Council 35 SFO

Council 35 News July 2021

August 2, 2021 11:34 Leave a Comment

Important Dates

August 1: Rainmaker Launch

COVID-19 Points Forgiveness Extended Through September 2021

The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the COVID-19 related absences with supporting documentation.

Your Council 35 officers encourage members to submit the form for any absences related to COVID-19. Please review the MOU for details on what points are eligible for adjustment. This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. To request a points review, visit:

Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Administration>>Performance>>COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form

California COVID-19 Law and What it Means for CA-Based Flight Attendants

The state of California has recently enacted a law to protect employees from COVID -19 activities. The basics of the law provides:

protection from penalties (points)
requires employers to offer a special COVID-19 sick leave bank (including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement)
requires employers to notifiy employees of the new CA provisions

Alaska has taken a position that F/As are not eligible for these CA benefits, however AFA does not agree. Your Council 35 officers encourage all CA-based Flight Attendants that have COVID-19 related absences on their attendance to file a wage claim with the state and/or file a labor law violation. This is especially encouraged for those that have submitted for an adjustment and have been denied. For more information, please see the AFA June 2, 2021 communication.

Trending Discipline

Monthly Commuter Audit

Monthly audits of registered commuters have been performed for the last several months. The most common violation occurs when commuters list for flights using D8Y from a non-registered city when dropping a deadhead leg. Confirmed violations normally result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (COW) on first offense but can escalate up the steps of discipline if multiple violations occur or other performance issues are on file.

Late to Plane

If a late to plane occurs mid-sequence, such as after a layover, and it causes a delay, steps of discipline will most likely be issued. Mid-sequence late is considered a performance issue, however if it’s the beginning of a sequence (at check-in), late attendance points are normally assessed. For a first offense with no previous disciplines on file, the FA can expect to receive a COW. For more information, please review Section 32 of the JCBA.

Nonrev Issues

A recent company-wide trend has been to issue discipline to Flight Attendants that give “goodies” to nonrevs. In most cases, passengers are the ones complaining and will trigger an investigation. When passengers see nearby nonrevs get food or beverages they aren’t able to purchase for themselves, it causes a conflict. This was especially challenging during COVID-19 limited service when passengers got very little in the main cabin. First offenses have resulted in a Written Warning, which is the 2nd step of discipline.

Union Member Support Opportunity

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act restores the right of workers to freely and fairly form a union and bargain together for changes in the workplace. It is a worker empowerment, civil rights and economic stimulus legislation, and an essential part of any plan to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression and is now in the hands of the Senate (more information can be found here). As a Union member, make sure your voice is heard by signing the petition and contacting your Senator to support this bill. The bill provides others with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that being part of a Union provides. For more information please visit the AFA-CWA latest news to sign the petition and contact your state’s Senator to encourage their support.

COVID-19 Resources at SFO

Need a vaccine appointment? Need a COVID-19 test? SFO has both options available for travelers and employees. Please visit FlySFO for more information.

TSA Sponsored Crew Member Self Defense Classes – Limited Availability

The TSA has reinstituted their Crew Member Self Defense classes on a limited basis. More information about the classes and a link for registration can be found here. Please note: although there are no sessions available for SFO for the rest of the year, there is one class scheduled in August and one in September for LAX, LAS, and SEA. A variety of other cities in the midwest and east coast are available for commuters residing in those locations.

Union Plus Services and Discounts for AFA-CWA Members

Your AFA-CWA membership includes discounts and services from a variety of categories offered by Union Plus. Use this link for more information on discounts and services for the following categories: Money, Home, Travel, Auto, Insurance, Health, and Education.

We’re Here to Help: Online Support Center

\The best way to contact us for support is by submitting an online support ticket. By selecting the type of concern you have, the best rep for your situation can assist you. The online support ticket system is for AFA use (not management) and is confidential, so please use a personal email address to open a request.

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Melissa Osborne, LEC President • Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary • James.ikehara@afaalaska.org • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503

Council 35 News June 2021

June 9, 2021 23:39

Important Dates

June 30: Q2 CBT Due

COVID-19 Points Forgiveness

The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the following COVID-19 related activities:

Non-work related exposure
Vaccine appointments
Side effects of the vaccine

Management has agreed to review all points related to COVID-19 with documentation. Details of the MOU can be found on our website. Your council 35 officers encourage members to submit the form for any absences related to COVID-19. To request a points review, visit:

Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Administration>>Performance>>COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form

It is recommended that F/As save all receipts and appointment confirmations. F/As may be required to send evidence to the performance supervisor for conversion. This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record.

