Negotiations News Archives

Here is our fourth weekly update highlighting posts on the Negotiations blog from December 8^th through December 13^th.

The Negotiating Committee made our way to each base again this week, conducting a morning and afternoon Roadshow session. We thank each of you who joined us at a Roadshow. At the end of each day we posted a recap of all the Q&A’s on the blog for Membership review.

If you’ve missed any of this week’s daily posts, you will find them titled below. We continue to use the format of “Q&A”, “Get the Facts”, “Did you know?” and “Hot Topics” for the various blog posts. You can also search the blog via key words and the results will bring up all applicable posts (e.g. 4K).

Dec 8^th –

Participation Voting % – 9 days left to vote!!!

PDX Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/8/14

PDX Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/8/14

Q&A: Is there any change to calling in well from current book?

 

Dec 9^th –

ANC Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/9/14

ANC Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/9/14

 

Dec 10^th –

Get the Facts – NO quarterly flying requirement

SEA Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/10/14

SEA Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/10/14

 

Dec 11^th –

SAN Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/11/14

4K & 15 Minutes Pairing Stats

SAN Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/11/14

 

Dec 12^th –

Voting Participation Update 12/12/14

SNA Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/12/14

SNA Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/12/14

 

Dec 13^th –

No Posts

 

In solidarity,

 

Your Negotiating Committee—MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

SNA Roadshow Q&A 12/12/14

 

Section 3 – Scope

 

Q: Who is going to verify everyone is exhausted prior to a supervisor/manager working a cancellation?

A: AFA Scheduling Chair and MEC

 

Q: What is punishment if there is a violation of the contractual provision?

A: We would file a grievance and ask for pay penalties for the Flight Attendant who was available to fly the sequence. There is also possibility to request injunction. We don’t know of a time when management willfully violated an arbitration award.

 

Q: What happens in self help aka CHAOS?

A: You don’t have a contract in CHAOS, your contract is void. In 1994 they hired 600 individuals using expedited training. This is not limited to managers/supervisors. Anyone could be trained to take your job during a period of self help.

 

Q: Single source occurrence?

A: The supervisor cannot be the only individual as the source of the information. Not to be confused with multiple violations. If you were wearing large earrings and not wearing a name tag that is a multiple violation, but if supervisor is only one to write up would be a single source.

 

Q: In theory if you send no to management flying what do you perceive would have happened?

A: We wouldn’t be in front of you with an agreement for your consideration.

 

Q: Is there a list of carriers who offer some form management flying/cancellation?

A: Yes, available on the blog.

 

Section 8 – Hours of Service

 

Q: Why did they want the 15 min debrief and 4k?

A: Productivity for the rates and other considerations of the step rate scale. There is additional information at our blog on www.afaalaska.org. There is also a search function on the blog near the bottom of the page on the right side: “I’m looking for…”

 

Q: Is there a comparison from current agreement to TA2 for the trip distribution chart?

A: No. We compared TA1 to TA2. Minimum pay rules are not going away and did change the flying. In TA2 there is additional 15 min debrief and 4k that was put into the chart for your consideration. We thought comparing TA1 to TA2 was a better way to see the changes taking place in trip distribution.

Q: Are over duty rules applied to 4k?

A: Yes, the same as sequences built to 10 hours and 30 minutes.

 

Q: Is there additional rest provided on a layover after flying a 4k?

A: No. Minimum scheduled rest on an RON for all sequences is 10 hours.

 

Q: Could they force a reserve to fly a 4k?

A: Yes, 3 hours prior to departure, 2 hours to check in.

 

Q: Can I call to adjust my debrief?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Is there language on how they rotate the trips?

A: No more than 90% of 4k in any one domicile and no less than 10% in the other domciles.

 

Q: Can I adjustment my 15 minute debrief for Customs and Immigration?

A: No. There was a waiver at one time due to construction at Tom Bradley International but that agreement is no longer in effect.

