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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        September 13, 2013 11:41

        Membership

        By Linda Christou:  AFA-LEC 19 Secretary-Treasurer

                    Membership in the union is extremely important and now more than ever.  With a looming vote for a new contract for our group it is important for you to be up to date on your dues.  If you are delinquent and in “bad standing” in your dues whether it is for 1 month or 12 plus months your vote will not be counted as it disqualifies you from voting for anything that arises.

                    Here is a quick re-cap of dues…monthly dues is usually taken out of your 20th paycheck but if you are on a leave of any type (worker comp, medical leave, voluntary furlough education etc.) you will be required to pay for the first 3 months of that leave and after that you don’t pay dues until you return to work and this is according to the AFA-CWA by-laws. If there are months that you don’t fly enough and they cannot be auto-deduct from your 20th paycheck you’ll need to pay them yourself (always good to check that 20th paycheck).  If you ever receive an invoice from the International office that means you owe dues and will need to pay them via online and or check sent to them.

                   Our International Membership department has stepped up the progression on informing FA’s of their delinquencies and sending out Standing 2, 3 and 5 letters to inform you what you need to do to become current.  Here is a synopsis of the progression of steps for non-payment… Standing 2 letter indicates you are now in bad standing and this is the first stage of the AFA-CWA delinquency process.  A flight attendant goes into S2 when you have ONE or more dues billings that are over 90 days old and remain unpaid.  Standing 3 letter indicates that the FA remains delinquent after receiving the initial “Bad Standing” warning letter.  You now receive your S-3 letter certified mail return receipt (if AFA International has a incorrect address on file the LEC President or Secretary will put it into your co-mail file at work and it is treated as if sent via certified mail).  Nonpayment could result in discharge per our FA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 26 C & D.  Standing 4 is in pending status which means your International membership department is researching your account for you.  Standing 5 is your final warning and this becomes very serious.  After receiving your S-2 and S-3 letters for nonpayment, our International AFA office in Washington DC sends a letter to Alaska Airlines requesting discharge for nonpayment and a copy of this letter is also sent to your LEC President.

                    If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount you need to contact the International office to set up a payment plan called a Promissory Note Agreement.  They’ll send the agreement of which you must sign it and send it back for it to be valid.  Once this is agreed upon you must make your MONTHLY payments that have been agreed upon until the balance is paid in full.  If you do not make your monthly payment for the promissory note that could be revoked and if that happens you will need to make your payment in full to avoid a S-5 letter.  Deferral of dues can only occur if you are on a current leave.  If you have received anyone of these notices please do not disregard and either contact the International office or myself so that we can resolve the issue.  

        LAX/SAN FAs please contact David Lehman with questions.

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN, Council 18 LAX (pmAS)

        September 13, 2013 11:06

        LEC Officer/Council Representative(2 positions)  Nomination and Election Schedule

        In accordance with Article VIII of the Constitution & Bylaws, all Local Councils in Election Category I must nominate and elect officers for the term beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2017 (three year term).  Article IX of the Constitution & Bylaws and Union Voting Procedures (Section IX of the Policy Manual) shall govern nominations and elections.

        All active members, regardless of dues standing, with good addresses will be mailed the voting instructions and an activation code for both the nomination and election process. In addition, apprentice members who will be off probation on or before the count date will receive a ballot packet.

        Attached you will find the nomination and election schedule for Category II.  For the domestic Councils the process will commence in January 2014 and finish before the Annual Board of Directors meeting in April 2014.

        For many of you we are introducing a new ballot company, Votenet Solutions.  This company provides AFA with a high level of security and efficiency at a much lower cost.

        NEW for everyone is the electronic nomination process. Members will receive a notice for nominations along with a 16-digit activation code.  This code will allow the member to create a login for that ballot.  Once the member is in the ballot they can search for their candidates by name (first or last) or AFA ID number.

        New activation codes are issued for each nomination, election, and contract ratification ballot.

        Step-by-step instructions, for both the nomination and election process, can be found on the AFA-CWA Election website www.afacwa-elections.org along with the Category II Election schedule, AFA-CWA Election Handbook, and Commitment to Serve form.

        For more information you can contact Bon Kenia, AFA International Office

        BKenia@cwa-union.org

        CATEGORY II NOMINATION SCH 2014-1

        CATEGORY II ELECTION SCH 2014-1

         

         

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA

        September 13, 2013 10:39

        VOICE Comment Card Report August 2013

        Your Negotiating Committee reviews all comment cards submitted by members and posts those each month for transparency. Please know that we appreciate all comments, concerns and feedback. Some of the comments submitted maybe in Sections that have not yet been discussed, they may be included in our opening proposal (posted on AFA website http://www.alaskamec.org), our previous survey or may have already been addressed. Your opinions do count and we will continue to respond to concerns and comments not previously addressed or as sections become available.

