Dear Seattle Flight Attendants,
It is hard to believe that it is already the month of June! Are you ready for summer flying? Summer flying always adds more to our already hectic jobs on the aircraft, UMs, families, and packed planes. Please remember to rely on your fellow crew members for assistance with bags, carts, and closing overhead bins. Flight Attendants are not required to lift bags and we ask that you use good judgment when turning bags in the overhead bins to reduce injuries! Flight Attendant injuries are on the rise and although I love to talk to you, I do not want to have to discuss how to file a worker’s compensation claim with you!
Flight Pac! Please sign up for Flight Pac- we need your help to fight Flight Attendants causes on Capitol Hill!
http://legislative.afacwa.org/FlightPACCope/2012PACBrochure.pdf
A Review of the Past Few Months
Over the past few months I have had a chance to talk with many of you on a variety of issues. The biggest issue, of course, is negotiations. I understand that frustrations are mounting and that you are anxious for the team to get back to the table. However, feedback from Flight Attendants in all the bases signaled to us that change on the negotiating committee was important to you. During this time the MEC had to discuss several matters associated with going back to the table, including a new survey and the creation of the Mobilization committee. Also, both Seattle and Portland LEC Officer Elections were underway in March. The MEC knew that making any changes prior to the election results could cause more of a delay, so we waited until the April 11th election results before we could interview for the negotiation committee. In the mean time we got to work on the survey and the mobilization committee.
Seattle LEC Officer Elections
I want to thank all of you who voted in the LEC Election. Seattle’s voting turnout increased from 17% three years ago to a 32% turn out this year. Many of you may shake your heads when you see this number, but I don’t. This was a 50% increase! We are currently in the transition period to the new election cycle and we are not wasting any time getting your new officers trained! We have an LEC Officer meeting on June 2, Adam and Linda are attending new officer training June 10-12 in Washington, DC, and Stephanie is completing her online grievance training. When we begin our term July 1, 2014 we will have a full complement of officers, grievance trained, and ready to get to work for you!
Negotiating Team Selection
The selection of the negotiation committee was not an easy task, but the MEC believes that we have captured the right balance of experience and demographics on the committee to represent all Flight Attendants. We are also initiating a social media correspondent from the committee to help disseminate accurate information to you via the various social media pages.
Wrap Up of the Board of Directors
The last week of April the MEC traveled to Orlando, FL for the annual AFA Board of Directors Meeting. At this time we began to hear about the issues with the survey link and thankfully Tonnette, Jake, and Linda were in Orlando and worked with Jeff and Brian to help with the issue. The LEC Presidents were on the “floor” of the Board from 9am until late in the night to vote on important agenda items. Plus, we are assigned to committees who are in charge of vetting the agenda items for discussion on the floor. As it turns out, my committee was given two controversial agenda items and I spent a lot of time “in committee.” Again, thank you Jake, Linda, and Tonnette for all your help!
As many of you know, this Board of Directors elected the new International Officers. Sarah Nelson, United Flight Attendant, was elected as the new International President replacing Veda Shook. I personally want to thank Veda for all that she has done on behalf of Alaska Flight Attendants and all Flight Attendants industry wide.
In addition, Deb Sutor was elected as International Vice President and Keven Creighan was elected as the Secretary-Treasurer.
May Solidarity Events
The Alaska Airlines shareholder meeting was held May 8th in Anchorage, AK. Seattle members spoke very clearly about their desire to do something on this day and because we could not fly to Anchorage, we decided to don our blue AFA t-shirts and meet our crews heading to flights! We spent some time in the boarding area of Anchorage flights on this day and even talked with a few Vice Presidents as they made their way to Anchorage. The highlight of the day was wishing our MEC President, Jeff Peterson, a fond farewell as he boarded his Anchorage flight for the shareholder’s meeting. It was a small thing we could do and I noticed that we raised eyebrows and prompted an early morning text from Ron Calvin asking what “we were up to?”
The week of May 12-15 hosted local Mobilization trainings in all five bases. In order for Mobilization committees to be effective we need Flight Attendants who are trained to launch and assist with mobilization efforts. Seattle is very fortunate to have LEC Mobilization Chair, Krystle Cook, lead the Seattle Mobilization event on May 20th. Her natural leadership style is indicative of your next generation of AFA leadership and we are very excited to have her in Seattle. MEC Mobilization Chair Adam Clarey and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer worked tirelessly behind the scenes launching the Mobilization committee and you can expect a lot more “mobilizing” over the next few months! Please check out www.alaskamec.org and the AFA Alaska FaceBook page, facebook.com/alaskamec for more information on upcoming events.
