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Tomorrow is August 10 (8-10), our Online Day of Action to keep our rest and jobs in front of Congress. Our representatives need to take action now to enact 10 hours irreducible rest for Flight Attendants and protect good U.S. aviation jobs.

Have you signed up for Twitter yet? Twitter is an effective platform to connect with our legislators and we’ve made it simple for you to sign up and participate.

Click here to get started.

Tomorrow, go to afacwa.org/8-10. This page will direct you to take action by tweeting at members of Congress and making calls for 10 hours rest and good U.S. aviation jobs.

8/10 Day of Action Checklist:

  1. Create a Twitter Account.
  2. Like AFA on Facebook and follow AFA on Twitter.
  3. Schedule 15 min on your calendar tomorrow to to make a difference.
  4. Spread the word with your flying partners.

To create a Twitter account:

  1. Go to http://twitter.com and find the sign up box, or go directly to https://twitter.com/signup.
  2. Enter your full name, phone number, and a password.
  3. Click Sign up for Twitter.
  4. In order to verify your phone number, Twitter will send you an SMS text message with a code. Enter the verification code in the box provided.
  5. Once you’ve clicked Sign up for Twitter, you can select a username (usernames are unique identifiers on Twitter) — type your own or choose one Twitter has suggested. Twitter will tell you if the username you want is available.
  6. Double-check your name, phone number, password, and username.
  7. Click Create my account. You may be asked to complete a Captcha to let Twitter know that you’re human.
  8. Follow @afa_cwa on Twitter.
  9. Add a profile picture to ensure people know you’re a real person and not a bot.

Thank you in advance for participating!

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Maternity Grievance

AFA is pleased to announce that the Company recently sustained Grievance 36-99-2-24-17 (Violation of Section 15.M.1.a & 2.a Failure to Allow Minimum Coordination While on Maternity Leave).

What does this mean for Flight Attendants?  Flight Attendants may coordinate the minimum amount of sick leave or vacation with their Maternity Leave, beginning either 6 weeks (vaginal birth) or 8 weeks (Caesarian birth) post-delivery through 120 days post-delivery per sections 15.M.1.a and 2.a of the Flight Attendant CBA.  The application of this contractual provision has been inconsistent at best.  This sustained grievance provides that the Company agrees to comply with the contractual language.

If you initially requested minimum coordination from 6/8 weeks post-delivery to 120 post-delivery and were denied, it may be possible to retroactively switch from maximum coordination to minimum coordination if you repay the difference between your requested minimum sick leave or vacation and the amount you were required to use (including taxes).  If it occurred in a prior year, you may need to file an amended tax return.  If you coordinated with either minimum or maximum sick leave or vacation during this specific time period, you were eligible for insurance at the active employee rate.  If you paid for COBRA coverage, you may be eligible for a refund.

If you are affected by the outcome of this grievance and need assistance on how to proceed, please contact the MEC Grievance Committee at grievance@afaalaska.org.

Social Media

AFA has noticed an increase in discipline derived from social media postings.  Please be responsible with your postings to protect yourself.  Even if you think your settings are private, posts are still making their way to supervisors—sometimes from other Flight Attendants.  Familiarize yourself with the Company’s social media policy so as not to put yourself at risk of possible discipline.  You can find a summary of this policy at http://splash.alaskasworld.com/documents/social_media_policy.asp (Alaska sign-on required).

Co-Worker Concerns

If you experience a concern or conflict with a co-worker, please contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee rather than management.  EAP/Professional Standards Committee Members are fellow Flight Attendants who receive special training on resolving these issues.  If the concern goes directly to management, it will almost always lead to discipline/termination for your fellow Flight Attendant.

You can always find Professional Standards contact information on the EAP/Professional Standards Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Union Representation

You are entitled to AFA representation when you have a discussion or meeting with management and the possibility of discipline exists for you, another Flight Attendant or another employee. If a supervisor contacts you, you have a right to ask, “Could this conversation result in discipline?”  If so, we recommend that you tell the supervisor that you would like an AFA representative before having any further discussion.  The supervisor should provide you with the name and phone number for your Local Executive Council (LEC) President.  Regardless of whether there is a possibility of discipline, you can always contact your Local Grievance Committee for AFA representation.  You can find contact information for your Local Grievance Committee on the AFA Alaska website.