        Please note we will continue to post comments and questions with contact information, however, questions/comments without contact information will no longer be posted due to ensuring member involvement.  Your information is always kept confidential and we appreciate open communication.

        Comment Card Topics:

        Reserve: 0

        Pay: 22

        Scheduling/hours of service: 9

        Sick Leave/attendance: 2

        Commuter: 0

        Benefits/Vacation/Insurance: 8

        Hotel/Crew Meals: 0

        Contract Language: 16

        Clarifications/Rumors: 6

        Questions

        L, ANCFA

        Just concerned about these leaves right now and our pairings are trash and can they vote if on a leave and all the VJA and JA and leaves–??

        For those of you who might be considering a 30/60/90 day staffing adjustment leave, be advised that you must be a member in good standing in order to vote on a tentative agreement. Therefore, it’s important that you stay current on your dues payments. If you have questions about dues currency and payment options, you may contact the AFA-CWA Membership Services Department (http://www.afacwa.org/membership/) or one of your Local Executive Council (LEC) officers.

        K, ANCFA

        How are we paying stock holders dividends and not compensating our front line employees, who have sacrificed to make this company successful? We need to be having base meetings RIGHT NOW about the current standings of our negotiations, motives, where are we going from here? We need to be on the same page BEFORE a TA’d contract is presented. Why are we hiring FA’s if we’re not hiring pilots? Are we hiring FA’s so they have the majority vote of a TA’d contract?

        so…are we any closer to a TA? when is our next skdl ‘mediation? haven’t heard anything in a long while…talking to fellow FA’s, we’re all getting frustrated–this whole situation is so shameful for AS! We should be holding base meetings with our union reps right now to ‘boost morale/’share’ views/expectations, as a way to get everyone on the same page re: what we expect, at this point–ie…a $10/hr raise, at least! any ideas…?? Where are we with mediation?

        Why are we not having base sits with union reps/negotiators explaining the process and where we stand?

        This lack of communication is leaving a really negative feeling for many people. The emotions were running strong for a long time. They are starting to wane,

         The Company reserves the right to allocate money to shareholders through the Board of Directors.  The negotiating committee is working to solidify a contract that will recognize our Flight Attendants contributions.  The committee is working through the economic and non-economic pieces which are very time consuming.  Without going into detail over a raise we are looking at more of a percentage based approach versus an exact dollar figure.  Mediation dates are scheduled through December of 2013, typically meeting one week each month in a location other than Seattle.  There is a difference between base sits, base meetings and road shows.  Base sits are typical of AFA Committees such as Reserve, Benefits, ISC and so on.  Base meetings are determined by your Local President and must commence during specific times of the year consistent with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws.  A copy of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws is available online at www.afanet.org.  Road shows will be scheduled in conjunction with an entire contract TA being presented to the membership where the negotiating committee will be available to assist in walking you through the contract.  It is important for each member to know the existing contract prior to attending the road shows so we may have a informative and productive meeting. 

        R, LAXFA

        A lot of FAs asking question about TA’d opentime section. I’ve asked them to wait for the roadshows but, here are the questions:  Where’d the quartile system originate? Is there an airline that uses it? How does it work for them (details)?

        People think that this was TA’d without the usual communication to membership. Why weren’t we walked thru this before it was TA’d?

        The quartile system originated from membership feedback in the Negotiations Survey and concerns as well as internal discussion amongst your Local Presidents and the Negotiating Committee. 

        The Committee looked at the current Open Time issues, including the frustration of undesirable trips, down trading and the other pros and cons of contractual provisions specific to OT.  Today, the system is broken and does not work for the majority of Flight Attendants.  At the bargaining table, AFA and the Company teams felt the stagnation created by the current system was untenable and could not continue.

        The changes in our Open Time System tentative agreement are comprehensive and sweeping.   Many carriers in our industry (Hawaiian, US Airways East, AA, Piedmont, American Eagle, to name some) incorporate seniority in processing OT transactions somewhere in their OT process, if not throughout it. 

        Neither we nor the Company want to be locked into a new system that causes more problems than it solves and are exploring “opt out” provisions.  We are talking about a “trial” period in which either side could opt out or if certain benchmarks are not met both sides would renegotiate based on the information gained from the experience.

