April 21, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Council 18 LAX officer election ended at noon Pacific Time on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Nominations and elections are governed by procedures outlined in the Association’s Constitution & Bylaws, Article VIII and the AFA Policy Manual. The results are as follows:
President: Sandra Morrow
Vice President: Kelly Johnson
Secretary: Kelese Stallings
Council Representative: David Lehman
The upcoming three year term for Council 18 officers is from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2016. The Master Executive Council (MEC) congratulates the officers-elect and we sincerely thank all those who stepped forward to run in the election.
[Note from MEC President Jeff Peterson: This was a particularly eventful week for us because of all the developments surrounding negotiations—and the Boston Marathon bombings occurred on Monday as well. It was an honest error that the Council 18 election results were not posted that day (or during the week, for that matter). I personally apologize to all LAXFAs and SANFAs for the oversight!]
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
www.alaskamec.org
References:
ALA Council 18 LAX certified election results: http://afacwa-elections.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Certified-Results-20137.pdf
Negotiations Update April 15-18, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
This session was a roller coaster of a week for your AFA Negotiating Committee. It started out on a negative note and ended with a renewed commitment to forging ahead and narrowing the gap.
The week started off somewhat contentiously before talks had even started because management disallowed our “Show Us the Money” pin backers over the weekend. Many of you had started to wear the pin backers when the memo came out banning them.
The Master Executive Council was in Seattle to meet with the Negotiating Committee and receive management’s response to our comprehensive proposal. Management did not meet with us on Monday, saying that some on their team did not have the date reserved on their calendars. For us, it was a wasted day and wasted resources.
On Tuesday, a key member of management’s team was unavailable to meet. At this point, we were doubting management’s focus and commitment to Flight Attendant negotiations. We contacted CEO Brad Tilden, who agreed to meet with the MEC and the Negotiating committee that same day. The extended meeting took place at corporate HQ with Brad, COO Ben Minicucci and Vice President Labor Relations Shane Tackett and VP Inflight Services Andy Schneider.
A very frank discussion ensued regarding frustrations with these negotiations and relations between AFA and management. Management reaffirmed their commitment to negotiations and to good labor relations. How to get the talks back on track was the focus of our discussion. All agreed that the parties engaging in some “off the record” discussions might be helpful to jump-start negotiations. As a sign of good faith, the MEC resolved that the officers and the Negotiating Committee would not wear the pin backers during this session.
Negotiations resumed on Wednesday morning. Both teams continued to exchange proposals on non-economic sections: section 3 Scope, S27 Association general, S16 Sick Leave. We are moving closer in all those sections.
We gave a power-point presentation to management detailing Flight Attendants’ loss of real buying power as a result of wages not keeping up with inflation. The presentation highlighted FAs contribution to Alaska’s success and the many awards FAs have earned consistently over the years.
Neither the AFA nor the management negotiating teams passed formal comprehensive proposals this week. However, both sides engaged in detailed discussion about components of the proposals. The mood at the table was much improved from the beginning of the week. At this point in negotiations and as talks progress, the elements of comprehensive compensation proposals may rapidly and significantly change so we will not be reporting out specifics about our proposals. However, we will keep you informed about how negotiations are going in general.
We’ve gotten reports of individual FAs or groups of FAs taking their own solidarity actions such as wearing colored ribbons, etc. While we admire your spirit, we have to caution everyone against taking independent actions not sanctioned by AFA. We do not want to see anyone disciplined over this.
Our next session is in Seattle in less than a week and a half, starting on April 29. Until then, please remember to wear your AFA pin as a sign that your Negotiating Committee has the support of over 3,100 Flight Attendants.
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”
References:
AFA Alaska Negotiations channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AFAALANegotiations
Alaska Airlines Negotiations facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/alaskaairlines.negotiations
VOICE Comment Card Report April 2013
[Important: Going forward the Negotiating Committee will read every comment card just like today. However, we will only confidentially publish non-anonymous comment cards. That is, for a comment card to be pushed there must be some identifying information on the card such as a name or arctic number. We will continue to “scrub” the identifying information from the cards when published.]
