Alaska Airlines has contracted a new third party vendor in Seattle to coordinate the return to work process for Flight Attendant worker’s compensation claims, as well as light or alternate duty. J. Donley Associates began administering Seattle-based worker’s compensation claims for our group on May 1, 2014. This has generated a lot of questions.
Please be aware that you may be contacted within the first 48 hours of filing a claim.
When representatives make contact, they are advising Flight Attendants they are calling to facilitate light duty and the return to work process. Again, this has caused a lot of concern and questions; in some cases the Flight Attendant contacted has not even had a chance to seek medical treatment. AFA leadership has brought forward concerns to inflight management regarding the timing of the communication and the premature discussion of alternate duty and return to work.
While worker’s compensation laws can be complicated and vary from state to state, it is important for Flight Attendants to know that there are contractual provisions that apply to all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. This is particularly true with respect to alternate duty, which is optional unless the leave exceeds 12 months.
A few important provisions to keep in mind if you are contacted
Section 16.K Alternate Duty
- A Flight Attendant on worker’s compensations leave of absence will have the option of preforming alternate duty.
- The maximum number of days that a Flight Attendant may work alternate duty in a month will be determined by taking the average number of days that the Flight Attendant worked per month during the twelve (12) months preceding her/his injury.
- An alternate duty assignment may be made only when the Flight Attendant meets the skill level necessary for the position and her/his medical provider certifies that s/he is able to perform the job.
- Alternate duty may be performed in any domicile, co-terminal or the Flight Attendant’s registered commuter city, at her/his option.
Please refer to entire Section 16 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Sick Leave/On The Job Injury for additional information.
There may be benefits to performing alternate duty, especially if you are unable to use sick leave to remain insured on your leave. However, we encourage Flight Attendants to reach out to their local AFA Worker’s Compensation/Benefit Committee member for information before making the decision. You can find contact information at afaalaska.org/benefits.
In addition as a reminder if you are injured while working please keep in mind it is critical that you:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Time loss (or worker’s compensation pay) will not begin until you seek treatment for your injury. In addition, in each state there are waiting periods for time loss compensation, which do not begin until medical attention is sought. Remember that attendance points will apply under Section 32 until you seek treatment.
- Call a supervisor or on-call supervisor via crew scheduling to obtain a worker’s compensation packet. They can fax pertinent documentation to your medical facility, if needed.
- When you are able, call your local AFA worker’s compensation/benefits committee member for assistance with the process. You can find contact information at afaalaska.org/benefits.
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
August 27th RED HOT Summer Picket EventDear Seattle Flight Attendants, I want to thank everyone who came out to the AFA RED HOT Summer Picnic yesterday! We had a great turnout and enjoyed the afternoon talking, eating, and showing our solidarity! VP of Inflight- Andy Schneider, VP of Labor Relations- Shane Tackett, Managing Director of Inflight- Ron Calvin, and Managing Director of Labor Relations- Elizabeth Ryan stopped by the picnic to visit with the attendees. MEC President, Jeff Peterson, addressed the group and encouraged everyone to stay informed and show our solidarity. Jeff also reminded everyone about the upcoming picket on August 27th and how important it is for anyone who has that day off to attend one of the system wide events. However, please remember that you are not allowed to use your non-revenue pass benefits to travel for the event. As an added bonus we were able to help MEC President Jeff Peterson fulfill his ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! In fact, your AFA officers have been very involved this past week with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Monday: Andy Schneider challenged LEC VP Jake Jones and me. Tuesday: LEC Presidents Cathy Gwynn (PDX) and Sandra Morrow (LAX) joined me in completing my challenge after our MEC meeting where the three of us challenged CEO Brad Tilden and MEC President Jeff Peterson Wednesday: Both Brad and Jeff completed their challenges on Wednesday. Jeff Peterson challenged Sara Nelson, AFA International President; Shane Tackett, VP of Labor; Elizabeth Ryan, Managing Director of Labor Relations; and Mike Link, Manager of Inflight Labor and Work. Thursday: Due to his busy flight schedule, LEC VP Jake Jones donated directly to the ALS fund. Way to go Jake! You can see the videos on our Facebook page: afaalaska https://www.facebook.com/alaskamec August 27th RED HOT Picketing Event If you have not already signed up for the August Picketing event it is not too late:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WCSFABDbER6OijiGwutq–KsYHGcs-JFHzH0hISWg9s/viewform Due to the high volume of turn out for this event we are now meeting at Angle Lake Park at 3:30pm.
WE ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS OUR SOLIDARITY- IT’S TIME TO SHOW IT!!! In solidarity, Seattle LEC President- Laura Masserant |
We are seeking Safety Committee Members and a Local Committee Chairperson for the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (SHSC).
