Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian
We had AFA International Research Management Flying at other carriers. We have included links to information and documentation for comparison and consideration. Please click on the links above to access this information.
As a side note: At SWA a manager can fly to prevent a cancellation if there is absolutely no FA available.
PDX Roadshow Q&A 12/3/14
Section 3 – Scope
Q: Does there have to be no reserve available within the 2 hour call out?
A: The flight would have to cancel if they couldn’t get a flight attendant to airport. Any time a manager flies the Company must notify AFA and there will be follow up.
Q: Why don’t they have to wear a uniform?
A: Not all of them have uniforms and they are not required. No contractual requirement that they wear uniform.
Q: How are the supervisors paid for flying, TFP? Why don’t they pay union dues?
A: They are paid their salary. AFA doesn’t represent them. They don’t receive the perks of the collective bargaining. They don’t get per diem, no minimum pay rules.
Q: Do they have to be trained FAA certified as a flight attendant?
A: Yes. There are currently 42 approved.
Q: Must the flying managers have a Flight Attendant manual?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a percentage or a limit? Cap in writing?
A: There is no cap.
Q: When will we know if they are on our aircraft?
A: We will clarify, but there is no contractual notification requirement.
Q: What is single source discipline?
A: Just originates with one person. Refers to one information source, the person who sees it.
Q: Is it one of the functions of the Scheduling Chair to oversee this?
A: Yes, a full time scheduling chair position. S/he is an AFA Alaska Flight Attendant.
Q: May trips be held from bidding or Open Time for management?
A: No.
Q: Supervisors on board, we may have to train them, do we receive extra pay?
A: No extra pay.
Q: Was this a priority for the company in TA1 and TA2?
A: Yes.
Q: As most junior FA on a crew as an extra can managers be tagged?
A: They could only be reassigned if to avoid a cancellation. If not to prevent a cancellation they would not be eligible as they can only fly as an extra.
Q: Is there restriction for IOE or check rides today?
A: No. They have the ability to come onboard during special circumstances.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: For getting through customs can we call and adjust our debrief?
A: No, it is not counted, just as application today.
Q: If Pilots give you ACARs during flight do I have to call?
A: Yes.
Q: Do we get paid for updating manual, bulletins? In future updating new devices off the a/c?
A: No. This will be on your own time.
Q: Could the company arbitrarily adjust my debrief?
A: No. Debrief is coordinated by the crew.
Q: If on separate pairings do we have to call separately?
A: Yes, until we settle into the new procedure.
Q: Is Scheduling going to staff appropriately for our ability to adjust our debrief?
A: I do think they have underestimated how much this is happening. Think they will be overwhelmed at first with the adjustments.
Q: Does the night rule supersede irregular operations?
A: Yes. See Section 8.I..
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium Opentime
Q: Could I receive ACARs and be JA’d
A: Yes.
Q: Could they be standing there at your plane to JA you?
A: Yes, within your 15 minute debrief?
Q: Could the company adjust my debrief to JA me?
A: No, the flight attendant(s) may adjust their debrief by calling CS.
Q: Can Crew Scheduling still call me at home to JA?
A: No.
Q: If you do have 2.5X JA trip and drops into OT does that remove the JA premium?
A: If you trade into OT the premium goes away. If traded to FAs premium will stay.
Q: How will you know if JA’d out of order?
A: Strictly by who is on duty and who is legal. You can look at the list to see who was JA’d. The Scheduling Chair must be consulted prior to JA. If the Company JAs out of order there premium pay penalty.
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: What are the three 4k destinations that would be affected with todays route structure?
A: SEA-DTW, SEA-IAH, PDX – PVR
Q: Can I preference 4k day and 4k night, either or both?
A: Yes. It is instruction command required to opt in to these pairings.
Q: Do you have a list of the new turns, cities affected by 15 minute debrief?
A: We have a list of the 4k, will get a list of the city pairings affected.
Q: Are we opening the door?
