Click on the link above to read the proposed agenda items for the upcoming Board of Directors meeting.
January 24, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
As you may have heard by now, Alaska Airlines has announced another record-breaking year of profit in 2012: $339 million dollars! That translates to another record: a pre-tax operating profit margin of 11.9 cents on the dollar, which is well above the “10 cents on the dollar” figure you have heard discussed at Flight Path and in other Company meetings and communications. This is the third year in a row that the Company has exceeded that goal. Not only that, but the load factor grew to a record 86.6%!
The 2012 Performance Based Pay (PBP) payout also been announced: 8.1% of eligible earnings (which do not include all OPR payouts, 2011’s PBP, per diem and expense reimbursements). This is basically the equivalent of an extra month’s salary. All employees who were active on the payroll as of December 31, 2012 or on an approved leave of absence, are eligible for PBP. Employees who retired during 2012, are also eligible based on their pre-retirement earnings, if they were eligible for retirement under the Flight Attendant 401 (k) plan rules.
PBP replaced the Variable Pay Plan (VPP) with the Contract Extension in 2009 was paid retroactively to include 2008. (PBP has outperformed the VPP over the years in which Flight Attendants have participated in PBP.) Participation in PBP is contractually-mandated, but all Alaska Airlines employees are now on the same shared rewards plan. The PBP goals are set annually by the Alaska Air Group’s Board of Directors. The historical PBP payout since joining the program in 2008 is as follows: 2008 – 2.6%, 2009 – 8.3%, 2010 – 9.4%, 2011 – 6.7%, 2012 – 8.1%. Considering all the record statistics, we are pleased to see this year’s PBP of 8.1% to be closer to the 2010 payout of 9.4%!
The Master Executive Council (MEC) thanks our Flight Attendants for making significant contributions to Alaska Airlines’ success with our on-board sales and renowned service. In fairness, we also recognize management’s role in providing a vision that has led to the Company’s record-breaking achievements. At the end of the day, the long-term success of the Company requires a collaborative effort between all employees at all levels.
Flight Attendants continue to demonstrate their passion for and commitment to Alaska Airlines. In the spirit of shared efforts and rewards, AFA expects management to recognize and reward our Flight Attendants appropriately as we begin to discuss the “big ticket” items in the upcoming contract negotiations sessions: scope, compensation, insurance benefits and retirement. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for February 5-7, 2013, in Seattle, WA.
Congratulations for a job well done in 2012, everybody!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
“Four Bases, One Voice”
Your PBS Committee is coming to a base near you! Please take a moment to stop by and ask your committee members questions and/or learn about the upcoming changes to the PBS system.
ANC: March 6th 9:00am-4:00pm (Inflight)
March 7th 6:00am-1:00pm
LAX: March 9th 9:00am-4:00pm (Inflight)
PDX: March 7th 5:00am-1:00pm (Starbucks-C concourse near TSA)
March 9th 11:00am-7:00pm
SEA: March 8th 9:00am-4:00pm (Inflight-Mezzanine)
March 9th 6:00am-1:00pm
SNA: March 6th 9:00am-4:00pm (To be determined)
In addition, phone help with Rebecca Asbell or Renee Elson will be available
by appointment only on March 6th, 7th and 8th between 8am-4pm.
Call Rebecca at 503-829-4676 or Renee at 951-288-5961in late February but no later than March 5th to make an appointment.
Official Meeting Minutes
Local Council Meeting
Alaska Airlines Council 39, Portland
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 – 12:30 to 3 PM
Vancouver Room, PDX Airport Conference Center, Portland, OR
Attending:
Cathy Gwynn, LEC President
Brian Palmer, LEC Vice President
Blair Kimball, MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson
Contesa Diaz-Nicolaidis, LEC EAP/Professional Standards Chairperson
Barb Moynier, MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Chairperson
Bob Moore, MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson
Michael Cruz
Liz Skayhan, PDX Inflight Base Manager (Announcements Portion Only)
Cheri Soule, PDX Inflight Supervisor (Announcements Portion Only)
I. Call To Order – 12:32 PM
II. Announcements
a. Liz Skahan – Don Davies met with the port. PDX remodeling. Lower level expansion not happening. Possible moving upstairs for CSA/FA shared location possible before summer. Liz will keep us posted.
b. 2 Probationary FAs coming to PDX in March.
c. How will San Diego effect the Portland base? Only 1 FA on list to transfer now. Target of 350 FAs in PDX.
d. Greenlight issues with RT program. System down 2/6 and 2/7th
e. Mexico (SJD) – Prohibited items. Items not used for your job may be confiscated. Laptops, cameras, tennis racquets etc. Laptops better but other items may be taken. Recent incident with a guitar being taken by customs. F/A detained 1 hour.
