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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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AFA Alaska Update – July 2, 2021

In This Edition

  • Unruly Passenger Survey
  • What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Unruly Passenger Survey

AFA International

As unruly passenger incidents remain at an all-time high, our union is launching a platform to collect your experiences to fully assess the problem and help get meaningful support to all crews. 

Take this five minute anonymous survey to share your experiences with unruly passengers onboard this year.

Self Defense Training

This week, the TSA announced the resumption of Crewmember Self Defense Training classes on July 1. The program is helpful in gaining skills for defense and confident positioning. However, as we have advocated since September 11, 2001, this training should be mandatory and part of our paid initial and recurrent training in order to build the muscle memory to use the tactics immediately when attacks advance without warning. Still, the resumption of the voluntary course is positive and should send a message to the flying public as well that these unruly incidents are serious. Flight Attendants are onboard for the safety and security of everyone on the plane.

The voluntary four-hour training is offered to flight crew members free of charge and is held at 24 locations around the United States. All active flight crew members for domestic carriers are eligible to register for the training. You can register here.

Our union continues to work with other unions, lawmakers, the FAA, DOT, and airline management on more that needs to be done to get this under control. 

The Role of Alcohol

Alcohol is a major contributor to unruly passenger events. Make sure you keep this regulation handy as you advise the public that they cannot carry a drink onto the plane or consume their own alcohol on the plane. Federal regulations also affirm passengers may be refused boarding if they appear to be intoxicated. 

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulation §121.575 alcoholic beverages: (a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

AFA EAP is always available at (949) 470-0493. Additionally, make sure you’re copying in your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) on unruly incidents to ensure our union can follow up with the airlines and regulators.

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing severe irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood.” DMDD symptoms are severe. Youth who have DMDD experience significant problems at home, at school, and often with peers. They also tend to have high rates of health care service use, hospitalization, and school suspension, and they are more likely to develop other mood disorders. 

The Signs and Symptoms of DMDD include:

  • Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral), on average, three or more times per week
  • Outbursts and tantrums that have been ongoing for at least 12 months
  • Chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school, and with peers)

Youth with DMDD are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must have experienced symptoms steadily for 12 or more months.

What is the difference between typical irritability and severe irritability? All children can become irritable sometimes. It’s a normal reaction to frustration. Children experiencing severe irritability (as observed in DMDD) have difficulty tolerating frustration and have outbursts that are out of proportion for the situation at hand. These outbursts occur more often and are more severe than what you would typically expect for children of this age.

Over time, as children grow and develop, the symptoms of DMDD may change. For example, an adolescent or young adult with DMDD may experience fewer tantrums, but they begin to exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety. For these reasons, treatment may change over time, too.

If you think your child has DMDD, it is essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

DMDD can be treated. If you are concerned that your child may have DMDD, talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider.  Your AFA EAP can also assist you with a referral for your child.  Your local AFA EAP Committee members contact information is available at https://afaalaska.org/eap or call (949) 470-0493. 

AFA Alaska Update – June 11, 2021

In This Edition

  • AFA-CWA & Union Plus Scholarships Awarded

AFA-CWA & Union Plus Scholarships Awarded

AFA International

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to dependents of AFA Flight Attendants who will be attending a college or university.

This year’s recipients of AFA-CWA Scholarships:

  • Kaila Aiwohi, daughter of Arvi Aiwohi, United AFA Flight Attendant.
  • Savannah Armas, daughter of Kelly Armas and sister of Alexa Armas, both Spirit AFA Flight Attendants.
  • Amrine White, daughter of Taryn Call, Alaska AFA Flight Attendant.

Alternate – Hannah Kropp, daughter of Karen Kropp, United AFA Flight Attendant.

Additionally, Union Plus awarded three scholarships to AFA-CWA:

  • Karlee Barrett, daughter of United AFA Flight Attendant, Orinthia Barrett.
  • Sydney Pizzinato, daughter of United AFA Flight Attendant, Mary Ann Pizzinato.
  • Isabelle Shook, daughter of Alaska AFA Flight Attendant, Veda Shook.

Congratulations! We’re so proud of you. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Class Action Settlement

Blue Cross Blue Shield Class Action Settlement

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Legal Disclaimer

The following information is being provided as a courtesy to our members because enrollment in some of the Company-provided healthcare plans subject to specific provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement may have made you eligible for a class action settlement. However, AFA is neither a party to the class action nor has been involved in the settlement agreement discussions. If you have specific questions or concerns about the terms of the class action settlement, then you need to consult with the Claims Administrator or Co-Lead Counsel as described in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement or with your own attorney.

Class Action Settlement is Legitimate

Many Flight Attendants have received notice via USPS or email about a class action settlement involving the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) companies, including Premera Blue Cross. For reasons unknown, the delivery of the notices has been all over the map in terms of timing, and many Flight Attendants have reported that they have not received any notice whatsoever. Regardless, these notices are legitimate, and you may be eligible for a settlement payment pursuant to this cause of action if you enrolled in the Company-funded traditional or high-deductible PPO healthcare plans administered by Premera Blue Cross during the eligibility period (see “Settlement Details” below).