Representation While on Probation

Probationary Flight Attendants may also ask for an AFA representative to be present in a supportive (non-representational) role.  Again, if you are asked to provide a written statement or account of events, you are always entitled to confer with an AFA representative prior to doing so; this is also true for probationary Flight Attendants.

Requests by Supervisors for Supporting Documentation

Recently, AFA has noticed an uptick in management requesting additional information to help support statements provided by Flight Attendants during investigatory meetings.  These requests by supervisors have included credit card or bank statements, phone or messaging records, and names/contact information of non-employees (babysitters, roommates, or others).

If at any time a supervisor or manager asks a Flight Attendant for additional documentation such as the items mentioned above, you should decline the request and contact a Grievance Committee Member or LEC Officer immediately.

DOT Drug Testing

Testing on Layovers

The Company has recently increased the amount of drug testing that is being conducted after completing a duty period mid-sequence/on layovers.  They are required to provide transportation to/from the hotel on a layover.  Drug abatement should be pre-arranging additional transportation for the Flight Attendant as they know they are going to be conducting the test in advance.

Proposed Changes to Drug Testing

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice that it is proposing to add four commonly prescribed medications to its testing program.  These 4 medications fall under a category of drugs known as opioids.   They include Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone , Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone.  The new DOT rule is projected to take effect sometime after October 1, 2017.  You can find more information about the proposed changes in a July 13 AFA communication entitled IMPORTANT: Changes To Airline Drug Testing.

Trip Trading

The Jeppesen Crew Access (JCA) trading system continues to experience programming challenges.  One ongoing issue with the system is the inability for Flight Attendants to see their own trip trade/grab post in the trip pool.  Because Flight Attendants cannot see their posted grabs or trades, sometimes the trips are unintentionally posted in the wrong trade classification (trade v. grab) with no way to verify that the post is incorrect.

Please note if a trip is posted for trade with no comments, common sense would dictate that it was likely intended to be posted as a grab.  If there is a question, please be considerate of your fellow Flight Attendants and reach out via phone or email before making a trade.

Questions?

For further questions, contact one of your LEC Officers.  Contact information for your LEC Officers can be found on your Local Council page of the AFA Alaska website.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams

PDX AFA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Applications are Being Accepted for

Local Council 39 Portland Committee Positions

If you are interested in serving on a committee, please review the requirements below and email your committee letter of interest and resume to pdx@afaalaska.orgby midnight on August 18, 2017.

Flight attendants must be current on dues and maintain their member in good standing status. Probationary flight attendants may volunteer; once they start paying union dues.

Committee Requirements 

  • Regularly work 40+ TFP
  • No intention of transferring from Portland in the near future.
  • Considerable knowledge and adherence to Service Standards.
  • Understand that this is a volunteer and not a paid position. There may be occasions for flight pay loss for meetings or projects.
  • Professional in manner with Management and Flight Attendants.
  • Adhere to committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct.
  •  Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information.
  • Be an advocate and support for all flight attendants.
  • Ability to communicate by email, phone, and in-person with Flight Attendants and Alaska Management.
  • Working knowledge of the Current Bargaining Agreement.
  • Some positions require knowledge of scheduling, pay, work rules, and duties.
  • Receive guidance from AFA Officers and Committee Chair.
  • Commit to volunteering for a minimum of one year.
  • Provide information promptly and meet occasional deadlines.
  • Must sign a Willingness to Serve Commitment

 

Committee Descriptions

Air Safety Health Security http://afaalaska.org/ashsc

ASHSC acts in an advisory role to the LEC Officers on safety matters. Studies local air safety and health problems and prepares recommendations to the LEC Officers for consideration. The committee reviews and handles correspondence keeping the members informed of developments. You may be asked to attend management debriefings regarding safety related issues.

Benefits http://afaalaska.org/benefits#purpose

The Benefits Committee works to educate and provide assistance to in all matters involving benefits (including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs)

Employee Assistance http://afaalaska.org/eap

The EAP is a support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. EAP peer representatives are trained to provide three distinct, but interrelated, services that include assessment, support, and referral. The EAP also handles professional standards and critical incident response.

Government Affairs http://afaalaska.org/governmentaffairs

The Government Affairs Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and pursue legislative activities that relate to the AFA-CWA political agenda and to build positive relationships with candidates for office and elected officials regardless of party.

