In This Edition
- Health and Safety Concerns with Onboard Service
Health and Safety Concerns with Onboard Service
Master Executive Council (MEC)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The spread predominantly occurs between people who are in close contact with others (within about 6 feet). Guidance from the CDC also indicates that people who don’t live in the same household should maintain 6 feet of distance from one another and that a mask is not a substitute for social distancing. Though management has implemented a policy requiring the use of face coverings by passengers and employee onboard the aircraft, it is practically impossible for Flight Attendants to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet from other people in the aircraft cabin, especially while conducting onboard service.
On July 16, management rolled out a significant expansion of onboard service which involved the addition of several additional beverage choices, including the return of hot beverages including coffee and tea. This expansion was followed up by further additions on August 16 coupled with the return of ice on the beverage cart. The addition of so many components of onboard service seems counterintuitive during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flight Attendants Are Unnecessarily Being Put At Risk
By requiring unnecessary interactions with passengers that are not related to safety of the flight, management continues to place Flight Attendants at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 by increasing required interactions with passengers and mandating additional time in the aisle to complete the increased service. Though management now allows Flight Attendants to bring and wear their own protective eyewear or face shields from home, this is not a substitute for the CDC recommendation to maintain physical distancing.
These concerns were resoundingly echoed by data collected from the AFA COVID-19 Onboard Service Survey. Over 1300 Flight Attendants responded to the survey, which was conducted between July 28 and August 2. Several key points from the survey include:
- Only 18% of those surveyed answered affirmatively* that they believe management considered the safety and health of Flight Attendants when adding beverages back to the onboard service
- Only 22% of those surveyed answered affirmatively* that they believe the number and type of beverages added back were appropriate given current concerns regarding COVID-19
- Over 65% of those surveyed indicate that they have experienced passengers removing their face covering multiple times per flight since the July 16 onboard service expansion
*An affirmative answer is indicated by a response of strongly agree or agree
Comments submitted by Flight Attendants as part of the survey list dozens of reports of passengers removing their face covering to interact with Flight Attendants despite onboard announcements directing passengers to keep their face coverings on. Further reports tell of Flight Attendants observing passengers keeping their face coverings off for extended periods of time as they wait for hot beverages to cool. The results of the survey, as well as a representative selection of comments submitted by Flight Attendants, were shared with management shortly after the survey closed.
Management’s Position: Passenger Satisfaction Matters More
Members of the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Service Committee, and the MEC have been continually engaging with management to address the risks to Flight Attendant safety and health presented by the expansion of onboard service. These conversations have involved every level of management within Alaska Airlines, and have included management from inflight, labor relations, safety, and marketing. AFA Representatives have repeatedly asked management to “stop the operation” and “own safety” by pulling back the expanded onboard service and returning to the pre-July 16 offering.
Management, however, has a different point of view. In several meetings between management and AFA, management has stated that they believe that there is no evidence to say that there is any incremental risk of transmission due to onboard service. Management has also gone on record to indicate that they believe that the worst credible outcome of a COVID-19 infection to Flight Attendants is “medical treatment beyond first aid”—not hospitalization or death. This position contradicts the fact that the CDC has recorded over 184,000 COVID-19 related deaths in the United States and leading national forecasts continue to predict thousands of new COVID-19 related hospitalizations per day.
Management’s overall response has been that they fully intend to continue offering the expanded onboard service despite AFA’s objections. Their reasoning: an increase in passenger satisfaction scores and a decrease in complaints related to onboard service offerings.
The MEC is equally frustrated and disappointed that management has made the conscious decision to prioritize passenger survey scores over Flight Attendant health and safety by refusing to reconsider the onboard service expansion that they have rolled out over the past several months. The failure to address the concerns related to the unnecessary additional risk for contracting COVID-19 that Flight Attendants are being exposed to speaks volumes to the fact that “Ready, Safe, Go” is only a priority when it is convenient and suits the needs of management. Despite this, the MEC and other AFA representatives will continue our efforts to advocate for onboard service levels that do not put Flight Attendants unnecessarily at risk.
Continue to Document and Report Safety Hazards
Regardless of management’s position, please continue to report any safety hazards that you experience while performing the expanded onboard service. This could include instances of increased exposure to passengers (e.g. passenger removing their mask to speak to you, etc.) or other hazards related to service. You can report these hazards through ReportIt! by submitting either a FAIR and/or ASAP for each flight on which they occur. Include the terms “COVID-19″ and “service” in your narrative to ensure they are correctly categorized by management. This data will help our AFA representatives to advocate for safe levels of service.
In This Edition
- #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
- National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
- A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP
#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
Government Affairs Committee
On Tuesday, September 8th, the AFA Council 19 Government Affairs Committee will be hosting a #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle to demand a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program. We will be rallying outside the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell at 12 PM Pacific. An extension of the Payroll Support Program will provide job security for hundreds of thousands by requiring airlines continue their promise of no furloughs through March of 2021. With hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line, including hundreds here at Alaska, we ask that you join us in rallying and demanding an extension.
What: Seattle #ReliefNow Rally
When: Tuesday, September 8 a 12 PM Pacific
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174
This event is open to all, including Flight Attendants laying over in Seattle as well as friends and family members. Not able to join in Seattle? Visit the #ReliefNow page to find an event near you.
Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!
Flight Attendants continue to pressure Congress to put in place #ReliefNow. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talked about extending aid to airlines but acknowledged that Congress must act — executive orders will not save our jobs. Congress is set to return to D.C. on September 8th. We have to keep up the pressure this week with one message: #ReliefNow for aviation workers and all Americans. Get it done.
Make three calls every day this week. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.
SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365
Sample Script:
“Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”
You can also find local office information by looking up your Representative and Senators at house.gov and senate.gov.
