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        You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News

        Grievance 36-99-2-30-19 Violation of §28.G.2 Ground Commuting Policy

        February 12, 2019 21:00

        Management did not allow Flight Attendants to use the Ground Commuting Policy for the recent snowstorms

        AFA filed Grievance 36-99-2-30-19 Violation of Section (§) 28.G.2 [Ground Commuting Policy] prior to close of regular business hours yesterday. This contractual grievance alleges the Company violated Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement §28.G.2 when management did not allow Flight Attendants to use the Ground Commuting Policy during the February 2019 Pacific Northwest snowstorms. Management’s stated reasoning for the denials is because apparently management does not consider snowstorm-related ground commuting failures to be unanticipated. 

        AFA disagrees with management’s interpretation

        AFA disagrees with management’s interpretation for all the reasons obvious to Flight Attendants. After AFA filed the grievance, AFA leadership requested that management provide notice to Flight Attendants by publicly disclosing its position on the issue. Management subsequently posted an alert on the World of Inflight homepage in response to that request.

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) believes it was very short-sighted of management to deny Flight Attendant access to the ground commuting failure provisions for this weather event. A Flight Attendant who has experienced a ground commuting failure is contractually required to be utilized for other flying pursuant to the Commuter Policy recovery provisions in §28.G.3. How was it more beneficial to the operation to have Flight Attendants be granted Management Drops (§32.C.14) or charged with No Shows (§32.C.1)? Neither carries a subsequent scheduling obligation and Flight Attendants are assessed points for both under the Attendance Policy in Section 32. It’s a “lose, lose” for everyone.

        Open a new ticket at the AFA Alaska Online Support Center for snowstorm-related concerns

        AFA will be meeting with management in the near future to discuss various concerns related to the snowstorm operations. If you have any concerns related to the severe weather (e.g. transportation, hotels, irregular ops scheduling or pay inquiries, Attendance Policy points assessed as a result of ground commuting failures, et cetera), please open a new ticket at the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. Fill out the appropriate information, select “Feb 2019 Pacific NW Snowstorm” under the “Help Topic” dropdown menu and provide as much documentation as possible (including screenshots, pictures, etc.). We kindly request that tickets be submitted by 9am PT on Tuesday, February 19, so that AFA can present your concerns to management in a timely manner.

        Be assured that AFA will continue advocating on behalf of our members and defending our contract!

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee; MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams; and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: 2019, Commuter Policy, grievance, ground commutinhg, snowstorm

        Cross-Flying Begins

        January 30, 2019 23:30

        After much anticipation, the wait is over. Cross-flying, referenced as “Full Integration” in the Merger Agreement, will occur in just a few hours. It is one of the most major milestones that we will pass in this merger. As you all well know by now, there has been so much change in so little time, and most Flight Attendants are understandably feeling varying levels of anxiety about cross-flying.

        Safety

        Safety first! Over the past several months, the Master Executive Council (MEC) has received increasingly concerning feedback from our Air, Safety, Health and Security Committee and from the line about not feeling adequately prepared for cross-flying due to a variety of safety-related reasons. Many if not most of those concerns were also shared with management. Although management collaborated with AFA to implement several additional cross-flying resources in response to the concerns, the MEC remains apprehensive enough about cross-flying that we feel obligated to communicate that sentiment to our members. However, please be assured that AFA and management will continue working together to identify and mitigate safety concerns.

        The MEC recommends that Flight Attendants live the “Ready, Safe, Go” (login required) ‘mantra’ as you become more familiar with the new procedures and announcements and with the combined fleet. Management has affirmed that “Safety is our number one consideration, and always trumps on-time performance, customer satisfaction, or profits.” Please ensure the required Flight Attendant briefing occurs, complete a thorough pre-flight equipment check (when required) and confirm the aircraft doors are correctly armed and disarmed each and every time. Do not rush or be rushed. Be vigilant and alert and report any safety concerns to the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

        Service

        It is extremely important for consistency that we make our best effort to familiarize ourselves with and complete the service as written. If you are not able to complete the required service due to turbulence, lack of supplies, etc., then write it up via Report It! so that management and AFA are aware of the challenges. Service levels and catering are constantly being evaluated and adjusted based on submitted reports.

        Culture

        No matter whether you started your Flight Attendant career at Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, Jet America, our sister carrier Horizon Air or somewhere else in the industry, we are now all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. We bring the uniqueness of our individual journeys, but we share many common interests, experiences and goals. Please be welcoming to all crewmembers and focus on getting to know each other better as the pre-merger groups begin to cross fly and transfer around the system over the coming months.

        Conflict

        Have each other’s backs. If a crew conflict occurs, talk it out with the crew directly. However, another resource would be the AFA Professional Standards Committee (or alternatively your AFA local council officers) for peer-to-peer resolution.

