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    You are here: Home / Archives for Negotiations

    Negotiations News Archives

    AFA Alaska Contract and Negotiations Newsletter – May 22, 2021

    May 22, 2021 12:00

    AFA Alaska Contract and Negotiations Newsletter – May 22, 2021

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    In This Edition

    • Contract Extension 2021 Ratified and Associated Sideletter Executed
    • A Historic All-Time Low Voter Participation
    • Negotiating Committee Interviews Paused and Applicants Released for Now
    • Contract and Negotiations Education Efforts Resume

    Contract Extension 2021 Ratified and Associated Sideletter Executed

    Although it is less than ideal for a tentative agreement (TA) to be ratified by such a small margin, the Contract Extension 2021 did pass with a spread of 25 votes or 1.4% of active members in good standing casting votes.

    Click here for certified ballot results >

    The associated sideletter of agreement has now been executed and posted on the AFA Alaska website –> Contract Home –> Letters of Agreement (LOAs). It will also be uploaded to Inflight Mobile Devices soon.

    Click here for the One Year Contract Extension 2021-2022 Sideletter of Agreement >


    A Historic All-Time Low Voter Participation

    The Contract Extension 2021 TA voter participation was a historic all-time low for AFA Alaska with 37.7% of active members in good standing who cast votes. The MEC anticipated that voter turnout would be significantly impacted by the substantial number of Flight Attendants on leaves, many of whom may have understandably chosen to not convert themselves to “active” status by paying dues for every month they had been on leave through May 2021. We also know of a few who inadvertently barely missed the balloting window. Regardless, participation was much lower than anticipated.

    Many Flight Attendants posted on social media that they were largely ambivalent about the vote. Although this was “just” a one-year contract extension with a minimal raise, it is extremely important that we get our participation rate much higher for next time. Member participation sends a signal to management regarding our collective engagement. The silver lining to this cloud is that we will have plenty of time to prepare for negotiations in September 2022 and to build our solidarity in the meantime.


    Negotiating Committee Interviews Paused and Applicants Released for Now

    Negotiating Committee interviews have been paused and the Negotiating Committee applicants have been released for now. The MEC is planning to re-post Negotiating Committee positions this coming October 2021 and to resume interviews in January 2022.


    Contract and Negotiations Education Efforts Resume

    AFA Alaska will resume contract and negotiations education efforts via periodic newsletters such as this one.


    Next Up

    (New topics may be added and the order subject to change)

    • Updated Contract Negotiations Timeline
    • Preparatory Work to Improve the Efficiency of Negotiations
    • Negotiations Under the Railway Labor Act
    • Growing Reliance on Non-AFA Social Media Outlets as Sole Source of Information
    • Negotiating for Our Future
    • Block-Hours vs. TFP
    • Block or Better vs. §21.J Block Delays
    • L-VX Incentive Pay vs. Productivity Premium Program (PPP)
    • L-VX Inflight Team Leader (ITL) Pay vs. “A” Pay

    Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations Tagged With: 2021, contract, Extension, negotiations

    AFA Alaska Contract Extension 2021 Tentative Agreement Ballot Results

    May 12, 2021 09:49

    AFA Alaska Contract Extension 2021 Tentative Agreement Ballot Results

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    Contract Extension Ratified

    The certified ballot results for the Contract Extension 2021 Tentative Agreement are in: The Contract Extension has been ratified with 870 (50.7%) voting “for” and 845 (49.3%) voting “against.” Participation was 37.7% of 4545 active members in good standing casting votes.

    Click here for certified ballot results >View / Download

    Stay tuned for a more detailed update later this week after the completion of our monthly MEC meeting (Tuesday-Wednesday) and the annual AFA Board of Directors meeting (Thursday-Friday).

    Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations Tagged With: 2021, ballot, contract, Extension, TA, vote

    AFA Update – May 7, 2021

    May 7, 2021 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Contract Extension Voting through May 12
    • Take the Flight Attendant Vaccine Status Survey
    • Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting
    • Reporting Missing Airbus Oven Inserts and Racks
    • Concerned About A Loved Who Is Struggling with Alcohol or Drugs?

