SEA Roadshow Q&A 12/10/14
Section 3 – Scope
Q: If there were irregular ops can managers/supervisor bypass the provisions?
A: No, there is no exception for irregular operations
Q: Does AFA International advocate for managers/supervisors to work our union jobs?
A: Don’t believe we advocate for this provision, however many carriers have similar provisions allowing managers/supervisors to perform our duties and cover a cancellation. In our afternoon session we will have Sara Nelson joining us, she is our AFA International President and could weigh in on this question.
Q: Will we be training managers/supervisors?
A: They are trained and FAA certified. There may be familiarization training but they do know what is expected.
Q: If there is safety related issue am I able to write up the manger/supervisor?
A: Yes
Q: Could Brad Tilden sit on a FA jumpseat?
A: On non revenue flights they are able to sit in jumpseat. There is ability for certain individuals to sit in the flight deck.
Q: Will we know ahead of time that managers/supervisors will be on our flight?
A: There is no contractual requirement, but commitment to day prior.
Q: If I feel like I want to comp something will I have to explain that to that manager/supervisor?
A: You may, but if you follow the comp guideline you should be good.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: If changing the 15 minute debrief due to extending past the time is it all or nothing?
A: Yes. Either all FAs receive the adjustment or none.
Q: Do you see this 15 minute debrief as coming back on them?
A: They will pay a scheduler to sit and answer the phone to adjust. Don’t see as a huge issue.
Q: If I block in 20 minutes early, then have a 15 minute debrief would I need have time adjusted if extended past 15 minutes?
A: Yes, you would need to have your time adjusted. 15 minute debrief is based on parking brake set and L1 door open. If you extend past your debrief call and have time adjusted.
Q: Is management concerned they will have less pre-boarders?
A: Crew Scheduling is concerned as the 15 minute debrief is limiting. However the limitation on number of airport standby reserves on duty at the airport was removed. There is still a personal limitation on number of APSB per month which is a separate provision.
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT
Q: If I am JA’d within the 15 minutes but subsequently my debrief is extended do I still have to accept JA?
A: Yes. As long as notified prior to scheduled debrief ending.
Q: Any discussion about having more reserves?
A: Absolutely. There is no contractual provision requiring a specific reserve threshold. We were not successful in reaching agreement on such provision.
Q: Was it your feeling at the table that management is going to use JA as a staffing tool?
A: No management is not going to use as a staffing tool. The pay penalty is significant at 2.5X.
Q: Longevity Premium is paid on JA and Premium OT?
A: Correct. Everything except vacation and sick leave.
Q: Can I be JA’d into my vacation?
A: No. Same as today.
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: When Scheduling calls and I was offered I rejected first day, accepted another day, am I waiving for entire month?
A: No, each time waiver is required.
Q: How will this affect LAX pairings?
A: There will be changes to pairings, however there are protections such as multiday sequence minimums, average duty period guarantees, sit pay premium. There will be protections for inefficient pairings.
Q: Can people just transfer and bump me down?
A: There would need to be openings in the domicile for FAs to transfer in.
Q: Since this is defined, my concern is wanting to adjust return to base 4k using a sideletter?
A: No difference. This MEC does not put side letters without membership input or ratification. Attempting to change a duty day or other work rules would require membership to vote to make any changes to the agreement.
Q: I am being asked to accept a 4k reassignment due to my trip being changed, but it is only trip Crew Scheduling has available am I pay protected if I don’t accept the 4k?
A: Yes, you would be pay protected.
Section 11 – Reserve
Q: I won’t get in trouble if I check my email after 15 minute debrief?
A: Correct. There is reasonable amount of time allowed in order to check email.
Q: If I preference my ER day does that count towards the 1 of 2 conversions?
A: Yes.
Q: If you pick up reserve as a lineholder are you entitled to all reserve premiums, A pay, etc?
A: Yes. You are entitled to the premiums.
Q: If I meet my maximum reserve threshold will I not be able to assign above my guarantee?
A: You are not able to exceed your guarantee by more than 10TFP.
Q: If I am a lineholder and I have 3 reserve days what is maximum tfp amount I can self assign?
A: 25 TFP for a 3 day. 15 TFP, plus 10 above the guarantee.
Q: Is there a penalty for assigning LFTA out of order?
A: There is no financial penalty.
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
Q: The thresholds can change during the trial?
A: Yes. By mutual agreement. This is to keep the trial open and adjust the numbers.
Q: What is the restriction with OT?
A: 40 TFP net give away.
Q: If the day is limited is there ability for a 4 day in OT could I trade two 2 days?
A: No, under the trial it is day for day or greater. There is possibility they will program
Section 14 – Vacation
Q: If this does pass when will 480 requirements take effect?
A: The new calculation will start January 1st, 2015 for 2016 benefits.
Q: On holiday pay if I fly 8 TFP trip do I receive 16 TFP towards my 480?
A: No. Just like today. On a holiday your TFP step rate is paid at double, but you still receive 8 TFP credit towards the 480.
Q: If bidding for PTO is that 1st or 2nd round of vacation bidding?
A: 2nd round.
Q: When will all minimum pay rules be in effect?
A: No later than May 1st, 2015. However in the mean time you are able to submit activity claim for sit pay premium.
Q: If TA passes will Jan 1, 2015 and subsequent Jan 1 be paid as a holiday?
A: Yes.
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury
Q: Can I self assign on a sick leave makeup reserve day?
A: Yes.
Q: Will points be taken away for sick leave makeup?
A: No, it is not a point mitigation system, rather sick leave restoration.
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: If I am off on medical do I still get signing bonus?
A: Yes
Q: When will pay rates become effective?
A: December 17th.
Q: Let’s say I take all 4 weeks of vacation in a quarter and only flew my awarded line what would happen in regards to the QPP?
A: You wouldn’t make the QPP payout.
Q: If I have vacation in the entire month how will my QPP be determined?
A: Your personal PBS award per month over the quarter. PBS sets the bar. Everyone’s bar is different.
Section 22 – Expenses
No questions
Section 23 – Insurance
Q: Is the 12 month look back rolling?
A: No.
Section 27 – General Association
No questions
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
Q: If you call in Intermittent FMLA will you receive record improvement?
A: Under current agreement no, under TA2 you could qualify.
Random:
Q: Was the crew meal cost incorporated into the per diem?
A: Yes. We took the cost of crew meals, divided by overall time away from base which equaled around $0.22, we rounded up to $0.25.
Q: Is there longevity hold up if I don’t meet the 480?
A: Not in TA2, you are brought to your rate based on hire date.
Q: What are items the company is very adamant about?
A: Management flying, benefits, top of scale pay. 4k and 15 minute debrief contingent on rates, length of scale.
Q: Was 401k discussed?
A: Yes. We were not able to get a more favorable application.
Q: If this is voted down do we start from TA2?
A: There are no guarantees. Every section is open for negotiation. We do not anticipate a quick turn around.
Q: What will happen to LAX if this is voted in?
A: There is never a guarantee to keep any domicile. However, executive management has stated at this time there is no downsizing or closing of LAX. There was a time when even PDX was a domicile then converted to co-domicile and is now back to a domicile.