The May 20th canvassing event in the airport was amazing and Seattle Flight Attendants turned out in masses to help! We received great feedback from you on what could help make upcoming mobilization events even better and we will do our best to incorporate those ideas! Make sure you are wearing your RED AFA pin. This is the official AFA pin for Alaska Flight Attendants and your Mobilization committee members are carrying supplies of pins and lanyards.
MEC Update
Last week was the May MEC meeting. We met for 3 solid days discussing upcoming negotiation events and the working through a long agenda of issues. Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo flew out to meet with us to discuss the upcoming negotiation training in June. The negotiating committee and the MEC will meet and train together next month for two days. This will be a great opportunity for our new team members to get to know their MEC and vice versa.
During this recent MEC meeting Brad Tilden, Ben Minicucci, Andy Schneider, and Ron Calvin all came to visit. I have not seen management request a meeting like this since the “show me the money” pin backers. Clearly, we have them a little rattled.
The Delta concern is always a hot topic and management requested to meet with the MEC to discuss a better way to convey information to the Flight Attendants. Andy presented Delta’s increased route structure to the MEC and we suggested she send these out to the Flight Attendants. You may have already seen Andy’s What’s Happening with the links to the statistics. Take a look at this information…it is eye opening to see how much they are flying right on top of us. There was some good that came out of the multiple meetings with management this week. For instance, it was made very clear that AFA leadership should be consulted with upcoming changes that affect the Flight Attendants and that our feedback is imperative to helping them disseminate the message, or not.
We all care about the future of our company and we know that the Flight Attendants continue to do their amazing award winning work in spite of their frustrations with management. This fact was discussed at length with management and I would like to think that they are starting to understand what we are saying. It is in the best interest of our airline to get back to the table and negotiate a contract that represents the amazing award winning work that we do!
With that said, I am looking forward to the upcoming Torchlight Parade in Seattle this summer. I have grown concerned over comments on social media directed at our drill team members, or anyone who may volunteer for a company sponsored event. The MEC has not taken a position either way on a person’s choice to volunteer-it is up to the individual person to make this decision. But, in light of recent discussions surrounding the drill team volunteers and the fact that Flight Attendants are sharing negative discussions on social media, the MEC is changing its stance.
The Torchlight Parade is sponsored by Alaska Airlines and the drill team is an integral part of the parade. Flight Attendants on the drill team deserve the same level of support that any Flight Attendant would expect when they wear our uniform. The MEC discussed several options that our Flight Attendants could do to show their support for their negotiating committee and the drill team members. Stay tuned for the announcement and what you can do to support our drill team members!
In closing I want to offer this: As we move into the next round of negotiations please be kind to one another. We do not always have to agree, but we do have to work together and be mindful of what you post on social media. The company is watching and they have called in Flight Attendants for social media posts. If negative comments are directed to any employee (system regulations, harassment) or comments shed a bad light on the company you could receive a call from your performance supervisor.
Thank you for the ability to serve you- I am truly honored to represent this amazing group of Flight Attendants!
In solidarity,
Laura Masserant, LEC President Seattle
Council 19
Five Bases One Voice!
Letter from your LEC President
Hello LAX,
I can’t believe that it is already the end of May! It has been a very busy year for all of us. Some of you in the last couple months may have noticed I have not been as visible. I ran my campaign on complete transparency, so I need you to know what’s been going on in my life. In early January my husband had a complete knee replacement. It was not the best timing, as it coincided with our first round of TA roadshows. His surgery had been planned for months and there was no way of changing it. Kelly, Kelese, and David stepped up and made sure that LAX/SAN was represented. Although I couldn’t travel I continued to do my daily union work: phone calls, conference calls, emails, and administrative duties. All seemed good by end of January and my life was back on track attending all meetings. However, at the beginning of April my daughter, who was pregnant with twins, went into pre-labor. I once again needed to stay local as she had a high-risk pregnancy. During that time VP Kelly Johnson attended meetings and the BOD in my place. My daughter delivered our long-awaited grand children, Jacob and Jordan on April 25, but on May 12th I got a call from my daughter. She was going to the ER. Without going into all the specifics, she had three surgeries within six days, and I needed to help take care of the twins during that time she and her husband spent in the hospital. Please know that the LEC team you elected stepped in and proudly represented you. I am so grateful to them. Through it all, Kelly kept me updated. I appreciate the support of our LAX officers, MEC and the company during this time. I felt a tremendous amount of guilt by not being able to uphold all of my commitments, but knew it was in capable hands.
