Dear Flight Attendants,
Your Negotiating Committee heads to San Diego this coming week for our fifth mediation session. Bargaining will take place November 12th-14th under the direction of Victoria Gray with the National Mediation Board (NMB).
Each of you is aware that we are down to the core issues in negotiations: economics. If we do not reach an agreement with management on a new deal in this next session, it will be time to turn up the heat. If we want improvements, we must step up to the plate.
Have you been outspoken in your demands for pay and benefits? Then now is the time to focus on our future and pull together and demonstrate to management that we can be a powerful force and fight together to secure our future. Contact your local executive council (LEC) officers and add yourself to a list of volunteers to help organize activities and participate in upcoming events.
Council 30 ANC: http://alaskamec.org/council-30-officers/
Council 19 SEA: http://alaskamec.org/council-19-sea-officers/
Council 39 PDX: http://alaskamec.org/pdx/officers/
Council 18 LAX/SAN: http://alaskamec.org/council-18-lax-officers/
In a recent interview, Brad recognized Alaska’s “best quarter ever” and the contribution of all the employees in achieving that result. Well, we see our Company’s positive financial trend and we want our “best contract ever.” In the interview, he also acknowledged the uncertainties and challenges that our Company faces—especially from Delta! That is exactly why management needs to come to the table with the intention of putting serious money into our contract and making us feel valued as employees.
Labor relations strife as a result of Flight Attendant contract negotiations is not what the Company needs right now. A new contract that makes Flight Attendants feel valued for their contribution is what is needed. Then we can all move forward and do what we do best: continue to work hard together to solidify Alaska’s position as the most respected and successful airline in the industry. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants are proud to have helped build that reputation. If management can agree to an appropriately rewarding contract, we look forward to participating in our collective bright future!
In solidarity,
Your AFA Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
https://www.facebook.com/alaskaairlines.negotiations
http://www.youtube.com/user/AFAALANegotiations
“Five Bases, One Voice”
VOICE Comment Card Report October 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.
Questions:
S, SEA
Thanks to the NC for being at the AFA meeting. I am concerned about the part of the side-letter that was added to the OT section. I understand it protects the process if it fails and we go back to the table, but we’ve been at the table so long, What if mgmt tells us that the OT isn’t working and they go back to all the days needing to be closed, that kind of defeats the purpose of voting for this version of OT, Right?
Management agreed to the new OT system as we move into a new design of trading and thresholds. We want to protect Flight Attendants from being JA’d, reassignments and tagging; and management wants to protect the operation. The side letter allows us to go another form of trading while protecting our Flight Attendants and the operation if the new system fails. Meanwhile, the side letter would require both parties to find a new solution and negotiate new OT processes. Even under the “temporary” OT process in place while a new one is negotiated, all days cannot be unilaterally closed. We also added a Scheduling Chairperson to oversee the new Open Time (OT) process.
S, LAX
How about putting out a list of the wonderful “positive” gains we have TA’d so far? We know there are a lot of great improvements, but it seems that the focus is on the perceived concessions. It’s difficult for some to stay objective when there is so many stories that are quite subjective, emotionally draining.
We are still in the process of keeping track of a gains summary for our Flight Attendants and management. We plan to show those in the near future. We are working on very difficult and sensitive section of the contract and hope all Flight Attendants would take a moment to review the completed TA of all sections in its entirety before making any decisions. One idea is to purchase three highlighters: red, yellow and green. Take the full text TA and highlight in red what you dislike in the TA, highlight in yellow what you don’t understand or are neutral, and highlight in green what you find positive or likeable. After the highlighting is complete check for road show dates and be prepared to have an in-depth discussion about the entire agreement. Know what you are voting yes or no on.
Comments:
K, LAX,
Calendar day instead of duty day. If it trades like a 3day it needs to pay like a 3day. Push hard for pay, PBP is NOT my pay. Stick to the NC proposal for pay. Too many concessions over the year.
C, LAX
- Retro pay.
- Buy-out
- Sign-in bonus
A, LAX,
I would like retro pay negotiated into new contract.
K, LAX
- Retro pay.
- Buy out
- Signing bonus
- And a raise
H, LAXFA
I have to say that I am very concerned with the fact that full retro pay would not be likely. I can say I know many people, as I’m sure you do, that will vote no due to this fact. I was at SW 2 contracts ago and I can tell you that it passed, not only because the steps were brought down to 13, but also because full retro was included.
I guess I’m just concerned that when the time comes to vote, that something like this could be a deal breaker.
Thanks for listening and all you do
L, SEAFA
I am wondering if some people will vote for anything (contract) if there is a signing bonus connected. Some people will vote for anything for $1000. Maybe forgo signing bonus this time.
J, SEAFA
Retro Pay!!!
SWA Pay!!!
No min or max flying!!!
Pension like the pilots after 5,10 years of service!
1. Pension like the pilots after so many years of service, 5, 10
2. Retro Pay
3. Pay for 1st hour of checkin
4. no max or min flying
5. 1-2 might be lates, no points per quarter
S, SEAFA
I seriously object to having 30 years of seniority just walked over with any new hire with a “commuter” pass! When I was hired on in 1984 I lived in Fairbanks and used my seniority passes to get myself to work in Seattle, my BASE! This is wrong!