 

Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT

 

No questions

 

Section 10 – Scheduling

 

Q: If I pick up a 4k sequence after bid awards am I waiving my rights?

A: No. 4k sequence opting in for bid award is only during the bidding process. If you pick up and trade a sequence with a 4k sequence as a lineholder you are opting into that specific sequence. No 4k may ever be forced on a lineholder. There is no ability to force a reassignment without consent and no ability to JA a 4k. There is specific provisions for reserves that may allow assigning of 4k under very specific circumstances.

 

Section 11 – Reserve

 

Q: If I am a lineholder and pick up single reserve day does it convert to ER?

A: Yes, same as today.

 

Q: Once I am converted twice can I take off my ER preference?

A: Yes.

 

Q: When does airport standby monthly limitations take place?

A: Date of signing.

 

Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences

Q: OT Trial may be cancelled by either party?

A: Yes. If either party cancels will renegotiate a new OT system which would require an additional ratification vote on the subsequent OT system if the TA2 OT trial is cancelled. Before cancelling the trial the parties agree to test different thresholds.

 

Q: Will you still have to wait till the 1^st of the month to pick up out of base?

A: No, you will be able to pick up now on the 17^th of the month prior. This is a more favorable application to those who pick up out of domicile.

 

Q: When would this OT trial be implemented?

A: August 1, 2015

 

Q: What if they don’t meet the deadline?

A: We would file a grievance. There is no monetary implementation penalties under TA2.

 

Q: Will there be someone overseeing the implementation of the new OT system?

A: Yes, the AFA Scheduling Chair and MEC officers.

 

Section 14 – Vacation

 

Q: How much TFP must I work to accrue paid vacation?

A: Worked 480TFP each calendar year, exclusive of sick leave and vacation. If you are coordinating with sick leave then those months in the calendar year will be skipped until a full 12 months where you were not coordinating are captured to calculate your 480 TFP for that calendar year for the subsequent year benefits.

 

Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury

 

Q: If I had 4 day trip worth 20tfp and I call out sick am I required to pick up 4 reserve sick leave make up days?

A: You may pick up to a maximum of 4 days, certainly you could work less such as 1, 2 or 3 days, if available.

 

Q: When will sick leave make up take effect?

A: Date of signing.

 

Section 21 – Compensation

 

Q: Which minimum pay rules do not count towards my PBS bid award?

A: Average Duty Period Guarantee (ADPG) and Sit time pay.

 

Q: Will I be able to see both the bid awarded TFP and the eligible TFP if paid including ADPG and sit time?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Will Company Business (CB) pay in TFP counts towards QPP eligibility?

A: Yes. All TFP pay exclusive of sick leave and vacation will count towards your eligibility. PBS sets your personal bar for achieving the QPP.

 

Q: Was the PBS option to bid a min line removed?

A: Yes, that preference would go away.

 

Q: Does sick leave make up count towards the QPP?

A: The restoration of sick leave does not count, however any overages would count towards eligibility of the QPP.

 

Section 22 – Expenses

 

No questions

 

Section 23 – Insurance

 

No questions

 

Section 27 – General Association

 

No questions

 

Section 32 – Attendance Policy

 

Q: The sick online while already in motion on a sequence is the same application as today?

A: Yes

 

Q: So counseling with supervisor I have not called them back, what is this new change?

A: You do have to return the call under specific circumstances. You may leave a message. Under other circumstances you have the option to reply.

 

Q: If I am contacted regarding a delay must I make contact?

A: Yes. Your employer is allowed to contact you regarding activities.

 

Q: Could I have an AFA representative attend a phone call or involved in email regarding counseling?

A: Absolutely yes.

 

Q: If you are off duty and supervisor wants to counsel you what happens?

A: You could request a day off to meet and receive 4 TFP or could extend your debrief if mutual consent.

 

Random:

 

Q: Why was there no increase in “A” pay, premium pays, night pay?

