|
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.
|
UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY |
|||||||
|
BODY PARTS & SYSTEMS AFFECTED* |
NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES |
PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES |
PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF FAs |
||||
|
|
597 |
3113 |
|||||
|
SKIN |
460 |
77% |
15% |
||||
|
EYES |
102 |
17% |
3% |
||||
|
HEAD |
27 |
5% |
1% |
||||
|
RESPIRATORY |
113 |
19% |
4% |
||||
|
CARDIAC |
6 |
1% |
0% |
||||
|
SCALP/HAIR |
69 |
12% |
2% |
||||
|
THYROID |
28 |
5% |
1% |
||||
|
AUTOIMMUNE |
7 |
1% |
0% |
||||
|
FATIGUE |
57 |
10% |
2% |
||||
|
OTHER** |
65 |
11% |
2% |
||||
|
NO DATA *** |
65 |
11% |
2% |
||||
|
*REFER TO UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE FOR SYMPTOMS AND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. |
|||||||
|
**OTHER: Reproductive/Nausea/Vomiting/Numbness/Tingling/ Odor sensitivity/Gastrointestinal/Liver/Metallic taste/Etc. |
|||||||
|
***NO DATA: Reported adverse reaction to uniform but did not provide symptoms. |
|||||||
|
FACT: CURRENTLY 19% OF OUR FA WORKGROUP HAS REPORTED AN ADVERSE REACTION TO THE TWINHILL UNIFORM. |
|||||||
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
April 11, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Master Executive Council (MEC) is pleased to announce that we passed a resolution to change the appearance of our AFA pin at Alaska Airlines. As a sign of solidarity with the Negotiating Committee, the AFA pin will be worn in combination with a 1 1/4” diameter dark green pin “backer” that reads “SHOW US THE MONEY” in white font. The pin backers are being distributed effective today. Please contact a VOICE committee member or AFA officer to receive a backer and special instructions for wearing it. A higher resolution photo of the new pin may be found linked below in ‘References.’
The next negotiations session is scheduled for next week: April 15-18, 2013, in which we expect management to respond to AFA’s comprehensive proposal and show us the money!
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
References:
AFA ALA Show Us the Money Pin 2013
April 10, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
The Master Executive Council (MEC) is writing to inform you that the law firm of Emerson Poynter LLP is representing several Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants who have brought suit against TwinHill. The legal action is against TwinHill only and not against Alaska Airlines. Be advised that the Association of Flight Attendants is providing this information as a courtesy to our members and that we are not in any way endorsing the terms of representation, the law firm or the attorneys involved, or the merits of the pending litigation.
If you believe that you have been harmed by the TwinHill uniform, you may wish to contact Emerson Poynter as soon as possible. AFA has been informed that the statute of limitations for filing a suit may be quickly approaching depending on the individual’s state of residence (especially California) and particular circumstances. For some Flight Attendants, the window of opportunity could be closing early next week.
If you need more information, contact the law firm of Emerson Poynter. You will find contact information, terms of representation and other content at http://www.flightuniformlitigation.com.
On a separate note, the MEC is updating our “uniform reaction database” with recent survey information and will be sharing this data with the membership in the coming days.
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Five Bases, One Voice”
Negotiations Update March 18-21, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
This was a difficult and high-intensity week in negotiations. Right off the bat on Monday we received management’s initial compensation proposal. It was unsatisfying to say the least. Management’s proposal did almost nothing to recognize how low some of our rates are compared to the industry and despite the outstanding performance we deliver year after year.
There is a link below in ‘References’ to the proposed wage scale that shows management’s proposed rates and AFA’s proposed rates (just look at the SWA rates for our proposed rates as they are one and the same). Many if not all of you have already received this information via an email from Vice President of Inflight Andy Schneider sent earlier today, along with two other documents for your consideration. Although all the information in Andy’s email is factually accurate, we trust you will see there is a subtext to the communication. Stay strong and support your Negotiating Committee as we fight on your behalf to be appropriately compensated for our contributions! Just remember the phrase “My Negotiating Committee speaks for me!”
In addition to proposing the Southwest wage rates, AFA’s proposal provides for trip and duty rigs, increases to current premium pays, improved holiday pay and additional holidays, and other upgrades which will increase our take-home pay. Typically in negotiations, each side initially proposes pay positions which are very far apart. Then the parties attempt to get closer together over subsequent passes. We will see what happens in the next session. It is important to remember that rates are not the only components of compensation. Rigs, premium pays, international pay and other forms of compensation all add to our take-home pay.
Section 23: Insurance Benefits and Section 29: Profit Sharing and Retirement. Both of these sections are tied to compensation and we are still significantly apart in these areas.
On a brighter note, we did make significant progress in Sections 32: Attendance Policy, and Section 27: General-Association. We can report that we are a lot closer in those sections.
Section 3: Scope – the very important section which protects our jobs and our work. Management proposed a vastly expanded ability for supervisors and managers to fly our trips, which is clearly a concern for us. Management also rejected our proposed protections from engaging in future onboard product service or sales related to non-consumable items. However, we continue to fight for protections from having to sell duty free and rental cars or vacation packages onboard (just as a few examples) without the ability to negotiate the terms of such work. Discussions are still ongoing in regards to concerns with increased capacity purchase agreement (CPA) flying within Alaska Air Group. While many issues in scope are still hotly contested by us, AFA and management are close to agreeing on some protections for our flying related to who will serve as Flight Attendants on our current and future aircraft.
The bulk of our time was spent in caucus as each side worked separately on individual proposals. We will be back at the table next month on April 15-19th and April 29th –May 2nd.
Now is the time when we all must present a united front to management. As we move forward in this process, wear your AFA pin in solidarity. If you need another one, contact one of your local officers or VOICE committee chair.
Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
“Four 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
Flight Attendant Payscale Comparison:
VOICE Comment Card Report March 2013
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 231
- 232
- 233
- 234
- 235
- …
- 237
- Next Page »
