to do what is right,” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela).

        Photo: Alaska Airlines

        Alaska’s partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) began in 1991. Over the years, Alaska has supported UNCF’s fundraising efforts through donating tickets and event sponsorship. In 2017, UNCF became a LIFT Miles partner enabling students to attend college tours and travel back and forth during school semesters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  This is like other partnerships and sponsorships the Company presently has with many colleges and universities throughout the route network.

        As this aircraft travels around our system, it represents Alaska’s commitment to promote equality and education. It encourages us as an airline to do the right thing by amplifying the conversation around education and equity.

        Questions?

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


        Mental Health Awareness Month

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        If you have a mental health condition, you’re not alone. One in 5 American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. And across the population, 1 in every 20 adults is living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term recurring major depression. Unfortunately, many people don’t seek treatment or remain unaware that their symptoms could be connected to a mental health condition. Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:

        • Excessive worrying or fear
        • Feeling excessively sad or low
        • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
        • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
        • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
        • Avoiding friends and social activities
        • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
        • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
        • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
        • Changes in sex drive
        • Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality)
        • Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior, or personality (“lack of insight” or anosognosia)
        • Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
        • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
        • Thinking about suicide
        • Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
        • An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

        If you’re concerned about any of these signs either in yourself, a love one or a flying partner, please reach out to your AFA EAP Committee for confidential support and assistance.  Call (949) 470-0493 or locate your local AFA EAP Committee Members at https://afaalaska.org/eap.  

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Grievance Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2021, Delta, EAP, Grievance Committee, Human Rights Committee, UNCF

        AFA Special Update – February 1, 2021

        February 1, 2021 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Celebrating Black History Month

        Celebrating Black History Month

        Human Rights Committee

        Carter G. Woodson

        February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  The celebration has a long tradition that can be traced back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week”, which sought to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals to society and the world.  It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month.

        Learn More About Black History

        You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

        • National Archives – African American History Month Resources
        • National Endowment for the Humanities – African American History and Culture in the United States
        • National Park Service – Black History Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African American History & Culture
        • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Black History Month
        • Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies and Advocates (ABEA) – Black History Month Virtual Discussions (AAG sign-on required)

        Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

        In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of February as Black History Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of February.

        For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

        Filed Under: Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2021, Black History Month

        AFA Update – December 11, 2020

        December 11, 2020 12:00

        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:

        • Pride at Work – Union Guide to Discussing LGBTQ People and Issues
        • National Center for Transgender Equality – Understanding Non-Binary People

        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.  

        • United Way and Local Assistance Resources in your Area  www.211.org
        • State by state resources and benefits to replace lost wages, housing and food assistance, resources to assist workers impacted by COVID   https://aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources

        Health Care

        • Low-cost/no cost local health care services for adults and children: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
        • Insurance for children if parents don’t have coverage for them. www.insurekidsnow.gov
        • Open Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act – (open Season 11/1-12/15) www.healthcare.gov
        • Hill-Burton free or low cost hospitals/medical facilities. https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton/facilities.html
        • Join a Study/Trial- Find a study by disease, country, state that is actively recruiting participants. www.clinicaltrials.gov

        Behavioral Health Care

        • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website for sliding fee or no cost mental health services. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

        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.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, community resources, election, furlough, gender equality, gender expression, gender identity, Georgia Senate Runoff, Payroll Support Program

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