III. Call For Late Agenda Items – None
IV. Officer’s Reports
a. President
i. Cathy – BOD coming up in ORD.
ii. Most local FA issues resolved at ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) meeting. ADR minute highlights.
b. Vice President
i. CWA Conference in PIT in April. BOD in ORD in February.
ii. PDX is 3rd largest base. Excited about growth.
V. Committee Reports
a. Air Safety, Health, & Security – Barb Moynier
i. Flight 816 debrief took place. More information from incident forthcoming.
ii. Write up If FFDO doesn’t identify self during briefing. Use ASAP or go to Barb. Brought to Same Page meeting with pilots.
b. Benefits – Cathy Gywnn
i. Leave OF Absence Handbook on the AFA Website. Questions, contact AFA Benefits Chair Ann LaRue.
ii. LTD Insurance in effect 1/1/13. Part of “me too” clause with pilots.
c. EAP/Professional Standards – Contessa Diaz-Nicolaidis
i. Drug and alcohol abuse/treatments number one issue. Company pays for multiple treatment sessions at 80%.
ii. FAADAP – Flight Attendant Alcohol And Drug Abatement Program is a program that operates separate from EAP. Alaska has a zero tolerance policy. FAADAP works with FA independently and confidentially.
d. Government Affairs – Cathy Gwynn
i. Working on “Fix the Senate” campaign
e. Grievance – Cathy Gwynn
i. Ongoing grievance for calling in Sick Child without sick time in bank changed to ED with points
f. Hotel – Cathy Gwynn
i. We are working on changing hotels in PDX, SJD and BOS. All bed bug write ups have been inspected by independent exterminators have come up negative.
ii. Encourage all to use Crew Care with concerns
g. Inflight Service – Blair Kimball
i. Seattle’s Chocolate Test in FEB and MAR on flights out of Seattle.
ii. 900ER Galley issues have subsided.
iii. Continue to work on juice quantities
iv. Water on allowed in overhead bins on KOA and LIH flights and select BLI. Approved 28ABC overheads only. Crews not to touch.
h. Membership – Brian Palmer
i. A few members not in good standing
i. Reserve – Brian Palmer
i. Continuing Understanding Reserve program. Great response. This months topic is Flying Into A Day Off. Social media via Facebook. Next months is Can They Do That?
ii. Two new probationary FAs in March. Welcome them.
j. Retirement
i. No Report
k. VOICE – Cathy Gwynn
i. Voice report cards go out every month. Communication has been great.
l. Uniforms – Bob Moore
i. New uniforms—27 vendors narrowed to Omega and Lands End. Rebranding will play a piece in what is chosen ultimately.
m. MEC Standing Committees
i. No Reports
VI. Old Business – None
VII. New Business
a. AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Items
i. No questions or concerns. Link to agenda items for BOD on MEC Website.
ii. Brian Palmer suggested that Cathy Gwynn vote in the best interest of the membership on all agenda items.
1. So moved by C. Diaz-Nicolaidis
2. Seconded by M. Cruz
3. Motion carried
b. Michael Cruz provided some background on his view of Grievance 36-99-2-6-12 currently in motion with Alaska Airlines regarding QX Date of Hire and travel/pass policies. He is currently on the agenda at the upcoming BOD Meeting to discuss the information.
i. M. Cruz moved that Council 39 support the withdrawal of the grievance.
ii. Seconded by C. Diaz-Nicolaidis
iii. Discussion
iv. Motion carried
c. Michael Cruz drafted a letter of support on behalf of AFA for supporting QX date of hire integration when transferring to AS.
i. M. Cruz moved that letter of support be adopted
ii. Cathy Gwynn noted something of this nature would need memberships support via vote.
iii. Brian Palmer noted that this would be most properly formatted as a resolution. Brian will work with Michael to rewrite as a resolution to be presented to MEC at BOD
iv. M. Cruz withdrew motion
VIII. Adjournment – 3:09 PM
Seattle FAs!
Please take a few minutes to fill out the attached form (1 per senator) and leave them in Bev Bullock’s mail file by Wednesday!
Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) recognizes the professionalism of the Flight Attendants on Alaska Airlines flight 819 after being alerted to a suspicious person on board as fighter jets escorted the aircraft safely to Seattle. AFA represents nearly 3,000 Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.
“The Flight Attendants onboard flight 819 demonstrated professionalism and composure despite irregular events. These two qualities are vital for Flight Attendants who are the first responders for in-flight emergencies of all kinds. These AFA Flight Attendants took immediate action and performed their role flawlessly. Through preparedness and vigilance, the Flight Attendants helped to ensure that all passengers onboard flight 819 arrived safely and without disruption. We applaud our colleagues for their teamwork and for providing a shining example of the role of Flight Attendants as the last line of defense,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA President at Alaska Airlines.