Call to Action: New California COVID-19 Law

The state of California has recently enacted a law to protect employees from COVID -19 activities. The basics of the law provides.

Protection from penalties (points)
Requires employers to offer a special COVID-19 sick leave bank (including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement)
Requires employers to notify employees of the new CA provisions.

So far Alaska has taken a position that F/As are not eligible for these CA benefits, however AFA does not agree with Alaska. Your Council 35 officers encourage all CA-based Flight Attendants to file a wage claim with the state and/or file a labor law violation. For more information, please see the AFA June 2, 2021 communication.

PBS WebApp Training

The next training sessions on Microsoft Teams are Tuesday June 8, 1pm-2pm Pacific and Wednesday, June 9, 10am-11am Pacific. Links will only be live during the training period. If you miss these training dates, there will be more dates in July. This is the same technology used for the all-employee webcasts. If you have any issues installing Microsoft Teams or viewing the training sessions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 1-877-238-1077 or email ITS.Service.Desk@alaskaair.com.

Welcome New Council 35 Committee Members

Benefits Committee Chair: Julie Pearson

Julie began her Flight Attendant career with Virgin America in April 2010, upgrading to the Inflight Team Leader position in early 2011. In October 2018, Julie joined the Council 35 Crew Systems Integration team where she took on the task of helping her teammates during the Alaska systems integration, conducting base sits and helping train flight attendants in the NavBlue PBS and Crew Access systems, as well as answering questions regarding the JCBA. Prior to becoming a flight attendant Julie received her BA in Communications from Saint Mary’s College of California. After college she moved to London, where she stayed for 5 years and worked in content licensing. In her free time you’ll find her exploring San Francisco and hiking the Bay Area with her husband and 5 year old son.

Inflight Service Committee: Matt Voges

Coming from a long time airline family, Matt realized his passion for travel very early in life, but only fully recognized his love for the Aviation Industry in 2008 when he was hired at Virgin America. After earning his wings, he realized he had more to offer by lending his restaurant and event catering experience with the on-board service team and moved in to a role from Inflight Team Leader to Service Coach and later Air Transportation Supervisor. With these roles, he worked closely with the LSG kitchen and on-board Service Manager to help develop and teach the onboard experience to new hires. He hopes to continue this path in moving forward with the AFA to help provide a better and more seamless on-board experience for both Flight Attendants and Guests. Matt currently resides in San Francisco and spends his spare time traveling the world experiencing new cultures, food and languages. He is also active in playing softball, learning to race cars and everything to do with cooking (including eating).

June Pride Month

Help celebrate June Pride with an AFA pride pin or an AFA Pride luggage tag. A limited supply is available now at the supervisor’s office in the SFO Village.

Free COVID-19 Vaccinations in SFO

SFO is offering 2 free vaccination programs for the public, including arriving and departing passengers, on domestic and international flights. More information about the programs can be found here. The J&J single-dose vaccine for people aged 18 and older is available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis.

Location: SFO Medical Clinic, International Terminal Departures Hall, A-Side
Days/Times: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

In partnership with Safeway Pharmacy during the month of June, the J&J vaccine, for people aged 18 and older and Pfizer, for people ages 12 and older will be available.

Location: International Terminal, Level 3, Departures Hall, between Aisles 6 & 7 (at the back of the building)
Days/Times:

Tuesday, June 8, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Walk-ups are available however an appointment is recommended.

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Council 35 News April 2021

May 3, 2021 10:23

Important Dates

May 6: CA Membership Meeting

May 12: Contract Extension TA Voting Closes

June 1: Rainmaker Launch

June 30: Q2 CBT Due

CA Bases Local Council Membership Meeting

As previously communicated, our local Council meeting will be Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 1100 PDT. The meeting will be via Zoom and is open to all members of Councils 35 (SFO), 18 (LAX) and 15 (SAN) in good standing. The primary purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the AFA Board of Director’s meeting scheduled for May 13-14, and any local council agenda items. Please submit local council agenda items to SFO@afaalaska.org prior to May 5th, 2021. Advance registration is required using a personal (non-company) email address. To receive confirmation to attend, please register here.