A: It doesn’t stop management from requesting a longer duty day in the future. We are governed by the majority. It is a fair assessment.
Q: How I am guaranteed I am not going to fly them?
A: From PBS perspective, if you do not select one or both of the 4k instructions you will NOT be awarded 4k sequence via coverage award, unstacking and secondary line generation. It you do not select instruction you can NOT get the trip.
Q: What do they do with pairings if no one bids the 4k?
A: They will go into OT and will NOT count towards the threshold sequence number for closure of OT unless subsequently traded.
Q: How will LA and ANC be impacted?
A: There will be impact on the flying. There are not many pairings that will fit in turns in LAX, ANC, SAN. With new flying would change flying. Line averages and Minimum Pay Rules will provide protections for unproductive flying.
Q: So a 4K is in the box, they are desperate and out of reserves. Can line holders refuse?
A: Yes you can refuse. Company would have ability to offer with premium OT, break up the sequence to make legal with the 10 hours and 30 minutes or in lieu of cancellation assign to a manager.
Section 11 – Reserve
Q: If line holder picks up single day, does it convert to ER?
A: Yes
Q: Is there a change to crew quarters or sitting area when sitting APSB?
A: No change.
Q: Any protections for turning a turn into a 5 day trip?
A: No
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
Q: When will Jet Bridge trades be available?
A: Immediately. It is a manual process.
Q: So if we love new OT system, but Company hates it, they cancel trial period?
A: Go back to todays practice and start negotiating a new system.
Q: Are personal drops and coupon drops going away or being replaced?
A: No.
Q: Can FAs Jet Bridge trade with another FA who is not in their domicile?
A: No. FAs must be in the same domicile to Jet Bridge trade. There may be ability in future to expand program.
Section 14 – Vacation
Q: Today I only fly 260TFP annually what is difference between CBA and TA2?
A: Under current agreement if you do not meet 480 TFP (including vacation and sick leave) you are entitled to full vacation accrual unpaid. In TA2 if you fly the 260 TFP (excluding vacation and sick leave) you are entitled to half vacation accrual unpaid.
Q: I have questions about the 480 TFP and going on maternity, is that covered?
A: If you are coordinating your leave there is a lookback to help you meet your 480. We have a presentation later in the roadshow to walk you through this.
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury
Q: Can you still call in well?
A: Yes
Q: You can still make up the first day of your sick call after calling in well?
A: Yes
Q: Where I will find the Reserve Sick Leave Make Up days?
A: They will be posted. Not sure where they will be posted but FAs will have notification.
Q: Is there point mitigation for sick leave make up?
A: No.
Q: How long do I have to make up sick leave and restore my bank?
A: The current bid month and the two subsequent bid months.
Q: Are lineholders required to opt in to LFTA for sick leave make up?
A: No.
Q: If I only fly turns is it possible to have my options limited for sick leave make up?
A: Yes. Crew Scheduling builds the blocks. At their discretion they could offer one day or more blocks.
Q: If I don’t fly on the reserve make up day how much credit do I receive?
A: 5 TFP per day not used. With a minimum guarantee of 5 TFP per day averaged over the number of days in the reserve make up block.
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: If I am top of scale when do I receive my increases?
A: Every Dec 17th for the duration of the agreement you will receive 1.5% pay increases.
Q: Are CB and UB included in the QPP?
A: Yes
Q: What is the Company benefit of the QPP?
A: On average the hard time flown per flight attendant is 68 TFP. If you can move the average hard time 1 TFP to 69 TFP hard time averaged for all Flight Attendants then the Company would receive the cost savings of 50 full time employees (FTE) in the future for each 1 TFP. This benefit is only received if flying behaviors change.
Q: Is there a blog post to assist with QPP questions?
A: Yes. http://afaalaska.org/negotiations/get-the-facts-productivity-premium
Section 22 – Expenses
No Questions
Section 23 – Insurance
Q: Is there a slide show on the insurance? What is difference between the cost sharing and the year over year cap?