        Contract

        Except for a few remaining transition items addressed via the Legacy Virgin America (L-VX) Flight Attendant Transition Agreement, e.g. uniform allotment and minimum flying requirements for various benefits, the remainder of the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) will be fully implemented for L-VX Flight Attendants effective upon Full Integration (i.e. cross-flying) tomorrow. Contract documents and related resources may be found on the AFA Alaska Contract page, the Merger TAs and Information page, the Inflight Mobile Device in the Supplemental folder and on the Inflight webpage (login required) under the “Integration: Bidding, Scheduling, Pay, Contract” tab.

        Management will be reviewing a cleaned-up JCBA document next week, and the parties are hoping to publish the electronic version as soon as possible once it is finalized. A printed version of the JCBA will go to press shortly thereafter. AFA will work on cleaning up and consolidating the contracts pages in the coming month.

        Welcome all to the soon-to-be fully integrated Alaska Airlines!

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

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: 2019, cross-flying, merger

        Join the ‘Stop the Shutdown’ Rally with TSA Officers Jan. 22 at Sea-Tac

        January 19, 2019 19:00

        On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, it will be exactly one month since the shutdown started on December 22, 2018. We invite you to meet up with your AFA sisters and brothers as we show our solidarity and support for TSA officers, who are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), and other federal employees.

        WHAT: ‘Stop the Shutdown’ rally

        WHEN: Tuesday, January 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. PT

        WHERE: Sea-Tac Airport Flag Pavilion (at the Sea-Tac International Airport entrance on International Blvd)

        WHO: Off-duty Flight Attendants, their family and friends

        DRESS: Flight Attendant uniform strongly preferred. (Management is aware and supportive of our intent to rally in uniform.) However, an AFA red t-shirt (if you have one from previous rallies—we will not be supplying them this time) or a plain red t-shirt is also fine.

        AIR TRAVEL: Management has graciously authorized the use of employee space available pleasure travel for out-of-town Flight Attendants to fly to and from the event on off-duty time. Please exercise good judgment and ensure participating in this rally does not create a conflict with any scheduling obligations you have with the Company.

        More info: http://www.thestand.org/2019/01/stop-the-shutdown-rally-with-tsa-officers-jan-22-at-sea-tac/

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) understands this is extremely short notice. We also just learned of the rally earlier today. Stay tuned for additional information early next week. We hope to see you there if you are available!

        In Solidarity,

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

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: 2019, AFGE, Stop the Shutdown, TSA

        Council #19 – Base Update

        January 15, 2019 06:32

        Council #19 – Seattle

        January Base Update

        Washington Paid Family Leave Law – UPDATED INFORMATION

        Last fall prior to Annual Benefits Open Enrollment, we asked about this law during a meeting to discuss impending changes to Benefits. We specifically asked whether Alaska intended to sue the State to deny these benefits to Flight Crews, as well. We were told that this law would apply to all Washington employees. We were told that employees would receive specific information close to the end of the year. The law requires that premiums be deducted from employee paychecks, beginning 1/1/2019. 

        Since no information had been provided, and since it was after the implementation date, we sent out information to Seattle Flight Attendants so that they would be aware of the new deductions. On January 3rd, we were informed that Alaska management had decided that the law will only apply to ‘ground employees.’ We asked for an explanation, and waited. Late in the afternoon on January 7th, we were advised that we would not be provided with a written explanation. 

        Without direct answers to our questions, we can only guess that the same logic is being used in this instance that prompted Alaska management along with Airlines for America to sue Washington State last year, when the Paid Sick Leave Law went into effect. AFA-CWA has joined the State of Washington in defending our right to coverage under the Paid Sick Leave Law, and will do so again with the Paid Family Leave Act should that be necessary. 

        We do not believe that this is fair or equitable. It seems to fly in the face of the ‘Do the Right Thing’, and ‘Committed to Kindness.’ California-based Flight Attendants have been eligible to apply for and receive Paid Family Leave benefits since 2004.  Oregon is working on a Paid Family Leave Act, as well. Will management file suit against each state that provides Paid Family Leave?

        Traffic Alerts

        With the Viaduct dismantling last weekend, traffic is predicted to be horrendous. We do now have a ground commuter policy with options. Read Section 28 G.2 of the contract to become familiar with this new provision. The company has put out several alerts, suggesting that we all plan to allow sufficient time to get to the airport. While that is a great idea, we don’t yet know how bad it will be or what sufficient time will actually be. Make certain that you do plan ahead, but if there is an unforeseen development (an accident, freeway closure, etc.) it’s good to know your options. 

        Local Council Meeting

        This meeting will be a Joint Council Meeting, with Horizon and Compass officers and members attending. 

