Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has completed the first week of negotiations for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA).
Normally, this update would have been published sooner; however, a lot has been happening at both Alaska and Hawaiian:
- February 28: AFA Alaska TA2 was ratified for the Alaska Flight Attendant Contract
- March 1: Merged Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC) officers’ term began
- March 3 and 4: JNC Negotiations Training
- March 4-6, 10, 11, 13, 17: JNC Negotiations planning meetings took place
- March 11: AFA Hawaiian reached TA on Contract Extension
- March 18: JCBA Negotiations began
With the MECs of both carriers merged, we were now able to begin JCBA negotiations. This JCBA bargaining is unique as we merge two strong and complex contracts on the heels of negotiating successor contracts to both the Hawaiian and Alaska Contracts. As a result, our opening proposals in joint contract negotiations were broad and brief. Key highlights of our Opening Proposal:
- Each contract section will be addressed individually.
- The Alaska CBA will be used as a basis for language purposes.
- Our commitment is to combine the best of both contracts.
- We will be seeking improvements over the current contract provisions.
- Big decisions like TFP vs Block Pay, Open Time systems, etc., will be decided downline after surveying members and consulting with the MEC.
For our first session, we focused on the less controversial sections and passed proposals on the following:
- Non-Discrimination
- Purpose of Agreement
- Savings Clause
- Status of Agreement
- Probation Period
- Seniority
- Grievance Procedures
- System Board of Adjustment
- Association Security
- Training
- Leaves of Absence
Tentative Agreements were reached on the following sections:
- Non-Discrimination
- Purpose of Agreement
- Savings Clause
- Status of Agreement
- Probation Period
- Association Security
- Medical Examinations
As we move forward, the JNC will normally meet with management for one session per month. Your input will be crucial as the JNC pinpoints the most beneficial language from our two contracts. Our plan involves consulting with our MEC and the relevant Alaska and Hawaiian AFA committee chairs. This will ensure the JNC possesses the necessary working knowledge to fully understand each contractual provision. Then, we will develop section-specific Member surveys to determine our negotiating priorities.
The JNC will be conducting several membership surveys throughout JCBA negotiations that target specific areas of the contract. This will give you the opportunity to provide us with the most current feedback on many key contractual sections, including:
- Reserve
- Pick Ups, Drops, Trades, and Exchanges / Exchange of Sequences
- Scheduling / Hours of Service
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Commuter Policy
- TFP/Block Hours
Our first Survey about the Commuter Policy is currently being developed and will be sent out in the near future. Please anticipate these surveys throughout negotiations as we approach key sections.
We value your feedback as we work together to create the best possible contract for our combined group. Please reach out to us with any questions or ideas you may have so that we can ensure we leave no ideas on the table.
In Solidarity,
Your Joint Negotiating Committee – Tim Green, Martin Gusman, Jeff Fuke, Virginia Fritz, Heather Reier, and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