November PBS Base Sits
ANC: Nov 5th 9am-4pm Inflight
Nov 6th 5am-1pm Inflight
Steve Poynter and Kelly Yeager
LAX: Nov 5th 10am-4pm Inflight
Rebecca Asbell and John Bumanglag
PDX: Nov 8th 5am-1pm Inflight (early am) then Starbucks C concourse
Rebecca Asbell
SAN: Nov 6th 5am-1pm Inflight
Rebecca Asbell and John Bumanglag
SEA: Nov 8th 6am-2pm Inflight-Mezzanine
Nov 9th 7am-12noon Inflight-Mezzanine
Steve Poynter and Kelly Yeager
December Seattle Q and A Sessions- Open to All Alaska Flight Attendants
– Hosted by Council 19
Have questions on current contract language?
Do you understand how a leave of absence works?
Do you have questions on bidding?
Do you understand the current negotiation updates?
Please drop by and visit with the LEC Officers from Council 19 along with LEC Chairs from the various AFA Committees during one of the sessions below.
This is an informal question and answer forum that provides the Local Executive Council Officers and Chairs the opportunity to meet and talk with you.
Location: Seattle Airport, Central Annex Room, Mezzanine Level (down the hall from inflight).
December 2: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00
December 4: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00
December 6: 9:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 4:00
Questions? Email Laura Masserant: lmasserant@yahoo.com
We look forward to seeing you in December!
Dear Flight Attendants,
Your AFA Negotiating Committee just wrapped up our fourth mediation session October 29-30, 2013. This session was held at the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington, DC, and overseen by federal mediator Victoria Gray. We were again joined by transportation economist Dan Akins as our financial advisor. Although we did not reach a tentative agreement (TA) on any sections this session and there is some distance between our positions, we believe there is a willingness on both sides to get a deal in the near future.
On Monday we were joined at the table by Alaska Air Group (AAG) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Brandon Pedersen. He came to answer any questions we had about Alaska’s stock buy-back program and the recent decision to pay a dividend on AAG stock (NYSE: ALK). AFA believes that if senior management and the AAG Board of Directors are willing to direct significant funds back to the shareholders, our leaders should also be willing to reward their Flight Attendants in kind. Following the discussion with Brandon, management passed us a comprehensive proposal at the end of the day which made some movement toward our position.
We spent Tuesday morning in further evaluation of management’s proposal and in formulating our response. Pat Sims, senior mediator with the NMB, dropped by mid-day to talk about our negotiations and she stayed through the remainder of the day. After we returned from lunch we smelled a weird electrical smell and further investigation revealed smoke coming from the ceiling!
Luckily, our caucus room was filled with first responders and we successfully evacuated in under 90 seconds! (Okay, maybe we’re dramatizing the event ever so slightly.) Seriously, though, we did have to move to a different part of the building after it was discovered that the air conditioning motor had seized up and was smoking. That evening after all the excitement had passed we gave management a comprehensive response to their proposal.
As a consequence of the electrical issue, on Wednesday we were required to relocate to the Hamilton Hotel just down the street from the NMB. AFA Director of Collective Bargaining Clare Burt joined us for the bulk of the day. Mediator Gray met separately with both sides and there was some consultation about how to move the discussion forward. We had a small group discussion with Mediator Gray and the principle members of management’s team which seemed to put the talks back on track. We will continue that dialogue on a conference call early next week and expect to resume mediation in San Diego, CA, November 12-14, 2013.
In the meantime, we appreciate your supportive messages and the faith you show in your representatives at the table. It is a difficult job we are undertaking to better the situation for all of us. Please stay strong, stay informed and together we will prevail!
In solidarity,
Your AFA Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
https://www.facebook.com/alaskaairlines.negotiations
http://www.youtube.com/user/AFAALANegotiations
“Five Bases, One Voice”
Dear Flight Attendants,
Today the FAA outlined new guidelines regarding the expanded use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in the cabin. It is important to note that this does not take place immediately and implementation will vary airline to airline. Here are some highlights from today’s announcement by the FAA that are directed towards the traveling public:
1) The FAA will provide guidance that will assist airlines in demonstrating that aircraft won’t be at risk because of potential interference from PEDs. Airlines must also evaluate changes to stowage rules and passenger announcements. Each airline will need to revise manuals, checklists for crewmember training materials, carry-on baggage programs and passenger briefings before expanding use of PEDs. Each airline will determine how and when they will allow passengers broader use of PEDs.
2) Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing. It is important to poperly stow heavier devices under seats or in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an accident.
3) Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn off your device if asked. During the safety briefing, passenger should put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember’s instructions.
AFA has had a crucial role on the committee that offered the detailed recommendations to the FAA and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flight Attendant voice was heard throughout this process. We expect the new PED regulations to receive plenty of media attention in the the coming months.