A: They wouldn’t agree to those provisions.

 

Q: Why not put the $.63 savings on the debrief into “A” pay?

A: They were not willing to agree to that provision. We did increase the per diem from $2.25 to $2.50. When computing the dollar amount initially for exchange of crew snacks that equated to $0.22, the parties rounded the dollar amount up $0.03 to $0.25.

 

Q: Why did you make the decision to present us with this TA?

 

A: Some have said scare tactics by the union, that we have agenda. We have responsibility to tell you what we know and you do what you want with that information and make an informed decision. This is the truth as I know it. 4 years ago applied for negotiating committee, going to get more vacation, improvements and SWA wages. Flash forward what has changed. Since on the negotiating committee took on the position of MEC President. The NMB is in place to keep interstate commerce running. Part of the NMBs consideration for release is looking into whether the carriers capacity and routes can be absorbed by other carriers. At this point impossible for other carriers to cover our flying. In addition, the White House has given the order not to release airlines into self help. The last time self help was offered was for Spirit Pilots in 2010. We don’t believe at this point we have ability to use CHAOS. We can still picket, still use media if the membership determines that is the route. The current agreement is worth 145 million with increase of 30 million a year, this is roughly 20% increase on cost of agreement. Management flying is concerning but most of public and other airlines work closely with their supervisors. Most jobs and industries you must work full time or part to get benefits such as insurance and vacation. Delta competition could potentially inch into our profits, oil prices could continue to remain low, could remain in record profits we just don’t know when things will shift. There could be another Ebola scare or terrorist attack, the unknown. Really uncertain. Not trying to scare anyone. Glad that TA1 failed by 70% and we were able to go back and get TA2. Cannot tell you we will or won’t get better in a subsequent TA. The NMBs priority going forward said they are only willing to spend their limited resources on passenger rail. Not spending resources on our carrier. Management has said they have put everything they are will to in agreement, you don’t have to believe me but I believe them. I represent 3400 people and their futures. I do know there are many Flight Attendants who need money. I am concerned if we roll the dice and go out there could be stuck, do I know that will happen? Absolutely not, but I must give consideration. The NC unanimously agreed this TA deserved your consideration. Took the TA to the MEC who voted 4 to 1 to present the agreement for your consideration. There was no intent of our committee to pit junior against senior or domicile against domicile, it was how the provisions were negotiated.

 

Q: With the 4k rule does this benefit SEA/PDX more than the outside domiciles?

A: Under the current route structure and destinations SEA/PDX would receive a majority of sequences of 4k flying. Need to make personal considerations when voting. There is no requirement that any domicile fly specific routes under today current contract. The pairing optimizer looks at cost and there is forced flying already into LAX.

 

Q: Are there any protections for ONT/SNA under TA2?

A: Yes, same as current agreement.

 

Q: Did you think TA2 would be better than TA1 when going back to the negotiating table?

A: We had the power of the vote to get more favorable applications in TA2. It was a wake up call for management. The NC believes management has made as much progress towards our positions as they are comfortable at this point.

 

Q: Could that happen again with a 70/30 vote?

A: Possibly, no guarantee either way.

 

Q: Does the NMB care about how many awards we win or how much money our company makes?

A: The NMB does not care. Their job is to ensure agreements are ratified and commerce and essential service continues.

 

Q: What was the company’s thought on top of scale have been here longest?

A: Don’t want to pay number 1 and have this idea of equality of the groups and didn’t want to give more percentage wise at top of scale. Met the same as ALPA with 10.8%.

 

Q: Can you discuss opening the door to 10.5 hour days, in the subsequent contract we could put our foot down and say no to extending our duty day further?

A: Correct. We must separate duty day and flying. There is flying that could change in every domicile. Management always has the ability to ask for more duty day during negotiations. If the majority of the membership does not ratify and increase in duty day there the duty day would remain whatever is under the current agreement.