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 .
Dear Flight Attendants,
Several news outlets have reported that Alaska Airlines flight 819 from Kona to Seattle was escorted into Sea-Tac International Airport by two F-15 fighter jets and safely landed almost three hours ago. A tip was received earlier today that a hijacker may be on board the flight. Upon landing, the man in question was escorted away by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as well as Port of Seattle police. An investigation into the tipster’s claims is on-going.
The Master Executive Council (MEC) is only reporting what is now public knowledge in the interest of calming rumors. The MEC applauds the professionalism of the entire crew and we are thankful for their safe arrival!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Local Council Meeting
Mark your calendar for our next Local Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 2013! We will be meeting in the Vancouver Room at PDX Airport from 12:30 to 3 PM. The Vancouver Room is located on the mezzanine level above the Oregon Market Food Court before security. Take the stairs next to the clock tower and follow the signs.
Among the topics on to be discussed are:
· AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Items
· Updates on Negotiations
· Reports From Local Committees
If you would like to submit an advance agenda item, please email LEC President Cathy Gwynn at catgwynn@comcast.net no later than Tuesday, January 22 at 12:30 PM PST.
Local Council Meetings are a great opportunity to learn what’s going on within AFA, network with your elected leaders and other AFA members, and get involved in your union. We hope to see you there!
New Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Member
We are very excited to welcome Sonja Stumpf to the Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASH&S) Committee in PDX! Sonja has been an Alaska Flight Attendant since 1996 and worked at Horizon as an F/A prior. She previously served as a Safety Committee Member at Horizon and has also worked with Alaska AFA as an EAP Member in the past. Sonja’s passion for ensuring a safe experience for F/As, other coworkers, and passengers make her a great asset to AFA and our members!
Personally, Sonja is a single mom of 4 children and in her free time enjoys jumping on airplanes for fun, camping, reading, barbecuing, and spending time with family and friends.
Sonja will work closely with MEC/LEC ASH&S Committee Chairperson Barb Moynier in her new role. You can find committee contact information for both Barb and Sonja on the Portland Page of the MEC Website at alaskamec.org.
Fix The Senate Now!
Call Your Senators Today and Urge Them To Support Senate Rules Reform
The current rules that govern the U.S. Senate are hurting our democracy. In the past, our nation was able to move forward on landmark legislation that put in place workers’ rights, civil rights, retirement security for seniors, and much more. But today, obscure tactics—like the “silent” filibuster—allow individual Senators to hold the nation’s work hostage while cutting backroom deals. And the problem is getting worse.
Reforming the filibuster would raise the cost of obstructionism and ensure that the Senate can effectively address the issues that are key to America’s future.
Take Action Today
Call Your Senators: 1-877-782-8274
Urge them to stand up for real Senate rules reform and co-sponsor Senate Resolutions 4 and 6.
When your call is answered say: “I am calling to ask the Senator to stand up for real Senate rules reform and co-sponsor Senate Resolutions 4 and 6.”
We’re Here If You Need Us
Please never hesitate to call, email, or otherwise contact us if we can help you! You can find our contact information on the PDX Page of the MEC Website at alaskamec.org. Log in using your Arctic number as the username and “afa” as the password.
Cathy & Brian
Your LEC Officers
January 11, 2013
Dear Flight Attendants,
Alaska Airlines Inflight management has now posted sample pairings for the new San Diego Flight Attendant domicile on First Class → World of Inflight → SAN Base Opening. Since management has not yet widely communicated about the the SAN Base Opening folder or the sample pairings, the Master Executive Council (MEC) will help get out the word. Management has indicated an intent to expand the San Base Opening folder to include information such as relocation benefits.
The sample pairings are from the October 2012 flight schedule, which is when management conducted a domicile study to decide whether to open a new domicile. While the sample pairings are not based on the current schedule, management indicated to AFA that the pairings should be fairly representative of what we will see out of SAN. Please keep in mind that actual pairings in the future may not be the same. While management built these pairings based on the October 2012 flight schedule, they did not apply all of the production processes like they would for an actual month for bidding and operations. That is, the sample SAN pairings solution is a very rough sketch of what actual pairings will look like.
Our thanks to management for making this information available to the Flight Attendants!
In solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow
Seattle AFA-CWA Base Meeting
When: January 24, 2013
Where: Central Annex Room- SEA TAC Airport
Mezzanine Level
Time: 2 Sessions
First Session: 9am -12pm
Second Session: 1pm- 4pm
This meeting will introduce the agenda items for the upcoming Board of Director’s Meeting- scheduled for February 10-12 in Chicago.
Bring your questions for your AFA Leadership-
The last half of each session will be Q and A!