A: Yes. Watch the insurance video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BivL964KYak&feature=youtu.be .
One is sharing of cost that moves each year contractual up to a maximum of 20/80. The year over year cap ensures the employee paid portion does not exceed 15% increase year over year. We receive the more favorable of the two applications.
Q: Is Kaiser still an option and will there be 15% year over year cap?
A: Yes.
Section 27 – General Association
No questions
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
Q: Would the points be removed for the additional ½ point for sick online at check in be removed with a quarterly point reduction form?
A: Yes. That is our position. All points when using a quarterly point reduction form will be removed associated with that occurrence. The language does not specifically say that it will but it is the practice.
Random Q&A:
Q: Is the 480 look back a huge improvement?
A: Yes. We don’t know of any other carrier that has this provision.
Q: Why is implementation taking so long?
A: There are programming and vendor delays. Nothing we can do to get it to happen faster. There is a limitation of programming. Management was even will to pay more to had expedited but money is not the issue.
Q: Why was there a rush to get TA2 done with these implementation issues?
A: They want to have agreement in place. We don’t believe implementation factors into the timeline of coming to agreement.
Q: Is there a minimum bid option?
A: That is removed from TA2. It wasn’t delivering what was promised. Minimum bid was not doing what we expected. Now use bid groups. Contact PBS Scheduling Committee for assistance.
Q: Do we know how FAs will interact with our Scheduling Chair?
A: The position will report to AFA MEC. Will be available to assist if TA2 is ratified.
Q: PBS parameters are 78 – 85 for line construction, plus or minus 10 TFP. Did that change?
A: Yes. In TA2 it is 75 – 85, plus or minus 10 TFP for individual award.
Q: Is Longevity PTO bid with my vacation?
A: Yes
Q: For years of service I came from QX does that count towards longevity PTO and premium?
A: No. It is service as AS Flight Attendant.
Q: Is our PBP bonus going away?
A: No.
Q: The Quarterly Productivity Premium is earned income?
A: Yes
Q: Why are you not confident we will gain more ground?
A: Company says they are over extended. The NMB board is not rushed to give us additional dates. After voting 2 TAs down they are not inclined to spend limited resources on our property. This is based on conversations and signing remorse of specific provisions. They want you to be paid well, not the best. Company feels they over spent in the agreement. Just passing along the information we have. Concerned we roll the dice and get stuck in negotiations for a long time. There is risk involved and this is part of your consideration.
Q: Do you have to present an entire TA versus pieces?
A: Correct. An entire TA is presented for your consideration.
Q: Like trips definition changed, does that include pre-cancellation?
A: Like trip is for reassignment at check in. Pre-cancellation there is no change in application.
LAX Roadshow Q&A Afternoon Session 12/2/14
Scope 3 – Scope
Q: Was there any research since management addressed this provision versus other airlines?
A: Alaska has had that program in place but required AFA waiver. This allows but has a waiver. Took the existing language of the 1% up to 2%. Management wanted to work as minimum crew, we negotiated as extra except in lien of cancellation. There was no research to model our program after another airlines. They are on the a/c to understand the difficulties of your job.
Q: How was it determined for them to be extra?
A: They wanted to replace FAs initially. The NC negotiated they compliment the crew. This was part of the bundle package that is up for your overall consideration.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: When I first started it was 15 minutes debrief, why did it change to 30?
A: There is no mandate for a certain time. It was moved to 30 minutes years ago because FAA said it took that long to deplane.
Q: Did we ask the company to maintain 30 minutes for international arrivals.
A: No it was not suggested.
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium Open Time
Q: If I have 3 day trip, need middle day off. I get rid of my original trip. What happens if I replace day 1 and day 3, will I be protected from JA on day 2?
A: Yes. You are protected for day 2 as the trip was originally on your line. You would be available for JA into days off on day 3 because you replaced the flying on that day and the subsequent days were days off.