Alaskasworld Notice Posted

AFA requested that management post a notice to employees on Alaskasworld (AW), and management agreed to do so. See AW “For your information: Blue Cross Blue Shield notices” (May 27, 2021) for the article (AAG SSO required).

Settlement Details

  • Website: http://www.BCBSsettlement.com
  • Alaska Airlines employees would potentially belong to the “self-funded employees” category under “self-funded accounts”
  • Self-funded net settlement fund: 6.5% of the estimated $1.9 billion “net settlement fund” = ~$120 million.
  • Self-funded eligibility period: September 1, 2015 – October 16, 2020
  • Default payment option for employees is a portion of total administrative fees paid during the eligibility period: 18% for “single coverage” (employee only) and 25% for “family coverage (employee + spouse or employee + family), with the remainder going to the employer. In our opinion, this is a favorable calculation relative to the proportion of our contribution rate compared to the Company’s actual cost for healthcare.
  • Opt-out or objection deadline is July 28, 2021
  • You must submit a claim in order to be eligible to receive a payment.
  • Claim deadline is November 5, 2021
  • Minimum payment is $5

Minimum Payment

In our estimation, the minimum payment of $5 is likely to exclude any Alaska employees from receiving a payout under this settlement. However, there really is no way to know for certain. We are recommending that all eligible Flight Attendants who are interested in participating in the terms of the settlement should submit a claim by November 5, 2021.

Premera Blue Cross Third Party Administrative (TPA) Fees

This information is not necessary to know in order to submit a claim. However, some Flight Attendants have expressed an interest in potentially submitting for an alternative payment option instead of the default 18% for single coverage and 25% for family coverage. Some of those Flight Attendants have inquired about the third party administrative (TPA) fee paid to Premera Blue Cross by the Company for each enrolled employee on a monthly basis during the eligibility period.

Please refer to the emailed version of this communication for the TPA fees paid per employee (enrolled) per month (PEPM).

Questions?

If you have questions specifically for AFA, contact your LEC president.

Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19

Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19

Grievance Committee

AFA and management recently agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19.  This MOU is now in effect through September 30, 2021.  Related information can be found in Bulletin Bundle 2021-0030 dated April 12, 2021; however, there are several out of date or incomplete details, so AFA will request that management update the bulletin and/or issue a new one.

Click here for the Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU (5/28/2021) >

Details

To apply for points forgiveness for absences related to COVID-19:

  1. Go to the Inflight website –> Administration –> Performance to complete a COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form for each qualifying ‘single continuous occurrence’ (SCO) related to COVID-19;
  2. Submit the form for each SCO absence related to COVID-19 no later than the end of your next scheduled sequence; and
  3. In addition to the form, you must submit a positive COVID-19 test result for yourself or for someone in your household, or proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, either of which must be provided to the Inflight Performance Team’s confidential email address no later than the end of your next scheduled sequence,

If returning from a leave of absence, you must submit the form and documentation within 14 days of returning from the leave of absence. 

For more details, please see the MOU.

About Certain State Laws…

In the midst of drafting the MOU, and after management published the above Bulletin Bundle, a new California COVID-19 law was enacted. The new law is retroactive to January 1, 2021, and in effect through September 30, 2021.  CA 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave provides that California employees are entitled to a separate bank of paid sick leave in certain circumstances related to COVID-19, in addition to other record-keeping and paystub requirements. 

Alaska Air Group management and the other Airlines for America (“A4A”) member carriers continue to argue that many state laws, including the CA 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave, are not applicable to Flight Attendants and Pilots because those laws are preempted by federal law (e.g., the Railway Labor Act).  Various parties, including AFA, have been litigating the broader claim of preemption against A4A and/or AAG management in federal and state court for 10+ years. However, management continues to appeal the cases they lose, so their claim that certain state laws do not apply to aircrew continues.

Stay tuned for more details regarding which state laws management is blatantly refusing to apply to aircrew, what you can do to help in the effort to fight back, and how to exercise your rights to these state laws. In the meantime, we encourage California-domiciled Flight Attendants to familiarize yourselves with the various provisions of the CA 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave law. AFA strongly suggests that any communications with management about the law should be in writing, and it is best practice to copy in a union rep. Covered California employees who are denied the provisions of the law may file a claim or a report of a labor law violation with the CA Labor Commissioner’s Office, which is the state agency charged with enforcement.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your LEC president for assistance.

AFA Alaska Settlement Agreement 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellations and Schedule Changes”

AFA Alaska Settlement Agreement 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellations and Schedule Changes”

Grievance Committee

After several years of periodic settlement discussions, AFA and management have settled Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Precancellation and Schedule Changes.” This settlement agreement becomes effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 12:01 AM Pacific Time.

Click here for AFA Settlement Agreement Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes” >

Some History

AFA filed Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes” back in June 2017 regarding retimes of between 15 and 21 minutes that were pushed to schedules in advance of the day of departure (prior to the first day) of a sequence. (Read the July 2017 Grievance Report for more details.)  Management sustained the grievance (meaning they agreed the contract was violated) shortly thereafter in July 2017. However, AFA disagreed with management’s remedy (i.e., the “fix”) for the violation, and the parties have been in negotiations over the remedy since then. 

