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

        January 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

        January 15, 2024 13:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        • The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10.
        • Our MEC discussed mobilization efforts surrounding the ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13.
        • Our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows this week to share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide information about CHAOS™.

        The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.

        No Meeting with Management This Month

        There was no scheduled meeting with management during this month’s MEC meeting.

        Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

        Our MEC had a comprehensive discussion with MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff regarding the mobilization efforts surrounding our ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13. Flight Attendants can expect to see Mobilization Volunteers at the airport in our six bases at varying times throughout the week to encourage members to vote, answer questions, and provide resources to help with replacement activation codes and technical assistance.

        This week, our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows, where they will share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide valuable information about CHAOS™. Each roadshow session will offer a comprehensive review of our current negotiation status, the reason behind our decision to take a strike vote, and what members can expect in the future. A portion of each session will be dedicated to answering questions directly from those in attendance.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: MEC Meeting

        December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

        December 8, 2023 09:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Wednesday, December 6, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
        • The MEC’s quarterly meeting with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups was postponed due to the merger announcement and other scheduling conflicts.
        • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, and Wednesday, January 10.

        The December 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Wednesday, December 6. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.

        Meeting with Management Delayed

        In conjunction with this meeting, our MEC was supposed to meet with company executive management and a group of union leaders representing the other workgroups. These meetings, usually held once every quarter, provide an opportunity to receive updates from management and engage in a broader discussion of issues and concerns that impact all employees within the company. However, due to the recent merger announcement and other scheduling conflicts, management postponed the meeting until next week.

        Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

        Our MEC had a highly productive meeting with AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo regarding the recent Alaska-Hawaiian merger announcement, the status of negotiations and mediation, and upcoming mobilization activities. We are more than ready for our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines with full force. Let’s send an unwavering message to management that we are strong, united, and fiercely committed to fighting for the contractual pay and work rule improvements we have rightfully earned.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: MEC Meeting

        Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know

        December 3, 2023 11:30

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Today, Alaska Air Group (AAG) management has announced its intent to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, while maintaining the unique identity of both brands.

        We know that everyone has questions and concerns about the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Mergers take time. Nothing will happen overnight. But right now we must stick together because the airlines are very clear about how this will benefit shareholders, consumers, and employees but together we can claim clarity in black and white for our jobs and the improvements we can expect. 

        Our union of Flight Attendants, AFA-CWA, represents cabin crew at both carriers. Our first priority is to determine whether we support this merger, depending upon what it means in improvements for Flight Attendants. We are gathering information, reviewing the proposed merger, and AFA leaders from both Hawaiian and Alaska will meet with our International Officers and experts to conduct this review. Our union has significant experience in mergers and all of that will benefit us now.

        At this point only the merger proposal has been announced – there are several approvals required before it can move forward. Today, we continue to fly as though nothing has changed. In fact, negotiations for Alaska Flight Attendants are continuing and top priority for our union. We will continue to push our careers forward and improvements for Flight Attendants are a central component to our review of support or opposition to a merger. 

        AFA leadership at both carriers have been in contact with each other and AFA International is coordinating our constitutional protections to ensure Flight Attendant rights and interests are protected. This ensures seniority protections for every flight Attendant and provides a clear process for merger review, required demands of management, and continued representation for all Flight Attendants while working with the power of a united Flight Attendant group to protect our interests. 

        Please review the Merger section of the Alaska AFA Contract and the Hawaiian AFA Contract and the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws, Section X.

        The merger plan is to respect and continue both unique and well established brands. Perhaps no two current airlines are more connected to their communities. Although the practical details have not been worked out, there seems to be a serious commitment to preserving the brands that are so emblematic of their legacy in their respective regions – with names representing the 49th and 50th states.

        There will be a lot of questions as we move forward and we will work to answer all of them. Avoid feeding into rumor mills that are counterproductive to ensuring everyone has the most accurate and up to date information so we can act with one voice for the benefit of our futures. AFA will work hard to update you with the latest information. You can count on correct information through your AFA communications.

        This merger, if it happens, will not happen tomorrow, next week or next month. As the process progresses, we will keep you closely updated and involved. We’ve compiled a list of common questions after an announcement of a merger for your review now, but we know there will be more. .