Q: With premium being at 2.5x of JA, could they reassign a FA at 1.5x instead of someone else being JA’d?
A: Yes, that is a possibility but would be subject to duty das
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: If I bid pairing specific could I mistakenly bid a pairing that was 4K and be assigned?
A: No you have to put the instruction command to be assigned 4k sequences even when bidding pairing specific.
Q: With the 4k pairings and 15 minute debrief does it affect our base?
A: It may and probably will affect the pairings and that is part of your overall consideration.
Q: Did you attempt to negotiate a furlough protection base specific?
A: That is a very difficult provision to achieve and we did not address it with that position.
Q: If I have a medical will I have ability to adjust my debrief if extending past 15 minutes?
A: Yes
Section 11 – Reserve
No questions
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
No questions
Section 14 – Vacation
Q: Is the look back when coordinating initiated by the FA or automated?
A: The look back will be automated.
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the job Injury
Q: If I work sick leave make up do I get the reserve premium paid?
A: Yes
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: How many FAs fly over their base line award?
A: The number of FAs who flew over 79.9 in LAX were 106 in Oct and 107 in Nov. That is about 25% of the base. The number of FAs system wide who flew over 79.9 were 753 in Oct and 770 in Nov. That is about 23% system wide.
Section 22 – Expenses
Q: Why not give us the money for the crew snack?
A: The NC reviewed the cost of the crew snacks and the time away from base for the overall year. We divided the TAFB by cost of crew snack and it came to $0.22 per hour, the per diem increase was rounded up to $0.25 for a total of $2.50 per diem per hour.
Section 23 – Insurance
Q: Who chooses the insurance they give us?
A: We have a me too benefit clause with our pilots but negotiate our rates separately. The pilots have signed a 5 year agreement and there are 4 years left until their amendable date.
Q: Will the deductibles change with our plans?
A: If you are enrolled in PPO plan no, if you are with Kaiser those are contracted and possibly could change.
Section 27 – General Association
Q: Where does the AFA Scheduling Chairperson come from?
A: This position is an AFA member who serves at the pleasure of the MEC. Advocating on behalf of our Flight Attendants.
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
Q: Why is there language regarding contactable on ground time?
A: This is the current application, however, there were not time requirements in place.
Random Q and A:
Q: Is the LAX base closing?
A: Sandra/Jeff, LAX is needed and will remain open. There is no intent to close. Both were on a conference call and told minimum growth over the next ten years but LAX is integral in the operation of the airline.
Q: If this TA passes will there be a “how to” sheet?
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: What were some of our adamant demands?
A: We met in WA DC, Paula took mediator aside, NC set pre conditions for meeting with the Company. Sat down with the Company and said to them, we needed assurance or commitment to see provisions come into play or it didn’t make sense to talk if there was not going to be movement. We would request a proffer if needed. We said Cap of 15%, reserve premium, 480 provisions, don’t want sick leave tied to 480 accrual and attendance policy and significantly more money in rates. If they couldn’t make the commitment we were going to walk away. Company came back with a commitment to discuss our concerns. They gave us a full compensation package proposal, it wasn’t acceptable. We caucused and went to give them a wake up call. Told them they were hiring third party vendor with $12/hr but our FAs were making around $8/hr when calculating starting pay. We brought up the fact that there were a tremendous amount of people who were receiving some type of assistance. Management did not dictate the negotiations, both parties negotiated their priorities.
Q: Why hasn’t AFA via government affairs taken on the NMB?
A: For years the process worked well, in 1936 airlines were added. When labor could strike they were allowed. Now the NMB has stopped, given the power to management. Cut the act off at the proffer. It doesn’t work because it is coming from the Presidential Administration. Between a rock and a hard spot.
Q: Realistically speaking if this is voted down how long till TA3?
A: The NMB is not focused at this time on our TA. The NMB says they will react to our vote.
Q: Is Company able to pressure NMB for dates?
A: They could request. We could also meet with Company without NMB.
