Click the link below to view the minutes from the June 15th 2017 Quarterly Reserve Meeting with Scheduling Management.
The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) concluded negotiations training followed by two days of discussions with management’s team this week. Representing management were Vice President of Inflight & Call Center Services Andy Schneider, Vice President of Labor Relations Greg Mays and Managing Director of Labor Relations Elizabeth Ryan. This week’s meetings focused solely on issues that must be addressed in order to integrate the two Flight Attendant groups. Improvements to the Alaska Contract will be addressed downline.
This first session focused on working with management to create an initial list of items that both sides agree will require further discussion in the months ahead. Representatives from the Human Resources department joined the meeting, bringing their expertise to the discussion. Some issues are complex and will require negotiations, such as integrating both groups into the 401(k) and medical plans, translating points for the Attendance Policy and working through the differences in vacation programs. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.
The JNC will hold an additional preparatory meeting in July just for the committee. Meeting dates with management have been scheduled through the end of the year, with meetings at least once per month starting in August.
We will update you further after the next meeting, August 8-10.
In Solidarity,
Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
In accordance with the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, your new Local Council will soon nominate and elect Flight Attendants as your AFA Leaders. The two (2) positions being elected for Council 35 (Virgin America–JFK/LAX/SFO) are Local Council President and Local Council Secretary. The current Local Council Officers who were appointed when the Local Council was created will transition responsibilities to the Flight Attendants who are elected to these two positons.
The Council 35 Election page can be found at http://afacwa-elections.org/councils/ala-council-35-sfo-lax-jfk/.
Within AFA, Local Council Officer elections are a two-part process. The first step is to nominate candidates for office from amongst the Flight Attendants at your Local Council and the second step is to elect officers from the nominated candidates. This communication will focus on the first step, the upcoming nomination process.
Nomination Schedule
| Mail Date | 06/19/2017 | Voting packets are mailed to each Flight Attendant. This contains your personal 16-digit activation code. |
| Polls Open | 06/22/2017 12:00 PM EDT |
The polls are open and voting begins. |
| Polls Close | 07/12/2017 12:00 PM EDT |
The polls close and the count takes place. |
Electronic Balloting Information
Both the nomination process and election ballots are conducted through Votenet Solutions, a third-party vendor. The direct web address is https://eballotuv.votenet.com/afa/. The AFA Election site at http://www.afacwa-elections.org/ will address additional questions and provide information regarding the ballot.
For the nomination ballot, the process is conducted completely online. You will be nominating your elected leaders from a list of all Flight Attendants in your Local Council. For the election process where you will be selecting leaders from those nominated, ballots may be cast either online or by telephone.
Voting Instructions for Nomination Ballots
All Council 35 Flight Attendants will receive a voting packet by mail. This packet contains the instructions for casting your ballot along with a 16-digit activation code which allows you to access the ballot. If you have already completed an AFA membership application, you will be able to log into the ballot, select your choices for the two positions and cast your vote.
If you have not completed an AFA membership application, you will not be able to cast your vote right away. You will need to contact AFA Membership Services in order to complete your application and have your ballot activated.
The 16-Digit Authorization Code
The voting packet includes a 16-digit authorization code. This code allows you to obtain a username and password which is your voting credentials for that ballot only. This ensures that no one at Votenet or AFA has access to your voting credentials. New activation codes are sent for each and every ballot.
To Activate
- Enter the 16-digit code you received on the front page of the Votenet website
- The site will generate a username and ask you to create a password.
- Write the username and password down
Once a Flight Attendant obtains their username and password they may proceed to vote.
Ballot Help Line
The AFA-CWA Membership Services Department handles all voter questions and issues new activation codes should you misplace yours. The Ballot Help Line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. If you have a question or need a new 16-digit activation code, you may contact the Ballot Help Line at 800-424-2401, then press 1 and dial extension 706.
If your call goes to voicemail, please leave a message and someone will call you back.
Count Day
The ballot will end and no additional votes may be cast after the end date and time listed on the Voting Instructions. The time will always be listed as Eastern time, NOT your local time. The opening and closing dates of the ballot are set in accordance with the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws.
The counting of the electronic ballots is conducted in accordance with the AFA Constitution & Bylaws by the Ballot Certification Committee.
Each person who has completed a Commitment to Serve and received at least 2 nominations will appear on the election ballot.
Commitment to Serve
Each Flight Attendant who wishes to run for office must complete a Commitment to Serve (http://afacwa-elections.org/commitment-to-serve-form/) in order to be eligible to appear on the election ballot. If a Flight Attendant receives two nominations and has not completed a Commitment to Serve, AFA Membership Services will contact those people on the count day and allow them to complete the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who receives the Voting Notice and Instructions (Ballot Packet)?