Grievance http://afaalaska.org/grievance

The Grievance Committee’s is responsible for the protection of Flight Attendants against arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and the upholding of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hotel http://afaalaska.org/hotel

The Hotel Committee investigates complaints regarding hotels and transportation and periodically inspects layover hotels for any decline in quality. The committee surveys potential hotels and attempts to eliminate or avoid any possible problems.

Inflight Service http://afaalaska.org/inflightservice

The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.

Retirement http://afaalaska.org/retirement

The Retirement Committee assists members with questions regarding retirement, 401(k) plans, and other investment vehicles that may become available and keep members up-to-date and educated about these programs.

Scheduling http://afaalaska.org/scheduling

The Scheduling Committee assists Flight Attendants with concerns relating to pairings or scheduling including legalities.

Uniform http://afaalaska.org/uniform

The Uniform Committee is responsible for ensuring contract language compliance in the area of uniforms. The Committee represents Flight Attendant interests to management regarding design, fabric selection, and other details.

AFA Council 39 Information http://afaalaska.org/pdx

An applicant cannot be guaranteed an interview. Resumes and letters of interest will be screened for qualifications, and successful applicants will be invited to interview.

In Solidarity,

LEC Council 39 Officers

Mario de”Medici, Krystle Berry, Alan Sousa

August Activities

Council #19 President Terry Taylor and Secretary-Treasurer Adam Clarey are attending the CWA Convention in Pittsburgh, August 6-9.  Council Representatives Megan Brown and Melinda Jorge, along with newly elected Portland officers, will be attending the final session of AFA New Officer training this month.  Later this month, they will also be joining many local EAP Representatives at the annual  FADAP Conference.  For more information regarding FADAP, see https://www.fadap.org/.

 

 

Showing our Unity for our Fellow Airline Family Members

On August 4th, Council #19 Officers and members joined Alaska and Virgin Pilots, at a Unity Rally in support of their ongoing contract arbitration.  It was great to see many AFA members in line!

Mesa Flight Attendants are still bargaining for a better contract and will be returning to the bargaining table August 14-16. AFA is asking for every AFA Local Council to leaflet August 7-11 in a huge push to support Mesa bargaining.

We are asking for volunteers to help distribute leaflets  to raise awareness of the problems Mesa Flight Attendants have been facing. Mesa operates many regional flights for United and America Airlines. Mesa Flight Attendants are some of the lowest paid in the industry.  Many are being paid close to the Federal minimum wage.

Mesa Pilots have ratified their agreement. Now it is time for Mesa Flight Attendants!

 

Show some AFA solidarity!

When: August 11th

Where: SeaTac Sky Bridges 1,2,3,5,6

Time: 5-9am and 4:30-8:30pm

 

Text or call: Kris Mason, 626/260-0497; or email Megan.Brown@afaalaska.org or Melinda.Jorge@afaalaska.org if you are available to support our Mesa Flight Attendants

 

Changes to DOT Drug Testing Protocols

As a reminder, several synthetic opioids that are fairly commonly prescribed are being added to the DOT Drug Testing Protocols sometime after October 2017.   If you are taking these prescribed medications, , please contact a local EAP Committee member for additional information and resources about these upcoming changes. The following will be added to the testing panel:

  • Hydrocodone (example: Vicodin, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Sydone)
  • Hydromorphone (example: Diluadid, Exalgo, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone)
  • Oxycodone (example: Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Roxicodone, Endocet, Xtampza, OxyIR)
  • Oxymorphone (example: Opana, Numorphan)

 

New Committee Members

The Council #19 Safety Health and Security Committee welcomes returning Committee Member David Lake, who will be rejoining the committee on September 1.  His prior experience as a Local and MEC Committee member will be a valuable addition.

We would also like to welcome Jay Styger to the Council #19 Government Affairs Committee.  Jay’s interest in local and national issues will make him a great asset to the committee.

 

Are you EXHAUSTED???? Help us do something about it!

We work in a heavily regulated industry.   As a Flight Attendant, almost every aspect of our daily work lives are dictated by federal laws.  Our elected representatives often don’t realize the extent to which these laws impact Flight Attendants.  For example, how little “rest” we actually receive when rest is reduced to the CFR minimum of 8 hours, which typically follows an extended duty period.  On August 10, we are asking our members to take action to ‘tweet’ our representatives to support a ten hour minimum overnight rest period.  Click below to see how easy it will be to share your voice.

http://www.afacwa.org/take_action_storm_the_airwaves_on_8_10

 

Scheduling, Reserve and JCA (CrewAccess) Issues

Are you experiencing any issues with JCA (CrewAccess)? Having schedule or reserve issues? The fastest way to get these issues resolved is to report it on the AFA Support website: http://support.afaalaska.org.