Q: Does QPP count as regular income?
A: Yes
Q: In regards to the one hour scan in prior to departure, are there other airlines with a grace period?
A: There are airlines that offer a grace period. The NC did ask for a grace period but we were not successful in agreeing on a provision with management.
Q: Why don’t we get paid night flying premium for redeyes?
A: The NC asked but we were unsuccessful in agreeing on a provision with management.
Q: Military personnel provisions?
A: They recognize military personal for boarding, remains and a/c. At the end of the day there are more military pilots than flight attendants and they are not willing to enhance the provisions of our Flight Attendants who serve in the military. This is not for lack of trying. Management wants to comply only with what is required by law, nothing more favorable. There is NOT a less favorable application than current book.
Q: Is anyone on the NC a veteran?
A: Yes, Lisa Pinkston.
Q: Is there any work on limiting the low productive trips?
A: The minimum pay rules.
Q: Is there anything in the contract regarding the new POS?
A: We cannot violate any other work groups Scope protections. There is no language that says we will not sell vacation packages. Seat assignments is a scope violation of the CSAs.
Q: What was the process behind to Jet Bridge trading with two FAs required to be at same domicile?
A: The pairing has to start and end in the same domicile. Crew Scheduling must build a limo. That was the minimum requirement management was willing to agree. We would be addressing future improvements to this trading.
Q: Is there a limit on how many times you can go on a medical leave?
A: No. The limit is only on FMLA. Your FMLA is run concurrent with any other leave up to 12 weeks. You may or may not have that available.
Q: Can I work less to make up my sick leave?
A: Yes. You can work less, but not more than to replace your sick leave bank.
AFA has received the LOA 5 regarding Sick Family/Sick Child from Vice President of Inflight, Andy Schneider. Below is a link to view the LOA:
LAX Roadshow Q&A Morning Session 12/2/14
Scope 3 – Scope
Q: Do managers pay union dues?
A: No, not an AFA member, don’t receive the benefits of your contract. If they are disciplined we don’t represent them. There is no additional pay associated with them flying as an extra.
Q: Curious why management flying brought up?
A: These provisions were in TA1 with a manager replacing a Flight Attendant. Heard the provision was divisive. Insisted in manager was on plane they would be an extra to help. They are there to help, not observe. They will need to work the flight. It was brought up because this is one of their top positions. Brad gave the directive to management negotiating team to get this in the TA as other labor groups on the property have the provision.
Q: Say long term this passes, say in future we plan to strike can they take over those flights?
A: If we are in a period of self-help, they can absolutely take over your jobs, scope provisions and contract is not in force when FAs are on strike. They did that in 94’ and could do it again. The provisions in Scope don’t have impact once in self-help, as there is no contract.
Q: So did we have 1% before of managers trained before?
A: Yes, now 2%. Reason the 1% was in place was to limit the number of supervisors they could train. Makes it more difficult.
Q: What was negotiated in return for management flying?
A: Not always a tit for tat, wasn’t an even trade. Was a package deal.
Q: What was in the bundle?
A: 4k, 15 min debrief, management flying, step rates, length of scale, longevity, single sick leave bank, insurance, all remaining open items. At the end of the negotiating process you are not dealing with individual items it is being negotiated as a package.
Q: Out of the 66 managers who can fly, how many are even trained FAA certified?
A: There is around 42 FAA certified supervisors.
Q: Do the managers have to wear a uniform?
A: No.
Q: What happens if the AAG purchases Airbus, could they crew it with who they want?
A: If it wasn’t operated by Alaska Airlines, yes.
Q: Is there any way to have a protection for SkyWest?
A: Huge concern. Addressed a seat protection at the bargaining table. Our pilots did not achieve this scope. Alaska management’s business model is to use CPA flying to grow their markets and overall market share. The revenue driver with AS is with mainline.
Q: Is there a merger protection?
A: Yes, there are good merger protections in the agreement.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: So really it doesn’t benefit us to give it up?
