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Customer Service Agents and TwinHill Uniforms

Dear Flight Attendants,

Recently, Delta Air Lines ended its ground handling relationship with Alaska Airlines in many outstations across the United States.  In cities where many of us are used to seeing Customer Service Agents (CSAs) in Delta uniforms providing customer service for our flights, we will now be working with a new set of CSAs.  These CSAs are not Alaska Airlines employees, but are employed by a variety of ground handling companies who are under contract by Alaska Airlines to provide customer services for our flights.

The recent transition of Flight Attendants and Alaska CSAs to the Land’s End Business Outfitters (LEBO) uniform severely depleted the inventory of the pieces that are specific to our uniform program within the Land’s End inventory.  Management has advised the Master Executive Council (MEC) that LEBO will not have enough stock to outfit the new vendor CSAs until later this year.  These new vendor CSAs have been outfitted in old TwinHill pieces until LEBO stock has been replenished enough to allow for a transition.  For your information, we have compiled the following list of stations throughout our system that are staffed by CSAs wearing garments produced by TwinHill.

Alaska Airlines Mexico CSAs

Alaska Airlines Mexico CSAs in the following stations continue to wear Alaska Airlines TwinHill uniforms:

  • San Jose del Cabo (SJD)
  • Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
  • Mazatlan (MZT)
  • Guadalajara (GDL)
  • Mexico City (MEX)

Alaska Airlines Mexico CSAs are expected to be transitioned to LEBO uniforms by the end of April.

Vendor CSAs

Vendor CSAs in the following stations are currently outfitted with Alaska Airlines TwinHill uniforms:

  • Kahului, Maui (OGG)
  • Honolulu (HNL)
  • Kailua/Kona (KOA)
  • Lihue, Kauai (LIH), effective with the vendor change expected at the end of April
  • Adak (ADK)
  • Manzanillo (ZLO)
  • Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (ZIH)
  • Salt Lake City (SLC)
  • Tucson (TUS)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
  • Austin (AUS)
  • San Antonio (SAT)
  • Houston-Bush (IAH)
  • Kansas City (MCI)
  • St. Louis (STL)
  • Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • Atlanta (ATL)
  • Philadelphia (PHL)
  • Newark (EWR)
  • Boston (BOS)

Vendor CSAs are anticipated to begin transitioning to LEBO uniforms on September 15, 2014.  The transition is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Horizon Air PSAs

Horizon Air Passenger Service Agents (PSAs) handle Alaska Airlines flights and wear some pieces manufactured by TwinHill that are not part of the Alaska Airlines uniform program. The PSAs are located in the following stations:

  • Vancouver, BC (YVR)
  • Bellingham (BLI)
  • Spokane (GEG)
  • Sacramento (SMF)

There is no plan for Horizon PSAs to transition out of their current uniforms.

The MEC has and continues to advocate for a faster transition time out of the TwinHill uniform for these CSAs. However, in our discussions with management we are continually told that LEBO stock will not be adequate to begin transition until at least mid-September.

Some of our Flight Attendants have had severe reactions associated with even casual contact with TwinHill uniform pieces.  Because of the potential for these Flight Attendants to experience very severe reactions as a result of coming into close contact with vendor CSAs wearing the TwinHill uniform, the MEC believes it is important to make this information available.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

Introducing the Mobilization Committee

Dear Flight Attendants:

The VOICE (Volunteer Organizers for Information, Communications, and Education) Committee has served us with distinction over the past several years during contract negotiations.  The MEC would like to thank these committee members for their dedication and contribution to AFA.  Today, we announce a new chapter, as the VOICE Committee evolves to become the new Mobilization Committee.

As we gear up for another round of negotiations, demonstrating our solidarity and unity is more important now than ever before.  Bringing Flight Attendants together through participation in organized solidarity activities will be the primary responsibility of the Mobilization Committee.  The Committee will also work to actively share information pertaining to negotiations and help Flight Attendants to find and access official sources of information.

Mobilization Volunteers

The backbone of our mobilization efforts will be our Mobilization Volunteers.  Volunteers will provide support to the Negotiating Committee through coordinated solidarity activity and two-way communication between the membership and the committee.  They will work closely with the Local Mobilization Chairperson to call other members to action through participation in organized solidarity activities and a program of information sharing with Flight Attendants.