        Date:  February 11, 2019

        Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM

        Location: SeaTac Office Complex (same building as 13 Coins across from the airport), Earhart Room, Lower Plaza Level-South Tower, 18000 International Blvd. Parking up to 3 hours is free in the front parking lot. You can also park for free in the rear, bring your ticket into the meeting for validation. 

        In Solidarity, 

        Terry, Jake, Adam, Melinda and Megan

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA (pmAS), Latest News

        MEC Grievance Committee Assistant Interviews

        January 11, 2019 09:00

        Background

        The MEC Grievance Committee Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support to the MEC Grievance Committee and Local Grievance Committees.  The Assistant works closely with the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson, Local Grievance Committee Chairpersons, Scheduling Committee, and Reserve Committee to ensure Flight Attendant receive the best possible representation.

        Qualifications

        • Robust working knowledge of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement, specifically the scheduling, reserve, grievance procedures, board of adjustment, and compensation sections.
        • Ability to maintain office hours in Seattle during the business week and attend meetings as required.
        • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Jeppesen Crew Access (JCA), Google email, osTicket, and Microsoft Office preferred.
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, track issues, prepare reports, and plan meeting agendas and take minutes.
        • Ability to meet deadlines and follow up on assigned tasks.
        • Previous Grievance, Scheduling, or Reserve Committee experience strongly preferred.

        Duties

        • Provide procedural assistance and administrative guidance to Local Grievance Committees in handling Flight Attendant concerns.
        • Maintain the grievance log.  Assign grievance numbers when requested and log appropriately.  File grievances as requested.  Ensure copies of all filed grievances are received and filed appropriately.  
        • Oversee the Scheduling Review Board (SRB) process.  Facilitate SRB meetings.  Maintain the SRB agenda, keep and distribute meeting minutes, update osTicket records with meeting outcomes, and post meeting notes for member review. 
        • Participate in the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process as a notetaker.  Maintain the ADR agenda, keep and distribute meeting minutes, update osTicket records with meeting outcomes, and post meeting notes for member review.
        • Serve as system administrator of the osTicket system.  Set up new users, maintain user accounts, and conduct all new user training. Conduct daily and weekly reviews of the system to ensure all tickets are receiving proper follow-up.  Coordinate with corresponding Committee Chairpersons or Officers to address and resolve open issues.
        • Maintain grievance files.  Ensure each file contains all necessary documentation.  Handle all requests for retrieval of files by authorized Committee Members, Officers, or AFA staff and provide requested files within established timeframes.  Oversee and maintain electronic file system.
        • Maintain records of all memorandums of understanding, letters of agreement, and labor memorandums.  Post newly executed documents to the AFA website and arrange for inclusion on the IMD. 
        • Maintain the Grievance Committee calendar.  Schedule and plan meetings and conference calls as needed.
        • Participate in meetings with management at the request of the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson or MEC Officers.
        • Develop, write, and edit correspondence and other communications.  Assist in preparation of monthly committee reports to the MEC and quarterly committee reports to the Members.
        • Other duties as assigned by the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson or MEC Officers.

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        • This position is budgeted for 60 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month, paid with a 5% override.
        • Time commitment is approximately two days per week in Seattle with additional work completed remotely or in the office as necessary.  No relocation or accommodation expense is provided for this position.
        • The MEC Grievance Committee Assistant will have two pre-arranged, pre-planned absences (at 6.0 TFP credit per day) loaded into her/his schedule each work week for bidding purposes. Alternatively, s/he may be placed on “no bid” status with MEC approval.

        Working Relationships

        With The MEC Grievance Committee

        This position works directly on a day-to-day basis with the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson and Payroll Representative. Frequent interaction with Local Grievance Committee Members.

        With Other MEC Committees

        Frequent interaction with the MEC Committee Chairperson and Local Committee Chairpersons of the Scheduling and Reserve Committees. Occasional interaction with Local Committee Members of each committee.

        With The Master Executive Council

        This position reports to the Master Executive Council through the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson. The MEC executive sponsor for the committee is the MEC President.

        With Alaska Airlines Management

        Constant interaction with management, particularly the Managing Director of Labor Relations—Inflight (Carmen Williams), Manager of Labor Relations (Mike Link), and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling (Denia Pisia).  Occasional interaction with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Managers and other members of management.

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        • Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou at linda.christou@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Linda will be able to provide additional information regarding transportation and booking of flights if necessary.
        • Initial interviews will be conducted by telephone or videoconference from January 28-30, 2019.  Linda will contact eligible candidates to arrange a timeslot for an interview.
        • Final candidates will be invited to interview with the MEC by telephone or videoconference on Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

        Questions?

        Please direct any questions about the position to MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams at stephanie.adams@afaalaska.org.

        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 Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams


        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2019, interviews, MEC Grievance Committee

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