        But it is important to understand how the negotiations process works.  The negotiators work from the FA survey and input from both the members and the LEC Ps. If the team was to come back to the members with every piece of new language the process would take twice as long. Therefore, the team works closely with the LEC Ps when new language comes up and seeks feedback. The FAs have an option whether to vote for or against a TA when it is completed. Many sections of the TA are tied together, which is why the entire document is presented together at the end.

        This Negotiating Committee and MEC made a conscious decision early on to have open negotiations and share as much information as feasible with members.  Obviously, this can be a liability because as information comes out during the process we run the risk of members “making up their minds” on single provisions without seeing the entire package.

        Comments:

        K, ANCFA

        We need to remember:
         
        “We are the company”
        “We are the union”
         
        Management is corporate greed

        After 9/11 we had fear mongering from management about what we needed to do to survive. Contract 2006 we as front line employees we made huge concessions. Then there was the 2010 plan to keep us viable. Then we have them a 2 year extension. Which expires may 1, 2012. We are currently on contract going 7.5 years; 18 months of negotiations. That is shameful, pathetic. After 5 years of record profits and the FA’s bringing 750 million $$$ in profits we need to be in the top of the industry standards for pay and work rules.

        Can we please send out a message to the membership about the need to stay current on all union dues in order to vote. Lets just say we get a TA’d contract by the end of December, I hope everyone knows they must still pay their union dues, on time, and on their own dime, to be eligible to vote! Everyone I have spoken to in the 2 days had NO IDEA it was a necessity. Please, please, please.
         
        Afanet.org/payment
        That’s the website I have directed people too and it seems to be spot in!

        A, LAX,

        We want retro pay negotiated in please. Thank you.

        B, LAX

        We want retro-pay negotiated on this contract.

        D, LAX

        We want retro pay negotiated in please. Thanks!

        I, LAX

        I would like retro pay to be negotiated into the contract.

        S, LAX, Retroactive pay in the new contract.

        C, LAX

        We want retroactive pay negotiated in our new contract!

        J, LAX

        Retroactive pay negotiated into new contract.

        M, LAX

        Please negotiate back pay for our next contract. Do not let our health benefits increase like the pilot contract. Thanks very much.

        J, LAX

        Retro Pay or Signing Bonus (We have waited for over 2 years without pay increase).

        K, LAX, We want retroactive pay negotiated, please.

        D, PDXFA

        Needs to change (JN) for no-show.  If you no-show for a flight then you’re in (JN) for the next month.  Plus cannot trade with open time or another flight attendant. That needs to change. Should not be held responsible for whole month, maybe one trip., or 1 week, but not whole month.

        FYI: Trade Jail is eliminated in the new agreement, if ratified.

        H,  PDXFA

        VERY disappointed that none of the new routes just announced (pdx – rno/tus & Sea – cos/oma) are actually Alaska Flights. Skywest & Horizon are NOT Alaska!

        S, PDXFA

        Very concerned about the company’s decision to launch new service using Skywest.

        This is concerning considering the length of the flights. (Sea-oma and Pdx-tus) being comparable to existing flying done on the 737 (pdx/sea –orb and sea-tus.)

        This is unprecedented at Alaska…we need SCOPE!

        S, SEAFA

        It would be great is “multiple trades” on emastro could recognize “open days.” It makes it impossible for those with overlapping trips on the same day to utilize the open day.  Thanks!!!

        Filed Under: Negotiations

        September 13, 2013 08:26

        Agenda

        Local Council Meeting
        Alaska Airlines Council 39, Portland
        Monday, September 16, 2013 – 1 to 3 PM
        Sandy Room, PDX Airport Conference Center, Portland, OR

        1. Call To Order
        2. Approval of Minutes
        3. Announcements
        4. Call For Late Agenda Items
        5. Officer’s Reports
          1. President
          2. Vice President
        6. Committee Reports
          1. Air Safety, Health, & Security
            1. Air Quality
          2. Benefits
          3. EAP/Professional Standards
          4. Government Affairs
          5. Grievance
          6. Hotel
          7. Inflight Service
          8. Membership
          9. Reserve
          10. Retirement
          11. Scheduling
            1. PBS
          12. VOICE
          13. Uniform
          14. Negotiating
        7. Old Business
        8. New Business
          1. Special Board of Directors Meeting (CG)
          2. LEC Officer Elections (BP)
        9. Good and Welfare
        10. Adjournment

        Filed Under: Council 39 PDX

        September 12, 2013 09:32

         Dear Seattle Flight Attendant,

        Multi-national corporations, the WA Restaurant Association, airline and rental car CEOs have tried everything to keep SeaTac Proposition 1, the Good Jobs Initiative, off this November’s ballot. They even appealed all the way to the WA Supreme Court.