Specific duties of a Mobilization Volunteer include:

  • Responsible for educating the membership and moving them to action.  They will provide information and support for targeted issues or specifically identified groups of Flight Attendants as defined by the Negotiating Committee.
  • To further the Flight Attendants’ understanding of key issues through active information sharing and referral to official sources of information
  • To dispel gossip, rumor, and inaccurate information regarding negotiations by directing Flight Attendants to official sources of information
  • To provide two-way communication of the needs and responses of the membership through feedback to the Local Mobilization Chairperson and the Negotiating Committee
  • Actively participate in organized solidarity activities such as canvassing of membership at airports and crew rooms, informational leafleting or picketing before the general public, or other activities as approved by the Master Executive Council (MEC)

How To Get Involved

In order to get involved as a Mobilization Volunteer, plan now to attend one of the upcoming mobilization training sessions to be held in May.  Sessions will be held as follows:

  • Anchorage – Monday, May 12 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
  • Seattle – Tuesday, May 13 – 8 to 10 AM / 11 AM to 1 PM / 2 to 4 PM
  • Portland – Wednesday, May 14 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
  • Los Angeles – Thursday, May 15 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
  • San Diego – Friday, May 16 – 9 to 11 AM / 12 to 2 PM

In order to sign up for one of these sessions, visit the online registration form here: http://alaskamec.org/mobilization/training.  Once you’ve registered, be sure to mark your calendar and plan to bid the day off.  Please note that space in each session is limited and registration will close once capacity is reached.

We are excited about the new Mobilization Committee and look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate our combined resolve for the contract improvements that we deserve!

In solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and MEC Mobilization Chairperson Adam Clarey

Find Us On Facebook!

Dear Flight Attendants,

Over the past several years, social media has become an increasingly important part of how many of us access information about businesses and organizations, interact with one another, and express our opinion on matters that are important to us.  Most of us have an account on at least one social media site and many people have a presence on multiple sites.

Because social media has become such a vital link in the communication chain, the Master Executive Council (MEC) is excited to announce that we have expanded our social media presence.  You’ll now be able to get official AFA Alaska information on Facebook.  If you receive AFA Alaska email blasts or regularly visit alaskamec.org, this information will now be pushed out on Facebook as well.

Like us at http://www.facebook.com/alaskamec or search for “AFA Alaska”

The former Alaska Airlines Negotiations Facebook page, which many of you are friends with, is being replaced with the new AFA Alaska Facebook page.  The Alaska Airlines Negotiations Facebook page will remain active through March 31.

In addition, the MEC is exploring the possibility of a Facebook-based discussion platform to further improve your ability to communicate with your committee members and elected leaders.  More information will be forthcoming as the concept is currently in development.

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback about our increased social media presence.  Please visit our Facebook page and click “message” to send us a note and let us know what you think!

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

MEC Update March 15, 2014: Management Delays Inflight Town Hall Meetings

Dear Flight Attendants,

 

Management has confirmed the upcoming Town Hall meetings in March through at least mid-April are being canceled and rescheduled for later dates. This affects meetings already scheduled in Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Anchorage, with one as soon as this coming Tuesday. Please check First Class for Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider’s March 15th edition of “What’s Happening” for further information.

 

Background

 

During the Master Executive Council (MEC) meeting this week, your MEC officers explained to management that our members are not pleased these meetings were going forward on the heels of a failed tentative agreement (TA). We explained the group is frustrated, with many believing management would use the Town Hall meetings as a fact-finding mission for negotiations. This was particularly troubling considering AFA had not even had an opportunity to put out a follow-up survey.

 

The MEC also reminded management that we have two councils in the midst of officer elections: Councils 19 Seattle and 39 Portland. In our estimation, the Town Hall meetings would have created unnecessary angst amongst the Flight Attendants. Because of where we are with negotiations and the officer elections, the timing simply wasn’t right so we strongly advocated to management to reconsider the Town Hall meetings.

 

The MEC informed management that we would prefer delaying the Town Hall meetings altogether until a ratified collective bargaining agreement is in place. However, management is very interested in taking action to correct areas of concern that were in the latest employee survey. Management recently shared the detailed results of the survey with AFA leadership and we can verify there were some areas needing improvement.

 

Inflight management would like to improve the lines of communication and to establish renewed trust with Flight Attendants. At our meeting with management, the MEC expressed that a ratified agreement is critical to laying that foundation. Management explained they cannot wait to do something until after a TA is reached because of the uncertain time frame of contract negotiations. Although proceeding with the Town Hall meetings before a ratified TA is in place is not our preference, the MEC recognizes that it is reasonable for an employer to take corrective action when employee survey results clearly show a need.

 

Consequently, the MEC advocated to management for a delay to the Town Hall meetings so both parties could fully focus on getting back to the table as soon as possible. AFA is thankful that management was responsive to our feedback and delayed the meetings. We’re tentatively optimistic that listening to the leaders elected to represent the Flight Attendants is a great first step towards re-establishing trust with our group.

