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March 24, 2015 12:25

Through its Next Generation program, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) is connecting members aged 35 and under with seasoned member-mentors over the age of 35 to form a network of committed union activists across the country. Next Gen activists bring youthful energy and unique insights to the task of advancing economic and social justice. We are fighting for:

Good Jobs
Healthcare for All
Bargaining and Organizing Rights
Retirement Security
Democracy and Economic Justice

Next Gen members embrace creative organizing approaches and new media in order to mobilize and empower workers. And we are building strong alliances with progressive allies, including students, immigrant rights advocates, LGBTQ activists, and environmentalists. We know we’re all in this together.

If you’re a CWA member who is 35 or under and want to learn and lead, you belong in Next Gen.

If you’re a CWA member who is over 35 and willing to share your experience as a Member-Mentor, Next Gen needs you.

Be part of CWA’s future.

Join us.

If you are interested, please contact Seattle FA & Council 19 Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Cook, who is also a Next Gen Lead Activist. She can be reached at 206.218.7480 or at kcook907@gmail.com. You can also text “NEXTGEN” to 69866.

Below you will find a link for the Next Generation Leaflet.

Click Here for Next Generation Leaflet

March 18, 2015 13:52

Council 19- Seattle

April 8, 2014

11:00 am

Hampton Inn and Suites- across from AS Flight Ops

Agenda

I. Call meeting to order

Call for late agenda items
Announcements

II. AFA BOD Agenda Items

(Break)

III. LEC Update

Officer Update
Year End Budget Review
Late Agenda Items

If you would like to add an agenda item please contact LEC Secretary Linda Christou by April 6th!

March 17, 2015 16:03

It has recently come to light that Premera Blue Cross, the company that manages a large number of Alaska Airlines employer-sponsored health plans, has experienced a cyber attack that might have exposed the personal data of up to 11 million customers. The attack was discovered on January 29 of this year but initially occurred on May 5, 2014. There is no indication that the attackers have used the data illegally as of this time.

Premera has indicated that they will provide two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to those affected. A special website has been set up by Premera to provide more information at http://www.premeraupdate.com.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt and MEC Benefits Chairperson Terry Taylor

March 12, 2015 20:00

At a meeting held last week, your Master Executive Council (MEC) interviewed candidates for the position of MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson for Pairing Construction, commonly referred to as the AFA Pairing Analyst. In total, nine candidates interviewed for the position (three Seattle-based Flight Attendants, three Portland-based Flight attendants, two Anchorage-based Flight Attendants, and one Los Angeles-based Flight Attendant). The MEC would like to thank those candidates for stepping forward in the spirit of Union service. After much discussion, the MEC has appointed Sherrijon Gaspard to the position.

About Sherrijon

A passion for helping people has been a driving force in Sherrijon’s life for as long as she can remember. This dedication to service has been apparent at Alaska Airlines, where she has been a Flight Attendant since 1998. Her commitment to helping people does not stop when the plane hits the ground and the cabin door opens. She has been creative and resourceful in generating new ideas and solutions applicable to both the inflight department as well as the Union serving on various committees (Reserve Committee, PBS Committee, Inflight Service Committee, Hiring & Recruitment).

As part of her dedication to improvement, in 2006, Sherrijon decided to pursue an MBA at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business Management. At Pepperdine, she honed her innate ability for hospitality, team building and enhancing the customer experience and added developing and implementing integrated marketing and client satisfaction programs to her skill set. After earning her MBA in 2009, she founded Eos Ventures, a small business consulting firm and launched Vina Sympatica™ Sparkling Wines.

Now in her new position as Pairing Analyst, Sherrijon is ready to once again dedicate time to AFA and use her keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills to help ensure fair yet equal pairings and improved Flight Attendant quality of life while also paying close attention to management’s cost concerns and contractual obligations.