    Contract Extension Voting through May 12

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    Voting continues on the contract extension tentative agreement and polls will remain open through Wednesday, May 12 at 9 AM PDT.  If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to review the tentative agreement, virtual roadshow recordings, and other resources in order to help you cast an informed vote. 

    Voting or Ballot Questions

    If you have not yet received your ballot (voting instructions and 16-digit activation code), please review the information on how to request a new activation code on the Contract Extension Voting Information page of afaalaska.org.

    Voting Eligibility Questions

    If you have received an error message when attempting to use your activation code to vote or need to verify that your membership status prior to voting, please contact AFA Membership Services for assistance.  AFA Membership Services may be reached at (800) 424-2401 and then choosing option 7. 

    Please note that the AFA International office is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so everyone is working from home. Please leave a voice message with your name, Peoplesoft number and a good callback number. Someone will return your call as soon as possible during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM EDT).


    Take the Flight Attendant Vaccine Status Survey

    AFA International

    Have you gotten your vaccine yet? Since the first vaccines were approved, we’ve been advocating for Flight Attendants to be included with other essential workers in priority groups. The CDC announced that it’s safe for fully vaccinated (and masked!) people to travel, and we’re already seeing significantly higher passenger volumes. As we work to make sure our planes stay safe, it’s important for us to know whether members are able to receive the vaccine.

    All adults in all states are now eligible to receive the vaccine. We are keeping our afacwa.org/vaccine up to date with the latest information on access and Flight Attendant prioritization.

    Will you take our quick vaccine survey to help us track access? No personal information will be shared from the survey.


    Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    Our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and many other LEC Officers and Committee Chairs will be attending the 48th Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting next week virtually using Zoom.  This annual meeting is where AFA conducts the business of our Union at the international level.

    Schedule of Events

    Tuesday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 12May Regular MEC Meeting
    Wednesday, May 12Executive Board Meeting (MEC President from each airline)
    Thursday, May 13 – Friday, May 14Board of Directors Meeting

    BOD Meeting Agenda Items

    Your LEC President represents you and the other members of your Local Council on the Board of Directors and will be casting votes on your behalf at the BOD meeting.  Your MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD but do not have voting privileges.

    Each LEC held a Local Council meeting over the past several weeks to discuss the proposed agenda items and gain your feedback.  You can find details about the proposed agenda by contacting your LEC President.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or the proposed AFA-CWA budget, please contact your LEC President.


    Reporting Missing Airbus Oven Inserts and Racks

    Inflight Service Committee

    The Inflight Service Committee has recently been working with management to attempt to resolve issues related to missing oven inserts and racks onboard Airbus aircraft.  The Committee has received numerous reports of Airbus ovens missing inserts and racks while at the same time management has not received corresponding reports.  Oven inserts and racks are considered standard catering equipment on Airbus aircraft and, if not present, should be reported in the same manner as other missing catering items. 

    To ensure that we have the necessary tools and equipment to safely perform our duties, the Inflight Service Committee is looking for your help in reporting missing Airbus oven inserts and racks.  The next time you fly on an Airbus aircraft, please ask the “A” Flight Attendant to check to oven to determine if there is an oven insert and racks present.  If not, please report the missing equipment using the catering reporting function within Block2Block.  The more reports that management receives on this issue, the more effective the Committee will be in advocating to resolve the equipment shortage.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Local Inflight Service Committee.


    Concerned About A Loved Who Is Struggling with Alcohol or Drugs?

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    Watching a friend or family member struggle with alcohol or drugs use can be heartbreaking. But, with help, there is recovery.

    Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself about another person’s use of alcohol or drugs. If you answer yes to two or more questions, consider calling your AFA EAP for confidential support and next step options. Remember, many have been where you are.

    • Do you worry about how much your friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs?
    • Do you lie or make excuses about their behavior when they drink or use drugs?
    • Do they get angry with you if you try to discuss their drinking or drug use?
    • Have you ever been hurt or embarrassed by their behavior when using drugs or alcohol?
    • Do you have concerns about how much time and money they spend on alcohol and drugs?
    • Do your resent having to pick up their responsibilities because they are drunk, high or hungover?
    • Do you ever get scared or nervous about their behavior when they’re drinking or using drugs?
    • Do you ever feel like you’re losing it–“going crazy”–just really stressed out?

