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    You are here: Home / Archives for Master Executive Council (MEC)

    AFA Update – June 12, 2020

    June 12, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Black Lives Matter
    • Onboard Fume Events – How To Recognize and Respond
    • AFA EAP Support Services

    Black Lives Matter

    By Chip Hestle, MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

    Three words at the center of conversations, not only in the United States of America, but throughout the world. So just what does Black Lives Matter (BLM) mean? BLM is an international human rights movement, founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tomet, in July 2013.  The BLM movement originated from the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer.  BLM is a global organization focused on annihilating white supremacy and stepping in to support black citizens who are victims of systemic racism and violence because of the color of their skin.

    Systemic racism is deep-rooted discrimination that has repeated itself again and again, becoming more and more ingrained in society during a span of generations.

    As it was stated by Mr. Strickland, senior legal analyst and special assistant to the director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, at the Ohio State University, “Systemic racism permeates within our institutions, its within our laws, our policies and our practices that have this founded foundation of biases, discrimination where you have barriers that place certain races above others. It permeates so much that people see it as normal, and it’s kind of normalized, that’s how, the way things are, when, in fact, these structures have been set up to the place certain races above others.”

    As Flight Attendants, we have the privilege of working side-by-side with diverse colleagues and passengers aboard our aircrafts.  Our paramount responsibility as Flight Attendants is to ensure the safety of the traveling public.  Have you witnessed or experienced racism while inflight? Think about it.  

    Let me be clear—saying or hearing BLM doesn’t mean that non-black lives don’t matter.  BLM has provided a platform for the black community and for people of color to draw attention to the need for change. 

    How can we effectively make change? Together, we can have healthy productive conversations with our family, friends and crew members.  A discussion around race is not easy.  But, if you desire to be a part of the solution and not the problem, I encourage you to try.  As Flight Attendants we have the gift of navigating difficult conversations.  We have the innate ability to express our feelings and, even more importantly, listen. 

    During this time of unparalleled crisis with COVID-19 and civil unrest, I encourage you to reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson or your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee.  Your AFA Human Rights Committee is here for you.


    Onboard Fume Events – How To Recognize and Respond

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) – Air Quality Subcommittee

    Everyone knows that the cabin can smell. Most of the time, the smells are unpleasant but should not make you sick. But when you notice an unpleasant, unusual smell sourced to the air supply vents – “fumes” – you should pay attention. 

    The design and maintenance of aircraft systems means that, sometimes, engine oil and hydraulic fluid fumes contaminate the air supplied to the cabin for ventilation. Ever noticed a dirty sock smell coming from the vents, maybe associated with APU usage or engine start? That smell can be engine oil fumes and the chemicals in those fumes can make you sick. Similarly, an acrid smell from the vents can be hydraulic fluid fumes. Other types of chemicals can get into the ventilation system, too, like deicing fluid and exhaust fumes. It’s important to know how to recognize and respond to the presence of these fumes in the cabin. 

    To assist our Members, AFA has created a video training tool to teach Flight Attendants how to recognize and respond to the presence of fumes onboard. The entire training takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and is built in modules that run for about 5 to 10 minutes each and can be completely individually. There is no password or login required to access the material. Check it out – listen to the stories of crewmembers who have been affected by fumes and learn about what you need to notice, plus the various AFA resources you can access. 

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please refer to the Air Quality Subcommittee page of the AFA Alaska website or email airquality@afaalaska.org.


    AFA EAP Support Services

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

    Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Human Rights Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, air quality, Black Lives Matter, BLM, cabin air, COVID-19, EAP, novel coronavirus

    AFA Update – May 11, 2020

    May 11, 2020 10:00

    In This Edition

    • Resources While on Reduced or Unpaid Status
    • AFA Dues Payments While on a Leave of Absence
    • Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying

    Resources While on Reduced or Unpaid Status 

    AFA International

    The announcement of reduced flying schedules and the subsequent need for leaves of absence have many Flight Attendants feeling anxious and concerned. Local Unemployment offices are facing an unprecedented demand for information and assistance. Many states are revising their requirements to make it easier for workers to apply online. 

    Additional benefits for Flight Attendants can be found in the recently passed CARES Act. Because of your many calls and letters to Congress and through AFA’s advocacy on Capitol Hill interacting directly with lawmakers, we were able to secure financial relief for individual workers and airlines in a way that promotes direct support of continued paychecks, healthcare, and financial viability of the airlines. All of this was made law while placing restrictions on stock buybacks, dividends, executive bonuses and using funds in any way to undermine worker rights.  