Thank You To Jeff Stein

The MEC would like to thank outgoing Pairing Analyst and Portland-based Flight Attendant Jeff Stein for his service to our Flight Attendants. For years, Jeff worked hard to improve Flight Attendant quality of life by advocating for better pairings and more efficient flying. Please join us in wishing Jeff well in his future pursuits.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones

March 8, 2015 23:20

3.5.2015 Retracted Name Minutes

March 8, 2015 22:59

Pick up begins in some localities beginning tomorrow, March 9^th

Our new Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) the iPhone 6+ will be ready for pick up in some localities beginning tomorrow, March 9^th. Distribution will continue through the system over the next six weeks or so. This is a very exciting development, as the iPhone 6+ will eventually replace our Flight Attendant Manual and it will also contain our contract. (Yes, a printed version of the contract will also be available and so far we’re looking on track for publication in middle to late spring.) Keep in mind that nobody is required to carry the IMD until Wednesday, May 6^th. “Early Adopters” of the IPhone 6+ IMD are converted to the general policy starting tomorrow, which means many of the special protections of that program will no longer apply.

The IMD is a tool of convenience but exposes a flight attendant to many potential liabilities

The Inflight Mobile Device is an extremely adaptable tool of convenience. However by nature of its functionality, the IMD exposes a flight attendant to many potential personal liabilities. AFA was hoping to have ample opportunity to thoroughly vet all implications of the Company policy surrounding the IMD. Unfortunately, the policy itself and related materials were going through changes right up to the publication of Inflight bulletin 2015-0057 “Your iPhone 6+ Pick Up!” on Thursday, March 5^th. Additionally, Management announced to AFA the official start of full distribution only very recently.

AFA cannot overstate the importance of exercising caution with the IMD

AFA cannot overstate the importance of exercising caution with how you use the Inflight Mobile Device. In our opinion, simply adhering to Company policy does not provide adequate protections. Just because the iPhone 6+ can be used in a more expansive manner does not mean you should use it that way.

Location, location, location

Although the location services can be manually turned off, by default the iPhone 6+ IMD is configured with the location function on. Between the required app “Airwatch” that comes pre-installed and the device’s pre-existing location features, the IMD could be used as a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker by Alaska Airlines management. So far AFA has not become aware of any intent by management to use it in such a manner. However, we believe management might go there if a flight attendant were under investigation for pending discipline and management thought the IMD would provide additional information in any way.

Utilize the IMD as a work tool only

AFA urges you to utilize the iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device only as a work tool. Turn it on to ensure you’ve synced your IMD within 24 hours of check-in and to verify the battery’s charge level. Otherwise it should remain off until shortly before scheduled check-in. If you are coming off of a layover then turn on the IMD shortly before boarding. If you use the device in any capacity while at work then assume a supervisor is looking over your shoulder each and every time. Turn the IMD off after the last passenger steps off the aircraft at the conclusion of your sequence (or after you check your email if you’re on Reserve).

Maintain a clear separation between anything personal and the IMD

Do not sync the Inflight Mobile Device to any personal devices. Do not attach any personal accounts to the IMD (email, social media, etc.). Do not download personal media (e.g. photos, music, etc.) to the IMD. Do not purchase or access any apps for personal use. Essentially, you must maintain a clear separation between anything personal and the IMD or else you are exposed to unnecessary liability.

Summary of Initial Recommendation

In summary: use the Inflight Mobile Device at work (or minimally while off-duty) only for work-related purposes and adhere to Company policy. Then you will receive all the benefits of an extremely flexible work tool with none of the drawbacks of personal liability. Finally, the IMD should never leave the five “safe zones” while on duty: in the approved carrying pouch attached to the cart, in beverage cart drawers, in galley compartments (although be aware the device could be easily forgotten here), in a crew bag or on your person. While off duty, the IMD ideally should never leave your crew bag except briefly to charge and to sync the device at the appropriate time in preparation for duty.

More information will be forthcoming

More information will be forthcoming in regards to the iPhone 6+ Inflight Mobile Device.

* * *

In solidarity,

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC Grievance chairperson Jennifer Wise MacColl

March 6, 2015 18:28

Background

On May 1^st, 2012, Alaska Airlines management unilaterally made a significant change to the employee travel pass policy. Effective that day, almost all Alaska Airlines employees who had previous service with Horizon Air had their year of hire adjusted to their Alaska Air Group (AAG) date of hire for the purposes of non-revenue travel priority. Over three hundred (300) employees had their travel seniority changed—approximately one hundred fifty (150) of them flight attendants. All former Horizon employees hired after July 1, 2012, have received their Alaska date of hire as their travel seniority.