        We have good news: this week justice prevailed! In just 5 weeks thousands of SeaTac voters will start receiving their ballots and voting Yes! For SeaTac Proposition 1.  Now SeaTac voters and airport employees need our help.

        Click here to endorse Yes! For SeaTac Proposition 1 now.

        reo loans

        We’ve already endorsed Yes! For SeaTac as an organization. Can you personally endorse Yes! For SeaTac Proposition1 today? It doesn’t matter if you live in SeaTac or not — you can raise your hand to show your support for more full time jobs and a livable wage in SeaTac.

        Click here to endorse now.

        You’ll be joining King County Councilmember Julia Patterson, the WA State Firefighters, as well as SeaTac residents, businesses and organizations in supporting paid sick leave, more full-time jobs, tip protection and a livable wage for more than 6,000 hard working men and women at SeaTac airport and big airport hotels. The full endorsement list is here.

        SeaTac small businesses are exempt — SeaTac Prop 1 applies to big multi-national corporations making record profits at our airport while paying poverty level wages. More money in the pockets of airport employees means more spending at local businesses, and that means better schools and better services for everyone in SeaTac.

        That’s why SeaTac businesses, like the SeaTac Bull Pen Bar & Grill, have already endorsed Yes! For SeaTac Proposition 1

        How about you? Add your name now to hundreds of others. It doesn’t matter where you live. We need your endorsement to help pass SeaTac Proposition 1 this fall.

        Thank you!

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA

        September 11, 2013 12:31

        Membership

        By Linda Christou:  AFA-LEC 19 Secretary-Treasurer

                    Membership in the union is extremely important and now more than ever.  With a looming vote for a new contract for our group it is important for you to be up to date on your dues.  If you are delinquent and in “bad standing” in your dues whether it is for 1 month or 12 plus months your vote will not be counted as it disqualifies you from voting for anything that arises.

                    Here is a quick re-cap of dues…monthly dues is usually taken out of your 20th paycheck but if you are on a leave of any type (worker comp, medical leave, voluntary furlough education etc.) you will be required to pay for the first 3 months of that leave and after that you don’t pay dues until you return to work and this is according to the AFA-CWA by-laws. If there are months that you don’t fly enough and they cannot be auto-deduct from your 20th paycheck you’ll need to pay them yourself (always good to check that 20th paycheck).  If you ever receive an invoice from the International office that means you owe dues and will need to pay them via online and or check sent to them.

                    Our International Membership department has stepped up the progression on informing FA’s of their delinquencies and sending out Standing 2, 3 and 5 letters to inform you what you need to do to become current.  Here is a synopsis of the progression of steps for non-payment… Standing 2 letter indicates you are now in bad standing and this is the first stage of the AFA-CWA delinquency process.  A flight attendant goes into S2 when you have ONE or more dues billings that are over 90 days old and remain unpaid.  Standing 3 letter indicates that the FA remains delinquent after receiving the initial “Bad Standing” warning letter.  You now receive your S-3 letter certified mail return receipt (if AFA International has a incorrect address on file the LEC President or Secretary will put it into your co-mail file at work and it is treated as if sent via certified mail).  Nonpayment could result in discharge per our FA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 26 C & D.  Standing 4 is in pending status which means your International membership department is researching your account for you.  Standing 5 is your final warning and this becomes very serious.  After receiving your S-2 and S-3 letters for nonpayment, our International AFA office in Washington DC sends a letter to Alaska Airlines requesting discharge for nonpayment and a copy of this letter is also sent to your LEC President.