    The following information has been compiled from AFA EAP and Legal departments, the AFL-CIO and Union Plus Benefits. Links to several useful flyers are contained within this section which provide additional information.

    AFA EAP

    We know this is a stressful time for everyone. AFA’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also available to help you deal with the emotional toll the events of this time are taking. AFA EAP is a resource for resolving problems through an international network of over 200 professionally-trained, peer support volunteer Flight Attendants overseen by mental health professionals. AFA EAP assists members in accessing appropriate medical help around mental health issues involving family crises, work-related trauma and chemical imbalance, as well as conflict resolution services and response to critical incidents. EAP is totally confidential. If you would like to contact AFA EAP you can find contact information by clicking here.

    We hope these resources will assist you with this difficult transition. We encourage you to reach out to these experts as soon as possible.

    AFL-CIO: State Specific Resources

    As a member union in the AFL-CIO we are pleased to direct you to a useful landing page that will allow you to search for resources by state including:

    • Resources and benefits to help replace lost wages
    • Eligibility for emergency paid leave
    • Housing and food assistance programs
    • Health insurance and public health services and guidance

    https://aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources

    Unemployment Benefits 

    People who take a leave or experience a reduction in hours through no fault of their own may be eligible to receive unemployment. Eligibility requirements, statutory wait periods and length of time to collect benefits differ by state. However, the scale and scope of these benefits will vary depending on the state where you are based. It is strongly recommended that you review the unemployment filing requirements and determine if your personal circumstances might allow you the choice of filing with your home state or your domicile state. An important piece of any unemployment filing will be the leave paperwork you receive from your airline. If the language contains verbiage that the leave is COVID related, this will be key to securing benefits. Additionally, most airlines have taken the position they will not contest unemployment filings that are COVID related. Make sure you reference COVID as the reason for your leave when filing your unemployment claim.

    As part of the COVID-19 Relief Act, Congress increased by $600 the amount of weekly Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments that laid off and furloughed workers can receive through July 31, 2020. If you’re eligible for at least $1 of state unemployment compensation, you get the full $600, according to the Labor Department. The CARES Act also extends the number of weeks of eligibility for long term unemployed people by 13 weeks to the current state term (normally 26 weeks) to a maximum of 39 weeks, temporarily eliminates work-search requirements and minimum work history (under normal rules, only those who have been employed for a year are eligible), and expands the categories of eligible workers. 

    Online Unemployment Information and Resources: 

    • For more information about the changes the CARES Act made to the unemployment insurance, we recommend this guide put together by our friends at the National Employment Law Project.
    • Our AFA website contains up to date information, compiled by the legal department, regarding your questions and answers about unemployment: https://www.afacwa.org/increased_unemployment_covid19

    Online Government Resources for Help 

    Information about unemployment insurance and sources of other governmental assistance programs can be found here: 

    • www.usa.gov/unemployment
    • www.usa.gov/benefits
    • www.benefits.gov

    Union Plus

    Union Plus is another partner of the AFL-CIO. It is a consumer benefits program for union members and offers specific programs to assist members in times of financial hardship. Visit these websites for additional information: 

    • Union Plus has partnered with Freedom Debt Relief to offer a debt settlement program designed to help union members get out of debt as quickly as possible, for one low monthly program payment.
    • Access Money Management International, which works with UnionPlus to provide budgeting and credit counseling assistance to union members. 
    • Participants in the Union Plus Mortgage, Credit Card, Personal Loan, or supplemental insurance programs may be eligible for additional hardship assistance. Visit Union Plus Hardship Help for eligibility requirements at https://www.unionplus.org/hardship-help/union-plus-hardship-help-benefits

    AFA Dues Payments While on a Leave of Absence

    Membership Committee

    As a reminder, Article II.C.1.b of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws require that AFA dues continue to be paid during any leave of absence less than 90 days.  If you currently pay your dues through payroll deduction, dues payments will continue to be deducted as long as you continue to receive a paycheck with sufficient funds for all other payroll deductions plus your AFA dues.  If you are no longer receiving a paycheck or your paycheck does not cover all of your payroll deductions, AFA dues will not be deducted and you will instead receive an invoice from AFA International Membership Services.