AFA and ALPA filed grievances in response

AFA and ALPA filed grievances in response to that change. This was not something we undertook lightly, because many of our flight attendants are former Horizon employees. Ultimately, however, the Master Executive Council (MEC) filed the grievance because we felt—and still feel—that the Company’s actions abrogated our seniority. Seniority is the bedrock of our contract and the guiding principle governing our work rules. The grievance was intended to protect our contract and the workgroup as a whole, not to hurt a group of flight attendants.

Recent developments

ALPA recently settled its grievance, and now management has informed us that it will respond to our grievance by rolling back the travel seniority of Alaska flight attendants and pilots who are former Horizon employees. The Company is not rolling back the travel seniority of former Horizon employees in any other work group.

AFA believes the grievance is not resolved

AFA has told management that we do not believe that the grievance is fully resolved. The MEC is evaluating its options and determining its next steps. We will, of course, keep you informed of any developments. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact your local officers.

***

In solidarity,

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; MEC Grievance Chairperson Jennifer Wise MacColl; and AFA Senior Staff Attorney Kimberley Chaput

March 6, 2015 09:22

Council 19 Local Base Meeting

When: April 8, 2015

Where: Hampton Inn- across from Alaska Flight Ops

Time: 11am

It’s that time of the year when your AFA Officers are preparing for the annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting and we need to discuss the agenda items for the BOD and seek your input. We will be posting the agenda items for review and look forward to discussing them with you at the April meeting.

We welcome our Sisters and Brothers from Horizon Council 16 to this meeting!

LEC Scheduling Committee

Many of you have reached out expressing interest for the local scheduling committee. This is a new committee for Alaska AFA and we are working through the process of establishing the foundation of the committee. Currently, the LEC Presidents are seeking out their local chairs and your SEA Officers are proud to present your LEC Scheduling Chair, Erik Velez!

Erik will be working with the Seattle Officers over the next few months to select the local committee and we will be reaching out to everyone who had contacted us.

Contacting your LEC Officers and Committee Members

Your LEC Officers and Committee members would like to ask for you help on this issue- While we realize the importance of finding solutions to your issues as quick as possible we would like to ask that you only reach out to one person at a time. There are many times where several of us get the same email or phone call and we each begin the process of working through the issue and duplicate efforts. If you have not heard back from your first point of contact within 24 hours then feel free to reach out to another person on the list.

Your Committee members fly a full line of time and the majority of your officers also fly and there are times where it takes us a few hours to return a call.

We appreciate your help and understanding with this request!

Grievance Update

All 5 of your Council 19 Officers and Jarod McNeill, are grievance trained and ready to assist with any disciplinary meetings/questions. Remember, you have a right to bring in an AFA representative to any meeting with management. With that said, you also have an obligation to return phone calls from management. If you receive a call from management and have any questions please reach out one of the six grievance representatives and we will be happy to discuss the issue with you.

Uniform Guidelines

There is a lot of confusion over the changes to the uniform policy and each supervisor appears to have a different approach to the changes. Your MEC Grievance Chair, Jen Wise-MacColl is working with the MEC and the MEC Uniform Chair, Bob Moore, on the proposed changes and how these changes will affect our group. Once we have received the proposed language from the company we will be communicating with the members. In the mean time, if you have questions please reach out to one of your Officers for assistance.

Implementation Update

March 2^nd, 2015 additional contractual provisions were put into place which include the following:

11.C.3.a. – b. – No pre-plotted ER days:

Flight Attendants who bid and are awarded a reserve line will have no pre-plotted ER days. Please be aware the company may convert a Reserve to ER a maximum of two (2) times per bid month, including a lineholder who has picked up reserve days. If you receive voluntary/involuntary conversions you will receive premium pay for the converted duty period, if flown, but no less than 1.0 TFP paid above the guarantee for ER conversions if not used.

