AFA Alaska

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Los Angeles (Council 18)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Portland (Council 39)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • San Diego (Council 15)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Seattle (Council 19)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • San Francisco (Council 35)
      • Officers
      • Committees

    • More About Local Councils >>
    Close
  • Master Executive Council
    • Officers
    • Close
  • Committees
      • Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC)
        • Air Quality
      • Benefits
      • Communications
      • Employee Assistance Program & Professional Standards
      • Government Affairs
      • Grievance
      • Hotel
      • Human Rights
      • Inflight Service
      • Inflight Training
      • Membership
      • Mobilization
      • Reserve
      • Retirement
      • Scheduling
        • Pairing Construction
        • Preferential Bidding System (PBS)
      • Uniform

    • More About Committees >>
    Close
  • Contract
      • Contract Home
        • Current Contract
        • Ask Contract Questions
      • Contract Resources
        • Read Contract Q&A
        • Explanatory Videos
      • Contract Negotiations
    • Close
  • Resources
      • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
      • Issues & Campaigns
      • Newsroom
        • AFA Alaska News Now
        • Message from the MEC President
      • Event Calendar
      • Membership Services
      • New Members
      • About
      • Links
      Close
    • Negotiations
      • Picketing
      • Close
    • Contact Us
    You are here: Home / Committees / Government Affairs Committee / Government Affairs Update – October/November 2014

    Government Affairs Update – October/November 2014

    January 8, 2015 09:26

    AFA Alaska Government Affairs

    October/November 2014

    Post-election and a Lame Duck Congress

    The November mid-term elections saw a major shift in the balance of power in Congress with Republicans now in control of the Senate and the House.

    AFA friend and advocate AK Sen. Mark Begich lost his senate seat to Republican Dan Sullivan. Senator Begich who sponsored both our knives and cellphone bills, worked closely with our ANC committee on his re-election campaign. I would like to give special recognition to ANC GA Chair Jan Bottini Strait for her tireless commitment to this election. Jan led and inspired her ANC Flight Attendant who talked to fellow Flight Attendants, wrote postcards, made phone calls and knocked on doors. ANC committee member Thresia Raynor, released to AFL-CIO and the Alaska State Fed, is to be recognized for her work reaching out to union members and their families to get labor-friendly candidates elected in Alaska.

    With a Republican platform that doesn’t bode well for unions and collective bargaining rights, it remains to be seen how this will be played out in the next two years. Incoming Republican Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell has already made it known that he would like to make changes to the NLRB.

    Congress is in a lame duck session and with just a few days left before members leave on vacation it looks like little will get done—except the looming government funding bill which much be resolved before the end of the year, the worst case scenario being a government shutdown.

    In the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid will attempt to keep the senators there well in to December to finish up executive branch appointments before Republicans take over. Recently Pres. Obama nominee Lauren McFarren was confirmed to the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board). McFarren completes the 5 member NLRB, now 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans.

    AFA Agenda:

    As the 114th Congress approaches, the AFA Legislative Policy Committee has set about prioritizing issues. AFA GA Director Stephen Schembs has already met with members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about the upcoming FAA Reauthorization. The AFA Policy Committee has keyed in on four areas for consideration:

    • International Issues—codify that Dept. of State and DOT continue to negotiate “air transport services”
    • Flight crew fatigue/rest requirements
    • Human trafficking/assault reporting
    • Full scale emergency evacuation tests

    NAI Scheme

    AFA. ALPA, TWU, and the TTD (AFL-CIO) and other organizations, including representatives from 3 major airlines, met in Washington DC for a one day “Fly-In” on Nov. 19 to take the message to Congress to “Deny NAI.” SEA Committee member Krystal Cook and I were among the 35 AFA members who visited members of Congress, asking them to sign on to the Collins-Sires Dear Colleague letter addressed to DOT Sec. Anthony Fox, encouraging him to reject Norwegian Air International’s application.   By the end of the week over 180 House members had signed on to the letter. AFA flight attendants made calls to all 435 members of the House, started a social media campaign on “Twitter” and talked to dozens of House and Senate members and their staff. Hopes on the senate side is that language will be included in the omnibus bill that would essentially block NAI from moving forward:

    1580

    1  SEC. 415. (a) None of the funds made available by

    2  this Act may be used to approve a new foreign air carrier

    3  permit under sections 41301 through 41305 of title 49,

    4  United States Code, or exemption application under sec-

    5  tion 40109 of that title of an air carrier already holding

    6  an air operators certificate issued by a country that is

    7  party to the U.S.–E.U.–Iceland–Norway Air Transport

    8  Agreement where such approval would contravene United

    9  States law or Article 17 bis of the U.S.–E.U.–Iceland–

    10  Norway Air Transport Agreement.

    11  (b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit, restrict or

    12  otherwise preclude the Secretary of Transportation from

    13  granting a foreign air carrier permit or an exemption to

    14  such an air carrier where such authorization is consistent

    15  with the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agree-

    16  ment and United States law.

     

    More on NAI:

    The Norwegian Shell Game

    AFA has been working with other aviation unions to block a scheme to outsource our jobs – #DenyNAI.  If the Department of Transportation (DOT) approves Norwegian Air International’s application for a Foreign Air Carrier permit, it will set a dangerous precedent. The air carrier plans to fly to the US under an Irish certificate with Pilots hired in Singapore and Flight Attendants in the United States working under a constantly renewed contract that keeps base pay below $18,000 each year.

    AFA leaders, activists and members have taken part in our coordinated #DenyNAI campaign. This is a complicated issue because of the shell companies involved and multi-faceted campaign we are waging against them. But the issue is very clear – if we allow this game to go unchecked, our jobs, collective bargaining rights and safety regulations could evaporate with a flags of convenience model for aviation.

    What is Social Dumping?

    Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS) is the third largest “ultra” low cost European carrier and operates several companies flying under the ‘Norwegian’ brand: NAS, Norwegian Long Haul (NLH)and Norwegian Air International (NAI).

    NAS, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, has a fleet of 737 aircraft which primarily fly throughout Scandinavia and the European Union. NAS has an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) issued by the Norwegian government. NAS workers are represented by the Norwegian labor union, Parat, and thus have a seniority list and other negotiated benefits, in addition to strong job protections under Norwegian law. Their employer pays taxes to the government of Norway which administers extensive social protections including health care, paid parental leave, and other including benefits that make up a strong social safety net.

    The company’s long-haul flying is done by NLH and NAI utilizing 787 aircraft from Scandinavia and the EU to Asia and the United States.

    NLH has a Norwegian AOC but, having obtained an exemption from the Norwegian government, registers its aircraft in Ireland. This enables the company to hire foreign workers without Norwegian work permits. NLH has route authority to fly to the US under the US/Norwegian Air Transport Agreement (ATA), an open skies agreement.

    On the other hand, NAI is an Irish company with an Irish AOC and aircraft registered in Ireland. The Norwegian government has no oversight over NAI, and so the company is not bound by the US/Norwegian ATA. Further, NAI does not employ flight crews: It uses a staffing company to hire and train crewmembers. NAI has hired Asian and US crews to lower their operational cost below what they would have to pay if they were to continue to operate under the Norwegian AOC. NAI currently operates flights from Scandinavia and the EU to Asia, with sights set on providing service to the US under a provision in the broader EU/US Open Skies Agreement.

    Norwegian Bait and Switch
    The NAI application to fly to the US is under review by the USDOT and NAI has also applied for exemption authority. The exemption would allow NAI to initiate service to the US without receiving a foreign air carrier permit. Instead of flying under the legitimate NLH structure, the parent company would use NAI to operate Irish-certified flights to the US. If the DOT approves the NAI application, the legitimate NLH will likely be merged under the Irish AOC and cease to exist.  The provisions of the US-Norwegian ATA already accommodate all of the proposed NAI route structure, which could be operated with aircraft that is registered in Norway, abiding by Norwegian law.