                    If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount you need to contact the International office to set up a payment plan called a Promissory Note Agreement.  They’ll send the agreement of which you must sign it and send it back for it to be valid.  Once this is agreed upon you must make your MONTHLY payments that have been agreed upon until the balance is paid in full.  If you do not make your monthly payment for the promissory note that could be revoked and if that happens you will need to make your payment in full to avoid a S-5 letter.  Deferral of dues can only occur if you are on a current leave.  If you have received anyone of these notices please do not disregard and either contact the International office or myself so that we can resolve the issue.  You can reach me via email at lschristou@comcast.net

         

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA

        September 10, 2013 09:52

        UNION MEETING

        SEPT. 17 and SEPT. 26

         AGENDA

        TOPICS:

        NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE/MEDIATION

        LAX PARKING

        MEC ELECTIONS

        UNIFORM

        PAIRINGS

        HAWAII BASE

        SAN DIEGO BASE

        SPECIAL BOD

         

        OFFICER REPORTS/COMMITTEE REPORTS

        OPEN TOPIC AND DISCUSSION

        SEPT.17, 11:00-2:00

        BJ’S RESTAURANT 107 SO.1ST ST, BURBANK

         

        SEPT 26, 11:00-1:00

        PIZZA FACTORY 951N HAVEN AVE, SUITE C, ONTARIO

         

        LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT BOTH MEETINGS

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN, Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Tagged With: 2013, base meeting, Council 18, LAX, meeting, September

        September 9, 2013 20:52

        Dear Alaska Flight Attendants,

        Your Alaska EAP committee would like to share the following important information with you concerning the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program, FADAP.  Also, please read the following information about the Employee Assistance Fund, EAF.

        National Recovery Month

                   For the 24th year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is proud to sponsor National Recovery Month (Recovery Month).  This year’s theme is “Pathways to Wellness”, which encourages us to walk along side family, friends and neighbors who are struggling to break free of addiction.

        This long-standing observance spreads the message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover from mental and/or substance use disorders. September is National Recovery Month and a wonderful opportunity to highlight recovery.

        SAMHSA has developed a Toolkit to help you plan events for National Recovery Month to increase awareness of the power of recovery. This kit assists in planning Recovery Month events and has resources to distribute in communities and during local events that support people with substance use disorders and mental illness.

        To find an event in your area go the SAMSHA webpage

        http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/Find-an-Event.aspx

        FADAP- Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program

                    FADAP is a substance-abuse prevention program, created and promoted for and by the flight attendant profession and funded by the FAA. FADAP’s mission is to support a culture of safety which will be able to assist flight attendants in meeting their personal and professional goals through substance-abuse awareness, combined with self and peer referrals for assistance, and the implementation of a flight-attendant-specific recovery support system.

        The advancement of the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program has been endorsed by your flight attendant peers and managers from 25 carriers during a March 2009 “Return to Cabin” Summit This year members of the MEC, along with Alaska Management are attending the 3rd Annual FADAP conference in Maryland Oct 1-3. AFA is seeking a “return to the cabin” program for our Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines and has been working hard to promote this program. Andy Schneider is among the guest on the panel at this year’s FADAP conference.

        For more information on FADAP please visit the website: http://www.fadap.org/

         

        FADAP Mentor Program

        Are you interested in the FADAP Mentor program? The FADAP mentor program is open to flight attendants who have at least two years of active recovery.  FADAP mentors are available to assist & support flight attendants in new recovery and/or returning from initial inpatient treatment. Periodically, FADAP mentors also play a role in developing and advancing specific recovery programs available through FADAP. Alaska Airlines was the first to initiate the FADAP Mentor Program, which now has been extended to other carriers. We currently have FADAP mentors in SEA, PDX & LAX (most residing in SEA). FADAP mentors also play a role in assisting and supporting each other as a group.

         Interested flight attendants can contact:

        Deb McCormick, FADAP Coordinator, 401-225-1459 or email dmccormick@fadap.org.

         For more information, flight attendants can visit http://www.fadap.org.

         EAF- Employee Assistance Fund

                  It has been brought to the attention of your AFA leadership that some members believe EAF is sponsored by AFA, leading to the misconception that AFA has a say in whom is eligible for funding.  We would like to clarify that AFA supports EAF but is not a sponsor.   Therefore AFA has no involvement in the decision making or approval process for providing assistance to those requesting it.

        The Employee Assistance Fund was conceived in 1992 by Alaska Airlines Captain Al Brunelle. Al wanted to help fellow employees who may be suffering financial hardship due to a medical or catastrophic event.

        The Fund is not a part of the Alaska Airlines Company or Air Group. It is a separate, non-profit organization made up of employees who volunteer to serve on the Board of Directors, representing all divisions of Alaska Airlines.

        The goal is for every Alaska Airlines employee to donate $1 per paycheck. 100% of all contributions go towards assisting fellow employees at Alaska Airlines. The EAF is a 501(c)3, charitable organization and all contributions are tax-deductible.

        All employees are eligible to apply, whether or not they donate to the EAF. Applications are strictly confidential. Assistance granted is a gift, not a loan and is not required to be repaid.