Q:  Co-domicile pay cap of $175, why?

A:  Company wanted a cap and we negotiated the $25 with a $175 cap.  Process of thinking is 18 turns at $10.00 co term pay would be $180 today and this was very close to what they already receive.  This benefit protects those who typically don’t fly to co-terminals or less frequency.

Q:  Who cancelled the picket in November?

A:  There was a TA in place, the MEC President made the decision.  I should have talked to LEC Presidents before making that decision.  I take responsibility.

SNA Roadshow Q&A 12/12/14

 

Section 3 – Scope

 

Q: Today management has to ask AFA to fly for a cancellation?

A: Yes, under TA2 they must notify us they are flying a cancellation and as an extra.

 

Q: Under implementation for management flying when does that take place?

A: Management flying as extra will start 120 days as specified in the implementation LOA. Management’s ability to cover a cancellation would be effective date of ratification.

 

Section 8 – Hours of Service

 

Q: Today we fly 4 days worth 30 tfp would we lose those?

A: The places you are flying may change but there may still be trips worth 30 tfp. This will depend on the pairing construction and optimizer as well as forcing flying into LAX that occurs under the current practice.

 

Q: How will the 15 minute debrief affect ANC/SAN/LAX?

A: Typically multiday trips that release after midnight would be less calendar days. The 15 minute debrief allows SEA/PDX to have more turns for mid-con destinations.

 

Q: Is there currently any talk to shrink the LAX base over the next year?

A: No, the base is not shrinking with a commitment of at least one year.

 

Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT

 

Q: Is there a limitation on the number of time I may be JA’d in a month?

A: No. There is however a limitation that you will not be JA’d off of a JA, if you have minimum days off or projected to exceed 118.2 TFP.

 

Q: If I pick up and fly premium OT could I be JA’d?

A: Yes, unless you are not legal per the provisions.

 

Q: If I am reserve and I swap schedules with a line holding Flight Attendant what happens?

A: The Flight Attendant receiving the reserve days is now a reserve on those traded days and ineligible for JA. The Flight Attendant receiving the sequences would now be a lineholder for the purpose of JA. If the traded sequences replaced the reserve days on the same days as originally scheduled the Flight Attendant would be eligible for JA, if the days were not the same as originally scheduled the Flight Attendant would be protected for the days removed off her/his original schedule.

 

Section 10 – Scheduling

 

Section 11 – Reserve

 

Q: Will the reserve position calendar show the coverage available to reposition?

A: Yes, you will see the adequate reserve coverage (ARC)

 

Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences

 

Q: Limited is closed?

A: Technically, yes.

 

Q: Would we receive notification that the thresholds are changing for our domicile during the OT trial?

A: Yes.

 

Section 14 – Vacation

 

No questions

 

Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury

 

Q: If I called in sick for a turn in Jan and a turn in February could I use sick leave make up in March to cover both occurrences by picking up a 2 day sick leave make up block?

A: Yes

 

Section 21 – Compensation

 

Q: Did you ask for signing bonus based on amount you personally fly?

A: Yes, we were unsuccessful in achieving that provision.

 

Q: If I typically bid 3^rd quarter vacation and use my 140 TFP vacation during this time and want to qualify for QPP do I have to fly the 140 TFP to receive the QPP?

A: Technically, yes. However, practically if you are receiving $51.50 per TFP without longevity premium we would recommend you take your summer vacation and pick up a trip equal to 19.4TFP that equates almost the $1000 premium. There is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy your vacation and earned time off during peak seasons.

 

Section 22 – Expenses

 

No questions

 

Section 23 – Insurance

 

Q: What do actuaries take into account when establishing the overall premium cost of insurance at Alaska Airlines?

A: Total value and cost, trends in the industry, some analysis due to Affordable Care Act (ACA) will possibly reduce cost.

 

Q: Are the insurance slides available online for viewing?

