For Immediate Release
COALITION OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS COMMENDS TSA FOR KEEPING KNIVES OFF PASSENGER PLANES
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 90,000-strong Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions today celebrated the success of its campaign to keep knives off planes and commended the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for holding the line against weapons on flights.
“We promised ‘No Knives on Planes Ever Again,’ and today that promise was kept,” the Flight Attendant Coalition announced. “Terrorists armed only with knives killed thousands of Americans on 9/11/2001. As the women and men on the front lines in the air, we vowed to do everything in our power to protect passengers and flight crews from harm and prevent that type of atrocity from happening ever again. We commend the TSA for revising its policy based on input from front line aviation workers with the greatest stake in the rule change. The result is better security policy and the assurance that our nation’s aviation security system continues to be vigilant for knives that could be used in a terrorist attack or criminal act against passengers or crew.”
Five unions representing 90,000 Flight Attendants from across the industry quickly mobilized after the TSA announced plans on March 5, 2013 to allow knives with blades up to 2.36 inches long back onto aircraft cabins for the first time since 9/11. Knives in the hands of terrorists or mentally ill or drunk or drugged passengers would have posed a clear threat to everyone in the air and in airport secure areas.
On May 6, 2013, each of the coalition unions representing Flight Attendants joined with TSA screeners, pilots, law enforcement officers and airline passengers to file a legal petition to the TSA against the rule change that would have permitted knives in the aircraft cabin. Administrator John Pistole demonstrated leadership and sound judgment by responding to this petition and other stakeholder feedback. Today, the Administrator has determined that knives will remain on the official “prohibited items list” governing what airline passengers may carry on their persons or in carry-on bags onto planes.
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions was quickly joined by organizations representing virtually everyone else potentially affected by a new knife policy, including TSA security officers, pilots, gate agents, federal air marshals, and airline passengers. The Flight Attendants thank the American Federation of Government Employees representing TSA Security Officers, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, FlyersRights.org, the nation’s largest organization representing air travelers, the Coalition of Pilots Associations, the United Airlines chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, the families of Betty Ong, Sara Low and Alfred Marchand as well as Airlines for America, the trade association representing U.S. Airlines
The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions was quickly joined by organizations representing virtually everyone else potentially affected by a new knife policy, including TSA security officers, pilots, gate agents, federal air marshals, and airline passengers. The Flight Attendants thank the American Federation of Government Employees representing TSA Security Officers, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, FlyersRights.org, the nation’s largest organization representing air travelers, the Coalition of Pilots Associations, the United Airlines chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association, the families of Betty Ong, Sara Low and Alfred Marchand as well as Airlines for America, the trade association representing U.S. airlines.
Flight Attendants also wish to thank Members of Congress from both parties for their crucial support. House Homeland Security Members Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA) were instrumental in pushing for a process that would include input from aviation stakeholders. Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY) led the charge against knives in the aircraft cabin by introducing the No Knives Act of 2013 within days of the policy announcement. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), the late Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) co-sponsored the “Keep Knives Out of Our Skies Act.”
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Media Contacts: Corey Caldwell, AFA, ccaldwell@afanet.org; Anthony DeMaio, APFA, ademaio@oneillandassoc.com; James Carlson, IAM, jcarlson@iamaw.org; David White, IBT, dwhite@teamster.org; Jamie Horwitz, TWU, media@twu.org.
The Flight Attendants Union Coalition coordinates on issues of mutual interest to Flight Attendants. Members of the Coalition are the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), and Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Dear Flight Attendants,
Approximately 1 year ago, your MEC posted an informational guideline for those flight attendants experiencing health related issues due to the TwinHill uniform titled, “Your Uniform, Your Health”. Since then many of the policies and procedures have changed and so we are providing you with an updated version. (Please see below).
Approximately 6 weeks ago we posted the most current statistics obtained from responses to the multiple surveys and questionnaires that we sent out to those of you with reported adverse reactions to the TwinHill uniform. At that time the total number of reported cases was 597. Just 6 weeks later the number has risen to 652. That’s 55 new cases in 6 weeks! (Please see below for updated statistics).
AFA leadership and members of the Uniform and Safety, Health and Security Committees are working with management to procure a new uniform as quickly as possible. However, the projected rollout date is not until Fall 2014.
If you believe you are experiencing an adverse reaction to the TwinHill uniform, please follow the guidelines provided in “Your Uniform, Your Health”.
Additionally, if you would like more detailed information and references you can click on:
http://ashsd.afacwa.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=160011&page=HealthIssues
This will take you to AFA International’s Air Safety, Health and Security Department website.