COVID Point Forgiveness

Calling in sick for a COVID related issue, such as exposure, vaccine appointments or reaction to the vaccine may receive attendance point forgiveness. Management has agreed to remove all points related to COVID with documentation. It is recommended that FAs save all receipts and appointment confirmations and send evidence to performance for conversion. This process is manual so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. For more information, please review the April 12 Bulletin on the inflight page of Alaskasworld.

Flight Attendant COVID Vaccination Status

AFA International is collecting data on Flight Attendant Vaccinations. Please complete the form to help discover trends in vaccination availability in your area. Please visit the website for more information.

Trending Discipline

Reserve Not at Base

Reviewing the JCBA§11 which defines the AS reserve rules, the company expects that a reserve Flight Attendant will be within 2 hours of base at the beginning of the assigned reserve availability period (RAP). Commuting into base or being more than 2 hours aways from base at the start of RAP would be considered time card fraud and normally results in termination with the first offense. Lineholders picking up reserve days should be aware of the reserve rules found in JCBA§11 in order to be familiar with the expectations. Any reserve F/A or lineholder picking up reserve days who are interested in extra support or guidance, please reach out to the SFO Reserve Committee for assistance.

Sick Leave Abuse

The focus on sick leave usage has increased again. Actions that trigger an investigation include calling out sick after a reassignment, calling out sick after a reserve assignment, or calling out when a deadhead leg is converted to a working leg. Sick leave is not the same as paid time off (PTO). Company provided sick leave is a benefit that is offered with a condition. That condition is illness. Use of this benefit for any other reason is considered fraud. In the event the company suspects misuse, the burden of proof is on the Flight Attendant to prove an illness. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a violation of HIPAA laws, as the company is prohibited from asking the nature of the illness, but rather that illness was the cause of the call out and that the conditional benefit was used appropriately. If misuse is confirmed (no evidence is discovered), the company has historically discharged on first offense.

A Special Note to Commuters

Commuters with a registered city have also been the focus for many investigations. This includes sick leave and reserve violations. When suspicion arises through the above mentioned actions that trigger a closer look, travel records are often pulled to confirm suspected violations. Additionally, monthly audits of registered commuters have been performed. Violations found during the audit normally result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning on first offense, but can escalate up the steps of discipline if multiple violations occur.

TA Extension Info

Questions about the TA and voting? Please visit the AFA Alaska dedicated TA Extension webpage to find answers! All roadshows have been uploaded and the Q&A section has been added to the blog. Questions not already addressed may be sent to: extension@afaalaska.org. Reminder: voting ends May 12!

Catering Update

by Raymond Ramirez, SFO ISC Chair

With all the catering updates that went into effect on April 13, please utilize B2B to provide feedback with regards to food quality, missing items, new equipment, etc. Also, if you happen to make a note of a catering issue but forget to submit it on B2B before the flight disappears from your IMD, I’m happy to receive feedback through my e-mail raymond.ramirez@afaalaska.org. Please remember to provide the flight # and date, and if possible the aircraft tail and a photograph if possible. Also, if you are flying on Airbus and encounter a FC oven without an insert, that should be written up on B2B and not through the aircraft logbook. Speaking of the aircraft logbook, please write up tray tables that have the appearance of looking brown and stained. The cleaning chemicals over the last 12 months are causing these to look dirtier than they actually are. Although the company is aware, we can help bring more awareness by asking the pilots to write it up.

Uniform Update

by Lisa Mueller, SFO Uniform Chair

Our new uniforms have been on the line for about a year now. Since the new custom uniform was released during COVID, many Flight Attendants returning from furlough will be wearing it for the first time.

Wondering what the guidelines and policy are for the new uniform? Here is a link to the uniform page for guidelines, ordering, the fit center, etc: https://splash.alaskasworld.com/es/uniforms/

Need different uniform pieces? Different sizes? Here are some options to help if it is past the 90 day return policy:

Inquire with the Seattle Fit Center. They have limited pieces that you may possibly (not guaranteed) be able to exchange your pieces for if they have the size you need. These are pieces from flight attendants who have quit, retired etc. Phone: 206-392-7730, email: fitcenter@alaskaair.com
Trade your uniform pieces with other flight attendants. There are private groups on Facebook that may be a good resource for finding other FAs willing to trade
You can also to order new pieces via the Uniform Webpage

In case no one told you today…You look marvelous! See you on the line!

