Negotiations News Archives

Here is management’s response:

Jeff,

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your question and to clarify the reasons both provisions remain important to us.

It has been our goal throughout these negotiations to improve productivity.  Our belief is that we should have rates of pay that rank high within the industry along with the industry’s highest productivity.  That is a long-term sustainable formula for AS and has been a principle we’ve advocated for in all recent CBAs we’ve negotiated.

A second part of this philosophy is that any savings achieved through productivity are returned to the contract through our economic proposals and that was certainly the case in TA2.  We have always strived to have win-win solutions and understand that personal productivity of your flying needs to be important as well.  As much as we want to achieve productivity to position us well over the long-term, we are acutely aware of the need to balance quality of life.  We believe these provisions increase average TFP value per duty for FA’s which is consistent with increasing FA personal productivity.

Both provisions provide value independent of the other.  The long turn language helps us today and in the future to maintain on a year-round basis markets that alternate between turns and 2-day trips and open up additional possibilities for mid-continent two leg single duty pairings from all bases in the future.  This is important as scheduled block times can fluctuate materially due to weather, air traffic control, hub airport congestion and other reasons.  The fifteen minute debrief would not resolve all of those issues in these markets.  With this provision we can build high-time, efficient turns for both the company and FA and because we understand they will not be for everyone they are optional (a point AFA was emphatic about at the table).

The fifteen minute debrief helps produce more efficient pairings of all types, not just those that are long stage length in nature.  This should produce higher average value pairings during line building as well as provide better tools for close-in and day of scheduling issues.

Shane Tackett

It was added to reflect current policy which is that USERRA governs military leaves  for Flight Attendants. The language brings no material change the language is not detrimental to the FAs.

We did try to secure a waiver for military personnel for the 1/12 reduction towards vacation, however we were not successful in getting this waiver.

As you will notice, we added quite a few new definitions to Section 5.  We also added a headers throughout the body of the TA.  This was all in an effort to make the contract more readable and a much better reference tool.

ANC Roadshow Q&A 12/4/14

Section 3 – Scope

Q: Are we able to write up safety and service concerns specific to behaviors or actions of manager/supervisors flying?

A: Yes. File an incident report.

Q: How did management embrace the final TA regarding management flying?

A: They were upset there were restrictions within the provisions specifically related to the cancellation language. They were ok with the flying as an extra.

Q: Do you see this as an open door for the next contract?

A: No.

Q: If a manager is laid off would could they come back to being a Flight Attendant?

A: Only if they were eligible and were originally a Flight Attendant who transferred to management and then subsequently transfers back to a Flight Attendant.

Q: Will they wear uniforms?

A: They may, there is no contractual requirement that they do wear a uniform.

Q: How often to expect to be exposed to management flying?

A: Unknown. There is no contractual requirement. Managers/Supervisors must adhere to the duty hour limitations of our agreement and CFRs. Duty in the office will count towards duty on the aircraft. They don’t receive additional compensation.

Q: Will Brad, Ben or Andy be a manager flying?

A: No. They have not gone through the training to be a FAA-certified Flight Attendant.

Q: Why has Andy not gone through training?

A: We’ve been in negotiations for a majority of the time she has been our VP of Inflight. There is a commitment to attend training once a TA is ratified.

Section 8 – Hours of Service

Q: On the 15 minute debrief could they shrink the bases?

A: There are so many factors to say yes, no or maybe. There could be an affect on hiring in the future. There wouldn’t be enough flying pulled back with the 15 minutes to have a huge affect. It could affect, in professional opinion not a drastic affect.

Q: Can a supervisor step on the plane within the 15 minute debrief and tell me I am JA’d?

A: Yes.

Q: There is not ability to use debrief adjustment to be JA’d?

A: No. That is our position.

Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT

Q: If I am on a scheduled sit and scheduling is paging me over the PA could I be JA’d on my sit?

A: Yes, you are to remain contactable during ground time.

Q: Am I required to be contactable on my layover for JA?

A: No. However, in some circumstances you are required to return contact within a specific time period. See Section 8.Q. Contactability while on duty or on a layover. The benefit of accepting a JA assignment allows someone the ability to post the trip with the premium for pick up.

Section 10 – Scheduling

Q: What 4k turns is ANC legal for?

A: You are eligible for 4k duty periods. Currently there are no ANC 4k turns. The 4k duty periods would be contained in multiday sequences.

Q: Why a 90/10 split?

A: NC wanted to ensure flying was rotated to other domiciles.

Q: What protects us from the company making a mistake and assigning 4k pairings?

A: The language is very clear. In disputes we file grievances if the error is not corrected. Iron clad in the agreement that 4ks cannot be assigned to a line holder.