Please fill out the form completey so we can fully resarch your concerns and assist you. Screen shots and as much information as you can provide is very helpul!

 

AFA Alaska Information at your Fingertips!!

Are you getting the most up to date information from AFA Alaska? There are lots of ways to stay in the loop!

Make sure to “like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFA-Council-19-Seattle-538630496190284/

Subscribe to Council 19 text messages: https://www.remind.com/join/sea19

 

In Solidarity,

Your Council #19 Officers

Terry Taylor, Jake Jones, Adam Clarey, Megan Brown & Melinda Jorge

 

This message is for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants

AFA met with the Virgin America leadership team (management) and Alaska Airlines management on Thursday, August 3rd in Seattle, WA as follow up to the past two Virgin America Flight Attendant Work Rule Improvements discussions over the last several months (click here and here for more information). Representing the Virgin America (VX) leadership team: Vice President of Inflight & Guest Services Jeff Butler, Managing Director of Inflight Valerie Jenkins, Inflight Project Manager John Maze and CSS Supervisor Andrew Barnes; representing Alaska Airlines: Vice President of Inflight & Call Center Services Andy Schneider; representing both carriers: Managing Director of Labor Relations-Air Elizabeth Ryan; and representing the Association of Flight Attendants: MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Council 35 VX President Melissa Osborne and Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo. It turned out to be a very productive session.

Commuter Policy

AFA is happy to report that the parties successfully negotiated a long-anticipated commuter policy. AFA and management agreed to a 4-month trial period to see how the policy affects the operation and to observe whether Flight Attendants are benefitting from the program. To ‘fund’ this policy, management required changes to the reserve program. We believe the changes could potentially enhance reserve life, however we would like members’ input prior to entering into a letter of agreement (LOA) that would change your work rules.

Consequently, we will be asking for you to participate in a brief survey regarding your interest in implementing the commuter policy. Once AFA publishes the full text language of the proposed LOA next week, please review the LOA and provide your feedback in the survey that will follow. Time is of the essence because we would like to have the policy in place by October 1st, which means CSS will need to complete the programming changes before September 1st. Stay tuned for an update very soon.

Relaxing Hair Standards

Management has agreed to allow current Alaska Flight Attendant hair standards to be adopted at VX. With the manual revision due on Oct 21st, VX Flight Attendants will be able to enjoy more relaxed hair standards.

Pass Travel and Jumpseats

Additionally, with the manual revision due on Oct 21st, you will see improvements to the VX jumpseating policy. VX Flight Attendants will be able to pass ride in the jumpseat out of uniform. You will also be able to nap and to use the InFlight Entertainment (IFE) and personal electronic devices while commuting or deadheading in uniform while sitting in a guest seat.

Crossing Seatbelts

Management continues to affirm the requirement to cross and clean seatbelts will change by the end of the year.

Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for VX

The ASAP program is a self-reporting program administered in partnership with the FAA in order to provide flight crews the ability to self-report incidents without fear of discipline. AFA and management have been discussing an ASAP program for VX since the last interim work rule improvements meeting on June 2nd, and the parties progressed further towards making it a reality this time. Programming is the biggest challenge causing the delay, but with the new IMDs arriving we are seeing ASAP implementation as a definite possibility in the near future. Look for updates on this important program.

Pelesys E-learning Pay

Management agreed to pay for recently unpaid Pelesys modules, including security and OPL, but advised AFA that changes will be forthcoming. In the meantime, check your mid-month ADP pay statements for your e-learning pay.

Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy Update

In only a few more weeks, VX Flight Attendants will be under the AS PED policy. As you know, the policy lives in the manual and is tied into the revision cycle. With the distribution of the new IMDs, VX will be given a special PED bulletin, which will include the AS PED policy. Until then, please keep in mind that the VX PED policy regarding personal use is still very much in effect.

If you have any questions, contact your Local Council 35 officers.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & James

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Background

The MEC Chairperson of the Scheduling Committee is responsible for coordinating the activities of the committee at the airline level. The Chairperson works closely with each Local Committee Chairperson to gather feedback and input and represents the positions of the Committee and MEC in interactions with management.

Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual

Scheduling Committee

1.  SCOPE

a.  The Scheduling Committee is responsible for the following:

(i)  The committee will recommend and assist in constructing pairings and building sequences of trips and days off into monthly lines of time.

(ii)  The committee will work to monitor company compliance with all scheduling-related provisions of the collective bargaining agreement and take necessary steps to correct violations

2.  POLICY/RESPONSIBILITIES

a.  The MEC Scheduling Committee shall consist of the MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson, the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS, the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction, and the Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson from each council.

b.  The MEC Chairperson shall:

(i)  Provide clear direction and coordination to Local Scheduling Committees and each MEC Subcommittee

(ii)  Communicate with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons, LEC Presidents, and MEC Officers on a daily basis on his/her activities and matters requiring attention, follow up, or escalation

(iii)  Compose informational and educational articles of interest to the membership and provide them to the MEC Communications Chairperson to be included in MEC communications and posted to the MEC website

c.  Flight Attendant Schedules

(i)  Discuss scheduling problems with the company and will report such problems and resultant discussions to the MEC

(ii)  Maintain written records of agreed upon standards and procedures and shall report to the MEC any proposed or imposed modifications to such practices.

(iii)  Monitor the company throughout the scheduling process for any perceived or potential violations of the Agreement and shall identify these violations to the LEC President of the domicile affected.

(iv)  Comply at all times with the applicable provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement.

d.  Staffing

(i)  Monitor monthly staffing reports and make recommendations to the company for appropriate resolution.

(ii)  Monitor placement of flying and provide the MEC with evaluations of such placement and its justification.

(iii)  Compile feedback and relay it to the MEC

(iv)  Use domicile feedback to work with the company in resolving the Union’s problems and concerns.

(v)  Monitor staffing statistics and, where appropriate, establish trends of chronic understaffing for current and future use.  Use all information available to eliminate understaffing.

e.  Placement of Flying

(i)  The MEC Scheduling Committee in conjunction with the MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson will review placement of flying with the intent of resolving the problems that generate such placement.

(ii)  Should specific causes be established, the MEC Scheduling Committee shall work with the company to resolve the Union’s concerns provided that such action does not otherwise negatively impact the Flight Attendants, i.e. surplus, or excessively low block time.

…

5.  SCHEDULING REVIEW BOARD

a.  The Scheduling Review Board (“Board”) shall consist of the MEC President (or designee), MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson (or designee with the concurrence of the MEC), and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling (or designee). Additional guests may be invited and participate as needed.

b.  The Board shall meet at least every two weeks to address and resolve disagreements between the union and the company pertaining to any subject relating to Flight Attendant schedules or actions of the Inflight Crew Scheduling Department.

c.  The Board may meet either in person at a mutually agreed location, by telephone conference call, or by other electronic means of communication.

d.  Items for inclusion in the agenda shall be provided to all members of the Board at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled meeting to allow time for proper research and preparation. Items submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled meeting will be placed on the agenda of the following meeting, except by mutual agreement.

e.  Any item that cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the members of the Board will be forwarded to the MEC Grievance Committee for escalation

Qualifications

  • Robust working knowledge of scheduling provisions of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement.
  • Knowledge of CFRs and other regulations pertaining to flight time, duty time, and crew rest guidelines.
  • Ability to maintain office hours in Seattle during the business week and attend meetings as required.
  • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Jeppesen Crew Access (JCA, NavBlue PBS, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meetings agendas and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties

  • Provide assistance and guidance to Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons in handling scheduling-related concerns and issues. Assist in resolution of issues as needed.
  • Attend meetings with management and represent the AFA position on scheduling-related matters.
  • Participate in the Scheduling Review Board process.
  • Oversee the activities of the PBS and Pairing Construction subcommittees.
  • Schedule, plan, and conduct monthly meetings of the committee and other meetings and conference calls as needed.
  • Coordinate with the MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson to discuss issues that affect both reserve and lineholding Flight Attendants.
  • Correspond with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and MEC regularly to provide status updates. Prepare and send a monthly committee report to the MEC.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is budgeted for 100 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month in accordance with section 27.P.2.b of the CBA, paid with a 5% override at “A” pay.
  • Time commitment is approximately four days per week in Seattle with additional work completed remotely or in the office as necessary. No relocation or accommodation expense is provided for this position.
  • The MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson does not bid a line.