Updating Personal Information and Membership Dues

by James Ikehara, Council 35 Secretary
Have you recently moved to another city or changed your email address? Please use this link to update your personal details to ensure the Membership Services department of AFA International has the most current contact information in their database. If you are coming back from a leave and need to inquire about the amount of dues owed on your account, use this link and someone from the Membership Services will contact you with details on the status of your account. Payments on your account can be made using this link.

How do I contact Council 35 Officers?

Using a personal email address, the preferred methods of contact are:

Open an Online Support Request ticket
Officer group email sfo@afaalaska.org (if one officer is flying /unavailable other officers can respond)
Individual officer emails (if information is for a specific officer)
Calls/text (if situation requires more urgent attention)

When contacting Council 35 officers please avoid the following methods:

Sending to/from alaskaair email (subject to company audits and therefore not private)
Officer personal Facebook/social media accounts (not actively monitored for AFA concerns)
Excessively lengthy texts (please use email for important information as it’s easier to respond and forward to appropriate resource-texts should be reserved for alerts to an issue that requires a timely response)

Please allow at least one business day for a response to any method of contact (email, phone, text).

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Council 35 News March 2021

March 31, 2021 09:24

Important Dates

March 25: The B2B Survey Opens

March 31: Q1 CBT Due

March 31: Oneworld Pins Now a Uniform Requirement

April 10: AFA Scholarship Application Deadline

April 21: Questions for SFO Safety Meeting Submission Deadline

April 30: CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship Application Deadline

May 6: CA Membership Meeting

CDC Vaccine Information

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines for people that have been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, as well as the precautions you should still take to protect against reinfection. As more FAs start to obtain appointments for the vaccine, or become fully vaccinated, the CDC’s website has information about how to prepare for your vaccine and interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people.

Scholarship Opportunities

AFA Scholarship

The Association of Flight Attendant Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university. Applications must be postmarked by April 10, and sent to the following address:

AFA Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 56

Hartwood, VA 22471-0056

For more detailed information, visit the AFA website.

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

The Joe Beirne Scholarship offered by CWA is available to AFA Members as well as dependents. The deadline for applications is April 30. For more detailed information, visit the CWA website.

Reminder: ASHSC Base Safety Meeting

The next quarterly meeting of the Air Safety Health and Security Committee (ASHSC) for SFO is scheduled for April 28. Flight Attendants with questions for the committee can submit them via email to Brad Young, ASHSC Committee Chair and Cierra Lewis, SFO Base Manager. Deadline for questions is 4/21/21. All submitted questions will be posted and answered in the next following ASHSC newsletter.

EAP and Other Resources

Flight Attendants in need of support during these unpredictable times are encouraged to reach out to the SFO EAP Committee for available resources for support. AFA has a coordinated many resources and groups to provide assistance and guidance to members in need. Additionally, Alaska Airlines provides employees with Active Support, which offers free confidential counseling to employees facing a variety of personal challenges.

Trending Performance Investigations and Disciplines

CBT

Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs are continue to trend. Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete CBTs. The Council 35 Grievance Committee has been successful in assisting FAs dispute discipline when evidence of technical difficulties exist. Being busy and forgetting to complete the CBT has not been accepted as extenuating circumstances to miss a CBT deadline and the discipline will remain. If more than one CBT deadline is missed, discipline will progress to higher steps on the discipline scale (ie 2 missed CBTs in 18 month period will escalate to a Written Warning).

Commuter Violations

Monthly audits are occurring and Council 35 has seen disciplines for misuse lessen however there are still Flight Attendants that are using it incorrectly. Please be sure your registered cities are current and comply with guidelines set forth in the commuter program outlined on the FA webpage.

How do I contact Council 35 Officers?

Using a personal email address, the preferred methods of contact are:

Open an Online Support Request ticket
Officer group email sfo@afaalaska.org (if one officer is flying /unavailable other officers can respond)
Individual officer emails (if information is for a specific officer)
Calls/text (if situation requires more urgent attention)

When contacting Council 35 officers please avoid the following methods:

Sending to/from alaskaair email (subject to company audits and therefore not private)
Officer personal Facebook/social media accounts (not actively monitored for AFA concerns)
Excessively lengthy texts (please use email for important information as it’s easier to respond and forward to appropriate resource-texts should be reserved for alerts to an issue that requires a timely response)

Please allow at least one business day for a response to any method of contact (email, phone, text).