A: All Flight Attendants in your Local Council will receive the voting packet including Flight Attendants who have not completed a membership application.
Q: If I change my mind after I cast my ballot, can I revote?
A: No, once you cast your ballot your credentials are separated from your vote. This way no one can see how anyone casts a ballot.
Q: Can a person who has not completed a membership application vote?
A: No. They will receive a voting packet but if their membership application is not on file then they will be stopped from casting a ballot. However, you may contact AFA-CWA Membership Service to complete a membership application and once completed you will be eligible to vote.
Q: Who do Flight Attendants call if they did not receive the Voting Notice with the 16-digit authorization code?
A: 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.
The following is a message from your AFA Government Affairs Committee
The Senate is drafting their version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill and we need them to make combating Flight Attendant fatigue a top priority.
Tell Senators to include our 10 hours minimum rest provision along with a Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) in the base bill.
Call your Senator TODAY at (855) 534-1774 and tell them Flight Attendants need 10 hours minimum rest and not a minute less!
Congressional fatigue studies confirm we need more rest. This is about safety, health and equality – the flight deck has 10 hours minimum rest and so should we!
Call your Senator TODAY at (855) 534-1774! Calling is easy: When you dial the number, you will automatically be connected to one of your Senator’s offices after a brief message. It may take several attempts to reach both your Senators, so keep calling!
Here’s what you can say when you are connected:
“I’m your constituent and a Flight Attendant. Studies show I can become fatigued at work. I’m calling to urge the Commerce Committee to include 10-hour, non-reducible minimum rest for Flight Attendants and a Fatigue Risk Management Plan in the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Thank you.”
For more information on our #Fightfor10 Campaign visit afacwa.org.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry
Seattle Local Base Meeting
Wednesday~June 21, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Hampton Inn
(18850 28TH Ave South-across from Flight Ops Building)
SeaTac, WA
Agenda
| 1:00 PM | Andy Schneider (VP of Inflight) and Ron Moyer (Manager JCTE) – Q & A |
| 2:00 PM | Call Meeting to Order |
| 2:05 PM | Budget Review for AFA Board of Directors Meetings |
| 2:30 PM | LEC Officer Reports
§ LEC President § Introduction of your new Council 19 Local Officers § LEC Vice President § LEC Secretary-Treasurer |
| 3:00 PM | Committee Reports
§ ASHSC § Benefits § Communications § EAP § Government Affairs § Hotel § Inflight Service § Reserve § Retirement § Uniform |
| 3:30 PM | Final Call for Late Agenda Items |
| 3:30 PM | Unite Here “Fight for 15” Brian Mason |
| 4:00 PM | Adjourn |
Members in Good Standing are invited to attend the meeting. Parking is free at the hotel and shuttle service is available from the airport via Hampton Inn or MVP Shuttle (to AS Flight Ops building only).
In solidarity,
Laura, Jake, Linda, Adam, and Stephanie
Your AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) is excited to introduce the new AFA Alaska online support center. This new system is designed for you to document and report scheduling and reserve concerns, situations where you might be facing discipline, potential contractual grievances, and any other issue where you might need AFA support. The system will also allow AFA representatives to better track issues that are occurring, identify trends, and address and resolve issues with management.
You can access the system using the following link:
Reporting New Issues
You can report a new issue in the system by opening a ticket, just follow these steps:
- Visit http://support.afaalaska.org/
- Click the blue “Open a New Ticket” button
- Fill in your personal information (including a non-company email address)
- Select the help topic that relates to the issue
- Fill in the issue-specific information and provide details
From this screen, you’ll also be able to attach pictures, PDF files, screenshots, and other information that will help your AFA representatives to have more information available about the issue.
Once you’ve opened a ticket, you’ll receive a confirmation email and with a ticket number. Behind the scenes, your ticket will be assigned to an AFA representative who will assist you with the issue.
Checking on Open Issues
With your ticket number, you’ll be able to track the status of the ticket online, add additional information and attachments for your AFA representative to have available. To check on your ticket:
- Visit http://support.afaalaska.org
- Click the green “Check Ticket Status” button
- Enter your email address and ticket number
- Click the “View Ticket” button
Questions?
If you have any questions about the AFA online support center or need assistance with an issue, you can always contact your LEC Officers.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee
Your Council 35 Officers have received questions and feedback from Flight Attendants about the “ITM Sick Calls” email from Jeff and Val. In an attempt to manage what appears to be high usage of sick leave, management has opted to enforce their current policy with additional measures. Alaska management views the misuse of sick leave as time card fraud and has been historically vigilant in investigating suspected abuse. Regarding Virgin America teammates, the percentage of Flight Attendants that use sick leave is significantly higher than the percentage of sick leave used by Alaska Flight Attendants, and this causes management some concern. Granted, AFA acknowledges that this is not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison due to differing sick leave policies, however management is still alarmed by the disparity.