Working Relationships

With The Scheduling Committee

Constant interaction with the Local Scheduling Service Committee Chairpersons. Frequent interaction with Local Scheduling Committee Members.

With The Master Executive Council

This position reports to the Master Executive Council. The MEC executive sponsor for the committee is the MEC President.

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling (Denia Pisia), Director of Crew Planning & Resource Allocation (Chad Koehnke), Inflight Crew Planners (Kelly Yeager and Sabrina Blevins)

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

  • The MEC will hold interviews during the August MEC meeting on Tuesday, August 29.
  • Interviews will be at the AFA Alaska MEC office in Seattle.
  • Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou at linda.christou@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Friday, August 18, 2017. Linda will be able to provide additional information regarding transportation and booking of flights if necessary.

 

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Your Master Executive Council (MEC) knows this is short notice, but if you are not flying tomorrow (Wednesday, August 2nd), please plan to join the Alaska and Virgin America pilots in SeaTac, WA at Angle Lake Park (next door to Alaska Airlines corporate headquarters) for a unity rally and informational picketing event. This is a family-friendly joint unity event for Alaska and Virgin America pilots, their families, friends and invited guests. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Joint Alaska-Virgin America Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) has extended the invitation to Flight Attendants from Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, so come show your support for the Alaska and Virgin America pilots as the ALPA Alaska-Virgin America Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) and MEC continues to prepare for arbitration.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP here as soon as possible. (Your RSVP will help ALPA plan for parking and catering.)

What: Unity Rally and Informational Picketing

Where: Angle Lake Park, 19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188

When: 10 a.m. – 1:30 or 2 p.m. Shuttles from offsite parking to the park will run beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Click here for parking information >

Why: To send a message to management that we are unified behind the ALPA MEC and JNC, and that you disagree with management’s position that the pilots’ contract should lag far behind their peers in compensation, retirement benefits, and job protections.

For more information, see the “This Merger Won’t Fly” website >

Attire: Very strong preference for the Flight Attendant uniform but no jacket. (Pilots and your AFA leaders will be in uniform but no jacket due to the expected warm temperature.) Alternatively, you may wear orange to show unity.

Food, Family Events, and Other Fun Details: ALPA will have coffee available in the morning, and a catered lunch following the picketing event. Angle Lake Park has a playground, splash pad, and beach, as well as open grassy areas. We have reserved shelters for the day for our group.

Cost: The event is free to all Alaska and Virgin America pilots, their families, friends and invited guests (including Alaska and Virgin America Flight Attendants).

We hope to see you in uniform standing in solidarity with the pilots and your AFA leaders at the rally tomorrow!

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Agenda for Meeting with Management on August 3

AFA is scheduled to conduct another round of discussions with management later this week regarding further work rule improvements.  The focus of this meeting is to make additional progress to the previously discussed interim improvements for VX Flight Attendants as we move towards integration.  The commuter policy is on top of the priority list among other issues.  For details on the topics to be discussed, please see the June 8 MEC communication for more information.

Grievance Update

The new VX Grievance Procedure Letter of Agreement (LOA) has been a great benefit to Virgin America and Council 35 has already filed ten grievances on behalf of individual Flight Attendants and for contractual violations.  Please stay tuned for updates on the progress of currently filed contractual grievances. If you have any questions about the grievance process, please review the LOA that defines the process as well as the July 5 Council 35 News that defines  “at will” vs. “just cause” employment relationships.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding a potential grievance, please reach out to your Council 35 officers for assistance.

Upcoming Inaugural Flights

It was brought to the attention of Council 35 officers that some positions of the Philadelphia (PHL) re-launch pairing was held out of the bid packet and reserved for promo team assignment. As most know, VX typically makes a big deal of launch events and assigns the promo team as crews for launch flights. Council 35 believes this practice does not respect seniority nor does it align with current Alaska policy, and advocated for a change. Management agreed and made the decision that all future launch flights will be included in the monthly bid packet and available to anyone who would like to bid for them.

Upcoming Elections for Transitional President and Secretary

Please don’t miss your opportunity to vote for your candidates for Council 35 Local Council president and Local Council secretary. Ballots will be mailed August 1 and polls will be open from August 4 through August 24. For more detailed information, please refer to the AFA Membership Election Information page for the most updated information. You must complete an AFA membership application in order to vote in the officer elections.