We were somewhat close to achieving a mutually agreeable solution when the pandemic began, which delayed our progress.  However, the pandemic did provide an opportunity to test drive a proposed remedy to the dispute starting on April 18, 2020, via the temporary COVID-19 Schedule Changes Letter of Agreement (LOA), which was extended through June 30, 2020. Please note that most but not all aspects of that temporary LOA were incorporated into this grievance settlement agreement.

Details

This settlement agreement requires that all pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes, and aircraft downgrades (i.e., from a four-position aircraft to a three-position aircraft) that occur in advance of the day of departure of a sequence will be handled under JCBA §10.S [Pre-Cancellations].  This will apply to Lineholders and to Reserves who pick up on days off.  The language in §10.S Pre-Cancellations remains the same but will be interpreted to encompass the agreed-to definitive parameters around retimes, flight routing changes and aircraft downgrades.

The settlement makes it very clean in defining when the provisions of §10.S Pre-cancellations are used.  Essentially any schedule change that occurs for Lineholders (and for Reserves who pick up on days off) prior to the first day of a sequence, except for a simple flight numbering change, will now always be handled as a pre-cancellation under §10.S.  A simple flight numbering change in the absence of a retime or a flight routing change may occur at any time and does not trigger the contractual provisions of §10.S.

Summary of §10.S Pre-Cancellations

Note: The following is a summary of pre-cancellation provisions under §10.S. Please refer to the contract for a comprehensive description.

Alternate Assignment Offered During Initial Contact (§10.S.2)

If there is a schedule adjustment involving a pre-cancellation, retime flight routing change or aircraft downgrade on the day(s) prior to the first day of a sequence, then Crew Scheduling will make initial contact and may offer an alternate assignment made up of one or more sequences with a check-in up to two hours prior to scheduled check-in and/or with a release up to two hours later than scheduled release. The two options are to (1) accept the alternate assignment (§10.S.2.a) or (2) to decline the alternate assignment and waive pay protection (§10.S.2.b).  If Crew Scheduling does not have an alternate assignment available that meets the required criteria of falling within the scheduled footprint plus two hours on either side (before or after) when they first make contact with the Flight Attendant, then the Flight Attendant can opt to call Crew Scheduling between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence (§10.S.2.c).

No Alternate Assignment Offered During Initial Contact (§10.S.3)

If Crew Scheduling does not offer an alternate assignment when they make initial contact with the Flight Attendant, then the Flight Attendant can either (1) waive pay protection and be relieved of further obligation (10.S.3.a), or (2) they can opt to call Crew Scheduling between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence (§10.S.3.b).

Calling Back Between 6 PM and 8 PM the Evening Prior (§10.S.2.c and §10.S.3.b) or no Later Than Release Time if on Duty (§10.S.7)

When the Flight Attendant calls back between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence, either (1) an alternate assignment that operates within the exact footprint of the original sequence must be available (§10.S.2.c.1 or §10.S.3.b.1) or (2) the Flight Attendant is pay protected (§10.S.2.c.2 or §10.S.3.b.2). A Flight Attendant must call back no later than release time if on duty during those hours (§10.S.7).

Reassignments (§10.R) – Same Day and/or Sequence in Progress Schedule Changes

Same day and/or sequence in progress schedule changes are covered under §10.R Reassignments.  Please note AFA and management have on multiple occasions confirmed their mutual understanding that Flight Attendants will neither be required nor offered to report earlier than scheduled for the first duty period of a sequence under §10.R Reassignments. The parties continue to work their way through several contractual disputes related to reassignments that are currently active, and AFA will keep you updated on any developments.

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your LEC president for assistance.

Sick Leave Survey Deadline Extended

Our JNC has received reports that some Flight Attendants may not have received the Sick Leave Survey email due to technical issues. Please check your spam or junk folder. The survey deadline has been extended to Friday, November 21, at Noon PT, allowing everyone to participate.

Sick Leave Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the Sick Leave Survey that will help shape future provisions. Our JNC is eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of our paid sick leave policy are most meaningful to you, as we strive to improve our support for your needs. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT.

Council 30 (ANC) LEC Officer Election Results

Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 30 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Anchorage. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: LeiLauni ScheidemanLEC Vice President: Heather ReierLEC Secretary: Anne Madsen View the certified election results here >> These newly elected officers […]

Apps To Help You Save Money On Food

Our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee recognizes that Flight Attendants may be facing increasing challenges when it comes to accessing affordable food, whether on the road or at home. We want you to know that you are not alone. In response to these difficulties, we have compiled a list of apps to help […]

What You Need To Know About The FAA Capacity Cuts

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans for a 10% reduction in flight capacity across 40 markets, starting this Friday. According to news reports, these schedule reductions will begin on Friday and will gradually increase throughout the weekend until they reach the full 10% by the following week. Reports also suggest that all Alaska […]

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