LTFA preferences:

The LTFA preferences are live and being utilized by Crew Scheduling. There are many options available to Reserve Flight Attendants, which may assist in your quality of life. The fly/pass preferences refer to those Reserves who want to go First Out (fly) or Last Out (pass).

For example:

Pass/Fly 4k Night Flying

2 day PM FA1 preferences Fly Y N

2 day PM FA2 preferences Pass N Y

If Crew Scheduling is looking to award a 2-day sequence with night flying they will assign it to FA2. FA1 is asking to go out first, but does not want a night flying sequence, FA2 is asking to go out last but wants a night flying sequence. In an attempt to provide both FA1 and FA2 with their preferences, FA1 is bypassed and FA2 is awarded the sequence.

——————————————————————————-

Pass/Fly 4k Night Flying

3 day AM FA1 preferences Fly N N

3 day AM FA2 preferences Fly Y Y

If Crew Scheduling is looking to award a 3-day sequence with 4k flying they will assign it to FA2. FA1 is positioned to go out first, but does not want a 4k sequence, FA2 is positioned to go out first as well but below FA1 in the LTFA however s/he is willing to accept a 4k sequence. In an attempt to provide both FA1 and FA2 with their preferences, FA1 is bypassed and FA2 is awarded the sequence.

——————————————————————————-

In the past our LTFA list was based on days of availability, classification and TFP. With our new system there are preferences that may or may not change the way in which the order of assignment is awarded. With any change there are always challenges and opportunities. If you have concerns, comments or questions please feel free to bring those forward to your Local Reserve Committee. Providing us with both positive and negative feedback will assist your leadership in reviewing these newly implemented preferences.

March 5, 2015 18:53

Distribution begins on Monday

Alaska Airlines management will begin distributing the iPhone 6+ as our Inflight Mobile Device beginning on Monday, March 9, 2015. Distribution will continue over the next six weeks. There will be no less than twenty-one days available per domicile to pick up the device with additional accommodations made for the Los Angeles co-terminals. Management will provide dedicated staff to distribute the device.

Flight Attendants will be compensated 0.5 TFP for picking up the iPhone 6+

AFA and management have agreed to pay and credit flight attendants one-half (0.5) TFP for simply picking up the iPhone 6 Plus. The 0.5 TFP will serve as a “bonus” towards achieving the Quarterly Productivity Premium (QPP) in whatever quarter the device is picked up (Q1 for March, Q2 for April). The estimated amount of time to pick up the device is between five and fifteen minutes. However, flight attendants should allot up to a half-hour. The pay will be reflected in the flight attendant’s next adjustment check associated with the date of device pick up. “Early adopters” who have already received the iPhone 6+ will likewise be paid and credited one-half (0.5) TFP.

Arrangement for pick up

Flight attendants may pick up the iPhone 6+ either on or off duty. A Flight attendant who does not have scheduled flying or airport standby during the scheduled pick up dates must make arrangements with Inflight supervisor to receive her or his device at a mutually agreed-upon time and place. Nobody will be disciplined for not picking up the iPhone 6+ during the required period but everybody will be issued a device and are expected to make a good faith effort to facilitate this process.

Los Angeles co-terminal arrangements

For Los Angeles-based flight attendants who wish to pick up her or his iPhone 6+ in a co-terminal, she or he must pre-arrange to do so through a sign-up process. No less than two days will be available in Burbank (BUR), two days in Ontario (ONT) and five days in Orange County (SNA). Each co-terminal session will be no less than six hours and targeted around scheduled crew check-in times.

Pick up does not constitute training

This is not training. Nobody is expected to start using the Inflight Mobile Device for a couple months. For now, the iPhone 6+ is being issued simply in order to familiarize flight attendants with the device. Additional training will occur at a later date prior to any required use.

More information about the Inflight Mobile Device

A copy of the Inflight Mobile Devices Distribution Letter of Agreement is here. We know many of you will have additional questions. More information regarding the Inflight Mobile Device will be forthcoming in the next few days.

* * *

In solidarity,

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt

March 1, 2015 14:49

March Newsletter