Q: Are we opening the door for changes such as duty day and 480?

A: In any negotiation process the parties may change their positions and priorities. If a subsequent TA3 was negotiated the Company could change 480 to 600 and 10hrs 30 minutes to 12 hrs 30 minutes. There are always what ifs, pros and cons to each argument. It is part of your overall consideration. The changes however do not happen unless the membership ratifies the changes to the agreement.

Q: Is 4k opt in a month to month instruction?

A: Yes. You must opt in either in your monthly bid or default to be awarded or bid for pairings.

Q: Can the Company give more than 10% 4k rotation?

A: Yes, the 10% 4k rotation is a minimum.

Q: What are the hours of a 4k night preference?

A: The same as a redeye today. A redeye departs between 1400 and 0400 and arrives between 0200 and 12 noon. We will be adding a definition in Section 5.

Section 11 – Reserve

Q: Do hours on APSB count towards double out rest?

A: Yes.

Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences

Q: When will new OT be implemented?

A: August 2015.

Q: Will this new OT system be in emaestro or a subsequent system?

A: Initially this will be part of emaestro and then when the new system is ready in August 2015 we switch to Enterprise.

Q: So will the new trading times take effect immediately or in August 2015?

A: In August 2015.

Q: Some penalty if they don’t meet the implementation?

A: We would file a grievance. They cannot willfully drag their feet. No monetary penalties.

Q: How long does a grievance take to be heard?

A: Depends on the grievance. AFA has some discretion over grievances and which would be next on the agenda. This is a priority.

Q: Can management after two weeks cancel the OT trial?

A: No. The parties have to mutually agree to decrease or increase threshold numbers while continuing to test the system.

Q: With the ability for Crew Scheduling to pick up trips in one ways does that eliminate personal drops?

A: No. Personal Drops are still available.

Q: What is a Jet Bridge Trade?

A: Entire sequence or part of sequence you trade under 3 hours all the way up to boarding.

Q: Why is the Jet Bridge trade allowed between FAs of the same domicile.

A: Crew Scheduling has to create a limo. One destination created to another destination. Sick Online is an example where the limo you. It is a manual process. Once scheduling because more comfortable with the process we plan to expand this program.

Q: On a Jet Bridge Trade where there is a layover, who receives the hotel?

A: The hotel situation will need to be worked out between the two parties.

Q: Can I pre-plan a Jet Bridge trade?

A: With another flight attendant in your domicile, yes. You will not pre-plan with Crew Scheduling. You will make the call to scheduling to complete the trade.

Section 14 – Vacation

Q: As a NC did you try to increase our vacation daily value?

A: Yes in the amount per day we asked for more. We were not successful in achieving a provision that increased the value of a vacation day.

Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury

Q: If I call out sick for a 4 day trip, receive 2 points, but subsequently call in well for 2 days, how many points am I assessed?

A: 1 point, .5 point per day.

Q: Will sick leave make up start immediately if TA ratifies?

A: Yes.

Section 21 – Compensation

Q: Is it true that some of the steps only received a little above or equal to $5.00?

A: Yes. Some of the newer steps and top of scale. Different percentages.

Q: Will our SEA 3 day be worth 8 TFP?

A: No, the minimum pay rule will build and pay 12 TFP with the Multiday Sequence Minimum.

Q: What does not count toward my line award in PBS?

A: ADPG and Sit Time

Q: Will the ADPG and Sit time be counted towards achieving the QPP?

A: Yes

Q: Does my QPP qualify for a 401K matching?

A: Yes. It is paid as regular income

Q: Does my QPP qualify towards my PBP?

A: Yes

Q: Will Minimum Pay Rules be automated?

A: Yes

Section 22 – Expenses

No questions

Section 23 – Insurance

Q: What is self insured?

A: Means the Company assumes the risk. Receives a benefit. Keeps rates lower. There is oversight and requirements to remain self insured.

Q: After 2020 will our rates stay frozen?

A: Yes, the dollar amount you pay stays frozen.

Section 27 – General Association

Q: Is the Scheduling Chair a full time position?

A: Yes

Q: What happens when the Scheduling Chair is on vacation?

A: Another member of the MEC will cover the position.

Q: Will we be able to contact the Scheduling Chair.

A: Yes, for some situations you may also want to make contact with your Local Officers.

Section 32 – Attendance Policy

Q: Does sequence recovery for a no show mitigate the points?

A: No

Q: Is counseling disciplinary?

A: No. It is not impactful to attendance for step of discipline.

Random Q & A:

Q: Is the 1/12 reduction still the same application as current as in TA2 for vacation accrual?

A: Yes

Q: Is there a flying requirement to use my point reduction form?

A: No. Same application as today.

Q: How are we protected from outsourcing of SkyWest? Can we stop it?