A: Contact for pre-boarding, JA and reassignments. New pairings you would be legal to fly due to 15 minute debrief. Some of the trips over midnight, that are spanning over 3 days now are 2 day trips. In ANC our 2 day KOA we are illegal to bid those back to back by 5 minutes, will change bidding.
Q: Is there a window to call CS for adjusting debrief?
A: Contractually there is no time requirement.
Q: Why wasn’t the 15 minutes on the front end?
A: There wouldn’t be the productivity gain.
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium Open Time
Q: Am I protected from JA if someone picks up my trip and I don’t replace the flying on those days?
A: Yes.
Q: If I post a trip in one ways can they just pick it up?
A: Yes, but they will read the comments.
Q: If I am JA’d and post the trip, how will others know the trip is a JA at 2.5x?
A: Yes, it will be coded.
Q: What is the timeline to be implement the new JA process administered by CS?
A: February 2015.
Q: Does the pay of 2.5X take effect immediately and following of the trip?
A: Yes
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: What are the current 4K destinations?
A: Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAD) and PDX to PVR.
Q: Do you have copies of the 4k maps and sequences?
A: Yes, we have laminated copies or copies online on the negotiations blog.
Q: What has been the longest duty day on a 4k?
A: Longest 4k is PDX to PVR, 11 hours and 40 minutes.
Q: If you are erroneously assigned will bid protest protect you?
A: Yes
Q: Does this apply to Charters?
A: Charters are a separate provision. They have their own over duty protections.
Q: Does the 14-hour rule apply to 4k sequences?
A: Yes. You would be able to opt out. All of those over duty protections in Section 8 apply to 4k sequences.
Q: If another base opens how would that affect the flying?
A: The 4k flying provisions would be allowed pursuant to the contract.
Q: How was the 4k brought up at the table?
A: Company proposed as part of package deal to address their productivity concerns.
Q: When would double out rest for a 4k sequence apply?
A: End of sequence at return to domicile, same application as today.
Section 11 – Reserve
No questions
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
Q: How can I access this OT video online?
A: Visit us online at www.afaalaska.org. Click on negotiations, click on TA2 videos. They range from 2 – 7 minutes each. PowerPoint slides and provisions on the entire TA.
Q: Who’s idea was the limitation of the 40 TFP?
A: When we gained ability to drop trips into OT and Company wanted to cap at 20 TFP, we came to agreement on a 40 TFP limitation. This limitation was proposed by the Company.
Q: Is there a minimum flying requirement to hold onto 40 TFP?
A: No. There is no minimum flying requirements. You can give away a net 40 TFP to OT. If you had vacation in a month and only 30 TFP on your line of flying you could dump all 30 TFP into OT without taking any TFP out of OT.
Section 14 – Vacation
No Questions
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the job Injury
Q: If you pick up make up days and don’t fly do you still get the credit?
A: Yes, 5 TFP a day for each reserve make up day not flown.
Q: When am I eligible to make up sick leave?
A: Any time you call out sick and have received paid sick leave. You are restoring your sick leave bank.
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: Any possibility to offer signing bonus as earned income?
A: No. It is illegal.
Q: Is the QPP paid as earned income?
A: Yes
Q: Were there many FAs who are receiving assistance and what are their seniorities?
A: There were hundreds of FAs receiving assistance or who maintain another job and a majority of them were under 12 years and under in seniority.
Q: Is the QPP based on the line average?
A: No, the QPP is based on your personal line award from PBS.
Q: Jan – Mar if I meet my QPP when do I receive the payout?
A: April 20th, it is paid as earned income and qualifies for matching your 401k.
Q: Why is vacation not included in QPP?
A: Management wants to reward those who fly their schedules and didn’t want soft time included. Better to take something we don’t have today and offer an incentive. When management offered, they didn’t intend for all FAs to achieve this provision. Initially management did not want to include Reserves in this program, however the NC negotiated provisions for all Flight Attendants to have ability to qualify.
