Alaska Airlines management has postponed implementation of the “same calendar day cutoff” alcohol policy
In case you missed the big news in Bulletin 2015-0103 “Alcohol Policy Revisited,” Alaska Airlines Inflight management has postponed implementation of the recently announced “same calendar day cutoff” alcohol policy! The Master Executive Council (MEC) thanks management for taking the additional time to understand the impact of such a policy on our flight attendants. We are also so appreciative of our members’ efforts to engage management regarding this important issue.
AFA research indicates there is no FAA recommendation justifying the proposed policy
There are a few points of clarification that we would like to make in regards to the “same calendar day cutoff” policy. All along management has been referencing a nebulous FAA “recommendation” as justification for the same calendar day policy. AFA research indicates that no such recommendation exists.
Background on alcohol consumption CFRs and Company policy
It is true that at one point in history (prior to the mid-‘90s) Alaska flight attendants operated under such a rule, which currently is applied only to the Alaska pilots, Horizon flight attendants and Horizon pilots. However, 14 CFR 91.17 clearly indicates that pilots are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 8 hours of operating or attempting to operate an aircraft. Flight attendants and dispatchers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol within eight hours of duty. Mechanics may not consume alcohol within four hours of duty. (Yes, four!) You may find it interesting that current Company policy for pilots is the greater of same calendar day or ten hours, flight attendants and dispatchers is ten hours (two hours more than CFRs) and mechanics is eight hours (four hours more than CFRs).
FAA’s “suggestion” of 24 hours free from alcohol
Inflight writes in Bulletin 2015-0103 “the FAA suggests 24 hours free from alcohol.” This is the only reference that AFA could verify as actually coming from the FAA. Check out the pilot safety brochure entitled “Alcohol and Flying: A Deadly Combination.” This document in no way references flight attendants and also is not specifically targeted at commercial aviation. You will notice it is in the same list of brochures as “Sunglasses for Pilots: Beyond the Image.” The actual “recommendation” is as follows:
General Recommendations
As a minimum, adhere to all the guidelines of FAR 91.17:
- 8 hours from “bottle to throttle”
- do not fly while under the influence of alcohol
- do not fly while using any drug that may adversely affect safety
A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying. This is especially true if intoxication occurred or if you plan to fly IFR. Cold showers, drinking black coffee, or breathing 100% oxygen cannot speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body.
As safety professionals, AFA supports the concept that pilots should err on the side of caution. However, we do not believe this “more conservative approach” is an official mandate from the FAA that all crewmembers in commercial aviation should abstain from alcohol use for 24 hours prior to duty. Taken in context, the FAA is simply telling pilots to adhere to the CFR and to use alcohol responsibly.
AFA is committed to developing a better reporting system for alcohol-related concerns and vehemently opposes further tightening of the current “10 hour cutoff”
Now you have all the facts, as we know them. Going forward, AFA is committed to working with management on developing a better reporting system for alcohol-related concerns that both maximizes our culture of safety and recognizes the modern understanding of substance abuse and addiction. We also remain vehemently opposed to any further tightening of the current “10 hour cutoff.” The MEC has reevaluated our initial conclusion that we cannot grieve a Company policy and AFA will definitely file a grievance on this issue if the situation warrants.
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In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC EAP/CIRP/PS co-chairpersons Elizabeth Dillon and Jeanne McCleave
The MEC became aware of the 4k pairings trading issue once again directly from flight attendants
The Master Executive Council (MEC) has become aware of an extremely unfortunate development with regard to the Contract Implementation Schedule. Apparently Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) pairings cannot be traded automatically in Maestro and this function will not be available until August. We initially learned about the issue once again directly from flight attendants rather than being given proper notice by management, which is entirely unacceptable. AFA became aware of the problem only when flight attendants were attempting to trade 4k pairings—pairings marked with a ‘K’ label—and received an “overduty” error message in eMaestro.
One teeny tiny mention of the issue was buried
AFA has been involved in numerous implementation meetings with management and so far we have been unable to find any evidence the 4k pairings trading issue was brought forward at any time. Honestly, your AFA representatives would have taken a keen notice that 4k pairings could not be traded automatically. As flight attendants we know how important flexibility of schedule is with regard to quality of life. One teeny tiny mention of the issue was buried in a long list of “Implementation Milestones.” That document was attached to the “Contract Implementation Newsletter: Issue 1” sent by Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider to all flight attendants via Outlook on March 1st. That’s it.
This development is not in keeping with the negotiated Contract Implementation Schedule
AFA strongly believes communication in such a fashion does not serve as official notice. Regardless of notice, this development is not in keeping with the negotiated Contract Implementation Schedule. Additionally, we can assure you the Contract Committee would have vehemently opposed 4k pairings going live in May if such pairings could not be traded via automation until August.
AFA advocated to management that an Inflight bulletin be issued and the splash page updated
Let’s talk about the short-term fixes. AFA has advocated to management that an Inflight bulletin be issued explaining how to trade 4k pairings and that the Inflight splash page be updated. Both have already been accomplished.
Post 4k pairings in eMaestro but trade using First Class ‘FA Trade Form’
Post the 4k pairings in eMaestro just like a normal trip but utilize the comments field to indicate “4k” as a courtesy so the person trading knows what to do next. Keep in mind that all 4k pairings are marked with “K” label as well.
You will need to submit the trade request through First Class –> World of Inflight –> FA Trading –> domicile trade box (e.g. “SEA box”) –> FA Trade form, fill it out with all the applicable information and then send to the appropriate trades box (BASE space TRADES space MONTH, e.g. “SEA TRADES MAY”). For those of you who remember trading this way back in the day, Crew Scheduling will not deny trades based on incomplete or missing comments; back then a trade would be denied if the comments were not perfectly formatted to the required standard. Trades will be processed in the order in which they are received. To recap:
- Log into FirstClass,
- Double click the icon “World of Inflight,”
- Double click on “FA Trading,”
- Double click on your base folder,
- Double click “FA Trade Form,”
- Fill out the form completely,
- Address the form to “BASE TRADES MONTH” (e.g. “SEA TRADES MAY” but please change to whatever your base and the correct month is of course), and
- Push “Send” (in the upper left corner of the form).
In the short term AFA will file a contractual grievance alleging violation of the Contract Implementation Schedule and looking forward…
In the short term AFA will file a contractual grievance alleging a violation of the Contract Implementation Schedule. Looking forward, AFA recommends all flight attendants carefully consider the implications of bidding 4k pairings for June and July if they cannot be automatically traded until August. Remember, nobody is required to bid for these pairings at all.
AFA is extremely disappointed in these most recent developments
Once again AFA is extremely disappointed in these most recent developments with regard to trading of 4k pairings.
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In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; MEC Grievance chairperson Jennnifer Wise MacColl; and
Your Contract Committee—MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
As of 6:30pm Pacific Time, the Master Executive Council (MEC) still has not heard any additional information from management in regards to paychecks possibly not being viewable in Peoplesoft on time. Many members of management have been reportedly tied up in Beyond Service Experience preparation. However, AFA has received word directly from flight attendants that at least some pay details are now available. We are hopeful this is a good sign that initial reports were overstated.
In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt
The Master Executive Council (MEC) has learned upcoming paychecks may not be viewable in Peoplesoft due to some problem in payroll. So far management assures us that paychecks will be paid on time but they are working to confirm the details.
Unfortunately, rather than learning about this from management the MEC has received our intelligence from line flight attendants who flew with pilots who received text messages from the Company yesterday alerting them of the problem. For what it’s worth we believe the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the Alaska Airlines pilots, was not informed either. The text message allegedly indicated the problem affected pilots and flight attendants. We do not know why only some pilots were informed and the flight attendants were not. We also do not know why it took until today to confirm the issue.
AFA is extremely disappointed in the lack of communication by Alaska Airlines management with the flight attendants and the union representing them. That being said, we will continue to seek updates from management and AFA is advocating that management produce timely information as soon as possible.
In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt
Have questions about PBS and the way your schedule is built? Steve Poynter and Rebecca Asbell from the PBS Committee as well as Kelly Yeager and Sabrina Blevins from Crew Planning will be available to answer all of your questions in the Seattle Base.
May 7th: 9:AM – 3:PM
May 8th: 5:AM – 1:PM
Please stop by and get all of your questions answered!
Dear San Diego Flight Attendants:
For those of you who are new to the AFA-CWA structure, our Constitution and Bylaws mandate that the Board of Directors convene once a year to conduct union business. Brice and I will be attending the Board of Directors meeting from April 27th through 30th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Constitution and Bylaws also require all councils to bring forward the agenda items to their members. You will have the opportunity to review and discuss each agenda item at a union meeting with the LEC officers. We have scheduled our LEC meeting on April 16 from 1 to 3 PM in the Shipley Media Center, located in terminal two, at the San Diego airport.
As your LEC President, I vote on your behalf on these agenda items and the budget. In order to best represent you, it is imperative that your LEC Officers have your feedback when placing these votes.
To review all agenda items please click on the link below. If you cannot attend the meeting, but would like to discuss any of the agenda items, please feel free to contact me.
For a full index of agenda items visit http://afa-bod.org/index-of-agenda-items/.
In solidarity,
Stephen Couckuyt
AFA SAN Council 15 President
san15pres@gmail.com
760-641-5664 (cell)
Minimum Pay Rules (MPRs) in eMaestro for 11 hours on March 31st
Most of you are probably aware that all Minimum Pay Rules (MPRs) were temporarily displayed in eMaestro for approximately eleven hours between midnight and 11am on March 31st. After the most recent Maestro crew tracking software update that went into effect that night, eMaestro obviously became capable of accepting the new MPR data. The software update was installed in preparation for MPRs to go “live” in May.
Management did not intend to implement MPRs early
Management did not intend to implement MPRs earlier than next month. That position has not changed. The MPR ‘switch’ was flipped “on” inadvertently when incorrect data was entered into a programming table in the Maestro crew tracking program (which also coordinates with eMaestro). Once management became aware of the issue, the table was corrected extremely quickly and the pairing values were immediately updated in eMaestro to their “non-MPR” values.
We probably know what you’re thinking…
The Master Executive Council (MEC) and the Contract Committee probably know what you’re thinking: this is just another example of management being able to “fix” something quickly when it benefits them. (“It’s taken almost five months to get all the MPRs implemented but less than thirty minutes to turn them off!“) Plus now that you know the MPRs are ready to be turned on in eMaesto and it’s just a matter of a few data entries in a table, you’re thinking management should pay the MPRs for the entire month of April at the very least.
Management has agreed to pay MPRs on all eligible sequences that were picked up or traded during the ‘live’ window on March 31st that are subsequently flown
Before we completely go there however (too late?), you should know that management has agreed to pay MPRs on all eligible sequences that were picked up or traded during the ‘live’ window on March 31st that are subsequently flown. The additional good news is that management says there is no need to submit an Activity Claim Form. Inflight administration will be able to track all MPR-eligible trips picked up or traded during the window that are subsequently flown.
Detailed background on the MPR implementation timeline
This information is found after the signature line below.
Management: “We would start the MPRs earlier than May 1st if possible but…”
Several members of management expressed variations on the following sentiment during negotiations: “We would start the MPRs earlier than May 1st if possible but that’s really how long it’s going to take.” Keep in mind these discussions very much influenced the language of the Contract Implementation Schedule in regards to MPR implementation: “One-hundred and twenty days after [Date of Signing (“DOS”)] – but no later than May 1, 2015.”
Management’s reasons MPRs cannot be implemented prior to May 1st
Even if eMaestro appears ready to go now, management reports the Alaska payroll system has not been properly tested with the new MPRs and will not be fully ready until May. AFA and management have even discussed the possibility of implementing MPRs 120 days after the DOS of December 17, 2014. This would be in mid-April and is only about two weeks earlier than the “no later than” date of May 1st.
However, attempting to start MPRs in mid-April would require the payroll system to be fully up to speed no later than early May. This is because any activity in a month is processed in the payroll system shortly after the close of the month and is paid approximately two weeks later on the 20th of the following month. Paying MPRs starting in May provides another full month of testing of the payroll system—all the way up to the first week of June. AFA has vetted management’s estimates regarding the payroll system and finds the estimates to be sound and management’s concerns about implementing MPRs earlier than May 1st to be reasonable.
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We hope you will find this information helpful in order to understand the MPR “glitch” and many of the reasons why it has taken until May 1st to implement the MPRs.
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
Your Contract Committee—MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Kristy Stratton, Lisa Pinkston, Jake Jones, Christina Frees and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
Detailed background on the MPR implementation timeline
Management was adamant that all MPRs could not be implemented immediately
Management was adamant in negotiations that all MPRs could not be implemented immediately. This was due to the complexities of re-programming several interacting systems and further complicated by limited Internet Technology (IT) resources. As it turns out, there really was a lot that required change.
In order to automate MPRs changes were needed in at least four separate processes and five different programs
In order to automate MPRs changes were needed in at least four separate processes: pairing building, pairing bidding, crew tracking, and payroll. Changes were needed in at least five different programs: AOS and Jeppesen (pairing buiding), Navtech’s Preferential Bidding System (bidding), Maestro/eMaestro (crew tracking) and Alaska payroll. If any one of these does not recognize Minimum Pay Rules properly or does not pass along the appropriate information to the next process/program in the series, the entire system breaks down and MPRs would not get paid correctly.
Until all the processes could be automated, management agreed to Sit Pay
Until all the processes could be automated, new or revised MPRs would have to be paid manually. The Negotiating Committee and the MEC strongly advocated for all MPRs to be implemented immediately—even if that required each flight attendant to submit an Activity Claim Form for every MPR until automated. After several impassioned discussions, management agreed to compensate flight attendants for Sit Pay starting on the date of ratification. (The 4 trip duty period minimum and the “midnight to midnight” rule would continue or until superseded by the new MPRs.) Management was very firm there was no way for the Company to ensure the other MPRs would get paid correctly if tracking was done by Activity Claim Form under a manual process.
Introducing Council 19’s Newest Committee Chairpersons!
We would like to take this opportunity and welcome three new Committee Chairpersons to Council 19…..
Erik Velez – Council 19 LEC Scheduling Chairperson
Erik started his career with Alaska Airlines in 2004 as a CSA in LAX, later transferring to SNA as a Lead CSA. After meeting Nick, his now husband, he moved to Seattle and transferred to Crew Scheduling in 2007, where he worked for 4.5 years. While in Scheduling, he got his feet wet with union involvement and became a shop steward for the IAM Union. As an IAM shop steward he helped his fellow brothers and sisters feel fairly represented and filed grievances as needed.
In 2011 he made the jump to the Flight Attendant position. As soon as Erik completed his probationary period he joined the Seattle Reserve Committee, later becoming the LEC Reserve Chairperson.
Recently, Erik and his husband Nick bought a house in Fife where they live together along with their 13 year old cat Trouble and 9 year old dog Scooby. When not working, he enjoys working in the yard, baking and spending time with his family!
Eriks background in scheduling is going to make him a huge asset to the Scheduling Committee and we are excited to have him!
Dena Heath – Council 19 LEC Uniform Committee Chairperson
Dena started her career with Alaska Airlines as a Flight Attendant almost 3 years ago.
Prior to coming to Alaska Airlines she spent 15 years in Retail Management and holds her degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Dena is excited to represent and be a voice for our Flight Attendant group in obtaining a uniform that fits the new brand vision while still being fashionable, functional and something we are proud to wear!
Dena lives in Kennydale with her boyfriend of 5 years and their 4 year old Australian Shepard Brody (who is so spoiled he thinks he is a person).
Carole Babcock – Council 19 LEC Reserve Chairperson
Carole has been a Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines for 10.5 years, however has worked for Alaska for years longer in many different roles. She has been doing AFA work for almost the entire time here as a Flight Attendant with roles on the Reserve Committee as well as with Professional Standards and EAP.
Carole is very passionate about her AFA work and helping both long time and new Flight Attendants be successful in their jobs. When not at work she loves spending time with her family and loved ones.
Dear LAX Flight Attendants,
Lots of news for our base already this year. Here is a letter from LEC President Sandra Morrow with some highlights.
UNION MEETING
Wow it’s spring already!!! Your LEC is busy preparing for our April Union meeting. We have scheduled our Union meeting for April 16th, at Long Beach’s Recreation Park, 700 Federation Drive, Long Beach, CA from 11:00am -2:00pm. We wanted it to be fun and informative so it will be held at a park with a potluck. AFA will provide the entre and beverages, and we are asking each of you to participate and bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert. Please RSVP to Kelese Stallings at kelesestallings@yahoo.com and let her know if you will be coming and what you are bringing to the potluck. This will help us get a head count for the amount of food we will need. Also don’t forget to bring a beach chair.
COUNCIL 18 UNION MEETING AGENDA
Officer reports
Committee reports
BOD agenda items
LAX parking
Q&A on contract with Kristy Stratton
I will be attending the Board of Directors (BOD) meeting on April 27th-30th in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Constitution and Bylaws require all councils to bring forward the agenda items to their members. You will have the opportunity to review and discuss each agenda item at the union meeting with the LEC officers. Please take a look at the BOD agenda items at the following link http://afa-bod.org
We are excited to have Kristy Stratton, Negotiating Committee member, attend the meeting and hold a Q&A session on the new contract. Please send your contract questions prior to the meeting to David Lehman at lehmaninla@yahoo.com by April 11th. We want to be able to answer as many questions as possible and having this information in advance will help expedite the process. After the meeting we will post the questions and answers in the minutes on the MEC website (www.afaalaska.org) for those who are not able to attend.
PARKING IN LAX
AFA and the Company have been in discussions about the parking at the Westin. We know how unreliable the vans have been and we were happy to see that there was a change starting March 16th. The Westin has told us that there will be 4 vans every hour and they will not be stopping at the Sheraton. The Company has agreed to a trial run for the next month to so see if this works out. We have heard from you that the Westin is your choice of parking as long as the vans are reliable. However, if this does not work out the only other option is the D lot. Please give us your feedback if the new shuttle system at the Westin is working out. Also as a reminder, even though we cannot use Thrifty we are able to use Fox.
LOCAL SCHEDULING CHAIR
We are looking for a volunteer to become our LAX Scheduling Chair. This person will be the advocate for our LAX schedules. With our new contract we formed a new MEC Scheduling Committee. Congratulations to Jake Jones as he was appointed by the MEC as the new MEC Scheduling Chair. Jake is a Seattle FA and was a member of the Negotiating Committee. He works on behalf of AFA and is an advocate for the FAs. The local Chair for LAXFAs would be working with him and other chairs from all other bases. If you are interested please contact me at sleemorrow@verizon.net by April 30th. Please include a short bio and why you are be interested in the position.
We are also excited that LAXFA Sherrijon Gaspard has been selected as AFA’s pairing analyst. She will be taking Jeff Stein’s position. Jeff has work in that position for the last 10 years and we thank him for all of his hard work.
ATTENTION: LAX RESERVES
UPDATE YOUR CO-TERMINAL PREFERENCE
Beginning on March 1st, 2015 Crew Scheduling has begun to assign trips out of Co-Terminals in order of your preference and not necessarily in LTFA order. What does this means for you? Prior to this change Crew Scheduling was not required to look at your Co-Terminal Preferences unless there were two Flight Attendants who had the same TFP on the LTFA list. Then there had to be two trips that needed to be assigned (worth the same TFP). The odds of this happening were very rare, and primarily only happened the first couple days of the month. With the new change you no longer have to have the same TFP and have two trips worth the same TFP in order for schedulers to look at your Co-Terminal Preferences.
For example: A 2 day AM trip out of BUR
There are 4 Flight Attendants who are good for 2 AM days. The LTFA will still show those Flight Attendants in TFP order. The Flight Attendant with the lowest TFP will be looked at first. If they designated BUR as a preference, then they will get assigned the trip. If they did not preference BUR then Crew Scheduling will move on to the next lowest TFP and look at their preferences. If no Flight Attendant good for 2 days AM report has BUR listed as a preference, then the trip will go to the Flight Attendant with the lowest TFP on the LTFA list. There may be times where a 2 day BUR trip gets assigned to a 3 day BUR Flight Attendant in order to grant a Co-Terminal Preference but this is at Crew Scheduling discretion.
Co-Terminal Preferences are generally live. However, preferences are “frozen” between 2pm and 6pm PST the day prior while Scheduling is assigning all the trips in Open Time. The LTFA preferences cannot be changed during this time and the button to submit the changes is deactivated. It is recommended that if you are going to change your Co-Terminal Preference you DO NOT wait until 2pm to make those changes.
After 6pm PST the day prior the LTFA preferences are “unfrozen”. At this point Crew Scheduling works off of live LTFA preferences. When Crew Scheduling is looking to assign a trip they will take a snapshot of the LTFA list. It is possible that if you update your LTFA preferences right after that snapshot is taken your new preferences will not be honored for that assignment because the assignment is being made based on your (only moments ago) old preferences. In this case AFA will not hold Scheduling at fault for not assigning based on the updated LTFA.
We hope this is a great step forward for LAX Reserves…we understand how hard Co-Terminal flying can be.
Looking forward to seeing you all at our April 16th, Union meeting.
In the meantime fly safe!
In Solidarity,
Sandra Morrow
LAX LEC President
Contact the entire Local Elected Council (LEC) and visit www.afaalaska.org
Sandra Morrow, LEC President – sleemorrow@me.com
Kelly Johnson, LEC Vice President – laxvice@aol.com
Kelese Stallings, LEC Secretary – kelesestallings@yahoo.com
David Lehman, Council Representative – lehmaninla@yahoo.com
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