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April 16, 2013 @ 1215 PDT
Dear Flight Attendants,
It was just announced that all American Airlines flights have been placed on a ground hold until later today. To the best of our knowledge the ground stop is related to a planned cut-over from SABRE to JetNet that did not go well. The failed cut-over is now affecting operations at American. This may seem suspicious in light of the Boston Marathon bombings yesterday but so far it seems to be unfortunate timing. If we get any additional updates, we will pass them along to you.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
www.alaskamec.org
When we hear about or experience a tragedy of this magnitude, the brain and central nervous systems Immediately respond. They cover our emotions with a protective “blanket” we sometimes call shock. Shock allows us to try and function in our lives while trying to process the tragedy of this event. For some, shock recedes very quickly and for others, it hangs on.
We are all different and there is no right or wrong way to experience shock. As shock falls away, emotions will make their way to the surface. It is very normal to feel a “roller coaster” of emotions following the shock stage. Emotions may ebb and flow. Emotions may feel manageable one second and out of control the next.
You don’t have to be alone with your shock and emotions. Contact your AFA Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Program (EAP) committee representative at 1-949-470-0493 or eap@alaskamec.org. Their number can also be found at www.afanet.org or through the AFA International EAP toll free help line 1-800-424-2406.
April 15, 2013 @ 1550 PDT
Dear Flight Attendants,
All crews outbound from Boston have been contacted and are safe. There are several off-duty Flight Attendants who were competing in or were spectators at the marathon and so far all are reported as fine, although at least one missed the affected area at the finish line by only a few minutes. Public transportation in downtown Boston has been disrupted but the airport is operating normally at this time. This will be the last special update unless circumstances change.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
www.alaskamec.org
April 15, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
As many of you now know, there were two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon earlier today. Tragically, there are several confirmed injuries and deaths. Although there are multiple Flight Attendant crews on layovers in Boston, we have heard that most are safe. Alaska Airlines management is working to account for the remaining crews. So far all Flight Attendants who we know participated in or were present at the marathon are okay as well. All BOS airport operations are normal at this time.
We will update you if there are any significant developments. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Boston today.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
April 14, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
As promised, the Master Executive Council (MEC) is sharing the latest statistics regarding health concerns with the TwinHill Flight Attendant uniform. Starting nearly two years ago, AFA began keeping a database of those affected. As of this writing, 597 out of 3113 Flight Attendants have reported some form of health concern correlated with the TwinHill uniform. See the following table for a summary of the types of reactions experienced by those 597 Flight Attendants.
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UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY |
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BODY PARTS & SYSTEMS AFFECTED* |
NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES |
PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES |
PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF FAs |
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597 |
3113 |
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SKIN |
460 |
77% |
15% |
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EYES |
102 |
17% |
3% |
||||
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HEAD |
27 |
5% |
1% |
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RESPIRATORY |
113 |
19% |
4% |
||||
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CARDIAC |
6 |
1% |
0% |
||||
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SCALP/HAIR |
69 |
12% |
2% |
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THYROID |
28 |
5% |
1% |
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AUTOIMMUNE |
7 |
1% |
0% |
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FATIGUE |
57 |
10% |
2% |
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OTHER** |
65 |
11% |
2% |
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NO DATA *** |
65 |
11% |
2% |
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*REFER TO UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE FOR SYMPTOMS AND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. |
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**OTHER: Reproductive/Nausea/Vomiting/Numbness/Tingling/ Odor sensitivity/Gastrointestinal/Liver/Metallic taste/Etc. |
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***NO DATA: Reported adverse reaction to uniform but did not provide symptoms. |
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FACT: CURRENTLY 19% OF OUR FA WORKGROUP HAS REPORTED AN ADVERSE REACTION TO THE TWINHILL UNIFORM. |
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You will find three different tables linked below in ‘References’: (1) a uniform reaction database summary (the same as above), (2) the complete uniform reaction database (with identifying information removed of course), and (3) uniform cross contamination survey results. The uniform cross contamination survey results are from responses to a recent survey sent out to everybody in our uniform reaction database. The survey asked those who have transitioned out of the TwinHill uniform to respond. A copy of the the survey can also be found linked below in ‘References’.