May 27, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Early this morning, a male passenger was arrested in Portland for interfering with flight crew after he allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit row window during descent on flight 132 from Anchorage to Portland. The attempt was unsuccessful as the locking pins for the next generation aircraft window exits were still engaged, and the passenger was ultimately restrained by passengers and crew. The Association praises our Portland- and Seattle-based Flight Attendants for their professionalism under pressure. This incident has made national headlines so we expect there to be increased media attention for the next few days. Please remember that Flight Attendants should not make statements to the media and should refer all inquiries to Alaska Airlines Corporate Communications.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
References
Alaska’s World May 27, 2013 “Passenger arrest: FBI detains man after he tries to open emergency exit inflight” (login required): http://splash.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2013/05/27_passenger_arrest.asp
May 24, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
AFA has updated a summary of the 60 years of bargaining history between Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants and management. Many thanks to former MEC President Kelle Wells for her assistance in getting this information up to date! A printed copy of the booklet is currently being distributed to the bases, so you can expect them to be available starting next week. An electronic version is linked below and posted on www.alaskamec.org under the ‘Contract’ tab. We hope you will find the content educational.
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”
May 23, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Alaska Airlines management advised AFA that two “No Knives On Planes” stickers were found on the sides of two different inbound beverage carts yesterday. Management reports that the stickers cannot be removed so the affected side panel must be replaced at a cost of $100. Although the Master Executive Council (MEC) appreciates the enthusiasm our members have shown for ensuring that no knives are ever brought back into the cabin, we must insist that the stickers are not affixed to Alaska Airlines property. Thank you very much!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
‘No Knives’ sticker on a cart: 
May 22, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Many of our brothers and sisters participated in informational leafleting and picketing at the Alaska Air Group Shareholders meeting yesterday afternoon at the Bell Harbor Conference Center on Pier 66 in downtown Seattle. The event was a very successful solidarity action and the Flight Attendants delivered a professional, respectful message to management and our shareholders. Several AFA representatives entered the actual proceedings and Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson was the first to address the group during the Q&A portion of the meeting. AFA is appreciative of management’s efforts to ensure AFA was heard.
The Shareholders meeting was reported in an Alaska’s World article today (May 22, 2013) “Striving for success: Taking a long-term view on finances, growth and serving all stakeholders” (login required): http://splash.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2013/05/22_annual_meeting.asp.
Private recording devices were prohibited during the proceedings, so we have to paraphrase the full text of Jeff’s question:
“The Flight Attendants have been negotiating with Alaska Airlines management for the past 18 months and talks have recently stalled, largely over compensation. We have since applied for mediation with the National Mediation Board. There are Flight Attendants engaging in informational picketing out front, which the Association believes is an unfortunate but necessary distraction. We had hoped to be announcing a tentative agreement at this meeting.
Back in 2009 AFA signed a contract extension that provided only very moderate increases to our base wage in order to ensure Alaska Airlines would be in a position to prosper in an uncertain economy and a turbulent industry. In the presentation we just saw, there was discussion about aligning shareholder and employee interests. It was mentioned that in the past several years there has been more than a 500% increase to share value. In approximately that same period, the Flight Attendant wage scale his slipped nearly 8% when adjusted for inflation.
Knowing all this, how are we going to move things forward to get the Flight Attendants a contract we deserve so that we can focus our efforts back on closing the gap with our competitors?”
The meeting broke at 3:30 pm, at which point the entire coalition reconvened outside for a brief recap of the activities. An unofficial social mixer followed at Anthony’s for several hours. Check out pictures of the event below!
The next negotiations session is scheduled for July 8-11, 2013, in Valencia, California.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
References:
Alaska’s World May 22, 2013 “Striving for success: Taking a long-term view on finances, growth and serving all stakeholders” (login required): http://splash.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2013/05/22_annual_meeting.asp
Media Advisory for May 21, 2013 Contact: Laura Masserant 360-633-5905
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Rally For Contract
Washington, DC – As Alaska Air Group holds its annual stockholders meeting on Tuesday, award-winning Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, will rally outside as they continue to press management for a fair contract.
“Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have been distinguished by numerous awards for our hard work, sacrifices and dedication. Bolstered by our exemplary
service, Alaska Airlines has just received the JD Power and Associates® award for the sixth year in a row—unprecedented in the industry. We have worked closely with management to create a winning strategy and have been key to the success of our airline. Despite this extraordinary performance record, our wages continue to fall below inflation and behind those of our peers in the industry. It is time for the over 3,100 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants to reap the benefits of our airline’s success and be adequately compensated,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA president at Alaska Airlines. “We are stakeholders in this airline. We have proven our dedication.”