Become A Member and Have the Right to Vote!

To become an official member, every VX Flight Attendant must complete and submit a membership application.  Please be aware that this form cannot be completed online.  The paper form must be submitted directly to an AFA representative or mailed to the AFA International Office in D.C. You can download and print one by clicking here. Completing an application ensures that you have the right to vote in officer elections and on tentative agreements.

Don’t Forget to Wear Your AFA Pin

The AFA pin is an approved uniform piece and should be worn on the left collar.  If wearing both your AFA pin and anniversary pin, the anniversary pin should be placed closest to the tip of the collar.

Your AFA pin represents our combined strength and unity as we work toward achieving improvements for all of us and should always be worn with your uniform.  If you have completed a membership application and didn’t receive an AFA pin, you can request one from an AFA representative or by contacting your Council 35 officers at vx@afaalaska.org.

FAQs and Rumor Control

I heard we can’t serve non-revs alcohol in First Class.  Is this true?

No.  Management has confirmed that all guest seated in First Class, whether full-fare or non-rev, are eligible to receive all the amenities offered in our standard First Class service, to include alcoholic beverages.

Is there any truth to the story on the news about our IT system being hacked?

Managing Director of IT Jake McClean confirmed that a breach did take place in March, but believes no serious threat to anyone’s personal security occurred.  He confirmed that as a precaution, management required everyone to change their passwords back at that time of the incident. Inflight management will be sending out a communication this week with the details. AFA has expressed its concern to management that the situation was addressed only after the news was leaked through an outside source and that the company waited so long to inform its employees of the incident.

I heard many VX ITMs did not receive a ballot for the nomination of candidates.  What happened?

AFA International handles all election related activities and confirmed that approximately 25 ballots were returned due to bad addresses, which have subsequently been updated.  The return rate is a typical percentage for the number of members we have at Virgin America. If you do not receive a ballot to vote in the upcoming officer elections, please contact the AFA Ballot Help Line at 800-424-2401, press 1 and dial extension 706.  The Ballot Help Line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time.

I have questions for Melissa and James.  How can I reach them?

Please refrain from sending messages to VX email accounts and/or via Facebook messenger.  Your questions will be answered faster if you send them to the Council 35 email vx@afaalaska.org.  Being available to you is important to your AFA leadership team and by following the prescribed methods of communication, your leaders can better assist with your questions, suggestions and concerns.  Thank you for understanding!

I am not getting any emails from AFA Alaska Council 35. What can I do?

Please be sure to subscribe to Council 35 emails using a non-Virgin America email account.  You can subscribe online at http://afanewsletters.org/subscribe/.  If you encounter any problems with the online subscription page, please email us at vx@afaalaska.org.

Please let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!  You can reach us at vx@afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & James

Seattle Summer News

 

First, on behalf of all the Seattle Council 19 Officers, thank you for your support during the election process. For those of you who are new to the base, your local officers are:

President: Terry Taylor – terry.taylor@afaalaska.org

Vice President: Jake Jones – jake.jones@afaalaska.org

Secretary/Treasurer: Adam Clarey – adam.clarey@afaalaska.org

Council Rep: Melinda Jorge – melinda.jorge@afaalaska.org

Council Rep: Megan Brown – megan.brown@afaalaska.org

Please reach out to any of the officers if you have questions or concerns.

 

Have you heard of osTicket? 

AFA Alaska recently implemented a new ticketing system to report issues. When you have a contractual or scheduling concern, the system enables you to log in and electronically file your concern. It will be routed to the correct person who will reach out to you. By utilizing this system, it allows AFA to track issues in each base. It is quick and easy to use. Visit http://support.afaalaska.org.

 

What have we been doing?

Council Representatives Melinda Jorge and Megan Brown attended the first session of the two-part New Officer training held in Washington, DC. They are both scheduled for the upcoming second session to complete their training.

Melinda will be attending a Martin Luther King County Labor Council meeting as a representative for the Seattle base. It is very important that we remain connected to and supportive of our fellow labor leaders. Adam Clary and Terry Taylor will be attending the CWA convention in August.

On July 14th, LEC Committee Chairs met with Council #19 Officers to discuss their needs and to review recent committee activity. We have decided to meet quarterly. In addition, we will be highlighting one committee each month via newsletter, so all Council 19 members are familiar with the Committee’s functions and with the Flight Attendants who participate in each committee.