A: If Alaska Airlines purchases other aircraft and operates as Alaska Airlines then we are protected. Unless Alaska Airlines pilots achieve seat protections we will not have additional scope. The ship set sail when AAG purchased QX and ultimately added CPA flying using SkyWest for those specific protections.

Q: What is the maximum amount of points I can occur in a single continuous occurrence?

A: 2.5 points.

ANC Roadshow Q&A 12/4/14

Section 3 – Scope

Q: Is there a cap on frequency of managers flying?

A: We did ask for a cap, but were unsuccessful in agreeing on a provision.

Q: Managers who are FAA certified as Flight Attendants, how do they qualify for the jump seats?

A: Date of hire. This is current practice. However, most managers/supervisors take passenger seats in lieu of jumpseating.

Section 8 – Hours of Service

Q: So on the 15 minutes debrief if Crew Scheduling wanted to JA me and sent an ACARS while on duty do I have to make contact and accept the JA even if past the 15 minutes?

A: Yes. If you receive an ACARS while on duty you must make contact.

Section 9 – Junior Availability and Premium OT

Q: If you call to adjust your debrief could you be JA’d?

A: No, if you are calling past your debrief to have the debrief adjusted you are not eligible for JA.

Q: Is there a process today for JA when calling scheduling?

A: Yes. If you initiate a call to scheduling they must make a separate call to JA you if the initial call was not in relation to a JA. This same application would remain in effect in this agreement as well.

Q: If I am JA’d and call in sick for myself, my child or qualified family member do I receive points?

A: No, this is the same application as today (medical documentation required)

Q: How will JA trips be coded with a premium?

A: We are not exactly sure but they are considering $ to show 1.5, $$ to show 2.0, $$$ to show 2.5. There is intent to put indicators but not exactly sure at this point until implementation.

Section 10 – Scheduling

Q: Is there a duty rest requirement for 4k pairings?

A: Yes, Scheduled minimum is 10 hours on RON, same as pairings built at 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Q: Could management fly a 4k?

A: Yes. As an extra or in lieu of a cancellation.

Q: What happens if the 70 minutes scheduled between a 4k duty period is subsequently extended due to unforeseen circumstances?

A: As long as the pairing is built and scheduled with 70 minutes or less ground time they meet the contractual requirement. Over duty premiums, delay pay, stranded pay, sit pay premium and other provisions will apply.

Q: If I go over duty of 12 hours and 30 minutes on a 4k pairing do the over duty provisions apply?

A: Yes. All over duty provisions are applied equally for 4k and 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Q: Are turns going away, I read this on a blog post?

A: No. Turns are not going away. The reference to the PDX Roadshow Q&A 12/3/14 afternoon session was specifically in reference to 4k single duty period turns. The route structure does not allow at this time for ANC, LAX, SAN to participate in 4k single duty period turns except for in multiday sequences. ANC, LAX, SAN will see 4k duty periods in multi-day pairings until there is a change to the route structure.

Section 11 – Reserve

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

A: Yes

Q: With APSB is there a maximum of 4 per bid month?

A: Yes

Q: If on APSB could I be assigned a 4k pairing?

A: Yes. If you are under 3 hours prior to departure or two hours before check in of the sequence, however you may not exceed your duty reschedule limitations of a total 12 hours and 30 minutes, unless after rescheduled receiving a subsequent delay. If you exceed a duty day of 12 hours and 30 minutes while on APSB you will be entitled to the full double out rest upon return to your domicile. Today APSB reserves only receive double out rest on the time over 12 hours and 30 minutes.

Section 12 – Exchange of Sequences

Q: Why wouldn’t the Company after 12 months just say we are going back to the old way?

A: If either party calls off the trial we go back to book and begin negotiating a new OT system. Both parties have a vested interest in an OT system that works.

Q: What binding language is in the OT trial?

A: There is provision to adjust system be either party backs away. Actual language preventing them from cancelling OT trial is only after the 12 months, not during the trial.

Q: If I bid 4 day trips worth 30 TFP could I dump in OT those trips?

A: You can dump 40 TFP net. If you wanted to drop two 4 day trips worth 30 TFP, then you would need to pull out 20 TFP from OT. 60 TFP dumped – 40 TFP net maximum requires 20 TFP pick up from OT.

Q: If reserves are self assigning does that reopen the day?

A: No. When self assignment period starts no more TO codes can be created for that specific day.

Q: What is the time limit for dropping a trip in OT without picking something up?

A: The day prior at 10AM for the subsequent days flying.

Section 14 – Vacation

Q: Is vacation included in the 960 TFP application to receive 7 days of PTO for those with 25 YOS or more?

A: Yes. Vacation is counted towards the 960 provision.