Responsibilities of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Members include:
- Acting in an advisory role to the LEC Officers on safety matters
- Studying local air safety and health problems and prepare recommendations to be presented to the LEC Officers for consideration
- Reviewing material, handling correspondence, and keeping the local members well informed of current safety developments.
- Attending management debriefings when safety related issues are discussed
If you are interested in serving, please express your interest by e-mailing LEC President Cathy Gwynn at catgwynn@comcast.net
Don’t forget that the AFA RED Hot Summer Picnic is coming up this Wednesday, August 20 from 1 to 4 PM at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac, WA. Alaska Airlines corporate headquarters, located next door, has a beautiful view of the park and Angle Lake. Let’s flood the park with a sea of RED and put our unity and solidarity on clear display!
The Details
- Wear your RED AFA t-shirt to the event if you have one! We’ll have extra t-shirts available at the event if you haven’t received one.
- Council 19 (SEA) will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, and soda
- If you’re coming from the Seattle area, please bring along a side dish or dessert to share family-style
- Lawn chairs and blankets will help make you more comfortable at the event
- If you’re coming from out of town, you’re welcome to use regular non-revenue travel to get to and from the picnic
Let Us Know You’re Coming!
Questions?
Contact the Council 19 Seattle LEC Officers or email us at events@afaalaska.org
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt
Your AFA Negotiating Committee will go back to the table with management on August 25 in San Diego, CA for our next mediation session. As a show of support and solidarity for the Negotiating Committee, we will be conducting informational picketing on Wednesday, August 27 in each of our five bases. The Negotiating Committee is counting on you to show management and the public how serious we are about getting a contract with the improvements we deserve!
Sign Up Now And Show Your Support!
Click here to sign up now to participate in the August 27th event
Are you ready to turn up the heat? Your support is vital to help make the event successful. Help to turn the airport RED in solidarity! Click on your base below for times and details.
Already Working?
Show your solidarity by proudly wearing your RED AFA pin and RED Five Bases Standing Strong lanyard!
Specific Questions?
If you have specific questions about the event at your base, please contact your Local Mobilization Chairperson for assistance. You’ll find contact information at afaalaska.org/mobilization. You can also see the information below for more details.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt and
Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
Angle Lake Park
19408 International Blvd
SeaTac, WA 98188
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (PDT)
Get Ready for a RED Hot Summer Picnic!
You’re invited for a day of food, fun, and solidarity at Angle Lake Park. Angle Lake Park is conveniently located next to Alaska Airlines corporate headquarters in SeaTac, WA. This is a family-friendly event, so be sure to bring the kids!
On The Menu
Hamburgers, hot dogs, and soda will be provided by AFA Council 19. We’re counting on you to bring along some tasty side dishes and desserts to share (see below). Due to City of SeaTac regulations, no alcoholic beverages are permitted.
What To Bring
- If you’re coming from the Seattle area, please bring a side dish or dessert to share family-style with your fellow AFA members and their families.
- Lawn chairs and blankets will help to make you more comfortable as you enjoy the event
- Be sure to wear your new RED AFA t-shirt. If you don’t have one already, we’ll have plenty on hand at the event!
Coming From Out of Town?
Even if you don’t live in the Seattle area, we hope that you’ll join us for the event. The use of non-revenue standby travel is permitted for the event.
Let Us Know You’re Coming!
Questions?
Contact the Council 19 Seattle LEC Officers or email us at events@afaalaska.org
As you may be aware, Hurricanes Iselle and Julio are rapidly approaching the Hawaiian Islands. According to the National Weather Service, hurricane conditions are expected to develop on the Big Island by this afternoon. As the path continues moving up the Hawaiian island chain, the storm is expected to lose some strength with tropical storm conditions spreading to Maui tonight and Oahu and Kauai on Friday. You can read the current statement from the National Weather Service at http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/HLS.php.
Inflight management has repeatedly assured us that there is no danger to our crew members flying to the Hawaiian islands or laying over there at this time. Regardless of these assurances, your MEC and LEC Officers are continuing to closely monitor the situation. Purely as a precaution, we are offering a list of tips to help crew members in the affected area be prepared should conditions deteriorate. You can view these tips at http://afaalaska.org/hotel/safety/hurricane.
As always, your LEC Officers and EAP representatives are standing by and available to assist you. You can find LEC Officer contact information at afaalaska.org under “Local Councils”. EAP contact information is at afaalaska.org/eap.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt
Report to AFA MEC Chairs
Legislative Issues
Knives: The Keep Knives out of our Skies Act (H.R. 4368 and S. 1008) is still active bicameral legislation. Building congressional co-sponsor support must remain a top priority.
Introduced on April 7, 2014 as bi-partisan legislation by Representatives Grimm and Gabbard, the bill has three additional co-sponsors (listed as they were added to the bill); Reps. Lipinski, Joyce and Speier. This legislation is companion to the Senate bill S. 1008 which was introduced on May 23, 2013 by Senator Schumer. This bill has three original bi-partisan co-sponsors, Sens. Gilibrand, Menendez and Murkowski and three additional co-sponsors; Sens. Markey, Schatz and Hirono.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTION: Follow up on any lobby visits you have made on this issue and check in with the offices you visited in the past year. Ask where the Representative or Senators are on this issue and once again encourage them to co-sponsor these bills.
Cell Phones: The Prohibiting In-Flight Voice Communications on Mobile Wireless Devices Act of 2013 H.R. 3676 directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations that prohibit the use of cell phones for voice communications during the in-flight portion of any scheduled domestic commercial flight. The bill provides an exemption for on-duty members of flight and cabin crews, as well as federal law enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity. This bill introduced by Rep. Bill Shuster has 33 co-sponsors (listed as they were added to the bill); Reps. DeFazio, Petri, Michaud, Duncan, Cohen, Capito, Miller, Bucshon, Meehan, Davis, Cooper, Eshoo, Farr, Granger, Grimm, Joyce, Marchant, Schwartz, Williams, Neal, LoBiondo, Capuano, Crawford, Bishop (Tim), Schock, Southerland, Ellison, Womack, Speier, Swallwell, McGovern and Hahn.
The House bill has been passed out of committee and is awaiting a vote by the full House.
The Commercial Flight Courtesy Act (S. 1811) was introduced on December 12, 2013 by Senator Alexander and has three original co-sponsors Sens. Feinstein, Shaheen and Begich. There are three additional co-sponsors Sens. Blumenthal, Schatz and Hirono.
The bill, as written, would amend title 49, of the United States Code, to prohibit voice communications through mobile communication devices on commercial passenger flights.
However, the Senate Appropriations Committee, in the 2014 THUD Appropriations Act directs the DOT to complete its rulemaking on voice communications expeditiously and put in place a clear rule that takes into account the full impact of inflight use of mobile wireless devices on consumers and the commercial aviation industry. This report language is similar to the House language.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTION: AFA continues to work with a broad coalition to keep the FCC from moving forward on lifting the current cellular ban. Please contact members of the House and Senate and urge swift action on efforts to ban voice communications inflight.
Bankruptcy Reform: On July 10, 2014, U.S. Senators Durbin, Harkin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, and Franken introduced legislation today to curb abuses that deprive employees and retirees of their earnings and retirement savings when businesses collapse. The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act would make several changes to Chapter 11 bankruptcy law, putting workers’ interests near the top when companies file for bankruptcy. A companion measure (H.R. 100) has been introduced in the House of Representatives by House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Conyers. This is the 5th Consecutive Congress that Sen. Durbin and Rep. Conyers have introduced this legislation to create a level playing field for employees and retirees when their companies seek protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTION: Encourage congressional members of the House and Senate to co-sponsor these bills.
Norwegian: Norwegian Airlines is the third largest “ultra” low cost European carrier and operates several companies flying under the Norwegian brand; Norwegian Air Shuttle, Norwegian Long Haul and Norwegian Air International
The parent company, Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS), is a Norwegian company headquartered in Oslo and has a fleet of 737 aircraft and primarily flies throughout Scandinavia, Europe. The company has a Norwegian Air Operating Certificate (AOC). At NAS the workers are employees of Norwegian, have a seniority list and are represented by Parat.
Norwegian two long-haul companies Norwegian Long Haul (NLH) and Norwegian Air International utilize 787 aircraft to fly between Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and the United States.
Norwegian Long Haul (NLH) holds a Norwegian AOC. However, their aircraft are registered in Ireland. Norwegian law permits an AOC holder to operate an aircraft registered in a foreign country for a limited period of time. Norwegian can hire and utilize foreign workers, without obtaining Norwegian work permits by flagging their aircraft in Ireland. NLH currently flies to the United States under the US/Norwegian Air Transport Agreement (ATA) – more commonly referred to as an open skies agreement.
Norwegian Air International (NAI) is an Irish company, with and Irish AOC. The NAI aircraft are registered in Ireland. The Norwegian government has no oversight over NAI. NAI doesn’t employee any flight crews, instead it uses a staffing company to hire and train crewmembers. NAI currently operates flights between Scandinavia, Europe and Asia. NAI’s goal is to provide service to the US under provision in the broader EU/US Open Skies Agreement – thereby circumventing the US/Norwegian ATA.
NAI has applied for a foreign air carrier permit to operate flights to the United States. If the DOT approves the application for service, NLH will likely be merged to the Irish AOC and cease to exist. The NAI application to fly to the US is under review by the USDOT. In addition to the NAI has also applied for an exemption authority. The exemption would allow NAI to initiate service to the US without them receiving a foreign air carrier permit.
AFA opposed the NAI application to fly the US because the Norwegian model, creating a new Irish company for the purpose of flying the US as part the EU/US open skies agreement, violates Article 17 bis EU/US Open Skies Treaty. NAI has hired Asian and US crews to lower their operational cost below what they would have to pay if they were to continue to operate under the Norwegian AOC.
AFA has been working closely allies such as ALPA, ITF/ETF, Parat, and TTD to put pressure on the US Government urging them to deny the NAI Application. NAI was created to circumvent Norwegian labor laws and therefore amounts to social dumping of corporate responsibility. If DOT allows NAI to set up a “flag of convenience” business model it will put downward pressure on US carriers to lower labor costs on Transatlantic operations in order to compete with this new “ultra” low cost carrier model.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ACTION: Get AFA members to sign the petition telling the Obama Administration to protect the U.S. aviation industry and U.S. aviation jobs.
FlightPAC UPDATE
Since March, voluntary contributions to PAC have increased by $645/month. The two largest submissions of cards came from the CWA Houston BootCamp and the AFA BOD meeting in Orlando.
Currently Councils 64, 42 and 21 are actively holding FlightPAC drives. There are plans at PSA to conduct drives in July and August.
Increasing PAC contributions should be a primary goal of each MEC/LEC chair. Please notify the office for help or assistance with a PAC drive at your domicile.
The Policy Committee is preparing a fall edition of a FlightPAC newsletter which will be sent to FlightPAC contributors.
GOTV Efforts
AFA Votes postcards were mailed to all AFA members the week of July 4. One of the primary goals is to get our members involved in the political process by encouraging them to vote. This is an important service that AFA-CWA is able to provide our members and it is one of the ways we can make AFA-CWA more relevant to them.
Our voter registration should be both non-partisan and non-threatening. Flight Attendants appreciate the information provided to them about registering and obtaining absentee ballots. Our voter information drives also increase AFA-CWA’s visibility and help create more effective Flight Attendant activists.
Before conducting voter registration drives, contact your MEC President to request the necessary approval for AFA-CWA to conduct their campaign. Depending on airport rules you may have to request the required permits.
Every voter registration drive is unique. Plans and activities should be based on the needs of your local council, as well as state and local election laws and practices.
Before starting your voter registration drives you should call or check the web site for your Secretary of State for voter registration deadlines and other information. Some states have very strict regulations guiding voter registrations.
Upcoming Voter Registration Deadlines
Arizona will hold its Primary on August 26, 2014. If an Arizona resident and needs to vote absentee, they may register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) found at FVAP.gov. Arizona residents must complete, sign and send the FPCA to their local election official. This form needs to be received by 7pm August 26, 2014. Detailed information is available at the following website: www.fvap.gov/arizona.
Florida will hold its primary election on August 26. If a Florida resident and needs to vote absentee, they may register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) found at FVAP.gov. Florida Residents must complete, sign and send the FPCA to their local election official. Forms need to be received by July 28. Detailed information is available at the following website: www.fvap.gov/florida.
Oklahoma will hold its primary runoff election on August 26. Oklahoma resident needs to vote absentee; they may register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) found at FVAP.gov. Oklahoma residents must complete, sign and send the FPCA to their local election official. Forms need to be received by August 1. Detailed information is available at the following website: www.fvap.gov/oklahoma.
Vermont will hold its primary election on August 26. If a Vermont resident and needs to vote absentee, they may register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) found at FVAP.gov. Vermont residents must complete, sign and send the FPCA to their local election official. Forms need to be received by August 20.
CWA BootCamps
CWA is holding political BootCamp trainings in the following Districts and locations
CWA District 6, San Antonio, TX — July 29/30
CWA District 4, Columbus, OH – August 18/19
Please contact me for additional BootCamp information.
Policy Committee Monthly Conference Call
The Political Legislative Policy Committee call on September 5, 2014 will be open to all AFA MEC Chairs.
Other NEWS
Republic Airways has hired PR/lobby firm Thorn Run Partners to work on reversing the 1,500 hour requirement for pilots.
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