Additionally, management has revealed that they will be evaluating Flight Attendant sick leave patterns. Management has indicated that certain trends could indicate sick leave abuse, and they will be investigating these patterns. Although this appears to be a new policy, it has always been the right of management to follow these procedures.
It is apparent that the tone and style of this recent communication is different than the tone historically employed in past communications. Jeff Butler is very straight forward; this can be refreshing to some because it removes ambiguity while others may interpret his bluntness as being too aggressive. Many of you have expressed to us that you feel personally offended by the presentation of the information. If you find yourself feeling that way, we suggest that you respectfully write to Jeff and Val and explain how the email was perceived. If you are not comfortable communicating directly with management, you may write to us at vx@afaalaska.organd we can forward the information to them anonymously.
Finally, if any Flight Attendant is notified by any member of management to attend a meeting regarding sick leave use, please contact your Council 35 Officers immediately at vx@afaalaska.org. You are entitled to have an AFA Representative present at any such meeting.
In Solidarity,
Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & James
This week will mark the start of merger negotiations with management. The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will attend AFA negotiations training in Seattle at the beginning of the week. The JNC is comprised of three Flight Attendants appointed by the MEC: two Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, Jennifer Wise MacColl and Lindsey Steele, and one Virgin America Flight Attendant, Jamie Cogen. MEC President Jeffrey Peterson is chairperson of the committee and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo rounds out the committee as the professional negotiator. After training and preparation early in the week, the first meeting with management will occur on Wednesday and Thursday.
This initial session will be confined to discussing transition issues necessary to combine Flight Attendants at each carrier into one employee group and covered by a single collective bargaining agreement. The occasion will also provide an opportunity to get further details from management on merger plans and updated timelines and to reaffirm AFA’s position that we are looking for targeted improvements. However, discussing specific improvements will not be a subject for this first meeting and will be addressed later.
Keep in mind that merger negotiations are a different process than regular negotiations. These talks are not under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board or Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, and neither side believes that the entire contract is open for discussion. Discussions will focus on a short list of items, and all the provisions in our Contract (pay raises, etc) will continue in force.
What are some of the transition issues necessary to merge the two Flight Attendant groups?
- How VX FAs will transition to the uniform and how uniform points will translate.
- How sick leave will be converted.
- How transition (aircraft differences) training will be accomplished for AS and VX FAs.
- Attendance policy – how points will be handled for past occurrences for VX FAs.
- Ensure that VX FAs get credit for “time served” on probation and are not subject to another probationary period on the Alaska side.
- Confirm that the VX FAs will retain their vacation slots.
- How 401(k) plans will be transitioned.
- …and more.
There are many items that must be carefully considered so VX and AS Flight Attendants will be on equal footing in relation to the many provisions in the Alaska contract. The Joint Negotiating Committee and management will work to define the scope of transition issues that must be addressed. Again, the parties will take up this task before discussing improvements. We know you will be very interested in knowing more about AFA’s bargaining objectives and potential “improvements,” but it is too early in the process to discuss those in a meaningful way. Once the JNC completes talks this week and defines the strategy going forward, we will provide you with another update.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee
Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
The past couple of months have been incredibly challenging for Flight Attendants after back-to-back in-cabin disturbances in the US were broadcast on social media. Those disturbances subsequently “broke the internet” and were widely carried by news outlets. The mob mentality response to the video clips, with little correct information about the incidents, has put Flight Attendants in the cross hairs. AFA immediately focused on a national de-escalation to keep travelers from coming to the plane with bias against crewmembers and the authority we must maintain to keep everyone safe.
Reinforcing Our Role as Aviation’s First Responders
AFA’s message in the media and on Capitol Hill has been to remind the public and our legislators that Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders charged with the safety, health and security of the passengers in our care. AFA has cited the ever-shrinking personal space in main cabins and minimum staffing as some of the contributing factors to these recent incidents.
In case you missed it, the Today Show recently featured Flight Attendants talking about their perspective on conditions in the cabin. Flight Attendants reminded Matt Lauer and the public about the good job aviation’s first responders do to usher millions safely and efficiently to their destinations every single day. Matt Lauer reiterated this point to millions of viewers who also fly on our planes!
Passenger Incident Reporting Form
AFA has been receiving reports from Flight Attendants about a variety of situations in which they are feeling harassed by passengers. It is imperative that AFA begin collecting confidential data on these types of confrontations so that we can more effectively advocate on your behalf to management, regulators, legislators and the media. For instance, we want to know: (1) How frequently are passengers videotaping us, (2) What exactly are they filming and (3) Are they trying to incite emotions from Flight Attendants by saying or doing inappropriate things?
