Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian
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Here is our fourth weekly update highlighting posts on the Negotiations blog from December 1st through December 7th.
This past week was a whirlwind of Roadshows—the first round of two tours around the system. The Negotiating Committee made our way to each main domicile, conducting a morning and afternoon session at each one. At the end of each day we posted a recap of all the Q&A’s on the Negotiations blog for all Members to review. We felt it was important for you to be able to review the questions being asked at each session. We hope many of you will find this helpful.
The Negotiating Committee thanks each of you who found the time to join us at a Roadshow. Based on your feedback, these session were helpful to understand some of the key components of TA2. Many of you also found value in discussing some of the provisions that are getting less “airtime” out there in conversation but work in combination with the TA as a whole. We would love to see many new faces this week and welcome you back if you have more questions to be answered. Please check the Roadshow schedule to see when and where we will be at your base in this final week of Roadshows.
If you’ve missed any of this week’s daily posts, you will find them titled below. The Negotiating Committee continues 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 you have an interest in and it will bring up all applicable posts (e.g. 4K). In addition to the regular blog posts, in this past week you will find the links for each base-specific Roadshow Q&A session.
Dec 1st –
Base Specific maps, 4k and 15 min debrief
SAN Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/1/14
SAN Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/1/14
Dec 2nd –
LAX Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/2/14
Letter of Agreement #5 – Sick Family/Sick Child completion
LAX Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/2/14
Dec 3rd –
PDX Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/3/14
PDX Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/3/14
Dec 4th –
Weekly Negotiations Blog Update Nov 23rd – 30th
Participation Votes Effective 12/4/14
Q&A: How does the Insurance Premium increase compare to my rate increase?
ANC Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/4/14
ANC Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/4/14
Q&A: Why has Military Leave language been added to the contract?
Dec 5th –
SEA Roadshow Q&A – Afternoon Session 12/5/14
SEA Roadshow Q&A – Morning Session 12/5/14
Q&A: We hear that provisions are contingent on 4k and 15 min debrief, why does management want this?
Dec 6th –
Q&A: Do Section 8 over duty provisions apply to 4k sequences?
Dec 7th –
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
A: Yes. All provisions of Section 8 apply to 4k sequences. If the 4k is sequence is a turn then Section 8.F. (Over-Duty Pay), Section 8.G. (Fourteen Hour Rule), Section 8.H. Double Out Rest, etc apply. If there is a multi-say sequence that contains a 4k then all duty periods other than the 4k, Section 8.E. would apply. However, Section 8.F., 8.G. and 8.H. would apply to the entire sequence including the duty period(s) containing the 4k.
SEA Roadshow Q&A Afternoon Session 12/5/14
Section 3 – Scope
Q: Any department or just inflight?
A: Just inflight FAA certified supervisors.
Q: Can inflight managers/supervisors buddy bid?
A: No, they are on as extra to compliment the crew.
Q: How are supervisors/managers paid?
A: Their salary.
Q: Do you think there will be requirements by management to require a minimum amount of supervisors flying?
A: Yes. Not aware though.
Q: How many pairings roughly do we have in a month?
A: 14,000
Q: Did you discuss how this provision could affect commuters?
A: Yes.
Q: Since supervisor is most junior to preboard?
A: Supervisors are able to pre-board flights. Yes we would affirm that position. Language doe not specifically say that.
Q: The supervisor 2% is based on what?
A: The overall Flight Attendant numbers.
Q: Under the first TA it said 1%, TA2 is now 2%, why?
A: They have exceeded the current situation. There is a grievance filed. We either have to go forward with the grievance or make adjustment. Looking at combination of supervisors they need to hire.
Q: Why do you think this is important to Brad?
A: What he says is what he believes. Wants to improve relationships and job performance.
Q: How are they going to determine what flights they work as an extra?
A: Management discretion.
Q: Could a supervisor DHD over to OGG to cover a cancellation?
A: No, the supervisor must fly as an extra.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: Does irregular operations make the contract void?
A: No, however our contract is very operationally friendly.
Q: Has notification while on JA changed?
A: No. But the times of 15 minutes is less.
Q: What has changed with pre-boarding end of sequence?
A: Must start boarding within your 15 minute debrief.
Q: Who determines when last person walks off aircraft? Clear in the rear.
A: When the last Flight Attendant has confirmed no passengers are on the plane.
Q: What is the savings to the Company?
A: 4k and 15 min debrief about 1.5 to 2.0 million. (40% in 4K and 60% in 15 min debrief) mostly hotel cost savings.
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT
Q: When does the premium for JA go into effect?
A: Immediately if ratified.
Q: There is no more calling at home?
A: Correct.
Q: We have a policy of fly now, grieve later, what happens if I am JA’d out of order?
A: If you are given a directive you need to comply. Contact the LEC representatives of your domicile or the AFA Scheduling Chair.
Q: Shouldn’t the Company use Reserves to cover flying?
A: The Company does use Reserves 13-15% coverage. We use to operate at 20% or more. The Company believes Flight Attendants use sick leave to adjust their schedules.
Q: Is there proof of sick leave abuse?
A: Company believes they have data that shows we use sick leave increasingly more than other carriers. In addition sick leave prior to holidays increases but on the actual day when FAs receive the premium pay sick leave is reduced. AFA does not agree that there is abuse of sick leave, however this is management’s position.
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: So if you bid by 4k pairing, does not open up to JA or Reassignment?
A: No. You are only waiving during the bidding process. You would have to actively pick up the trip or say you were willing to fly it.
Q: What if you bid for it, get it then subsequently want to trade or give away are you restricted?
A: No restriction to trade or give-away.
Q: Do we know how 4k provision will affect flying? Anyway to understand impact?
A: Complex question.
Q: Is there a cap on the number of pairings built 4k?
A: No, but there is practicality
Q: What about Chicago 4k flying?
A: Chicago is not a core market for AS. Contractually possible though. There is limited gate availability in ORD. Have to go head to head with American Airlines and United.
Q: How did the 15 min and 4k come up?
A: I can tell you that a comfortable majority doe not want to fly over 10:30. There is a minority that is willing to fly in excess. Not divulging the numbers. It was a package deal. The rates along with other provisions for the 4k and 15 min for both parties to come to agreement for a TA.
Section 11- Reserve
Q: Clarification on picking up a reserve day as lineholder at LTFA?
A: Lineholder will opt out of LFTA, you must opt in to be part of list. If not flown you get the 5 tfp guarantee per day.
Q: The Reserve implementation is 2016, why?
A: We are moving to a new tracking system. Unfortunately Jeppeson has announced system is delayed to memory issues. This is beyond AS Management control. Been in meetings and conference calls with vendors. System is not ready.
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
Q: If we negotiate a subsequent OT if the trial fails will we vote on that new system?
A: Yes. The current MEC would have our FAs vote on a subsequent OT system.
Q: Is it a one year OT trial?
A: Yes and if it is not discontinued within that time period will remain as the system in place.
Q: When is OT implemented?
A: August 1, 2015
Section 14 – Vacation
No questions
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury
Q: Can sick leave make up be on the same days I called in sick?
A: No. However you still may call in well on days you’ve called in sick.
Q: Will they post sick leave make up days?
A: Yes. You can pick up days that are available.
Q: How much notice will we receive regarding sick leave make up?
A: 24 hours.
Q: Would it behoove them to offer Sick Leave make up before Premium OT and JA?
A: Yes.
Q: Is sick leave make up first come first serve?
A: Yes.
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: If TA passes on the 17th, implementation for pay?
A: Signing bonus paid on Dec 22nd. Pay rates would be effective right away. Sit pay would have ability to file activity claim. QPP starts tracking Jan 1st, 2015.
Q: Company wouldn’t entertain going higher on Top of Scale?
A: Management was unwilling to go there. TOS is 30% of overall. They don’t want to compare in industry above number 2, even though there is a lot of room.
Q: On longevity pay your vacation does not get paid the premium?
A: Correct. It is a flying premium. It compares to the Reserve premium.
Q: If I cash out my vacation am I able to adjust my QPP?
A: No. Cashed out vacation still counts toward your bid award.
Q: Minimum pay rules do count for QPP?
A: Yes
Section 22 – Expenses
No questions
Section 23 – Insurance
No questions
Section 27 – General Association
No questions
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
No questions
Random Q&A:
Q: Implementation of minimum pay rules in May do we not receive?
A: You will have to submit manually for sit pay. The others you will not receive until May 1st, 2015.
Q: Implementation of extra week will I bid it with regular vacation?
A: Longevity PTO is vacation. Bid for just like vacation in your bid. You would accrue Jan – Dec 2015 for benefit in 2016.
Q: What happens if TA2 turned down?
A: Another negotiations survey. Make up of the committee. Still in mediation and ask NMB for additional dates. Up to NMB to schedule dates. Doesn’t stop us from talking to management without NMB. We are not looking at going into arbitration.
Q: Does the money from buy on board cover our wages?
A: No.
Q: What were top concerns in survey after TA1?
A: Money, Sick Leave and JA provisions.
Q: Can we approach the company to change provisions before we vote?
A: We have but were not successful in changing any provisions.
Q: Are there guidelines in the Constitution and Bylaws surrounding side letters and membership ratification?
A: Yes.
Q: Jet Bridge trades must be same domicile no earlier than 3 hours, what happens if I am flying a long haul?
A: The person you are trading with would be the one to initiate the call.
Q: Are there duties that have to be discussed outside of negotiations?
A: Yes, such as the new devices and iphones.
Q: If I have 30 years and have a longevity premium of $3.00 am I receiving a premium on the longevity pay?
A: No, the $3 is paid on the straight time.
Q: If we have to start doing duties that are CSA related what will happen?
A: IAM and AFA will jointly file grievances and we are confident we will win and our positions will be upheld.
SEA Roadshow Q&A Morning Session 12/5/14
Due to time constraints some sections did not allow time for questions
Section 3 – Scope
Q: If management flying, can they occupy a jumpseat and possibly bump a commuting FA?
A: Yes, if they are non-reving, they have the ability to occupy the jumpseats today as they are FAA-certified. Typically they use passenger seats. However, when they are working as and extra “D” or “E”, that would make one less jumpseat available for a non-rev FA trying to go to work on that particular flight the managers was an extra on.
Q: Who decides if managers/supervisors fly?
A: Andy Schneider.
Q: Is there a requirement to notify the crew when managers/supervisors are flying?
A: There is no language at the moment. We are looking at a side letter for 2pm the day prior. However those details are not agreed at this time. Additionally AFA will receive a list of managers/supervisors who flew. There will also be an AFA Scheduling Chair that will oversee the operation and Crew Scheduling.
Q: Why does Executive Management want this provision so bad?
A: Part of the engagement survey, this is part of their plan to get the survey results satisfactory.
Q: What is worst case with this provision?
A: Unknown. No discipline. But you could receive a record of discussion (non-disciplinary).
Q: Do you have a concern this is union busting tactic?
A: No.
Q: Is there transparency for scanning in?
A: No. They don’t scan in.
Q: Circumventing seniority?
A: Supervisors fly as an extra.
Q: Close shop, how do they not pay union dues?
A: They do not receive the other benefits of our contract.
Q: Are supervisors subject to FAA penalties and fines?
A; Yes.
Q: Are they subject to disciplinary action?
A: That is management decision.
Q: What other groups have ability to have management/supervisors assisting on this property?
A: Pilots and CSAs. [Note: The original blog post indicated that management/supervisors may assist Mechanics as well. They may not. AFA regrets the error.]
Q: Are there other carriers that have management flying provisions?
A: Yes. See our blog post for a list of carriers and provisions.
Q: Are managers/supervisors going to be listed separately from crew list on emaestro?
A: There will be means of identifying, but currently there is not a special code. We are discussing how they will be identified on the pairing.
Q: Could we tape the live Road Show?
A: No.
Q: Could a supervisor as an extra be reassigned to cover a cancellation?
A: Yes, within our contractual duty limitations.
Section 8 – Hours of Service
Q: The 15 minute debrief doesn’t change any language on the ability to change the scheduling of trips and staffing models?
A: That is correct.
Q: Is scheduling going to trust us on the adjustment to 15 minute debrief?
A: Yes. There is a way to fact check, must be reasonable time adjustment.
Q: Can I just call to adjust my debrief, no paperwork to fill out for adjustment?
A: Correct. Just call to adjust.
Q: Am I contactable on the new devices (iphone)?
A: Working out those details. This will be communicated once a decision is made.
Q: If I receive ACARS during debrief and subsequently exceed debrief then must I return the call after my debrief?
A: Yes
Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT
Q: So is the AFA Scheduling Chair a 24/7 position.
A: SEA based FA, when not available another member of MEC.
Q: Is it still true if FA is scheduled over 118.2 you are immune from JA?
A: Yes.
Q: Will we have ability to post JA if TA ratifies?
A: The processing provisions go into effect Jan 31, 2015. The premiums and ability to post and premium follow all go into effect immediately.
Q: If crew coming in can they be JA’d just because they are the last crew?
A: The full list of FAs on duty that are legal for the sequence must be JA’d.
Q: Different JA applications?
A: There are two types of JA’s one in same duty period end of sequence, one into days off.
Q: Did you discuss requiring having OT before JA?
A: We discussed but were not able to agree on a provision. It is intent, but no requirement.
Q: Can scheduling remove me from my flying?
A: Yes. They must follow the requirements of who first is legal, then secondly who requires the least amount of flying removed. Provision is already in place today.
Q: If I can not take a JA am I able to take an Emergency Drop (Management Drop)?
A: Yes. You would be able to post the trip or jet bridge trade.
Q: How are FAs selected for the following day JAs?
A: Everyone on duty today, including layovers who are legal and available to take the trip.
Q: Just because I get home early doesn’t mean I get JA’d first?
A: That is correct. The JA language is changing.
Q: Are there anymore phone calls when on my day off?
A: No.
Section 10 – Scheduling
Q: In the summer time have the late ORD could that be an all-nighter?
A: Yes. If the schedule was willing to forgo the current morning departure.
Q: Could all of the 4k be built into multi-days?
A: They could, but that is not practical especially based on cost.
Q: It is limited to only 2 legs for 4k duty period?
A: Yes
Q: Is there a cap?
A: No.
Section 11 – Reserve
Q: If we trade AM and PM days do they convert to ER?
A: Converted to ER, same as today.
Q: Are we required to check email after deplaning?
A: Yes. Even if you extend past your debrief.
Q: We moved back to a protection for self assigning for reserves?
A: Yes, an improvement.
Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences
Q: Are there thresholds for reserves and OT?
A: Reserves are able to pick up OT when the trading opens. If a day is closed and a reserve picks up a coded trip that is limiting OT, then OT would subsequently open. There are specific provisions around OT and reserve self assigning.
Q: Does anyone else have a system like this with OT?
A: No. Other OT systems are in seniority, or they have monthly minimums.
Q: When does OT go into effect?
A: August 1, 2015.
Q: Are there any implementation penalties like TA1?
A: No. The Company between TA1 and TA2 got a handle on how long it would take. Boeing has internal delay and implementation is going to be delayed and do not want to agree to pay penalties.