This is also coincidental timing as AFA and Alaska Airlines management have been in talks regarding implementation of Inflight mobile devices. The new devices will eventually replace the current point of sale (POS) devices. Be assured AFA is advocating for a more sensible policy regarding crewmember use of PEDs. AFA strongly believes that the policy in the Flight Attendant Manual must be updated to reflect the realities of modern PED use. Stay tuned for developments on that front in the near future!
Many thanks to the AFA-CWA Communications Department for their assistance in developing this update.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) issued the following statement today after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publically released final recommendations from the Portable Electronic Device (PED) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC). AFA was selected to serve as the voice of Flight Attendants on the committee due to years of expert work on cabin safety issues. The committee was tasked with providing detailed recommendations on the expanded use of portable electronic devices in the aircraft cabin.
“Flight Attendants are the professionals responsible for responding to any emergency in the cabin. We provide an expert voice on how the use of these devices presents complex challenges for crewmembers in the cabin and unique issues for the safety of the passengers in our care.
“AFA supports technical innovation, but our first priorities are the safety and security of flight, as they are for the FAA, other aviation stakeholders and the traveling public.
“In order to expand the use of PEDs safely, the commercial aviation industry must first demonstrate that airplanes can tolerate electromagnetic interference from passenger devices. AFA is a strong advocate for streamlining the testing and validation processes needed to demonstrate this capability, and requiring that airlines and manufacturers complete this work as quickly as possible on all passenger airplanes.
“At the same time, appropriate policies and procedures, supported by effective crew training programs and focused safety messaging from the industry to travelers, are needed to ensure that expanded use by passengers does not degrade safety and security. AFA encourages the FAA and industry to develop and quickly adopt uniform technical, operational, and training standards that will allow for the safe, managed expansion of PED usage by passengers.
“As the use of PEDs on aircraft expands in the future, AFA will work diligently alongside the FAA and industry to find creative, science-based approaches to ensure that passengers comply with the new operator policies and that their attention is not diverted from the important safety information provided by cabin crew during routine pre-flight briefings and unexpected emergencies, and that risks posed by loose items in the cabin are safely managed during the most critical portions of flight.”
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 68 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.
Dear Flight Attendants,
In preparation for this week’s mediation session, the Negotiating Committee has updated the Flight Attendant Payscale Industry Comparison with the latest information.
ALA FA Payscale Industry Comps 2013-09-18
Keep in mind that all carriers except Southwest Airlines are paid in block-hours rather than in Trips for Pay (TFP). In order to fairly compare them the block-hour pay rates have all been converted to TFP equivalent by dividing by the conversion factor 1.13 TFP per block-hour (1.13 TFP/block-hour). The rates must be converted because on the average, a Flight Attendant flies approximately 1.13 TFP in every block-hour. Conversely, you can convert pay in TFP to pay in block-hours by multiplying by 1.13. If you are looking at another carrier’s published pay rates in block-hours and see a discrepancy with this chart, it is because the pay rates have been converted.
Why is TFP different than a block-hour? That is because TFP is based on point-to-point mileage whereas a block-hour is based on time from aircraft block-out to block-in. Did you also know that your TFP pay is “front loaded” for each segment? If you look in Section 21.C-D you will see that you are paid 1 TFP for the first 243 miles and then 1 TFP for every 400 miles after that, with no less than 1 TFP for every segment.
We often hear Flight Attendants say that we are not compensated for boarding, which is not strictly true. This is why the first TFP in a segment is “front loaded” at 243 miles vs. 400 miles. We thought you might find it interesting to know exactly how much you are paid for boarding at every step rate.
Now, we’re not trying to say that the front loading of TFP on each segment is sufficient compensation for boarding. That is why your Negotiating Committee is pushing hard to achieve a duty rigs as well as other rigs. The duty rig in particular will ensure you are paid appropriately for your time on duty—such as for boarding, sits, delays, etc. A duty rig will also cause the pairing optimizer to do its best to minimize sit times. Other rigs such as a trip rig and an average daily guarantee will ensure that we are paid appropriately for long layovers and eliminate 3-day trips worth 8 TFP. Very, very important!
Your Negotiating Committee is committed to achieving rigs in order to ensure we are adequately compensated for our time on duty, to improve pairing value across the board and to minimize sit time. Obviously, we are also focused on attaining a significantly improved compensation and benefits package for all!
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”
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Council 30 ANC officer elections ended at 9am ADT on Friday, October 25, 2013. Nominations and elections are governed by procedures outlined in the Association’s Constitution & Bylaws, Article VIII and the AFA Policy Manual. The certified election results are as follows:
President: Becky Strachan
Vice President: Lisa Pinkston
Secretary: Jan Bottini-Strait
The upcoming three year term for Council 30 begins January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016. The Master Executive Council (MEC) congratulates the officers-elect and we sincerely thank all those who stepped forward to run in the election.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, MEC Vice President Terry Taylor, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Gesch, Council 30 ANC President Melanie Buker, Council 19 SEA President Laura Masserant, Council 39 PDX President Cathy Gwynn, Council 18 LAX/SAN President Sandra Morrow and Council 30 ANC President-elect Becky Strachan
“Five Bases, One Voice”
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