        We are Stronger Together and Better Together. Wear your AFA pin, stay calm and fly on!

        In Solidarity, 

        AFA Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Council and AFA International

        AFA Merger Q & As – If the merger moves forward

        Q. What is the Timeline for a Corporate Merger?

        A. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must approve the merger and determine that it does not violate any antitrust laws or regulations. Only after the DOJ gives its approval to the transaction, can the actual conclusion of the financial transaction (corporate merger) happen. There is no set timeline for the DOJ review and approval.

        Q. When would the operations of the two carriers be merged?

        A. It will be a while, at a minimum 12-18 months. This is a journey of a thousand steps. Throughout it all, your AFA leadership will be representing your best interests and negotiating for the best outcome for Flight Attendants.

        Q. What exactly is “integration” and when would it happen?

        A: It is important to understand that “integration” applies to many steps along way to completely combining the two carriers:

        • Integration of corporate management and departments (Labor Relations, Legal, Finance, etc) is one aspect of integration and could possibly happen quickly after DOJ approval and the financial close of the corporate merger.
        • Operational Integration of policies, maintenance procedures and manuals, etc. leading up to a Single Operating Certificate takes over a year and longer.
        • Seniority list integration – we will conduct our bidding “date of hire” seniority integration process with Flight Attendant representatives from each airline, but management will not receive the completed list until a merged contract is ratified. 
        • Contract Integration – negotiating the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) and finalizing a process agreement which allows for a smooth and orderly combining of the two labor groups (eg. Alaska Flight Attendants and Hawaiian Flight Attendants) requires Flight Attendant ratification – and this step can only take shape alongside the operational integration.
        • Operational Integration, including combined reservations and scheduling. Again, this will take time, likely a couple years if the merger moves forward.  

        Q. What bases would open and close at the combined carrier?

        A: The airlines have stated all bases will remain open and contractual protections will protect base assignments.   

        Q. How would the seniority lists be combined?

        A. A Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) with Flight Attendant representatives from both carriers will be established and representatives may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from each respective pre-merger airline. The SMIC will review the records of every Flight Attendant and ensure no one leap frogs another Flight Attendant on each respective list, while also assessing whether adjustments of bidding seniority dates should reflect time in training consistently for both groups. This process is transparent and includes a verification period with the opportunity for each individual Flight Attendant to review their seniority date before the list is final.

        Q. What is the AFA merger policy that will govern how the Flight Attendant groups are integrated?

        A. The AFA Merger Policy can be found in the AFA International Constitution and Bylaws, Section X. AFA has vast experience with mergers and negotiating agreements that protect our members and keep Flight Attendant interests front and center.  

        Q. Will negotiations continue for our own Alaska Flight Attendant Contract?

        A. Yes. We are continuing with the Alaska contract negotiations. Improvements are needed now and will help raise standards for Flight Attendants on the industry whether this merger is approved or not. 

        Q. How would the merged contract be negotiated?

        A. Under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will be formed following Single Carrier Determination by the NMB. Flight Attendants from both airlines will be members of the JNC, and JNC may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from their respective pre-merger airlines. The JNC will negotiate a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) attempting to combine the best from each Flight Attendant Contract in addition to other improvements. The tentative JCBA will be voted on by all Flight Attendants at the merged airline and must receive a majority vote in favor by the combined group for ratification.

        Q. When would the Flight Attendant Groups be combined?

        A. The Flight Attendant groups cannot be combined until the JCBA is ratified and the seniority list is merged and accepted. In addition, combining carriers includes FAA oversight of safety policies and procedures – leading to the Single Operating Certificate. Flight Attendants will take part in “differences training” to ensure certification is the same on each aircraft. The company will also need the ability to schedule crew with a combined system.

        The expanded flying opportunities and route network typically provides more choice for Flight Attendants in bidding and managing our schedules. 