    Payment Options

    If you receive an invoice or statement indicating that you owe AFA dues, payment can be made in one of two ways:

    • Online, by credit card, at http://www.afacwa.org/payment
    • By mailing a check directly to AFA International Membership Services

    More information about payment options can be found on the payment options page of membership services section of the AFA International website.  This page also contains information about payment plan options if you have a past due account and are unable to pay your entire balance at once.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about payment options for outstanding AFA dues, please contact the AFA International Membership Services Department at (800) 424-2401, extension 707.  For other dues-related questions, please contact your Local Membership Committee.


    Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    It is prudent for all Flight Attendants to assess their personal financial positions in anticipation of income reductions.  While every Flight Attendant’s situation will vary, below are some general considerations that can help you begin strategizing how best to weather the financial impact of flying cutbacks on your household.

    Assess Your Financial Status

    • Prepare a household budget and cut any non-essential items.
    • Prepare a list of all creditors and a contact person.  Make minimum payments.
    • Place your money in a bank in which you have no debt.
    • Attempt to secure a loan early, so you will have a cash flow.
    • Assess your tax situation.  You may be owed a refund or need to file an extension.
    • Be proactive.  Assess your credit card debt.  Look into a temporary reduction or abatement in payments.

    Contact Your Creditors

    You must communicate with your creditors before any payments become delinquent, and the sooner the better.  You can negotiate a lower repayment schedule before you run out of money.  Be professional, but assertive.  Creditors are easier to work with if they know ahead of time that there’s a problem.  Also, it shows ‘good faith’ that you are concerned about your debts and intend to pay.

    The goal is to make the amount of money you’ve saved last as long as possible.  Pay what you can on a regular basis, even if it is less than expected.  Partial payments may keep collection agents away.  Follow-up all telephone conversations with a letter and keep documentation.  Even in the worst-case scenario, it takes a long time for collections, repossessions and evictions to occur.  Contact credit counselors who can help you sort out your financial affairs.  Be sure to remember to contact the creditors that are automatically payroll deducted.

    Even if you can’t pay creditors the amount they want, make your best effort to pay something regularly.  This holds arrears as low as possible and lets the creditor know that you are doing all you can.  Partial payment may keep your account from being turned over to a collection agency.

    Put your payments in order of importance: this will help you pay first things first when money is short.  Generally, your most important payment will be the mortgage or rent payment, followed by utilities, health insurance and car payments.

    And after the initial contact, it’s important that you keep in contact with creditors – every two weeks or so.  This reassures the creditor, shows a responsible attitude toward your obligation and may keep the creditor from ‘hounding’ you.

    Prepare a Household Budget

    A budget helps you see where you spend your money and where you can save.  Your budgeted expenses should include:

    • Fixed expenses, including: mortgage, rent, taxes, insurance, loans, installment payments, credit card payments and any other monthly payments.
    • Monthly expenses, including: food, gas, repairs, dues, recreation, prescriptions.
    • Future expenses, including: income/property tax and any other outstanding debts.

    Your budgeted income should include:

    • Any remaining income
    • State disability insurance benefits
    • Workers’ compensation checks
    • Savings
    • Social Security
    • Unemployment compensation
    • Other pension funds

    Your assets may include:

    • Cash value of insurance policies
    • Equity in your home
    • Prepaid burial or funeral policy
    • Resale value of vehicles (including boats and snowmobiles)

    Now you are ready to adjust your expenses, negotiate with creditors and use assets in the most effective way possible.

    Questions?

    Contact your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee or call (949) 470-0493.

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, dues, EAP, leave of absence, novel coronavirus

    AFA Update – April 25, 2020

    April 25, 2020 17:00

    In This Edition

    • Reserve Resources
    • AFA EAP Support Services – Updated 4/22

    Reserve Resources

    Reserve Committee

    With the significant increase in the number of Flight Attendants who will be holding a reserve schedule in May, our AFA Reserve Committee would like to ensure that you are aware of the resources available to help understand the contractual rights and obligations associated with reserve duty.  The following resources may be accessed electronically using the links below:

    • Reserve 101 Quick Reference Guide
    • Reserve Survival Guide (AAG sign-on required)

    Questions?