Now lets get into Local Union Business.
We heard you loud and clear with the results of the TA. We have put a strong Negotiating Committee (NC) in place. We are lucky to have LAX FA Kristy Stratton on the team. We have changed our VOICE Committee to Mobilization Committee, with Stacy Ubelehor as our committee chair. She did such an awesome job during the last round of negotiations and I am happy she agreed to continue. We have already had one event on May 20, which was a great success! If you missed it no worries as there will be many opportunities for you to get involved. Do you have the new AFA RED pin??? If not reach out to any officer or Stacy. Please wear it!
There is concern on line that we will not be going back to the table until July. Your NC has met and is working on the surveys that were conducted in April. I know it is frustrating, but it would be more frustrating to be sitting at the table without the Mediator and not getting anywhere. We all saw what happened last round of Negotiations when the Company came to the table and were not prepared. We can use these next 2 months to our advantage.
There is also great concern about our flying. We are addressing those concerns with Management. We are losing some Mexico flying in August and need to replace it with better flying.
Starting on June 1, SAN will have their own local council and officers. As much as I have enjoyed representing them, it will be nice to focus all my attention on our LAX base. Please welcome President Stephen Couckuyt, VP Melanie Buker, and Sec./Treas. Brice McGee for Council 15.
This is the time to GEAR up for some exciting months ahead in achieving a great contract that we all deserve and have earned. PAY IT FORWARD to every FA that you come into contact with by asking them if they are using the AlaskaMEC.org website to get correct information. Ask them to wear their AFA pin. Always remember WE ARE THESE PEOPLE because WE ARE AFA standing strong and united. We will get an industry leading contract because of our POWER(JD). I think its going to be a RED HOT summer!
As your elected President, I want you to know I will always listen to you. I will answer your questions and bring forward your ideas to the MEC. You are an amazing group of FAs and I am humbled that I can represent you. I learn from the past and look forward to the future.
Stand Strong, be United, be kind to each other because We are FIVE BASES STANDING STRONG!
Fly Safe!
In Solidarity,
Sandra
May 22, 2014
Dear Flight Attendants,
It has come to the attention of the Master Executive Council (MEC) that a video has been posted to social media. That video features a modified clip from Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider’s interview with KTUU at the Alaska Air Group Shareholders Meeting on May 8th. It also contains one of AFA Alaska’s recent mobilization messages throughout and other statements about the interview and negotiations.
This video was not produced by AFA and is in no way sponsored or endorsed by AFA, your MEC or your Negotiating Committee. We believe the source video has since been taken down.
With the recent solidarity activities fresh on everyone’s mind and our RED Hot countdown underway, we understand that many of you are eager to engage in more collective action events. The Negotiating Committee has a strategic plan in place to leverage the power of our unified group as we return to negotiations in July.
Individual efforts that are conducted outside of our AFA mobilization campaigns could dilute our unified voice and have a detrimental effect on the success of the Negotiating Committee at the table. Additionally, discipline or perhaps even termination of employment could result from such activities.
Going forward if you have ideas for mobilization activities, email those suggestions to negotiations@alaskamec.org.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow; and
Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
Our new RED AFA pins are a hot commodity! Here’s how you can get yours:
- Mobilization Volunteers have been provided with a supply of RED AFA pins, lanyards, and other giveaway items. They will be available inside KCM checkpoints in conjunction with their flying schedules.
- If you don’t have the chance to see a Mobilization Volunteer, email your Local Mobilization Chairperson. They’ll have instructions on how to get a RED AFA pin at your base. You can find contact information for your Local Mobilization Chairperson at alaskamec.org/mobilization.
Join the RED Hot Countdown – 60 days to 100% support!
We are turning up the heat. Now is the time to mobilize our workgroup for action. Solidarity is a powerful force, and we are calling on every flight attendant to STAND STRONG as we begin our second round of negotiations.
