Inflight Service Committee

Clarification to iPhone 6+ Charging

March 30, 2015 17:00

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

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

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

In Solidarity,

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

Initial Recommendations for the new iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device

March 8, 2015 22:59

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

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

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

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

AFA cannot overstate the importance of exercising caution with the IMD

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

Location, location, location

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

Utilize the IMD as a work tool only

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

Maintain a clear separation between anything personal and the IMD

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

Summary of Initial Recommendation

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

More information will be forthcoming

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

* * *

In solidarity,

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

PDX Inflight Service Committee Changes

February 5, 2014 05:00

Inflight Service Committee Changes

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

Tutu Smith

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

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

David Sutherland

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

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

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

• • • •

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

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

Yours In Solidarity,

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

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Clarification to iPhone 6+ Charging

Initial Recommendations for the new iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device

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

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