Flight Attendants’ contract negotiations began in November 2011 and have been ongoing for the past 18 months. AFA filed for mediation earlier this month after talks stalled over compensation. Mediation will begin in July.
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Rally Tuesday, May 21, 2013 1 p.m. Pacific Time (Stockholders meeting at 2 p.m.) Bell Harbor International Conference Center 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66 Seattle, Washington
The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.
May 20, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Master Executive Council (MEC) invites you to join us for informational leafleting at the Alaska Air Group (AAG) Shareholders meeting beginning at 1pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at the Bell Harbor Conference Center, Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle, WA 98121 (http://www.bellharbor.com/).
From 1pm to 2pm, the entire group will participate just outside the venue, along the pier, on the Alaska Way sidewalk and possibly over the sky bridge leading to the parking structure across the street. You can check out a map and interactive view of the site on Google: http://goo.gl/maps/lF7DE. At 2pm, several members of the contingent with shares or proxies will enter the conference center and designated spokespersons will possibly make statements inside as appropriate. Those who do not have proxies may remain outside and continue to participate. Flight Attendants do not need to own shares or have a proxy in order to join us for leafleting, as there is plenty to do outside the venue! It is extremely important that we show our solidarity at this event so we need anybody who is not working but previously scheduled to be in Seattle or who is on a layover to come on down and join us for a few hours. We are asking for your participation between approximately 1pm-3:30pm.
If you are coming from a layover in Seattle, you can be at the venue in about an hour and ten minutes. Directions for taking the light rail from SeaTac Airport station to Westlake Center downtown (approximately 50 minutes) are here: http://goo.gl/maps/dTdhe, and then walking directions from Westlake Center to the Bell Harbor Conference Center (approximately 20 minutes) here: http://goo.gl/maps/lbwdj. Driving directions from all points: http://www.bellharbor.com/directions.php; a printable driving map of the area: http://www.bellharbor.com/pdf/BH_Driving_Directions.pdf. For those of you that live in the Seattle Area there are several non-driving options available to get to Pier 66. If you live in West Seattle, the West Seattle Water Taxi service drops you off a short walk from Pier 66: http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/WaterTaxi.aspx. If you are coming from the Peninsula, the Bremerton and Bainbridge Ferry service will drop you off a short walk from Pier 66: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/. In King County several bus routes will take you to Westlake Center where you will be able to follow the walking directions posted above. These routes include: Aurora Bus Route 358, Ballard Route 40 or Rapid Ride D, U District Route 73, Bellevue Route 550, Kirkland Route 255, Issaquah Route 554, and Mountlake Terrace Route 511. For Information on these and other transit routes visit http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/.
AFA will be supplying complimentary AFA Alaska t-shirts to all who attend the event, supplies permitting. We ordered a fairly significant quantity of t-shirts in a variety of sizes so we anticipate having enough for everybody. The t-shirts are a royal blue with the AFA logo and identify us as Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants; there are no other slogans so these may be used for a wide variety of purposes. Again, a free AFA Alaska t-shirt to all those who can make it, supplies permitting. Please do not wear your uniform to the event! We will also have signs, buttons, flyers, and balloons.
We want to show our professionalism, and why we are the best FAs in the industry, to the shareholders while we express our concern over the company’s inability to negotiate a fair contract with us!
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
May 17, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
This is the fourth installment in a series of negotiations updates this week.
AFA has been working on a summary of negotiated contract changes for some time now. Management was kind enough to provide a summary last week, but we thought it was important to publish our version as well. You will find the document here: Negotiated TA Changes AFA.
Informational leafleting and picketing at the Alaska Air Group (AAG) Shareholders meeting will begin at 1pm on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at the Bell Harbor Conference Center, Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle, WA 98121 (http://www.bellharbor.com/). AFA will be providing free AFA t-shirts to all participants, supplies permitting. Do not wear your uniform to the event and do not non-rev in solely for the purpose of picketing!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
“Five Bases, One Voice”
References:
Negotiated TA Changes AFA: http://alaskamec.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Negotiated-TA-Changes-AFA.pdf
* * *
Bell Harbor Conference Center: http://www.bellharbor.com/
Interactive view of the Bell Harbor Conference Center: http://goo.gl/maps/lF7DE
Link light rail directions from SeaTac Airport Station to Westlake Center downtown: http://goo.gl/maps/dTdhe
Walking directions from Westlake Center to Bell Harbor Conference Center: http://goo.gl/maps/lbwdj
Driving direction: http://www.bellharbor.com/directions.php
Printable driving map: http://www.bellharbor.com/pdf/BH_Driving_Directions.pdf
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