Here’s where we STAND:
- February you voted with a CLEAR voice to send us back to negotiations on your behalf to fight for a better contract
- May 8th you backed that vote with a LOUD voice during the shareholder meeting in Anchorage
- May 20th you backed that vote with an INFORMATIVE voice by joining the mobilization efforts in ANC, SEA, PDX, LAX, & SAN
Now let’s continue to back that vote with a STRONG voice by:
- Sending a clear message to management with a 100% participation in wearing your RED AFA pin
- Sharing the message of UNITY to your fellow flight attendants
- Participating in SOLIDARITY events, as your Negotiating Committee continues to stand for a contract you can believe in
Why RED? RED signifies our strength & power!
Why NOW? It’s time to send a unified message!
Why ME? Each flight attendant is crucial to our success!
Management will literally be counting RED pins to get an understanding of our strength when coming back to the table. We need YOU, we need your VOICE, we need your SOLIDARITY, we need your STRENGTH.
This is OUR TIME! Each of you is valuable to your Negotiating Committee’s success. The countdown has begun. Send your Negotiating Committee to the table with 100% support as we represent YOUR VOICE to management.
RED Hot Countdown – 60 days to 100% support:
- Wear your RED AFA pin – Share a pin
- Encourage each other to participate
- Join the fun! Tweet & Instagram your photos
- Look for your RED Hot rewards around the system
- Participate in solidarity events
Dear Flight Attendants,
Cathy Gwynn was re-elected as Council 39 Portland president to the term of office beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2017. Certified Council 39 Election Results here: http://afacwa-elections.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Council-39-Certified-Results-Run-Off-2014.pdf.
The Master Executive Council (MEC) congratulates Cathy and we sincerely thank John Cornelius for stepping forward to run in the election.
In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Dear Flight Attendants,
Your Negotiating Committee is hard at work in Tempe, AZ, reviewing the negotiations survey results as we prepare for second round mediation. Joining us is AFA-CWA International Vice President and President-elect Sara Nelson. Thank you to Sara for all the great mobilization advice! We’re looking forward to working with her more in the future.
We would like to congratulate Alaska Airlines for receiving the highest ranking in the North American Airline Satisfaction Study amongst Traditional Network Carriers by JD Power and Associates. Further, we want to thank our Flight Attendants for their invaluable contributions resulting in this unprecedented seventh consecutive win.
Now, this is what your Negotiating Committee needs from you:
- Join your Mobilization Team on Tuesday, May 20th, at Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and San Diego. They will be greeting our Flight Attendants with our newest solidarity swag. (It’s a surprise!)
- Use your $100 Company Store credit coming in June to purchase at least one logo item such as a bag tag or shirt (preferably cotton or cotton blend). Additional instructions will follow in June.
- Stay tuned for the countdown…! 🙂
In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee–MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
Dear Flight Attendants,
Your Mobilization Committee is hard at work conducting Mobilization Training sessions in our five base cities this week in preparation for support of the Negotiating Committee when mediation begins again. Sessions were conducted yesterday in Anchorage and additional sessions are scheduled today in Seattle and later in the week in Portland, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It’s not too late to sign up for training if you haven’t already done so. Visit alaskamec.org/mobilization/training to register now.
In conjunction with Mobilization Training, a solidarity activity is planned on May 20th in all bases. Even if you are unable to attend a Mobilization Training session, we invite and encourage as much participation as possible in the May 20th event. Participation time slots for each base are as follows:
- Anchorage: 13:30-16:30
- Seattle: 05:00-07:00, 07:00-09:00, and 12:00-14:00
- Portland: 06:00-09:00
- Los Angeles (LAX): 09:00-11:00 and 14:00-16:00
- San Diego: 08:00-11:00
Click here to access the volunteer signup form for the May 20th solidarity activity
Once you’ve signed up, your Local Mobilization Chairperson will be in contact with you to provide you with a briefing on the event including where to meet up. If you attended or are planning on attending a Mobilization Training session this week, it is not necessary for you to complete the signup form—you will be signed up automatically at your training session.
If you have any questions about the Mobilization Committee or the May 20th solidarity event, please contact your Local Mobilization Chairperson. Contact information can be found at alaskamec.org/mobilization.
Let’s send a resounding message on May 20th and demonstrate that we are FIVE BASES, STANDING STRONG!
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gywnn, Sandra Morrow and MEC Mobilization Chairperson Adam Clarey
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