The MEC became aware of the 4k pairings trading issue once again directly from flight attendants
The Master Executive Council (MEC) has become aware of an extremely unfortunate development with regard to the Contract Implementation Schedule. Apparently Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) pairings cannot be traded automatically in Maestro and this function will not be available until August. We initially learned about the issue once again directly from flight attendants rather than being given proper notice by management, which is entirely unacceptable. AFA became aware of the problem only when flight attendants were attempting to trade 4k pairings—pairings marked with a ‘K’ label—and received an “overduty” error message in eMaestro.
One teeny tiny mention of the issue was buried
AFA has been involved in numerous implementation meetings with management and so far we have been unable to find any evidence the 4k pairings trading issue was brought forward at any time. Honestly, your AFA representatives would have taken a keen notice that 4k pairings could not be traded automatically. As flight attendants we know how important flexibility of schedule is with regard to quality of life. One teeny tiny mention of the issue was buried in a long list of “Implementation Milestones.” That document was attached to the “Contract Implementation Newsletter: Issue 1” sent by Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider to all flight attendants via Outlook on March 1st. That’s it.
This development is not in keeping with the negotiated Contract Implementation Schedule
AFA strongly believes communication in such a fashion does not serve as official notice. Regardless of notice, this development is not in keeping with the negotiated Contract Implementation Schedule. Additionally, we can assure you the Contract Committee would have vehemently opposed 4k pairings going live in May if such pairings could not be traded via automation until August.
AFA advocated to management that an Inflight bulletin be issued and the splash page updated
Let’s talk about the short-term fixes. AFA has advocated to management that an Inflight bulletin be issued explaining how to trade 4k pairings and that the Inflight splash page be updated. Both have already been accomplished.
Post 4k pairings in eMaestro but trade using First Class ‘FA Trade Form’
Post the 4k pairings in eMaestro just like a normal trip but utilize the comments field to indicate “4k” as a courtesy so the person trading knows what to do next. Keep in mind that all 4k pairings are marked with “K” label as well.
You will need to submit the trade request through First Class –> World of Inflight –> FA Trading –> domicile trade box (e.g. “SEA box”) –> FA Trade form, fill it out with all the applicable information and then send to the appropriate trades box (BASE space TRADES space MONTH, e.g. “SEA TRADES MAY”). For those of you who remember trading this way back in the day, Crew Scheduling will not deny trades based on incomplete or missing comments; back then a trade would be denied if the comments were not perfectly formatted to the required standard. Trades will be processed in the order in which they are received. To recap:
- Log into FirstClass,
- Double click the icon “World of Inflight,”
- Double click on “FA Trading,”
- Double click on your base folder,
- Double click “FA Trade Form,”
- Fill out the form completely,
- Address the form to “BASE TRADES MONTH” (e.g. “SEA TRADES MAY” but please change to whatever your base and the correct month is of course), and
- Push “Send” (in the upper left corner of the form).
In the short term AFA will file a contractual grievance alleging violation of the Contract Implementation Schedule and looking forward…
In the short term AFA will file a contractual grievance alleging a violation of the Contract Implementation Schedule. Looking forward, AFA recommends all flight attendants carefully consider the implications of bidding 4k pairings for June and July if they cannot be automatically traded until August. Remember, nobody is required to bid for these pairings at all.
AFA is extremely disappointed in these most recent developments
Once again AFA is extremely disappointed in these most recent developments with regard to trading of 4k pairings.
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In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; MEC Grievance chairperson Jennnifer Wise MacColl; and
Your Contract Committee—MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