Section 14 – Vacation
No questions
Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury
Q: Do I still have ability to call in well?
A: Yes.
Q: When I call in well do I get points for the days I called in well?
A: No.
Q: Sick leave cash out versus Sick Leave for insurance?
A: The Company wanted to get rid of sick leave for insurance, however, there is sunset provision. You can use provision between ages 62-65. Technically speaking that doesn’t mean a whole lot. We could renegotiate to keep it in a subsequent agreement. There cash out is for all FAs at retirement paid out at 25%.
Section 21 – Compensation
Q: Why keep the 1st and 2nd 6 mos?
A: In the final agreement if ratified would say DOH (date of hire). It was to allow FAs at 6 months the ability to see how they move through the scale.
Q: Does anything paid in TFP count towards the QPP?
A: All TFP excluding vacation and sick leave counts.
Q: Does sick leave make up count?
A: No, unless there is an overage and the overage of the make up will count.
Q: Since Minimum pay rules are not implemented right away what will count toward the QPP immediately?
A: Sit Time.
Q: Where are we going to be able to find this QPP information?
A: There is a calculator they are working on. Personal calculator for you to keep track. I would highly recommend you keep track of your own. We are not confident in IT at this time.
Q: If I was on reserve and switched to a line holder what is my QPP?
A: Based on your personal award. So 90 (reserve), 90 (reserve) and 72 (lineholder) for total of 252. Since this will need to be exceeded you will need 252.1 TFP to qualify.
Q: Is there longevity hold up as in the current agreement?
A: No longer. You will not be held up.
Section 22 – Expenses
No questions
Section 23 – Insurance
Q: How much is the minimum TFP you are paid for coordination to stay active?
A: Current agreement is 11.3 TFP in 31 day month, TA2 is 9.3 TFP in 31 day month.
Section 27 – General Association
No questions
Section 32 – Attendance Policy
Q: Does the change in single continuous instruct you to not call in sick? I am not able to call in sick?
A: You are able to call in sick. Continuous occurrence puts a limitation on the number of days that are included in the occurrence period not to exceed 2.5 points.
Q: Is there a maximum number of medical leaves I personally can take?
A: No. However, leaves are run concurrent with FMLA. If you have questions regarding benefits and medical leaves please contact your LEC/MEC Benefits Chairs.
Q: Is there a 14 day waiting period to take a medical leave?
A: No
Random Q&A:
Q: Where can I find information on the AFA Scheduling Chair.
A: Section 27.P.
Q: What stops the union from signing a side letter?
A: We typically would put something out for ratification, but not required. You either trust in your leaders or not. This MEC is not engaging in side letters without being transparent.
Q: Did the NMB or the Company give any stance on what their response would be if we vote TA down?
A: Jeff and Paula met with one of the NMB board directors and AFA Director of Collective Bargaining. Board member said we have passenger rail contracts coming up, limited number of resources. Going to allocate to other sources. Might have room in April. There is concern that if leadership put out for a second time and failed that changes may need to happen.
Q: Did any of you saw President Obama’s speech this morning? He talked about Companies starting to share the wealth.
A: No. President Obama is directing the NMB not to release airlines at this time.
Q: If company would agree we could meet without mediator?
A: Definitely.
Q: Has the union addressed the potential for things to change such as duties and sales on board?
A: It was addressed in bargaining. Asked for language similar to SWA. We were not successful in agreeing on a provision in TA2. Very challenging.
Q: Is recurrent still 6 TFP?
A: Yes. It does not count towards PBS line value in Section 10. See Section 30 training for pay.
Q: Has anyone addressed adding more FAs on a flight?
A: We did address in negotiations. We also asked and proposed for additional pay and were unable to come to agreement on terms.
Q: Is it the job of the NMB to get the parties to get a deal?
A: Yes. The NMB is there to ensure commerce is not affected and the parties get a contract. The NMB does not care whether it is good or bad.