A: Yes

 

Section 27 – General Association

 

No questions

 

Section 32 – Attendance Policy

 

Q: If I call in sick online and use my quarterly point reduction form?

A: Yes. In addition you could also use a medical leave.

 

Q: If I don’t have sick leave available may I still use my quarterly point reduction form?

A: Yes, same application as today.

 

Q: If I call out FMLA am I able to receive record improvement?

A: Yes, you have ability to qualify for record improvement as FMLA no longer precludes you from the provision.

 

Random:

 

Q: For the sit time activity claim if one FA does it will it be submitted for everyone?

A: No, each FA will need to submit a personal activity claim.

 

Q: How many other airlines have a threshold for minimum amount for benefits?

A: Many have monthly, quarterly and annual requirements. United, American, US Airways.

 

Q: Does SWA have minimums for benefits?

A: They do not, one of the last airlines. They charge additional at SWA for vision and dental. During the AirTran/SWA merger AirTran had superior benefits plan than SWA and ended up actually paying more for their same benefits received under their AirTran collective bargaining agreement.

 

 

1784 Votes or 57.92%

SAN Roadshow Q&A 12/11/14 Afternoon Session

 

Section 3 – Scope

 

Q: Could a manager/supervisor fly on a sequence with a deadhead?

A: Yes, but the provision would require they fly as an extra.

 

Q: Is allowing manager/supervisors a union busting tactic?

A: No.

 

Q: What about allowing a side letter to allow managers to fly outside of the provisions in the agreement?

A: AFA leadership and MEC are not in the position to put in place side letters without membership ratification unless there is a benefit to all Flight Attendants. Please review the Constitution and Bylaws. Live LTFA is an example.

 

Q: Is this opening a door for management flying?

A: Supervisors/managers that are FAA certified as a Flight Attendant may already sit in jump seats. They typically choose to sit in passenger seats. They are also able to participate in IOEs and checkrides.

 

Q: How many flights in the last 3 years have cancelled due to Flight Attendants?

A: None. Typically cancellations are due to pilot shortage, pilot duty limitations, weather and mechanical.

 

Section 8 – Hours of Service

 

Q: Did you review how the 4k and 15 minute debrief would affect the flying in each domicile?

A: Yes

 

Q: What pairings may be affected by the 15 minute debrief based on today’s flying?

A: ORD, MCI, STL, AUS, SAT, DFW, SJD.

 

Q: What pairings are affected by 4k based on today’s flying?

A: SEA-DTW, SEA-IAH, PDX-PVR.

 

Q: Why did the Company want both the 15 minute debrief and 4k?

A: They are different applications and provide protections in regards to number of legs, sit time, reassignment, JA just as an example. The 4k and 15 min debrief are contingent on the pay scale and length of steps during the bargaining of the agreement. This is part of your overall consideration. You can see the letter directly from Shane on the Negotiations Blog where he answers this question.

 

Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT

 

Q: Is JA done by the overall system or base specific?

A: Just like today JA is based on the domicile. However under TA2 Crew Scheudling will be required to look at all of those legal and available on duty within the specific domicile from which they are JA’ing.

 

Section 10 – Scheduling

 

No questions

 

Section 11 – Reserve

 

Q: If a reserve offers to do a 4k how does that work?

A: On the LTFA a reserve would opt in for 4k flying on LFTA.

 

Q: If a Reserve flies a 4k what is their minimum rest on RON and at Domicile?

A: RON rest is scheduled no less than 10 hours for ALL sequences. Domicile rest for Reserves under the current agreement is 9 hours, however, under TA2 Reserves will receive domicile rest of 11 hours and 30 minutes.

 

Q: Under the current contract if a lineholder calls in well they may sometimes be connected to their sequence at another point within the sequence, is this changing?

A: No, this will remain the same application as today.

 

Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences

 

Q: If CS takes a trip do they have to go in seniority order or will they go by the comments field?

A: They will go in seniority order.