    Here are some important suggestions: 

    • Learn all you can about substance use disorders.
    • Speak up and offer your support.  Talk to the person about your concerns and offer your help, including your willingness to go with them and get help. 
    • Don’t wait for them to “hit bottom.”  You may be met with excuses, denial or anger, but be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that have you worried.
    • Don’t expect the person to stop without help.  You have heard it before — promises to cut down, to stop — but it doesn’t work.  Treatment, support, and new coping skills are needed for recovery.  

    Contact your AFA EAP for peer support and treatment resources.  We have specialized programs that know how to work with Flight Attendants and their families. Call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee at https://afaalaska.org/eap.

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Inflight Service Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Negotiations Tagged With: 2021, BOD Meeting, COVID-19, EAP, Extension

    AFA Alaska Contract Extension 2021 Tentative Agreement Update – May 6, 2021

    May 6, 2021 18:00

    AFA Alaska Contract Extension 2021 Tentative Agreement Update – May 6, 2021

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    In This Edition

    • The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Flight Attendant Negotiations
    • Analysis of the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alaska Airlines and Maximizing Bargaining Leverage in Upcoming Flight Attendant Contract Negotiations
    • Extension 2021 TA Blog Recap
    • Polls Are Open Through May 12th at 9 AM PT
    • Did Not Receive a Ballot and/or Need a New Activation Code?
    • Votes Cast Tracker

    The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Flight Attendant Negotiations

    Click here for a message from AFA Director of Collective Bargaining Joe Burns >


    Analysis of the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alaska Airlines and Maximizing Bargaining Leverage in Upcoming Flight Attendant Contract Negotiations

    Click here for a message from Aviation Economist Dan Akins >


    Extension 2021 TA Blog Recap

    • Rising Stock Price (NYSE: ALK)
    • Does a Contract Extension Make Sense Right Now?
    • Does a Contract Extension Make Sense Right Now? (2)
    • If We Vote “No” on this TA…?
    • Pay Increases Under the Contract Extension TA?
    • Healthcare Premiums

    Polls Are Open Through May 12th at 9 AM PT

    Polls are now open through May 12, 2021, at 9 AM PT for active members in good standing.

    Click here to vote > (Activation Code required)


    Did Not Receive a Ballot and/or Need a New Activation Code?

    Flight Attendants who did not receive their voting instructions with the 16-digit activation code may request a new code and instructions by filling out an online form. Membership Services will process these requests and a new activation code with instructions will be emailed directly to the Member as soon as possible during regular business hours.

    Click here to request a new activation code > 

    Alternatively, you may call the AFA Ballot Helpline at (800) 424-2401, choose option 1, then enter extension 706. Flight Attendants who have dues or membership issues should call AFA Membership Services at (800) 424-2401 and choose option 7.

    AFA Membership Services and the AFA Ballot Helpline are staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM EDT. The AFA International office is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so everyone is working from home. Please leave a voice message with your name, Peoplesoft number and a good callback number. Someone will return your call as soon as possible during regular business hours.


    Votes Cast Tracker

    Click here for the percentage of eligible votes cast >


    Questions?

    Visit the Extension 2021 TA information page, the blog or email extension@afaalaska.org.

    Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations Tagged With: 2021, contract, Extension, TA

    Healthcare Premiums

    April 29, 2021 11:45

    Healthcare Premiums

    Q Which healthcare premiums are frozen at the 2019 rates?

    A Please note the healthcare premiums are established in the 2018-2021 JCBA. The language would not change whether or not the contract extension TA is ratified.

    Only the PPO premiums are frozen at the 2019 rates pursuant to JCBA §23.A.1-2 [Flight Attendant Insurance Plan(s)].

    For the high deductible PPO premiums, Flight Attendants will pay no more than any other workgroup to participate in the plan pursuant to §23.A.3.

    For Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Flight Attendant will pay the greater of either the PPO rate or the difference between the entire cost of the HMO and the Company contribution for the PPO plan.

