Council #19 – Seattle

January Base Update

Washington Paid Family Leave Law – UPDATED INFORMATION

Last fall prior to Annual Benefits Open Enrollment, we asked about this law during a meeting to discuss impending changes to Benefits. We specifically asked whether Alaska intended to sue the State to deny these benefits to Flight Crews, as well. We were told that this law would apply to all Washington employees. We were told that employees would receive specific information close to the end of the year. The law requires that premiums be deducted from employee paychecks, beginning 1/1/2019. 

Since no information had been provided, and since it was after the implementation date, we sent out information to Seattle Flight Attendants so that they would be aware of the new deductions. On January 3rd, we were informed that Alaska management had decided that the law will only apply to ‘ground employees.’ We asked for an explanation, and waited. Late in the afternoon on January 7th, we were advised that we would not be provided with a written explanation. 

Without direct answers to our questions, we can only guess that the same logic is being used in this instance that prompted Alaska management along with Airlines for America to sue Washington State last year, when the Paid Sick Leave Law went into effect. AFA-CWA has joined the State of Washington in defending our right to coverage under the Paid Sick Leave Law, and will do so again with the Paid Family Leave Act should that be necessary. 

We do not believe that this is fair or equitable. It seems to fly in the face of the ‘Do the Right Thing’, and ‘Committed to Kindness.’ California-based Flight Attendants have been eligible to apply for and receive Paid Family Leave benefits since 2004.  Oregon is working on a Paid Family Leave Act, as well. Will management file suit against each state that provides Paid Family Leave?

Traffic Alerts

With the Viaduct dismantling last weekend, traffic is predicted to be horrendous. We do now have a ground commuter policy with options. Read Section 28 G.2 of the contract to become familiar with this new provision. The company has put out several alerts, suggesting that we all plan to allow sufficient time to get to the airport. While that is a great idea, we don’t yet know how bad it will be or what sufficient time will actually be. Make certain that you do plan ahead, but if there is an unforeseen development (an accident, freeway closure, etc.) it’s good to know your options. 

Local Council Meeting

This meeting will be a Joint Council Meeting, with Horizon and Compass officers and members attending. 

Date:  February 11, 2019

Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Location: SeaTac Office Complex (same building as 13 Coins across from the airport), Earhart Room, Lower Plaza Level-South Tower, 18000 International Blvd. Parking up to 3 hours is free in the front parking lot. You can also park for free in the rear, bring your ticket into the meeting for validation. 

In Solidarity, 

Terry, Jake, Adam, Melinda and Megan