        Last year, about 30 percent of employees gave to the EAF through payroll deduction. The EAF raised approximately $286,000, which was used to help about 73 employees pay their mortgages, COBRA insurance, car payments and insurance, and medical and grocery bills while they recovered from injury or illness.

        Besides payroll deductions, we have several fundraising events: EAF Online Auction in Oct/Nov, the Golf Tournament in Aug, and the Left on Board (LOB) sale. Many employees have also undertaken their own projects to raise money for the EAF. One such activity is the Gold Coast Center piñata auction, held in early May each year. We have also had a pilot design study cards to sell with the proceeds donated to the EAF, and many others have done charity hikes/swims/runs; with all proceeds going directly to the EAF.

        The Mission of The Employee Assistance Fund, as a non-profit organization, is to provide financial support to qualifying Alaska Airlines employees who need assistance due to catastrophic or medical reasons. For more information on the EAP program please visit this website: www.alaskaeaf.com

        You can also contact Flight Attendant Tobe VanOs:

        Tjvanos3@gmail.com

         

        In solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

        Filed Under: Latest News

        September 9, 2013 20:26

        Dear Flight Attendants,

         

        Your AFA leadership will take this opportunity to respond to the August 20th intranet message from Alaska Airlines Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider and Vice President of Customer Service – Airports and Cargo Jeff Butler regarding the Company’s most recent uniform testing (“New Uniform Testing”). For your information, AFA was not involved in the testing process referred to in the email. Nor were we involved in selecting toxicologist Bruce Kelman. Consequently, we would encourage you to contact Andy directly with your questions and concerns since she is your best source for clarification.

         

        With regard to Bruce Kelman’s credentials, many of you have expressed concern that he is not a medical doctor. That is correct. He is a certified toxicologist and has a PhD in that discipline but he is not a physician. Andy’s suggestion that you contact Dr. Kelman for a second opinion has proven to be a bit troublesome for many of you as well. Since he is not a treating physician, AFA would encourage you to contact a specialist with a MD regarding your health concerns. However, if you would like to discuss the testing methods used or the conclusions reached by Dr. Kelman during this latest round of laboratory testing, then he could certainly speak to those issues.

         

        We are providing you with an updated Uniform Reaction Database and Uniform Reaction Statistics (see the links below), which indicate approximately twenty five percent (25%) of our membership have reported an adverse reaction to the TwinHill uniform. Fortunately, we are just a few months away from a complete change over to the new Land’s End Business Outfitters (LEBO) interim uniform. In the meantime if you feel you are experiencing a reaction to the TwinHill uniform, please follow the guidelines in the attached document, “Your Uniform, Your Health” (also linked below).

         

        In solidarity,

         

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

         

        “Five Bases, One Voice”

        alaskamec.org

         

        References:

         

         

        AFA Uniform Database Membership Copy 2013-08

         

        AFA Uniform Stats Membership Copy 2013-08

         

        Your Uniform Your Health 2013-09

         

        Filed Under: Latest News

        September 6, 2013 09:49

        September 6, 2013

         

        Dear Flight Attendants,

         

        Your entire Negotiation Committee along with AFA staff negotiator Paula Mastrangelo are heading to our nation’s capital next week to meet with Alaska Airlines management at the National Mediation Board offices. We anticipate our first task at hand will be to sign tentative agreements on Section 14 (Vacation), Section 16 (Sick Leave), and Section 32 (Attendance). We believe you will be pleased with the enhancements in these sections.

         

        Once those sections are TA’d we plan to immediately dive back into the few sections remaining which are of high interest to flight attendants: Sec.3 (Scope), Sec.5 (Definitions), Sec.21 (Compensation), Sec.22 (Expenses), Sec.23 (Insurance), and Sec.29 (Profit Sharing & Retirement). We recognize you are anxiously waiting for an update on the progress of these sections. These sections will amount to hours of work between both AFA and the Company, and your patience is appreciated as our assigned federal mediator Victoria Gray has requested a limited communication policy while these sections are being proposed back and forth. Likely offers in these proposed sections will change and adjust frequently so we have been advised to limit communication during this time until more concrete information is available.

         

        In the meantime feel confident that your Negotiating Committee has your best interest in mind as we negotiate these important economic sections. We are your voice in the negotiation room but you are the power source behind us. Now more than ever it is important we all remain strong and united.

         

         

        In solidarity,

         

         

        Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

         

        “Five Bases, One Voice”

        alaskamec.org

        Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations

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