Section 16 – Sick Leave and On the Job Injury

Q: If I call in sick for 3 day worth 15 TFP then subsequently use sick leave make up to restore my sick leave. Do I then get paid per diem and Reserve premium on the sick leave make up flying?

A: Yes. You are paid per diem and reserve premium.

Q: If I have no sick leave can I use sick leave make up to fund my sick leave bank?

A: No. You must have used sick leave in order to restore your sick leave bank utilizing the sick leave make up provisions.

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

A: Only the excess of your restoration. If you called in sick for 15 tfp trip, utilized sick leave make up and flew 18 tfp, 3 tfp (the excess) would count towards the QPP.

Q: If 15 of us wanted to participate on the same days if sick leave make up would it be first come first serve?

A: Yes. There is no requirement for all participants to be issued days. It will be at the limitation requirements and participation.

Section 21 – Compensation

Q: Did we ask to have our length of scale reduced? Other airlines top out around 12 or 13 years.

A: Yes. We were able to reduce the top of scale from 17 steps down to 15 steps. If you look at Steps 11, 12, 13 you will notice there are increases that ensure you are in 2^nd/3^rd position in the industry where other carriers are topping out. Our scale then continues to exceed and maintain 2^nd position rates in the industry surpassing other carriers.

Q: Why didn’t we achieve reduction of more steps rates?

A: It is very expensive to reduce and collapse the scale from 17 steps to 12 steps. However, we did ask for more steps to be reduced but were successful in only achieving a reduction of 2 steps at top of scale.

Q: Will the minimum pay rules including ADPG and sit time be included towards my QPP?

A: Yes.

Q: When are minimum pay rules implemented?

A: May, 2015. However, for the sit pay you can file an activity claim starting on date of signing.

Section 22 – Expenses

No questions.

Section 23 – Insurance

Q: Do I get my 1.333 TFP credit if on an unpaid leave, just like the current agreement?

A: Yes. See Section 15.N. for unpaid leaves.

Q: How far will the look back go for the 480 provisions?

A: Until a full 12 bid months are captured.

Q: What is the longest period I can be on a medical leave?

A: 4 years

Section 27 – General Association

No questions

Section 32 – Attendance Policy

Q: Can a commuter use a Might Be Late (MBL)

A: Yes

Q: Can I go on a medical leave even though I do not qualify for FMLA?

A: Yes.

Q: With FMLA there is consecutive and intermittent?

A: Yes, 72 intermittent days or 12 consecutive weeks.

Random Q & A:

Q: Do the pilots have a more favorable application for military leaves?

A: No. They have the USERRA provision just like the provision in our TA2. Management is not looking to improve the provisions, rather comply with the law.

Q: Maternity Leave is still showing as the old language. Why?

A: AFA has a grievance filed and did not want to change the language until we are in front of an arbitrator.   The Federal Law has changed since the maternity language was negotiated. There are contractual benefits such as collecting unemployment so we are disputing parts of the provision. No Flight Attendant has come forward and objected to the current language. We are trying to preserve aspect that you apply for unemployment and won’t be denied, while still in compliance with the law.

Q: Why is implementation taking so long?

A: There is a memory problem and programming issue.

Q: Who is the administrator of the new system, Jeppesson?

A: Boeing.

Q: If sitting for 4 hours do you get 2 TFP for sit time?

A: No, for the scheduled or unscheduled over 2 hours you will receive 1 TFP, then additionally you may qualify for stranded pay. If pay protection is greater than stranded you will only receive the pay protection.

Q: So we vote down TA2, would have to train new people, another questionnaire?

A: Yes. Train a new committee. If there are possibly other changes we would have to bring up to speed as well. Worried mostly about how the NMB interacts in the process.

Q: So there would be no less than 9 month turn around possibly?

A: Yes. That is very optimistic timeline.

Q: What about new staff negotiator? Bring up to speed on our agreement?

A: Staff negotiator may change if the will of the MEC and International Office. It would take time to review our agreement if new staffer was not familiar with our property.

Q: Does TA2 have scope protections?

A: Yes. In Section 3 Scope, Section 4 Status of Agreement, Boeing Order LOA, AAG LOA and Job Protection LOA.

Q: Why does it say in the Q&A now questions under some sections?

A: The questions in the Q&A are from the audience. If there were no questions from audience it was not posted.

Q: Question for ANC LEC President, you did vote yes to submit TA2 out for ratification but it was our interpretation you didn’t support the TA, is that correct?

A: Becky Strachan ANC LEC President response: I never said I didn’t support the TA, I said that I had concerns regarding provisions. There is a lot of unknown and undetermined how our pairings and 4k would affect our ANC domicile. I am neutral on the recommendation.