 

The Plan Going Forward

 

Be assured that once the Town Hall meetings begin, AFA will be closely monitoring the situation. We are still very much concerned with the possibility of direct bargaining at these meetings. Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), management is required to negotiate directly with the elected representatives and is prohibited from doing so with individual members.

 

If management solicits feedback from Flight Attendants directly related to negotiations, that would be problematic. However, management is allowed to address questions or concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants, even if related to negotiations—at least to a point. Because of the complicated nuances related to direct dealing, AFA has made it very clear that we’re uncomfortable riding this fine line.

 

However, the AFA Collective Bargaining and Legal departments are fully apprised of the situation and are being given continual updates. National Mediation Board (NMB) Mediator Victoria Gray has also been informed. Management is aware of our position. At the end of the day, management has the right to meet with and talk to employees. Because of the MEC’s concerns, Inflight management has invited the officers to attend as interested observers. We would be able to attend the meetings regardless because we’re also Flight Attendants, but the explicit invitation is very much appreciated as a demonstration of good faith.

 

Summary

 

In consideration of management’s responsiveness, the MEC is taking no further action regarding the Town Hall meetings for now. Remember this for the upcoming Flight Attendant socials: do not share with management specific bargaining objectives or views related to negotiations! This is true not only at the socials, but at all times.

 

One again, kudos to management for doing the right thing!

 

In solidarity,

 

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

MEC 5BSS Logo

Negotiating Committee Interviews

Dear Flight Attendants,

The Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for the Negotiating Committee at the MEC Office in Seattle on April 17.  All three Negotiating Committee positions are up for interview and consideration.  Per the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, the MEC President is the chairperson of the Negotiating Committee and rounds out the Committee as the fourth member.

The Negotiating Committee is charged to negotiate and institute the needs and desires of the Flight Attendants into an effective collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  The Committee should have a good working knowledge of the current CBA and be willing to devote their full time to the Committee during negotiations.  The members of this Committee shall serve as the CBA Interpretation Committee until a new agreement is completed.

Selection of Committee Members

  • Any person seeking a position on the Negotiating Committee must submit a resume to the MEC
  • Committee Members will function until a new Committee is selected
  • The Chairperson of the Negotiating Committee will be the MEC President or her/his designee
  • Committee Members are selected by majority vote of the voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents)

Committee Member Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Negotiating Committee shall include the following:

  • The Committee, with the advice of the Staff Negotiator shall have the authority to conclude an agreement, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Constitution and Bylaws.
  • All members of the Committee, including alternates whenever possible, shall complete a negotiations training seminar prior to writing an “opener.”
  • Be familiar with Union policy and keep abreast of new developments in the industry.
  • Utilize the facilities and resources of the Union and the experience and knowledge of Union Officers, International Office staff and study committees of the Union. (eg., Legal, Retirement and Insurance, Wage and Working Conditions, etc.).
  • Maintain a current record of the:
    • Financial condition of the company.
    • Management lines of authority and methods of communication.
    • Operations statistics and experiences of the airline which may be used in bargaining, grievances, litigation, etc.
  • Be familiar with the wishes of the Flight Attendant group with respect to wages, working conditions, and work rules, through, for example, system-wide distribution of contract surveys, periodic road shows, etc.
  • Prepare the contract opener with the advice of the Staff Negotiator
  • Provide regular updates to the membership on the status of negotiations
  • Proof CBA language and agree with the Company on implementation and effective dates
  • Review tentative agreement with the MEC
  • Prepare membership summary package and Roadshow schedule
  • Present the tentative agreement to the members
  • Proof printed agreement and prepare CBA index
  • Prepare CBA interpretations for new concepts
  • Remain available as a resource for interpretations
  • Maintain a complete record of the negotiations, including proposals, notes and communications, and such record is the property of AFA-CWA.  A copy of this record will be forwarded to the International Office by the Negotiating Committee.
  • Maintain contact, through the MEC President, with IAM, ALPA, TWU, AMFA, and other applicable labor unions on property

Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

Flight pay loss (FPL) reimbursement will be provided to Negotiating Committee Members at the rate of 6 TFP at “A” pay for 8 hours of work.  FPL is not reimbursed for days that solely contain travel to/from an activity.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume to candidate@alaskamec.org.  The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 10 at 5 PM PDT.

A member of the MEC will contact candidates to schedule an in-person interview.  Interviews will be held at the MEC Office in Seattle on Thursday, April 17.  Instructions for listing for positive space travel will be provided to those who do not live in the Seattle area.  Hotel rooms or other expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

Questions

Any questions regarding the Negotiating Committee positions or application process should be directed to MEC President Jeffrey Peterson at jpeterson@alaskamec.org.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

 

References

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