In solidarity,

Melissa, James, and Brad

Council 35 News February 2021

February 26, 2021 10:23

Important Dates

March 1: SFO Sleep Room Re-opens
March 31: Q1 CBT Deadline

Rainmaker is Almost Here!

Rainmaker, the system used previously at Virgin America to track scheduling and pay, was adopted by Alaska for crew. The rollout plan includes a BETA test period with approximately 25% of crew (pilots and FAs). Assuming the test is successful, the formal launch to everyone will occur June 1, 2021. For more information and helpful resources visit: Alaskasworld>>Inflight>>Administration.\

It’s Been a Rough Year…Don’t Forget About EAP

A year later we are still in the middle of the COVID pandemic. Although we may be more accustomed to all of the changes that it has imposed upon us, we can all agree that we are still enduring a challenging and difficult time. AFA has trained EAP members to help FAs that are struggling. To contact SFO EAP reps, please email sfo.eap@afaalaska.org. Also, don’t forget that Alaska offers confidential services through Active Support EAP.

ASHSC Base Safety Meeting

Human Rights Committee Member Needed

The SFO Human Rights (HR) Committee is looking for one additional committee member. Please review the HR webpage and review the requirements for more information. Please email Sejal Patel HR Committee Chair, and LECP Melissa Osborne with your expression of interest and for any additional information. The deadline to submit is 3/15/21.

COVID-19 Updates

Message from AFA International

Despite their role to maintain critical industry, Flight Attendants are not in a priority tier for the COVID vaccine in most of the country. To help bring awareness and to advocate for priority status in all states, AFA is asking that FA’s write a letter to their governor and ask that Flight Attendants be included in Tier 1B. To read the full article and for more information on how to help with his advocacy please visit AFA Interactive. Don’t forget to visit Alaskasworld for a copy of the COVID Authorization Letter:
Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Safety>>COVID-19 Resources.

Union Plus Free College Program

Message from AFA International

The Union Plus Free College Program is enrolling for classes starting March 29. The program now offers a Health Services degree, which is designed for students interested in nursing or another allied health specialty. This degree pathway offers the math, science and the general education and critical thinking courses that students will need in many healthcare fields (including those preparing to apply for nursing school). For more information, visit Union Plus Free College.

Other Programs

In addition to the Free College programs, Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) offers an array of other degree programs with no cost for tuition and fees for Free College students, but the costs of books and other materials may not be covered. To see the full list of available degree programs, please visit Union Plus Programs.

Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

The Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion program has added a second program under its Teacher Education degree. A new Intervention Specialist program is now offered in addition to the existing Early Education (Pre-K – 5th Grade) program. The Teacher Education – Intervention Specialist degree is available with the next term, which starts on March 15. Visit Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree for more information.

Severe Winter Storms in Texas

Message from AFA International

know that disasters can change lives forever. While we can’t stop destructive events from happening, we can, as a Union, assist our members with their recovery. AFA established the Disaster Relief Fund after September 11th to assist our members whose lives were placed in harms way. AFA members and retirees, whose primary residences are in the counties listed at the FEMA website are eligible for $200.00 from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund. It is a gift made possible by the generosity of your fellow union sisters and brothers with AFA.

If you would like to apply for AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds, download the Disaster Relief Fund Application. There are a few ways to submit your application:

Email the application to Linda Foster
Fax the completed application to 301-253-2790
Phone in the application information to 1-800-424-2406

If you wish to make a contribution either by check or electronic payment, please visit AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund for more information on donating.

Contact Council 35 Officers

Using a personal email address, the preferred methods of contact are:

Open an Online Support Request ticket
Officer group email sfo@afaalaska.org (if one officer is flying /unavailable other officers can respond)
Individual officer emails (if information is for a specific officer)
Calls/text (if situation requires more urgent attention)

When contacting Council 35 officers please avoid the following methods:

Sending to/from alaskaair email (subject to company audits and therefore not private)
Officer personal Facebook/social media accounts (not actively monitored for AFA concerns)
Excessively lengthy texts (please use email for important information as it’s easier to respond and forward to appropriate resource-texts should be reserved for alerts to an issue that requires a timely response)

Please allow at least one business day for a response to any method of contact (email, phone, text).

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Council 35 News June 2021

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