        Q. Some call it a merger, others call it an acquisition. Does it matter?

        A. An acquisition is a technical finance term about the financial transaction between the two airlines. No matter what the technical financial transaction is called — the two companies must be merged together. The merger begins once the financial transaction is approved. Nothing changes for Alaska Flight Attendants or Hawaiian Flight Attendants until the airlines are in merger mode. That’s why we don’t refer to the financial transaction, because it doesn’t change your contract or your legal rights during the actual merger. When and if we get to an “approved deal” involving these airlines, that is when the merger starts and that is what it is called no matter how management initiated the deal. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: AS/HA Merger

        November 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

        November 16, 2023 17:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
        • In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management.
        • The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

        Our MEC held its regular meeting for November 2023 on Tuesday, November 14. The MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates during the meeting. The MEC also reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their ongoing work.

        Meeting with Management

        Our MEC was initially scheduled to have a meeting with management this month. However, it was decided to cancel the meeting to show our full support for the Negotiating Committee’s decision to cancel the November negotiations session. This decision was made in response to management’s insulting proposals at the bargaining table. Instead of the meeting, the time was utilized to discuss contract negotiations and strategize our mobilization efforts.

        Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

        Our MEC had a productive meeting with the Negotiating Committee and MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson to discuss yesterday’s direct passenger outreach preparations and our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing. We are confident about plans for the December 19 event, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines. We also had an in-depth discussion about plans for other forthcoming mobilization activities yet to be announced.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about this month’s regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: MEC Meeting

        Dues & Voting—What You Need To Know To Make Sure You Can Vote

        October 17, 2023 17:00

        Membership Committee

        • Voting is an essential part of our Union’s democratic process.
        • Only active Members in good standing who are current on their dues are eligible to vote on any AFA ballot.
        • Contact AFA International Membership Services if you have questions about your membership or dues account status.

        As we continue with our contract negotiations, it will be time for us to vote at some point. Voting is a powerful tool that lets your voice be heard. It’s a vital aspect of democracy in our Union. To be eligible to vote under the AFA Constitution, it’s necessary to be an active Member in good standing.

        What Is An Active Member in Good Standing?

        An active Member in good standing is a Flight Attendant who has completed an AFA Membership application, has completed their four-month AFA Apprentice Membership, and is referred to as a “Member.” This Member is flying and has a financial obligation for dues to AFA. A Flight Attendant on paid leave (coordinating sick and/or vacation time) is active and eligible to vote as long as their dues account is current.

        Most Flight Attendants fill out and submit an AFA membership application during initial training. A Flight Attendant who hasn’t submitted one is not a Member and is not eligible to vote, even though they must pay a fee equivalent to the dues amount each month for representation. Local Membership Committees will be reaching out to anyone who doesn’t have an AFA membership application on file to offer the opportunity to submit one and become a Member.

        Members On An Unpaid Leave of Absence

        Flight Attendants on an unpaid leave of absence continue to owe dues for the first 90 days; this includes voluntary furloughs and company-offered staffing adjustment leaves. After completing the 90-day leave commencing period in which dues are owed, they’re considered by AFA to be on leave, having no further financial obligation to AFA-CWA until they return to the line. They are NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE unless they have chosen to “Leave and Remain Active.”

        The AFA Constitution allows for a Member on an unpaid leave of absence from their airline to remain active with AFA by notifying AFA of their desire to stay active and continue to pay their dues each month. These Members are eligible to vote if their dues accounts are current.

        If You Receive A Statement From AFA International

        A statement from AFA International indicates that a dues payment you owe has not been received. If you receive an invoice for dues from AFA International, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to ensure you remain in good standing as a Member.

        Dues are owed each month you are active or the first three months of an unpaid leave of absence. You’ll be invoiced if your dues are unable to be fully deducted each month. The deductions that occur from the 20th of the month paycheck each month apply to that month. For example, if you receive an invoice for unpaid dues from May, your dues were not deducted from your May 20 paycheck.  

        The payroll department cannot deduct past-due balances and they must be paid directly to AFA. Payments can be made online through the AFA dues payment site. AFA Membership Services offers Flight Attendants with past-due accounts the ability to set up a payment plan to keep you in good standing while making payments. Please get in touch with the AFA Membership Services Department to set up a promissory agreement.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about your membership or dues account status, contact AFA International Membership Services using this link. You can also reach out to your Local Membership Committee for assistance.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC), Membership Committee Tagged With: dues, voting information

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