To summarize where we are with the TwinHill uniform, AFA filed a grievance back in November alleging management’s failure to provide a safe and healthy workplace and demanded the recall of the TwinHill uniform. AFA continues to work through the details of this particularly complex grievance. Meanwhile, 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. It our understanding that the Uniform Procurement Taskforce is getting closer to selecting a new uniform vendor.
We hope you will find the data eye-opening and informative. If you are wearing the TwinHill uniform and believe you are experiencing a correlated health issue, send an email to alternateuniform@alaskamec.org for instructions regarding what to do next.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Yvette Gesch, Terry Taylor, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
References:
AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Contamination Survey Mar 2013:
AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Reaction Survey Mar 2013
AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Contamination Survey Results Apr 2013:
AFA ALA FA UNIFORM CROSS CONTAMINATION SURVEY RESULTS Apr 2013
AFA ALA FA Uniform Reaction Database Apr 2013:
AFA ALA FA UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE Apr 2013
AFA ALA FA Uniform Reaction Database Summary Apr 2013:
AFA ALA FA UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE SUMMARY Apr 2013
AFA International Press Release: “Union Demands Recall of Uniforms and Files Grievance Alleging Management’s Failure to Provide a Safe and Healthy Workplace”:
April 13, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants:
As you know, AFA recently distributed pin backers to be worn behind our AFA pin that states “Show Us the Money.” On April 10, 2013, in compliance with the AFA Constitution and By-Laws, the Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) passed a resolution adopting the pin and its backer as our official union pin/insignia.
Yesterday, Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider requested the MEC to rescind the pin backer. We subsequently received notice that management would issue directives to Flight Attendants prohibiting them from wearing the AFA pin with the “Show Me the Money” pin backer. The MEC unanimously voted to retain the new pin design and informed her as such this morning.
In yesterday’s meeting, Andy stated that Flight Attendants who refuse to comply with the directive by removing the pin backer would be disciplined. Inflight bulletin #2013-0081 “Uniform Standards Update” was subsequently issued as a “must-read” around 1pm Pacific Time today. The bulletin more or less states the same, although the disciplinary aspect is not overtly indicated but rather implied.
How can management be so concerned over a small plastic disc? The intent was for Flight Attendants to wear as a sign of support for our Negotiating Committee and to express dissatisfaction with management’s disappointing compensation proposal last session and our expectation that future proposals be greatly improved. Obviously, it is not the backer itself or even the message on it that is the cause of such anxiety. The truth is that management is scared of our solidarity!
While the MEC believes that Flight Attendants have a legal right to wear the authorized union pin while on duty, we also do not want Flight Attendants to be disciplined. Please comply with any directive issued to you. AFA will address the issue through the grievance procedure or other appropriate legal means. You cannot be issued a directive to remove the pin itself. You can and should continue to wear your AFA pin without the backer.
We disagree with management in regards to wearing this harmless little plastic disc. However, absolutely AFA agrees with the following statement (from the bulletin): “Another thing that is very important to us is that we retain and continue our exemplary award winning company service.” This is very true. One of the best things you can do to assist the Negotiating Committee is to continue to provide the same level of award-winning service each and every day—while wearing your now “classic” AFA pin, of course! 😉
At the end of the day, it really does not matter what the legal outcome of the pin backer may be because its purpose has already been fulfilled. (However, be assured that we will not just let the issue drop!) The message was delivered loud and clear to management: we expect them to come to the table with proposals that your Negotiating Committee can actually work with and we will not hesitate to make our displeasure more widely known if our expectations are not met.
If you have any questions, please contact a VOICE representative or one of your local officers. If you are questioned or disciplined about your wearing of the pin or backer, contact a grievance representative immediately.
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
Your VOICE Committee – Adam Clarey, Lisa Pinkston, Shannon Hyde, Shawn Grill, Stacey Uebelhor and all the men and women who help get out the word
“Five Bases, One Voice”
www.alaskamec.org
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