 

Do you want to get involved? 

Jarod McNeill is our Seattle Communications Chairperson. He has sent out information regarding Committees who could use additional members. If you are interested in joining an AFA Committee, look for the email blast sent last week. You can also find the information on the Council 19 Facebook page. We are currently looking for members to join the Inflight Service Committee, Reserve Committee and the Air Safety, Health & Security Committee.

 

New Flight Attendants to Seattle!

We currently have an Initial Flight Attendant class in session, and all of them will be coming to Seattle. There are a few company people enrolled in the class as well, however the number coming to Seattle should be around 88!

 

CrewAccess (JCA)

We are aware that JCA issues are on everyone’s mind (both line-holders and reserves). There have been many glitches including the inability to self-assign certain length trips for reserves; inaccurate trip credit, sit time and sick leave credit disappearing from rosters, etc. We have been told that the payroll side of JCA is still accurately tracking sit time, although the monthly totals and pairing sit times are now inaccurate. Believe us when we say that we share your frustration.

Your AFA Officers, Grievance Representatives, Reserve Committee and Scheduling Committee are working hard with Management to get fixes in place.

 

Be in the Know!

There are many ways to keep up to date with Council 19 news:

 

Please remember, if you have an issue, go directly to the new osTicket reporting system at http://support.afaalaska.org to contact us. It is the fastest way to report your issue to an officer or committee member. As always, if you have specific questions, you can reach out to anyone via email.

 

In Solidarity,

AFA-CWA Council 19

Terry Taylor, Jake Jones, Adam Clarey, Megan Brown & Melinda Jorge

The House FAA Reauthorization Bill (H.R. 2997), also known as the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform & Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, protects our jobs from outsourcing and sets 10 hours non-reducible minimum rest for Flight Attendants.  This is our opportunity to make these provisions law.  But it won’t happen without your action.

Politico reports: “House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s floor schedule for this week left out Transportation Chairman Bill Shuster’s FAA reauthorization bill. The million-dollar question, of course, is why. It’s likely some combination of not enough votes. The whip count was close to a few dozen votes short as of the time lawmakers left town Friday afternoon.”

AFA International President Sara Nelson is asking all of us to take action.

Click Here To Watch The Video

If Congress does not pass a FAA Reauthorization Bill, it is likely that we will not get a full FAA Reauthorization Bill adopted until after the 2018 elections.  Instead, Congress will likely pass an extension.  That is unacceptable.  We need rest now.  We need job security now.  We need a fully funded FAA now.

Call your Representative TODAY at (855) 980-2366 and tell them to support the 21st Century AIRR Act (H.R. 2997)!

Here’s what you can say when you are connected:

“I’m your constituent and a Flight Attendant. I’m calling to urge my Representative to vote YES on H.R. 2997 when it comes to the House floor. This FAA Reauthorization bill ensures I have 10 hours non-reducible rest and prevents the outsourcing of my job. Flight Attendants can’t wait any longer for these safety and job protections. Please vote YES on H.R. 2997. Thank you.”

Calling is easy: When you dial the number, you will automatically be connected to your Representative’s office after a brief message. Keep calling every day!

Why are Flight Attendants supporting H.R. 2997?  The bill advances priority safety and job protections for Flight Attendants, including:

  • Flags Don’t Fly Here — prevents the DOT from awarding foreign air carrier permits to airlines that use the flags-of-convenience model
  • 10 Hours Non-Reducible Rest and a Fatigue Risk Management Plan for Flight Attendants
  • Banning Voice Calls on Planes
  • Secondary Cockpit Barriers
  • Customer Service Agent Assault Penalties
  • Cabin Evacuation Certification Standards
  • Impact of Seat Pitch on Safety
  • Nursing Rooms in Airports
  • Improved Insecticide Notification
  • Expanded Airport Personnel Human Trafficking Awareness Training
  • Improved Lithium Ion Battery Regulations

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Berry

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, December 11, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

On Thursday, December 4, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work in representing our Flight Attendants and advocating 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 pmAS), and Andrew Malone (SAN). MEC […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 10 – December 2025

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with management this week to continue bargaining sessions in Seattle, WA. Discussions focused on narrowing issues in Leaves of Absence, Association General, and reviewing vacation provisions as part of the joint contract process.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

On Monday, December 8, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

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