    In addition to the printed resources above, Reserve Committee Members are available in your Local Council to answer questions, clarify contractual language, or provide other support related to reserve duty.  You can find contact information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 


    AFA EAP Support Services – Updated 4/22

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Reserve Committee Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, EAP, novel coronavirus, Reserve

    AFA Update – April 20, 2020

    April 20, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Flight Attendant Addiction Support (FAAS) Program
    • Cornerstone App Replacement
    • Vacation While on a Staffing Adjustment Leave of Absence
    • AFA EAP Support Services – Week of April 20
    • Union Plus – Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

    Flight Attendant Addiction Support (FAAS) Program

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    The Flight Attendant Addiction Support Program (FAAS) is a program that allows Flight Attendants who deal with substance use problems and dependency the ability to obtain appropriate treatment without the threat of automatic termination.  The program is several years in the making and has been a joint effort between AFA Alaska EAP, AFA International EAP, and Alaska Airlines management.  The FAAS Program became available for use as of March 1, 2020 and is available to all non-probationary Flight Attendants. 

    Under the FAAS Program, there are three pathways for seeking support and treatment:

    1. Proactive Self-Referral
    2. Proactive Self-Disclosure/Reactive Self-Referral
    3. Violation of DOT regulations or Company Drug and Alcohol policy

    More information about these pathways, conditions for participation, effect on employment status, options for payment of treatment, and recovery support can be found in the FAAS Program Manual.  You can access the manual on the Inflight website under Administration > FA Addiction Support Program > FAAS Program Manual or on the IMD in GoodReader > ASFASupplemental > FAAS Program.

    Note: The MEC would like to thank MEC EAP Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon, Vice Chairperson Jeanne McCleave, and SAN LEC Vice President/EAP Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker for their enduring efforts in seeing this program through to realization. 

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about the FAAS Program, please contact your Local EAP Committee.


    Cornerstone App Replacement

    Inflight Training Committee

    On March 30, management announced that the Cornerstone app would be replaced with the new Cornerstone Learn app.  The replacement of the Cornerstone app is a welcome announcement given the ongoing technical issues and challenges that the app has presented to our Flight Attendants.  Management has indicated that the new Cornerstone Learn app has greater reliability than the legacy Cornerstone app and should be easier for Flight Attendants to use.  Though AFA representatives have had the opportunity to briefly test the new app, there were several technical issues identified and we are skeptical that the new platform will resolve all of the outstanding issues that Flight Attendants experienced with the old app.

    Sync Your Training Before April 30

    In bulletin #2020-0024 (AAG sign-on required), published on March 30, management provided notification that the legacy Cornerstone app will no longer be supported after April 30.  If you have started or completed any training using the download feature in the legacy Cornerstone app, you must ensure that you sync the Cornerstone app on your IMD so that your progress is transferred to the new Cornerstone Learn platform.  You can find more information about how to sync in the bulletin under the “New Mobile Learning App” heading.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about the new Cornerstone Learn app or how to ensure that your training is synced in preparation for the transition, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


    Vacation While on a Staffing Adjustment Leave of Absence

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    If you’re taking an upcoming staffing leave of absence and have vacation days that are scheduled during your leave, those vacation days will be removed from your roster and replaced with the coding for your leave of absence.  The MEC would like to ensure that you are aware of the options that you have to either move or be paid out for your vacation days, which are as follows:

    • Trade Your Days With Vacation Open Time.  Identify available days in vacation open time and email F/A Crew Pay (fa.crewpay@alaskaair.com) to let them know the days that you’d like to trade into.  F/A Crew Pay will process the change.  Vacation open time can be viewed on the Inflight website under Schedule & Bidding > Vacation Trading > Vacation Open Time.  The calendar will display the number of open slots on each day for your base.
    • Request That Your Vacation Be Paid Out Now.  If you would like your vacation to be paid out now, complete and submit a Vacation Payout Form.  The form is located on the Inflight website under Administration > Pay & Benefits > Vacation Payout Form.  As long as the form is submitted 7 or more days prior to pay day, your vacation will be paid out on your next available check.
    • Do Nothing and Be Paid Out Later. If you do not trade your vacation days or request that they be paid out now, they will be paid out automatically on February 5, 2021.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about any of the above options or need assistance, please contact your LEC Officers.


    AFA EAP Support Services – Week of April 20

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules for the week of April 20, and access information, please click here.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about available EAP support services, please contact your Local EAP Committee.


    Union Plus – Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

    AFA International

    Because of the current economic and health uncertainty facing many union members, students who enroll in the Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program, in partnership with Central State University, in the summer 2020 term will complete their entire degree for free.

    There will be no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees, or e-books until graduation, not just the summer term. Students may enroll part-time, but continuous enrollment is required.  Students must complete the FAFSA and the financial aid process.

    Summer classes begin May 18, 2020.

    Unemployed, furloughed or laid off union members and their extended families are still eligible to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program.

    Questions?

    You can learn more by calling 888-897-9671 or get started online at https://bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org.

    Filed Under: Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, Cornerstone, FAAS, leave of absence, staffing adjustment, Union Plus, vacation

    Additional Background and Information on Hawaii Turn LOA

    April 11, 2020 20:00

    Your LEC Presidents have received questions, comments, and concerns regarding AFA LOA 2020-04-10 [Hawaii Turns Due to COVID-19 Restrictions] that was communicated in yesterday’s AFA Update.  Based on the feedback that has been brought forward, the MEC would like to provide additional clarification around the decision to enter into the letter of agreement (LOA).

    Background

    The situation surrounding COVID-19 has changed day-by-day over the past several months.  The State of Hawaii announced a mandatory self-quarantine order for all persons entering the state on March 21 that requires all visitors to proceed directly to their hotel room upon arrival and remain there for 14 days or for the entire duration of their stay in Hawaii, whichever is shorter.  The order also specifies that while under self-quarantine, visitors who leave their hotel room for any reason other than to seek medical attention could be subject to a fine of $5000, imprisonment of one year, or both.  The self-quarantine order for visitors is in effect until at least May 20, 2020.

    Management provided AFA with clarification received from the State of Hawaii that airline crews have an exemption from the self-quarantine order and may instead abide by the state’s stay-at-home order provided that crewmembers undergo a temperature screening prior to leaving the airport.  As part of the exemption, if one member of the crew is found with a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, the entire crew is required to self-quarantine in their hotel room and abide by all of the provisions of the self-quarantine order. Crew members who refuse the temperature screening are treated as passengers and are also subject to the self-quarantine order.

    Hawaii turns enacted under 8.S

    The MEC worked quickly to enact protective measures for Flight Attendants based on the potential requirement for self-quarantine for an entire crew based on one person’s temperature screening results, restrictive measures that were being required if self-quarantined, and harsh penalties for violations of the order.  Both AFA and management agreed to begin turning crews out of Hawaii using the provisions of section 8.S [Natural Disasters, Acts of War, Riots, Terrorism, etc.] of the JCBA.  Crew Scheduling began modifying pairings as necessary and Flight Attendants began operating Hawaii flying as turns on March 26, 2020.

    Management provides AFA notice to discontinue 8.S turns

    Last week, management provided AFA with notice that they intended to discontinue operating Hawaii flying as turns and return crews to regularly constructed trips with Hawaii layovers.  As the state of Hawaii’s self-quarantine order for visitors is still in effect through May 20, the MEC had serious concerns for the safety and well-being of Flight Attendants who might be forced to undergo temperature screening and comply with the state’s restrictive requirements. 

    Management indicated that they were reluctant to continue operating these trips as turns due to the costs associated with having to staff each trip with two sets of Flight Attendants under the pay and rest requirements provided for in section 8.S.  Contractually, operating flights with a duty day exceeding 10 hours and 30 minutes under section 8.S requires that both AFA and management mutually agree.

    The MEC discussed the possibility of crews returning to Hawaii layovers and determined that the safety and health concerns were too great and that protections needed to remain in place given the State’s ongoing restrictions.  Though management was not willing to continue operating Hawaii turns under section 8.S, AFA and management were able to reach an agreement that would allow these flights to continue to operate as turns while providing Flight Attendants with additional pay, staffing over minimum crew, and dedicated rest breaks and seats.


    Key Provisions of the Letter of Agreement

    No one will be awarded a Hawaii turn who doesn’t want one

    In order to be awarded a Hawaii turn during the bid-award process, you will need to positively opt-in by selecting a waiver to either “Allow Redeye Long Duty (4k) Pairings” or “Allow Day Long Duty (4k) Pairings”.  If you do not include this waiver in your bid in NAVBLUE, you will not be awarded a Hawaii turn.