 

Q: Could we take a survey to see if we like the new OT or want cancellation within the 12 month period?

A: That would be a decision by your MEC. This is not a requirement in the current contractual provisions.

 

Section 14 – Vacation

 

Q: Is my vacation included in my 960 for an extra week of PTO at 25 years?

A: Yes.

 

Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury

 

Q: If I picked up 4 days of reserve sick leave make up and I restore my sick leave overall total prior to completing all of my reserve days am I required to remain on reserve?

A: Yes, unless you submit a personal drop and the drop is granted.

 

Section 21 – Compensation

 

Q: Will we receive longevity premium pay on sick leave or vacation?

A: No.

 

Q: Is longevity premium attached to a 480 application?

A: No, longevity premium is a separate line item, paid exactly like reserve flying premium. The longevity premium is not paid on vacation or sick leave.

 

Section 22 – Expenses

 

No questions

 

Section 23 – Insurance

 

Q: Can you coordinate with FMLA for the 480 look back for benefits?

A: Yes, review 15.M and 15.N.. There is typically a medical leave where you are coordinating benefits or not coordinating. If you call in FMLA for a trip, that occurrence will NOT be considered as an event that would require a look back. There must be coordination of sick leave to trigger the 480 look back.

 

Section 27 – General Association

 

Q: Will there be a specific phone number designated to reach the Scheduling Chair?

A: We have not work out a specific number to call, would be safe to assumed availability through a cell phone and email. Also your LEC officers are available for local issues.

 

Q: Since the operation runs 24/7 will there be more than one full time scheduling chair?

A: No. There is only one scheduling chair that will oversee the operation. S/he will be expected to work a full schedule in the office and available to assist as needed. In special circumstances such as JA the Scheduling Chair is notified prior to assignment being issued and will take an active role in specific times of need.

 

Section 32 – Attendance Policy

 

Q: If I have a 3-calendar day trip because my release is after midnight on the 3^rd day and call in sick how many points would I receive?

A: 1.5 points, it is .5 point per calendar day. Some 3-day calendar trips may be reduced to 2 day trips due to the 15 minute debrief. The sick call is based on how the trip is scheduled. This is the same practice as today.

 

Q: I read there is ability to have a supervisor/manager contact me and I must return contact in specific situations, why is that?

A: In difficult times it is sometimes challenging to ask for help or know resources such as medical leaves or FMLA. We have seen circumstances where the lives of Flight Attendants were saved because of AFA/management reaching out to FAs in special circumstances. In addition, we also see many grievances where if resources were used Flight Attendants jobs may have been saved.

 

Random Q&A:

 

Q: Does sick child or sick family count towards vacation accrual?

A: No. But sick child and sick family TFP credit would count towards 480 for insurance.

 

Q: Is there any limit on CPA flying by SkyWest or Horizon operating as Alaska Airlines?

A: No.

 

Q: Does CPA flying concern AFA?

A: The smaller planes we are not as concerned. If AAG was to purchase larger aircraft and operate as a separate company is concerning but we did not achieve any more favorable application than the Alaska Airlines pilots.

 

Q: Do we have protections in TA2 in case we are absorbed by another airline?

A: Yes.

 

Q: Did you improve deadhead language?

A: Yes, there is a requirement to provide a passenger seat if the deadhead is in excess of 4 hours.

 

Q: Would we get retro on minimum pay rules since the implementation says no later than May 1^st, 2015?

A: There is no retro on the minimum pay rules, however you may put in an activity claim for the sit time.

 

Q: What happens if the date of implementing minimum pay rules exceeds past May 1^st, 2015?

A: AFA would file a grievance and would ask for monetary penalties, but there is no guarantee we would be successful in achieving those penalties. Contractually there is no requirement to pay a penalty.

 

Q: Are Jet Bridge trades only between FAs of same domicile?

A: Yes, the FAs and the pairing must be the same domicile.