Q: Why wasn’t QPP put into the wages?
A: Only want to give it to people who fly. Want that money to be incentive to those working. Don’t want to pay it on scale. NC asked to have put into wages and management declined.
Section 22 – Expenses
Q: Why are we not being paid at check in?
A: You are paid a credit during boarding as TFP is front loaded. You are given a credit when plane is not flying for each leg. First 243 miles is 1 TFP, each additional TFP is 400 miles. See Section 21.E. TFP Calculation in TA2.
Section 23 – Insurance
Q: Do different groups have a separate overall cost benefit?
A: No, the overall cost of the benefit is the same for each employee because Alaska Airlines is self-insured. The cost sharing and actual employee rates are negotiated and set separately by their group.
Q: Do we have contractual benefit to insurance?
A: Yes.
Section 27 – General Association
No questions
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
Q: Why did the 14 days to 10 days switch for a continuous occurrence?
A: There is no requirement to wait 14 days for a medical leave. If you have a qualifying medical condition see a physician and obtain proper documentation to take your medical leave.
Random Q and A:
Q: Is it true all contracts have implementation schedules?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the 1.333 TFP credit towards your 480 requirements still exist for unpaid leaves?
A: Yes, Section 15.N..
Q: Who called off the picketing in November?
A: The negotiating committee. Honestly did not anticipate Flight Attendants would be upset. It was with the best on intent. I, JTP, take responsibility for cancelling the picketing without consulting the MEC. It was mostly around getting the information out to allow Flight Attendants to change their bids.
Q: I am interested in your take on why the LEC Ps had a difference of opinion?
A: Always challenging when different opinions. We have very tense conversations and debate and that is ok. It is challenging as a negotiating committee to present when there are different opinions. The LEC Presidents are in charge of making decisions on behalf of their bases. There were many considerations.
Q: Have there been split votes in the past?
A: I have been here since 1999, I am not aware.
Q: Why are side letters signed outside of the TA?
A: As MEC President I am empowered to sign a side letter with agreement of the MEC. Only time we have put out side letters without ratification is when for example is live LTFA. This MEC is very reluctant to side letter without having membership ratification unless it made sense.
Q: Can the Company just change the language if they choose?
A: No. There must be agreement to change language. There is no open door or loop hole.
Q: Did the survey have our top priority as duty day?
A: It was near the top of the list. We understand there are concerns regarding the 4k flying and wanted to put that out for your consideration.
Q: Why do you think the mediator is turning on us?
A: It is not the mediator, it is the system.
Q: Why no buyout?
A: Cost of Flight Attendant and Company not interested in buy outs.
Q: Why didn’t we get more vacation?
A: We have highest vacation credit for a carrier with PBS. We were number 1.
Q: Why didn’t we get higher day value?
A: We were not successful in coming to agreement because management was not willing to agree to an increase in the provision.
Q: In your opinion what is better, block hours or TFP?
A: In my opinion TFP, paid point A to point B. However, makes things difficult to compare.
AFA Never Forget Website United Flight 175 Robert J. FangmanAmy N. JarretAmy R. KingKathryn LaBorieAlfred G. MarchandMichael C. TarrouAlicia N. TitusCaptain: Victor SaraciniFirst Officer: Michael HorrocksCustomer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez United Flight 93 Lorraine G. BaySandra BradshawWanda A. GreenCeeCee LylesDeborah WelshCaptain: Jason DahlFirst Officer: Leroy Homer American Flight 11 Barbara AresteguiJeffrey CollmanSara […]
This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working diligently to understand and improve the vacation benefits for our Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian. Your input is essential in ensuring that the vacation provisions we adopt reflect your needs and preferences. To gather your perspectives, […]
This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were: Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants […]
This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, […]
This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs) is progressing steadily. Our first group of committees successfully merged on June 1, and we are now planning for another group of committees to merge on November 1. As part of the committee merging process, our […]