If you or your fellow Flight Attendants experience concerning behavior from a passenger(s), please take a moment to fill out a confidential reporting form by clicking on the following link. The form is very simple to complete. Filling out this form is optional (although greatly appreciated) and does not relieve you of other reporting requirements indicated in your Flight Attendant manual.
Passenger Incident Reporting Form »
*** If AFA releases any of the data to third parties, be assured we will remove any and all identifying information so that confidentiality is strictly maintained. ***
Thank you very much in advance for assisting AFA in combatting rising tensions in the cabin. Fly safe and continue to look out for each other.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee
Dear Seattle Flight Attendants,
There is a lot happening right now and we want to try and address your questions and any rumors that are out on the line. It’s important to remember there are resources available to you, along with your LEC Officers, where you can find answers to your questions. It’s important that we curtail rumors and bad info on the line and address issues with factual responses!
We hope that this newsletter addresses the top concerns and provides you with the necessary resources to seek your answers, too.
AFA-CWA Local Base Meeting June 21, 2017
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Hampton Inns and Suites, 28th Ave
(across from AS Fight Ops)
You have 2 options to get from the airport to the hotel:
1. Call the hotel directly for the shuttle (206) 244-5044
2. Call MVP shuttle (206) 243-3211. MVP is available for AS employees with their ID. The shuttle will drop you off at the Flight Ops building (just across from the hotel).
If you are driving to the meeting, parking at the hotel is free.
Andy Schneider has confirmed that she will attend the meeting to discuss recent concerns with Crew Access.
Council 19 LEC Officer Transition Process
Your current LEC Officers and the LEC Officer-Elects have been working together over the past month training and transitioning for the new officer term, which begins July 1, 2017.
Starting in June, LEC President Officer-Elect, Terry Taylor, will be included in all local base communication. This means that Terry will be cc’d in on all emails, alerted to texts, and updates with phone calls that the current LEC President, Laura Masserant, receives. This will ensure that Terry is up to speed on all events/issues that affect the Flight Attendants of Council 19.
Also, beginning June 1, Terry will be the point person for all performance meetings. Laura will step down from all performance/grievance related issues to ensure continuity of the grievance process during the transition process.
Virgin America Updates
Did you know that Virgin America (VX) F/As have are now part of AFA and the Alaska MEC? Their 3 domiciles (SFO, LAX, and JFK) make up AFA Council 35. The transitional council has a Local Council President, Melissa Osborne, and a Local Council Secretary, James Ikehara. Read more about James and Melissa at:
https://afaalaska.org/vx/officers
Melissa and James have attended the past 2 MEC meetings and they have been very busy! If you would like to know what they are doing to get their VX FAs ready for integration you can find updates on the AFA website:
Melissa and James are answering questions in their updates, such as: VX travel, merger and integration appointees for VX FAS, along with a multitude of other questions. It’s a good rule of thumb for all of us to stay up to date with our brothers and sisters by adding Council 35 to your AFA newsletter preferences and receive their newsletters (see how to do this below).
Seniority Integration Questions?
Your officers are hearing questions about seniority integration. We want to remind everyone of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws language which stipulates how seniority will be addressed:
‘Date-of-Hire’ Principle Used, ‘Bidding Seniority’ Actual Term
Section X.C.2.a.(2). of the AFA-CWA C&B ensures that, “…the ‘seniority date’ of a Flight Attendant shall be the date from which each Flight Attendant accrues competitive (bidding) seniority as a Flight Attendant as of the date of the merger agreement between the affected airlines.” The term “date-of-hire” is common terminology among Flight Attendants and is the principle contained within the C&B. This term describes our principle but not the actual wording that refers to bidding seniority.
Receiving newsletters from other domiciles
How can I receive newsletters from other councils? It’s easy! Simply locate the manage your subscription link located at the bottom of every AFA newsletter that you receive and add councils to your subscription list.
You can add all AS/VX councils, as well as other airline councils who participate in the newsletter system.
Crew Access Update~Adjusted Trip Trading Dates for FA to FA Trading and June Open Time
AFA and management have agreed to adjust the trip trading dates so that Flight Attendant-to-Flight Attendant trades will no longer occur on the same day as Open Time. This is effective in June for July trading. Because Flight Attendants did not have an opportunity to bid for the new trading dates in June, the parties have agreed to keep Open Time trading on the 15th and instead move FA-to-FA trading up a day to the 14th. Starting in July for August trading and beyond, FA-to-FA trades will go back to the contractual trading date of the 15th and Open Time trading will occur a day later on the 16th.
For more information on this Letter of Agreement click the following link:
https://afaalaska.org/committees/scheduling/as-adjusted-trip-trading-dates
Your officers hope that you find this information helpful. Remember, you can reach us at sea@afaalaska.org.
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