    Filed Under: Extension 2021 Blog, Latest News, Negotiations Tagged With: 2021, blog, contract, Extension, TA

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    Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions start tomorrow! Listening Sessions are your opportunity to meet with our Negotiating Committee in a small group setting and share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, or anything else on your mind about negotiations. There’s still space available to participate in many of next week’s sessions. Register for a session today and get involved in the process—your voice matters!
    Thank you to everyone who has already written their letter to management telling them to Make it Right! We've made great progress but still have a ways to go to make sure management hears everyone's voice! Help keep the momentum going by checking in with your friends and flying partners today to see if they've sent letters to management as well. Save this QR code, let your crew scan it, and they'll be able to send their letter to management in less than two minutes.
    Our MEC will be approaching management this week to discuss a meaningful remedy to the recent bidding errors and delays. We have heard loud and clear that Flight Attendants expect that any remedy will include an element of compensation in order to hold management accountable. Stand in solidarity and support our MEC by sending management a letter telling them it’s time to make it right!
    Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions start next week and there’s still time to sign up! Listening Sessions are your opportunity to meet with our Negotiating Committee in a small group setting and share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, or anything else on your mind about negotiations. Register today and let’s fill every session—your voice matters!
    Due to hundreds of errors identified in the June bid packet, our MEC has insisted that management conduct a systemwide rebid. Management sent a communication by company email to all Flight Attendants earlier today with details on the new bidding timeline, which opened today at 9 AM PDT and will now close at 9 AM PDT on Monday, May 16. It is well past time for management to take ownership of their repeated errors, actually fix the problems, and honor our contract!
    Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will be attending the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting later this week. The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted. Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding approval of the AFA International budget, proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, and the election of AFA International Officers. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, submitted agenda items, or international officer elections, please contact your LEC President.

    Latest News

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 20, 2022
    • Tell Management: It’s Time To Make it Right!
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 13, 2022
    • The Saga Continues: June 2022 Bid Awards Delayed
    • Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting
    • Council 35 News – April 2022
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 6, 2022
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022
    • Understanding Our Union: How AFA Works at Our Airline
    • Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

    Tell Management: It’s Time To Make it Right!

    May 18, 2022 3 Comments

    Master Executive Council (MEC) Our MEC will be approaching management this week to discuss a meaningful remedy to the recent bidding errors and delays. We have heard loud and clear that Flight Attendants expect that any remedy will include an element of compensation in order to hold management accountable. Stand in solidarity and support our […]

    The Saga Continues: June 2022 Bid Awards Delayed

    May 11, 2022

    Due to hundreds of errors identified in the June bid packet, our MEC has insisted that management conduct a systemwide rebid. Management sent a communication by company email to all Flight Attendants earlier today with details on the new bidding timeline, which opened today at 9 AM PDT and will now close at 9 AM PDT on Monday, May 16. It is well past time for management to take ownership of their repeated errors, actually fix the problems, and honor our contract!

    Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

    May 9, 2022

    Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will be attending the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting later this week.  The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted. Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding approval of the AFA International budget, proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, and the election of AFA International Officers. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, submitted agenda items, or international officer elections, please contact your LEC President.

    Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022

    May 5, 2022

    Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 3 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability. If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.   

    Understanding Our Union: How AFA Works at Our Airline

    May 4, 2022

    Representation within our Union starts at the domicile level with your Local Council.  Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers are directly elected from among your fellow Flight Attendants who are members of the same Local Council. LEC Officers work to resolve concerns specific to Flight Attendants from your base with local management.  Your LEC President also represents your base at the airline level as a member of the Master Executive Council (MEC).  The LEC Presidents from all six bases together form our MEC, which works to coordinate the activities of our Union at the airline level.  They make decisions on our behalf and give direction to the MEC Officers, who represent the MEC to management.

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    The CDC and TSA report the federal mask mandate is no longer in effect after today’s court ruling. Additionally, Alaska Airlines management just announced via multiple channels that the mask mandate is lifted effective immediately on all aircraft.

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap

    December 8, 2021 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson Just wrapped up chairing our monthly MEC meeting yesterday and today. As usual, your AFA committee chairs and reps provided written reports to the MEC about the latest developments in their areas, and we received live briefings regarding dispute resolution & grievances, scheduling, […]

    Inflight Leadership Change and the Path Forward

    December 6, 2021 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson Now that is has been officially announced that Travis will be stepping away as leader of the Inflight division, I thought Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants might want to hear from their MEC president. I may not always be at liberty to communicate the details of every conversation advocating […]

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    Recent Posts

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    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 13, 2022
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    • Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting
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