Council #19 SEA

Summer Newsletter

Summer has officially begun.  We have a number of updates for our SEA F/As.

Transition Training began this week.  In spite of recent updates to the Cornerstone Training program, we are still receiving reports of technical difficulties with both the app and the desktop version.  If you experience trouble, go to https://support.afaalaska.org, and open a ticket.  We would encourage you to start early, to avoid problems. Many of you have expressed disappointment that hotels will not be provided for this two-day training.  Despite repeated requests, Inflight Management has declined to provide hotels.  We recognize that this is difficult for commuters, as well as those with lengthy drives to the airport.  However, there is no contractual requirement for provision of hotels for training that is available in your base.

The most recent CBT training, was due May 11, 2018.  More than 90 Flight Attendants were issued discipline as a result of failure to complete the training.  Many of these have been rescinded after AFA was able to determine why the training had not been completed.  If you were issued discipline and have not responded to our attempts to reach you, please contact Jarod.McNeill@afaalaska.org.

In a recent bulletin, Inflight Performance announced that forgotten required items will result in steps of discipline.  We have had several recent instances of expired badges, as well as reporting without an IMD.  Make certain that you have all required items prior to report for your flight.

We have been notified that TSA will be implementing more random searches at KCM checkpoints.  Make sure to allow sufficient time prior to report, since this may result in secondary screening.

We recently posted openings for two EAP representatives.  We were overwhelmed by the number of interested Flight Attendants who expressed interest.  Interviews are upcoming, but we’d like to take a moment to thank those who have volunteered.

Supplemental Insurance Enrollment, through National Group Protection, will take place during the week of 7/23-27, in SEA.  The premiums for these coverages can be payroll deducted.  If SEA isn’t a convenient location, drop into any base during scheduled visits.

· Seattle                July 23^rd—27^th  

· Anchorage         July 30^th–August 1^st

· Los Angeles       August 6^th—8^th

· San Diego          August 14^th—16^th

· Portland              August 20^th—22^nd

Keep in touch with us!!

All up to date information is posted on our website: afaalaska.org/sea

Have you liked us on Facebook?  https://www.facebook.com/AFA-Council-19-Seattle-538630496190284/

We send text notifications regarding the most important information: https://www.remind.com/join/sea19

In Solidarity,

Terry, Jake, Adam, Melinda & Megan

June is Pride Month! AFA-CWA supports all LGBTQ Flight Attendants and workers in their fight for protections on the job and their communities.

Stop by the Seattle base and pick up your PRIDE AFA pin and wear it through the end of June! As a reminder, you will need to switch back to the regular AFA pin on July 1st.

AFA Council #19-Seattle

Spring Update

Base Update

First, let me say that we are very sorry to hear that our Base Director, Robbi Burton, will be leaving us for Los Angeles.  She will be missed!  Supervisor Audrey Mulloy will be returning to the line on June 01.  New hours have been posted for the Ready Room.

AFA has been provided with plans for a new Inflight Ready Room, inside security near the Spot-On office.  We don’t yet have a completion date, but the plans look exciting.

Committee Updates

We’d like to welcome Julie Pinson to her new position as Council #19 Reserve Chair.  In addition, Conner Gallagher has joined the Reserve Committee.  Julie has spent several years as a Committee member, and Conner brings a background with PBS to the Committee.

Martin Monteblanco and Ian Haywood have joined the Government Affairs Committee.

During the next few weeks we’ll be sending out intermittent requests for volunteers to serve on various committees.  As our base continues to grow, so does the work load.

CBT Training

The most recent CBT training had a required completion date of May 11.  Over 100 F/As in our council did not complete the training timely.  One problem we’re aware of is that it wasn’t terribly clear that there were two videos that were required.  The performance supervisors will be reaching out to those who did not complete the training.

Transition Training

We have heard from many, many F/As who are unhappy that hotels will not be provided for transition training.  We have discussed this repeatedly with Management, and they are unwilling to provide hotels due to the expense.

Pairing Changes

As we move toward fleet integration, flying is being shifted from Boeing to Airbus, and from Airbus to Boeing.  Our pairings are changing more than they typically do as a result of seasonal flying changes.  We expect more changes in the future.

We’ve heard from many F/As who are unhappy with these changes, and who are upset that their preferred pairings are no longer available.  This is not limited solely to Seattle. Unfortunately, it is likely to continue.  We’ve all seen the ‘network realignment’ articles on Alaskasworld.

Please know that your officers and the SEA Scheduling Committee continue to advocate for improved pairings, but ultimately the company’s decisions are based on cost. Both our Scheduling Chairs and Crew Planning are very aware that these changes are unpopular.  We have been told that a communication from Crew Planning on this subject is forthcoming, but do not have a specific date.

Retroactive Pay

We received many questions regarding the confusion regarding the emails that were sent out by the company.  All F/As hired prior to date of ratification should have received two May 20^th (paid on 5/18) paychecks.  One was paid at the new pay scale, and the other should have covered retroactive pay back to January 01.  The company has posted the pay codes eligible for retroactive pay in an informational bulletin, #2018-0053,

There has been much confusion regarding those who had step increases during this period based on the Date of Hire adjustment process.  Anyone who is affected should receive this additional retroactive pay no later than June 29^th.

Need help?

If you have a question, please go to https://support.afaalaska.org, and ‘open a ticket.’  We now have more than 2500 F/As in Seattle, alone.  We particularly ask that you use this resource for scheduling, pay and reserve concerns.  We need the information requested on the form to research your concern.  If you would like to talk to an officer or committee chair, please go to afaalaska.org, and look through the officer and/or committee lists for contact information for your local representatives.

Keeping current with information?

There are several ways to keep up to date with your Council #19 news! In addition to your regular email updates, the information can be found at: afaalaska.org/sea

Are you on Facebook? Like the Council #19 page at: https://www.facebook.com/AFA-Council-19-Seattle-538630496190284/

Are you a Reserve FA in Seattle? There is a Reserve Only Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afacouncil19reserve/

Receive the most important information via text (we do not send out all communications via text, just the ones that are the most important!). Register for texts at: https://remind.com/join/sea19