    Crews will be augmented with two additional Flight Attendants

    One of the additional Flight Attendants will work to Hawaii as the “E” Flight Attendant and deadhead on the return flight to the mainland.  The other additional Flight Attendant will deadhead to Hawaii and work as the “E” Flight Attendant on the return flight.  This addition of a fifth Flight Attendant meets CFR requirements to augment crews when a duty day exceeds 14 hours.  The sixth Flight Attendant provides additional staffing to prevent a cancellation should another Flight Attendant become sick online.

    Dedicated crew rest seats and breaks will be provided

    Management will pre-block seats for crew rest on all Hawaii turn sequences.  The crew will be responsible for coordinating rest breaks of equal duration that will be offered in seniority order (e.g. the most senior F/A picks when during the flight they want to take their break, then the next most senior, etc.). While on break and in a crew rest seat, Flight Attendants are permitted to rest, sleep, eat, and use portable electronic devices in the same manner as a passenger.  Note: at least 4 F/As must remain on active duty (not on break) at any given time.

    2.0x pay continues to apply

    Flight Attendants will be paid two times (2.0x) the rate of pay for any TFP flown during a Hawaii turn sequence. Any other contractual premiums due will be paid above this amount.

    Hawaii turns are only temporary and have an end date

    Hawaii turns are intended to ensure Flight Attendant health and safety while the State of Hawaii’s self-quarantine order for visitors remains in effect.  The letter of agreement has an end date of June 30, 2020 and can only be extended if both AFA and management agree.


    Prioritizing the Safety and Health of Flight Attendants

    As a group, we are currently being presented with situations on a daily basis that are unprecedented and wouldn’t even have been thought of just a few months ago.  As evidenced in the situation from last week where Holland America cruise passengers were going to be transported on Alaska aircraft, AFA representatives continue to push to ensure that Flight Attendant safety and health are the first priority in every decision made and action taken.  This is an area where there is no room for compromise.

    The MEC had substantial discussion regarding the Hawaii turn LOA and the decision to enter into the agreement was not made lightly (nor was it unanimous).  Based on the State of Hawaii’s restrictive measures if required to self-quarantine and harsh penalties for violations of the self-quarantine order, the MEC determined that it would be preferable to continue operating Hawaii flights as turns while the State’s requirements are in place.  

    As your direct representative on the MEC, your LEC President is available to answer questions that you have about the LOA or the information above.  You can find contact information for your LEC President by clicking here. 

    In Solidarity,

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

    Filed Under: Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, Hawaii, novel coronavirus

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    Latest News

    AFA Update – January 22, 2021

    January 22, 2021 12:00 Leave a Comment

    In This Edition Letters of Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding REMINDER: Reserve Availability & Commuting College Scholarship Opportunities Letters of Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding Grievance Committee Our Master Executive Council (MEC) occasionally enters into letters of agreement (LOAs) with management to address situations that were not anticipated or did not exist during contract negotiations.  The […]

    Safety of Our Crews, Our Flights and Our Country

    January 19, 2021 19:00 Leave a Comment

    Safety of Our Crews, Our Flights and Our Country Safety Of Our Crews Recent events are potentially negatively impacting effective Crew Resource Management The Master Executive Council (MEC) feels compelled to address the potentially negative impact to effective Crew Resource Management (CRM) resulting from the events most affecting the country over the past year: the […]

    Recurrent Training 2021

    January 13, 2021 17:00

    Recurrent Training 2021 Master Executive Council (MEC) + Inflight Training Committee + Air, Safety, Health and Security Committee (ASHSC) In This Edition Early Success Rates Look Promising COVID-19 Risk Mitigations Written Exam Practice Questions and Answers Adequate “Hands-On” Time Prior to Emergency Evacuation Evaluations Acceptable Deviations to Emergency Evacuation Commands Requalification Training (RQ) Early Success […]

    AFA Alaska Negotiations Update – December 17, 2020

    December 17, 2020 20:00

    AFA Alaska Negotiations Update – December 17, 2020 Master Executive Council In This Edition Updated Contract Negotiations Timeline Negotiations Delayed Until September 1, 2021 Overview of the Railway Labor Act Updated Contract Negotiations Timeline 1st round Negotiating Committee interviews – March & April 2020 Full pay scale increase of 2.5% – December 17, 2020 – […]

    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 […]

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