    AFA opposed the NAI application to fly the US on the basis that the Norwegian model, creating a new Irish company for the purpose of flying to the US as part the EU/US open skies agreement, violates Article 17 bis EU/US Open Skies Treaty.  AFA has been working closely with allies such as ALPA, ITF/ETF, Parat, and TTD to put pressure on the US government urging them to deny the NAI application.

    NAI was created to circumvent Norwegian labor laws and therefore amounts to social dumping of corporate responsibility.

    If DOT allows NAI to set up a “flags of convenience” business model it will put downward pressure on US carriers to lower labor costs on transatlantic operations in order to compete with this new “ultra” low cost carrier model.

    This opens the floodgates to duplicating the model throughout aviation as competition “requires” regulatory change or exemption.

    Our Efforts to Fight Back

    Since Fall 2013, AFA has also continued to work with the Senate and members of the House of Representatives to send letters to Secretary Foxx and the White House urging them to ensure the terms of the EU/U.S. treaty are upheld. AFA has worked with labor allies to encourage our members to sign a petition to the Obama Administration urging them to protect the US aviation industry and US aviation jobs.

    In our continuing campaign, AFA has:

    • Met with Norwegian officials and other International aviation unions to join forces to prevent the flags of convenience business model from infiltrating our industry (February 2014.)
    • Submitted comment to the DOT rulemaking urging them to reject the NAI applications (February 2014).
    • Urged AFA members to sign the White House petition (February 2014).
    • Introduced a resolution at ITF meeting calling on European Commission and the US DOT hold NAI to the labor provisions of the EU/US Open Skies Agreement (May 2014)
    • Worked quickly through our Government Affairs activists to achieve the U.S. House of Representatives unanimous vote for the DeFazio/Westmoreland Amendment to H.R. 4745, the FY 2015 Transportation Appropriations bill (June 2014). The amendment requires DOT to follow U.S. law and labor protection provisions outlined in the U.S.-EU Open Skies Agreement when considering an application for a foreign air carrier permit.
    • Met with DOT Secretary Foxx and called attention to our filed comments (June 2014).

    In July 2014, a US delegation from the Department of State and the Department of Transportation met with the European Commission. The EU requested the meeting to attempt to persuade the US DOT to approve the NAI application, or to tend an exemption. Meeting notice was posted to the U.S. federal register.

    In August 2014, AFA supported ITF/ETF efforts to get EU member states to weigh in with the European Commission Directorate-General for Mobility and Transportation, and submitted comments.

    The DOT must rule on the exemption application by the end of August 2014. In the event the US government grants an exemption, we will keep up our fight to block the NAI foreign air carrier permit application and work to ensure that our jobs and Flight Attendant profession are not further eroded by any decision. We won’t back down – and until or unless the application is approved or an exemption given, we will work to defeat the outsourcing scheme outright.

    (Temporary exemption was not granted in August}

     

    Respectfully Submitted,

    Beverly Bullock
    MEC Government Affairs Chairperson

     

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee Tagged With: 2014, Government Affairs, NAI

    Need Help?

    Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

    Instagram

    Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on November 29 to represent Flight Attendants' interests related to catering and onboard service/sales. The Committee met with management to discuss and receive updates on issues and problems faced by Flight Attendants onboard. The Committee continues to work with management to address catering concerns and improve processes in the future. Please report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!
    Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Wednesday, December 6, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC’s quarterly meeting with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups was postponed due to the merger announcement and other scheduling conflicts. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, and Wednesday, January 10.
    Alaska Flight Attendants are struggling to afford living expenses, let alone enjoy holiday shopping for their loved ones. It’s time for Alaska management to prove they care with an industry leading contract!
    On December 14, 2023, United Airlines Flight Attendants will take to the picket line - their holiday spirit of unity and solidarity burning brighter than ever. They are determined to strengthen their power and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to securing a contract that genuinely values their work and contributions to United Airlines. As holiday travelers take to the skies, United AFA Flight Attendants will ensure their voices are heard loud and clear. They are unified and ready to do "Whatever It Takes" to get the contract they have rightfully earned!
    Starting a career as a Flight Attendant is more challenging than ever due to low pay rates that haven't kept up with the cost of living. Many new Flight Attendants face difficulties securing housing and food in expensive cities where they are based. Our EAP Committee has created a new website page with comprehensive information on resources to help Flight Attendants overcome these obstacles.
    Fume events can occur on flights for various reasons, such as oil leaks or mechanical issues. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of air quality, fume, and hypoxic events, so you know what to do if you suspect one is happening. More resources are available on the Air Quality Subcommittee page of the AFA Alaska website.

    Latest News

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 8, 2023
    • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
    • December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14
    • Housing & Food Assistance Resources
    • Air Quality Quick Reminders
    • Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 1, 2023
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2023
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    December 8, 2023

    Inflight Service Committee On Wednesday, November 29, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift […]

    December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

    December 8, 2023

    Master Executive Council (MEC) The December 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Wednesday, December 6. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. Meeting with […]

    Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14

    December 7, 2023

    Master Executive Council (MEC) On December 14, 2023, United Airlines Flight Attendants will take to the picket line – their holiday spirit of unity and solidarity burning brighter than ever. They are determined to strengthen their power and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to securing a contract that genuinely values their work and contributions to United […]

    Housing & Food Assistance Resources

    December 6, 2023

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Starting a career as a Flight Attendant is a significant and challenging life change, especially in today’s industry. The ever-increasing pace of inflation and lagging pay rates that haven’t kept up with the cost of living makes it difficult for many new hires to make ends meet. Finding affordable […]

    Air Quality Quick Reminders

    December 5, 2023

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) As Flight Attendants, our top priority is ensuring everyone onboard the aircraft has a safe and comfortable experience. However, despite our best efforts, unexpected situations can still arise. One such situation is a fume event, which can be caused by smoke, fumes, or a strong odor in the […]

    RSS Negotiations News

    • Mobilization Expands: Direct Passenger Outreach Begins Today
    • December 19 Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now
    • Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19
    • Why has the Negotiating Committee yet to publish a pay step chart for what we proposed in our comprehensive economic proposal?
    • Negotiation Session 20
    • Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization
    • Negotiation Session 19
    • Understanding Negotiations: What Is Mediation?
    • Negotiation Session 18
    • Our Day of Solidarity Was A Resounding Success!

    Recent Posts

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 8, 2023
    • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
    • December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14
    • Housing & Food Assistance Resources
    • Air Quality Quick Reminders
    • Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 1, 2023
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2023
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    Local Councils

    • Anchorage
    • Los Angeles
    • Portland
    • San Diego
    • San Francisco
    • Seattle

    Master Executive Council

    • MEC

    Negotiations

    • Contract 2022 Home
    • Negotiating Committee
    • Negotiations Feedback
    • Negotiations News
    • Negotiations Process

    Contract

    • Contract Home

    Committees

    • Air Safety, Health, & Security
    • Benefits
    • Communications
    • EAP/Professional Standards
    • Government Affairs
    • Grievance
    • Hotel
    • Human Rights
    • Inflight Service
    • Mobilization
    • Reserve
    • Retirement
    • Scheduling
    • Uniform

    News By Month

    News By Category

    AFA Alaska News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Want To Stay In The Loop?

    Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
    Sign Up for Emails
    Sign Up for Text Updates

    Connect With AFA

    • Contact Us
    • Online Support Center
    • AFA International
    • CWA
    • AFA Alaska Social Media Guidelines
    • AFA-CWA Mutual Respect Policy

    Copyright © 2013-2023 Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO