Just a reminder: Our first Local Council 30 meeting of this year will be held on Thursday, April 3rd, starting at 10:30 am, at the Courtyard Marriott on Spenard. We’d love to see you there!
Thank you everyone who came out to the Town Hall meeting last week! It was a great success and I look forward to planning more of these sessions.
There is an AFA-CWA Base Meeting April 16th from 1-5pm. This is a formal AFA meeting that will devote most of the time to discussing the upcoming agenda items for the International Board of Directors Meeting next month. However, I will provide time on the agenda for Q and A.
March 20 Town Hall Meeting
The AFA-CWA Town Hall Forum was a great success! Many Flight Attendants joined in the conversations that ranged from LEC duties, grievance procedures, negotiation processes, TA clarification, and many more topics.
The intent behind the Town Hall Forum is to provide your LEC Officers and LEC Committee members a chance to sit down and talk with you- in an informal setting.
The entire 4 hours was devoted to doing just that and it was very successful.
I will be planning more Town Hall forums over the next few months!
Here is a recap of the items discussed:
1. The new survey
It was made very clear that FAs want a chance to share their thoughts on a survey. The MEC and current Negotiating Committee members have been in discussions to prep for the survey and this is great feedback. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on why it is important for all FAs to have a chance to share their thoughts. The MEC is looking into the Hart Corporation and Survey Monkey for survey possibilities.
2. Why hasn’t the survey come out already?
The vote was just over a month ago. Since this time the MEC met with Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Staff Negotiator, to discuss the next steps. Also, the MEC was in discussions over the new Mobilization Committee (just announced), creating the new AFA Alaska Facebook page (launched this week), plus brainstorming for upcoming mobilization trainings.
The MEC met last week for the monthly MEC meeting. During this meeting the MEC met with members of management; Ben, Andy, and Ron, to discuss potential dates for mediation and to share why we believe the TA failed.
The survey will be coming out in the next few weeks.
3. Are there any “activities” planned for the upcoming shareholder’s meeting?
The shareholder’s meeting is on May 8th in Anchorage. The MEC has not made formal plans for events on this day due in part to the fact that we are not allowed to use non-rev travel for “action” events. However, several ideas were discussed on what we could do and I will be looking into these ideas next week. Stay tuned!
4. What happened in December to get us to a TA so quickly?
Several factors may have come into play in the December session – 1. The action planned for December 19 had the company very nervous. A big marketing campaign was due to launch on this day and having hundreds of blue AFA t-shirts in all our stations was proving to dash a happy announcement. Also, the remaining items on the table were fairly close and management came in ready to work.
Delta is a huge concern for the company right now. The attack on our home turf and our route system is a financial detriment that is only going to get worse, in their eyes. So, it is in their best interest to get a deal with the FA group and turn all their efforts to the fight with Delta.
5. Are the LEC Presidents involved in the process?
Yes, we are. During negotiations the MEC sets a conf call at the end of each session to discuss what transpired at the table. On occasion, the NC may ask for a conf call during the process to brain storm ideas and seek clarification on ideas. Also, each member of the team is assigned an LEC P to call and communication with during the process to keep everyone informed.
6. How could the LEC Ps not understand how bad this TA was?
The LEC Ps are bound to represent the members and the desires of the members. From the survey the members ranked money, flexibility, and language clarification as high priorities. Paid for sit times, scope protection, etc. all ranked higher than sick leave or attendance. The LEC Ps discussed, at length, their positions on the TA. We voted to support the TA to go out for your consideration because it met the goals of the survey.
The results of the vote illustrate a totally different view and we will go back in and address the issues brought forward from the new survey.
7. Who chooses the new NC team?
The voting members of the MEC are the LEC Presidents. The entire MEC will interview the candidates, but the ultimate decision lies with the LEC Presidents: One vote per president. In the event of a tie vote the MEC President breaks the tie vote.
In the event of a change in LEC Presidents (LEC P) as a result of the current election cycles in PDX and SEA, the newly elected LEC P will have an opportunity to sit in the interview process, but this person will not have a vote. The intent of this is to allow the current LEC P and the LEC P-elect an opportunity to discuss the candidates- allowing the LEC P-elect to have input. Also, this will ensure that the new team members get to work immediately and attend training if they have not already done so- not delaying the process any longer.
Questions from the TA:
“The summary confused us. Why do a summary and not focus on the actual language?”
The purpose of the summary is to offer a highlight of the changes in each section. The team did realize that a comparison chart is another great way to highlight changes and this format will be available for the next TA.
What is the process at the table?
Both sides decide on the sections to discuss. A general discussion takes place to see how close, or far apart, each side is. If AFA has an idea on a section and the Company is willing to review the proposal, AFA will break away from the table and draft a proposal. The proposal looks like a section of the contract that includes new language, excludes language that is not relevant, and show changes to language if need be. This proposal is given to the company and they review. During any session several sections could be passed back and forth.
When all sections have been completed the work of pulling the sections together begins. This happens with members of both sides who go through the entire TA to ensure that the language is captured and correct.
Both AFA and the company agree that it will be important to take a little more time during this process to prepare the language. But, as with any agreement, clarifications in the form of LOAs and arbitration decisions will occur, and do occur, during the length of the agreement.
The discussion touched on topics for concern, 480 thresholds, sick leave, vacation, JA-no ja on a day traded away, period (!), and insurance caps. Jake did provided insight from the table on each of these sections and managements unwillingness to budge in many areas.
The main goal of the company was to increase productivity. This will be a focus in the next round of negotiations. It will be important to understand where the members are willing to go in certain sections in response to the company’s desires.
Many in the room explained that flexibility is key and a top priority. Others enjoyed the pay increase, but were concerned about the impact of the attendance policy.
The most important point reflected in the meeting is the fact that the company does not appear to value the group. The 6 JD Power Awards, other awards, support from our customers all fall on deaf ears. The group feels strongly that they helped the company achieve the financial success we enjoy today by passing the extension and now it is time for the company to show their appreciation by providing healthy raises and flexibility.
Also, based on discussion I will be drafting information on the differences between AFA meetings: MEC, LEC, Base Meetings, etc, and how decisions are made at the MEC level and who directs the discussion at the negotiation table. Look for this communication next week.
The duties of each LEC Office (President, Vice President, Sec-Treasurer, and Council Representative) is clearly defined the in AFA Constitution and By-Laws. You can find the link on the AFA website or by visiting afacwa.org
We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting-
Jake, Linda, Toni, and Laura
Dear Flight Attendants:
The VOICE (Volunteer Organizers for Information, Communications, and Education) Committee has served us with distinction over the past several years during contract negotiations. The MEC would like to thank these committee members for their dedication and contribution to AFA. Today, we announce a new chapter, as the VOICE Committee evolves to become the new Mobilization Committee.
As we gear up for another round of negotiations, demonstrating our solidarity and unity is more important now than ever before. Bringing Flight Attendants together through participation in organized solidarity activities will be the primary responsibility of the Mobilization Committee. The Committee will also work to actively share information pertaining to negotiations and help Flight Attendants to find and access official sources of information.
Mobilization Volunteers
The backbone of our mobilization efforts will be our Mobilization Volunteers. Volunteers will provide support to the Negotiating Committee through coordinated solidarity activity and two-way communication between the membership and the committee. They will work closely with the Local Mobilization Chairperson to call other members to action through participation in organized solidarity activities and a program of information sharing with Flight Attendants.
Specific duties of a Mobilization Volunteer include:
- Responsible for educating the membership and moving them to action. They will provide information and support for targeted issues or specifically identified groups of Flight Attendants as defined by the Negotiating Committee.
- To further the Flight Attendants’ understanding of key issues through active information sharing and referral to official sources of information
- To dispel gossip, rumor, and inaccurate information regarding negotiations by directing Flight Attendants to official sources of information
- To provide two-way communication of the needs and responses of the membership through feedback to the Local Mobilization Chairperson and the Negotiating Committee
- Actively participate in organized solidarity activities such as canvassing of membership at airports and crew rooms, informational leafleting or picketing before the general public, or other activities as approved by the Master Executive Council (MEC)
How To Get Involved
In order to get involved as a Mobilization Volunteer, plan now to attend one of the upcoming mobilization training sessions to be held in May. Sessions will be held as follows:
- Anchorage – Monday, May 12 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
- Seattle – Tuesday, May 13 – 8 to 10 AM / 11 AM to 1 PM / 2 to 4 PM
- Portland – Wednesday, May 14 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
- Los Angeles – Thursday, May 15 – 10 AM to 12 PM / 1 to 3 PM
- San Diego – Friday, May 16 – 9 to 11 AM / 12 to 2 PM
In order to sign up for one of these sessions, visit the online registration form here: http://alaskamec.org/mobilization/training. Once you’ve registered, be sure to mark your calendar and plan to bid the day off. Please note that space in each session is limited and registration will close once capacity is reached.
We are excited about the new Mobilization Committee and look forward to the opportunity to demonstrate our combined resolve for the contract improvements that we deserve!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and MEC Mobilization Chairperson Adam Clarey
Dear Flight Attendants,
Over the past several years, social media has become an increasingly important part of how many of us access information about businesses and organizations, interact with one another, and express our opinion on matters that are important to us. Most of us have an account on at least one social media site and many people have a presence on multiple sites.
Because social media has become such a vital link in the communication chain, the Master Executive Council (MEC) is excited to announce that we have expanded our social media presence. You’ll now be able to get official AFA Alaska information on Facebook. If you receive AFA Alaska email blasts or regularly visit alaskamec.org, this information will now be pushed out on Facebook as well.
Like us at http://www.facebook.com/alaskamec or search for “AFA Alaska”
The former Alaska Airlines Negotiations Facebook page, which many of you are friends with, is being replaced with the new AFA Alaska Facebook page. The Alaska Airlines Negotiations Facebook page will remain active through March 31.
In addition, the MEC is exploring the possibility of a Facebook-based discussion platform to further improve your ability to communicate with your committee members and elected leaders. More information will be forthcoming as the concept is currently in development.
We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback about our increased social media presence. Please visit our Facebook page and click “message” to send us a note and let us know what you think!
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Dear Flight Attendants,
Management has confirmed the upcoming Town Hall meetings in March through at least mid-April are being canceled and rescheduled for later dates. This affects meetings already scheduled in Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Anchorage, with one as soon as this coming Tuesday. Please check First Class for Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider’s March 15th edition of “What’s Happening” for further information.
Background
During the Master Executive Council (MEC) meeting this week, your MEC officers explained to management that our members are not pleased these meetings were going forward on the heels of a failed tentative agreement (TA). We explained the group is frustrated, with many believing management would use the Town Hall meetings as a fact-finding mission for negotiations. This was particularly troubling considering AFA had not even had an opportunity to put out a follow-up survey.
The MEC also reminded management that we have two councils in the midst of officer elections: Councils 19 Seattle and 39 Portland. In our estimation, the Town Hall meetings would have created unnecessary angst amongst the Flight Attendants. Because of where we are with negotiations and the officer elections, the timing simply wasn’t right so we strongly advocated to management to reconsider the Town Hall meetings.
The MEC informed management that we would prefer delaying the Town Hall meetings altogether until a ratified collective bargaining agreement is in place. However, management is very interested in taking action to correct areas of concern that were in the latest employee survey. Management recently shared the detailed results of the survey with AFA leadership and we can verify there were some areas needing improvement.
Inflight management would like to improve the lines of communication and to establish renewed trust with Flight Attendants. At our meeting with management, the MEC expressed that a ratified agreement is critical to laying that foundation. Management explained they cannot wait to do something until after a TA is reached because of the uncertain time frame of contract negotiations. Although proceeding with the Town Hall meetings before a ratified TA is in place is not our preference, the MEC recognizes that it is reasonable for an employer to take corrective action when employee survey results clearly show a need.
Consequently, the MEC advocated to management for a delay to the Town Hall meetings so both parties could fully focus on getting back to the table as soon as possible. AFA is thankful that management was responsive to our feedback and delayed the meetings. We’re tentatively optimistic that listening to the leaders elected to represent the Flight Attendants is a great first step towards re-establishing trust with our group.
The Plan Going Forward
Be assured that once the Town Hall meetings begin, AFA will be closely monitoring the situation. We are still very much concerned with the possibility of direct bargaining at these meetings. Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), management is required to negotiate directly with the elected representatives and is prohibited from doing so with individual members.
If management solicits feedback from Flight Attendants directly related to negotiations, that would be problematic. However, management is allowed to address questions or concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants, even if related to negotiations—at least to a point. Because of the complicated nuances related to direct dealing, AFA has made it very clear that we’re uncomfortable riding this fine line.
However, the AFA Collective Bargaining and Legal departments are fully apprised of the situation and are being given continual updates. National Mediation Board (NMB) Mediator Victoria Gray has also been informed. Management is aware of our position. At the end of the day, management has the right to meet with and talk to employees. Because of the MEC’s concerns, Inflight management has invited the officers to attend as interested observers. We would be able to attend the meetings regardless because we’re also Flight Attendants, but the explicit invitation is very much appreciated as a demonstration of good faith.
Summary
In consideration of management’s responsiveness, the MEC is taking no further action regarding the Town Hall meetings for now. Remember this for the upcoming Flight Attendant socials: do not share with management specific bargaining objectives or views related to negotiations! This is true not only at the socials, but at all times.
One again, kudos to management for doing the right thing!
In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for the Negotiating Committee at the MEC Office in Seattle on April 17. All three Negotiating Committee positions are up for interview and consideration. Per the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, the MEC President is the chairperson of the Negotiating Committee and rounds out the Committee as the fourth member.
The Negotiating Committee is charged to negotiate and institute the needs and desires of the Flight Attendants into an effective collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The Committee should have a good working knowledge of the current CBA and be willing to devote their full time to the Committee during negotiations. The members of this Committee shall serve as the CBA Interpretation Committee until a new agreement is completed.
Selection of Committee Members
- Any person seeking a position on the Negotiating Committee must submit a resume to the MEC
- Committee Members will function until a new Committee is selected
- The Chairperson of the Negotiating Committee will be the MEC President or her/his designee
- Committee Members are selected by majority vote of the voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents)
Committee Member Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Negotiating Committee shall include the following:
- The Committee, with the advice of the Staff Negotiator shall have the authority to conclude an agreement, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Constitution and Bylaws.
- All members of the Committee, including alternates whenever possible, shall complete a negotiations training seminar prior to writing an “opener.”
- Be familiar with Union policy and keep abreast of new developments in the industry.
- Utilize the facilities and resources of the Union and the experience and knowledge of Union Officers, International Office staff and study committees of the Union. (eg., Legal, Retirement and Insurance, Wage and Working Conditions, etc.).
- Maintain a current record of the:
- Financial condition of the company.
- Management lines of authority and methods of communication.
- Operations statistics and experiences of the airline which may be used in bargaining, grievances, litigation, etc.
- Be familiar with the wishes of the Flight Attendant group with respect to wages, working conditions, and work rules, through, for example, system-wide distribution of contract surveys, periodic road shows, etc.
- Prepare the contract opener with the advice of the Staff Negotiator
- Provide regular updates to the membership on the status of negotiations
- Proof CBA language and agree with the Company on implementation and effective dates
- Review tentative agreement with the MEC
- Prepare membership summary package and Roadshow schedule
- Present the tentative agreement to the members
- Proof printed agreement and prepare CBA index
- Prepare CBA interpretations for new concepts
- Remain available as a resource for interpretations
- Maintain a complete record of the negotiations, including proposals, notes and communications, and such record is the property of AFA-CWA. A copy of this record will be forwarded to the International Office by the Negotiating Committee.
- Maintain contact, through the MEC President, with IAM, ALPA, TWU, AMFA, and other applicable labor unions on property
Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement
Flight pay loss (FPL) reimbursement will be provided to Negotiating Committee Members at the rate of 6 TFP at “A” pay for 8 hours of work. FPL is not reimbursed for days that solely contain travel to/from an activity.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume to candidate@alaskamec.org. The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 10 at 5 PM PDT.
A member of the MEC will contact candidates to schedule an in-person interview. Interviews will be held at the MEC Office in Seattle on Thursday, April 17. Instructions for listing for positive space travel will be provided to those who do not live in the Seattle area. Hotel rooms or other expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.
Questions
Any questions regarding the Negotiating Committee positions or application process should be directed to MEC President Jeffrey Peterson at jpeterson@alaskamec.org.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
References
Dear Flight Attendants,
Your Master Executive Council (MEC) just wrapped up its March MEC meeting this week and it is time to give you an update.
Negotiations Survey
We know everybody is anxious to hear from the leadership in regards to negotiations. The next step in the process is a survey to the membership to determine the bargaining objectives for the next round of talks. Your leadership is committed to achieving comprehensive and accurate survey results that reflect the needs of the membership. Consequently, AFA has retained the Hart Research Group (http://www.hartresearch.com/) to administer the negotiations survey. AFA and Hart have discussed employing several different methods to gather data including monitoring social media and discussion boards in addition to using a traditional phone and/or online survey.
Your current Negotiating Committee members are meeting next week to gather preparatory materials for Hart. We’re targeting the survey to be out as soon as possible after April 11th. Why April 11th? Council 39 Portland and Council 19 Seattle have officer elections underway with a count date of April 11th. The leadership doesn’t want too many moving pieces in play at any given time so we’re going to wait until polls so everybody can focus on the survey.
Negotiating Committee Interviews
As a reminder, interviews for the Negotiating Committee will take place on April 17th at the AFA MEC office in Seattle. All qualified and interested candidates (including current members of the committee) are encouraged to apply no later than April 10th. The MEC will provide additional information in regards to qualifications, duties and compensation in a separate communication due out in the coming days.
Mediated Negotiations to Resume
Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), we will be back in mediation when we return to the table. These talks will carry on under the purview of the National Mediation Board (NMB) and we believe Victoria Gray will continue as the federal mediator assigned to our case. The parties have set a tentative date of mid-May to resume mediated negotiations.
Upcoming Company Town Hall Meetings
The MEC has received plenty of feedback from the membership regarding the upcoming Company “Town Hall” meetings. During our MEC meeting this week the officers met with management to pass along our members’ concerns. We strongly advocated to management to reconsider the timing of the Town Hall meetings and we are optimistic that management is taking our request under serious consideration.
Consequently, the MEC is holding off on taking a strong public position on the Town Hall meetings until management has had an opportunity to respond. There has been quite a lot of email and phone discussion with management about this issue all the way up to the publication of this communication. The MEC is expecting further developments very soon so stand by for an update shortly.
In solidarity,
Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Hello Seattle Flight Attendants!
Please remember to join your LEC Officers for the AFA Town Hall meeting on March 20th, 2014 from 1-5pm in the Central Annex of the Sea Tac Airport, mezzanine level. Parking is free on floors 3, 5, 6, 7, 8.
This is not a company town hall meeting- This is an AFA meeting where you will have a chance to sit down with your local officers and share your thoughts on the upcoming negotiation process.
We hope to see you there!
Dear Flight Attendants,
This has been a busy week for the Master Executive Council (MEC). On Monday, the MEC met with the members of the Negotiating Committee to conduct a debrief on the failed Tentative Agreement vote. Below is an update on upcoming activities related to negotiations.
Negotiations Survey
A new negotiations survey is in the beginning stages of being written and will be released within the next several weeks. The survey will be open for approximately two weeks.
The results from the survey will be used by the Negotiating Committee to write the AFA opener for the second round of negotiations. At this time, negotiations are tentatively expected to resume during the second week of May. As we are still in the mediation process, all negotiations sessions will continue to be facilitated by National Mediation Board (NMB) Mediator Victoria Gray.
Negotiating Committee
After thorough discussion, it has been determined that all Negotiating Committee positions will be up for interview and consideration of candidates. All qualified candidates who apply—including current Negotiating Committee members—will be considered. Interviews for the three positions will be held in Seattle at the AFA MEC Office on April 17.
If you are interested in applying for a Negotiating Committee position, please send your expression of interest as well as a resume listing your qualifications to candidate@alaskamec.org. After submitting your resume, you will be contacted to schedule an interview time on April 17.
The Evolution of the VOICE Committee
Your MEC is very excited to announce some forthcoming changes with the VOICE Committee. VOICE, or Volunteer Organizers for Information, Communications, and Education, has been an integral part of communications between the Negotiating Committee and the Flight Attendants for the past several contract negotiations. The committee was first organized at a time when information was not as readily accessible as it is today, and we depended on VOICE committee members to provide us with the latest updates on the progress of the Negotiating Committee through the information they shared.
Today, many of us use email, social media, and the Internet to stay connected to current news and updates in the negotiating process. The original purpose of the VOICE Committee has essentially become obsolete. The MEC is currently working with MEC VOICE Chairperson Adam Clarey and your Local VOICE Chairs to harness the power of our VOICE Committee in new ways that will demonstrate our solidarity and unity as we go back to the negotiating table.
More information about the evolution of the VOICE Committee will be coming soon once these changes have been finalized. In the mean time, please ensure that you add info@alaskamec.org and negotiations@alaskamec.org to your address book or contacts to prevent AFA communications from being filtered out as spam. If you are not already subscribed to AFA Alaska email updates, visit http://alaskamec.org/signup to subscribe.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
The next LAX FA base meeting is set for Thursday, April 10th, 2014, from 11am-2pm
@BJ’s Restaurant, 16060 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.
Bring your questions and also get the latest information regarding contract negotiations.
The more FAs in attendance the better!
In Solidarity,
Your LEC Council 18,
Sandra, Kelly, Kelese, and David
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