National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
Benefits Committee
Most Company-offered supplemental insurance coverage continues while on COVID-19 leaves or furloughs, and the premiums for such insurance are double-deducted upon return to service or are direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company depending on the situation. However, premiums for supplemental insurance offered by National Group Protection (NGP) / Continental Accident Insurance Company (CAIC) and payroll deducted as “Continental Insurance (CAIC)” are not double-deducted or direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NGP has offered a generous continuation of coverage and a six-month suspension of premiums for Flight Attendants on leaves or furloughs beginning in May and for the remainder of 2020. The six months are not required to be consecutive and the waiver of premium may continue into 2021 if the Flight Attendant is on leave or furlough as of December 31, 2020.
No action is required in order to maintain coverage. CAIC will honor claims during this time (subject to policy provisions/language and documentation requirements). NGP will communicate directly with Flight Attendants who are expected to exhaust the waiver of premium.
If you have any questions, you may contact NGP directly at 1-800-344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.
A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee
We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions. September 11, 2020 will be no different. Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials. For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th. For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month. Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans.
However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it. If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find local EAP Committee Member contact information at afaalaska.org/eap. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.
Important Dates Coming Up
- Hawaii Travel Declaration Forms (online only): September 1
- 2021 Vacation Bidding Opens: September 4
Payroll Support Program Extension
Although Congress has technically recessed for now, work to extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP) continues in earnest during the recess. If PSP were to be extended at any point and involuntary furloughs subsequently prohibited, AFA and management would meet and confer over any necessary changes to furlough mitigations and involuntary furloughs pursuant to the October 2020 Involuntary Furlough Mitigations Letter of Agreement. Realistically, that would likely lead to discussion regarding voluntary leave programs similar to those offered over the last five months. Want to help ensure PSP continues? Volunteers for the AFA phone bank are needed! Please contact your Council 35 officers for more information.
IVF in SFO
With 119 Flight Attendants involuntarily furloughed (IVF), SFO is second behind SEA in the number of FAs affected by the IVF. However SFO is the largest Alaska base to have been relocated to a new domicile. On behalf of your Council 35 officers, we are sad to see you go. Please reach out if you have any questions or need support while adjusting to the change and moving to a new base. To ensure you get all the AFA information you need for your new base, it is recommended that FAs update their newsletter preference online.
California Wildfires
Our hearts go out to SFO Flight Attendants that have been impacted by the California Wildfires. For support and more information please refer to the August 22 communication. SFO EAP is available to support those affected by the Wildfires: eap.sfo@afaalaska.org. If you wish to donate to those affected or would like to apply for financial assistance, please visit:
No OAL Travel on Leave
As reported in the July 2020 Newsletter, AFA has been advocating for employee use of OAL travel benefits during one of the many staffing leaves. Unfortunately your Council 35 officers are sorry to report that AFA was not successful in persuading the company to reconsider their position on OAL travel.
Stay Informed
Although Flight Attendants are not required to read company emails and bulletins while on leave, it is recommended that FAs keep current with all the latest information while on leave during this time of constant change. Additionally it’s important to ensure the personal email address on file with AFA is up-to-date. To change your contact information, please visit the AFA website to update email and/or mailing address.
Membership Dues While on Leave
As a reminder, Article II.C.1.b of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws require that AFA dues continue to be paid during any leave of absence less than 90 days. If you currently pay your dues through payroll deduction, dues payments will continue to be deducted as long as you continue to receive a paycheck with sufficient funds for all other payroll deductions plus your AFA dues. If you are no longer receiving a paycheck or your paycheck does not cover all of your payroll deductions, AFA dues will not be deducted and you will instead receive an invoice from AFA International Membership Services. Members can pay dues online or submit invoice payment via mail. Please contact membership services for specific account information.
EAP is Here to Help
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that the SFO Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. For help, please contact sfo.eap@afaalaska.org.
How do I contact Council 35 Officers?
Using a personal email address, the preferred methods of contact are:
- Open an Online Support Request ticket
- Officer group email sfo@afaalaska.org (if one officer is flying /unavailable other officers can respond)
- Individual officer emails (if information is for a specific officer)
- Calls/text (if situation requires more urgent attention)
When contacting Council 35 officers please avoid the following methods:
- Sending to/from alaskaair email (subject to company audits and therefore not private)
- Officer personal Facebook/social media accounts (not actively monitored for AFA concerns)
- Excessively lengthy texts (please use email for important information as it’s easier to respond and forward to appropriate resource-texts should be reserved for alerts to an issue that requires a timely response)
Please allow at least one business day for a response to any method of contact (email, phone, text).
Stay healthy and safe!
In solidarity,
Melissa, Aladrian, James and Brad
Melissa Osborne, LEC President • Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
Aladrian Hillmon, LEC Vice President • Aladrian.hillmon@afaalaska.org • 415-991-3791
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary • James.ikehara@afaalaska.org • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503
In This Edition
- Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires
- Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS
- Update on Our PSP Extension Fight
- Managing the Uncertainty of 2020
Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires
Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to affect the state of California. For any Flight Attendants who reside in the declared disaster area who have been directly impacted, several resources are available to provide assistance.
AFA Disaster Relief Fund
The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since its beginning in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.
To request assistance from or make a donation to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://www.afacwa.org/disaster_relief_fund.
CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund
As a CWA member, affected by the California Wildfires, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance from the CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund. This emergency assistance is based on availability of funds and need.
Please review the application for assistance on the CWA website and return the completed application to your LEC President.
AFA Employee Assistance Program
As always, members of the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee are also available to provide assistance. You can find AFA EAP contact information at https://afaalaska.org/eap.
Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS
Scheduling Committee
It is with sadness that we announce that Steve Poynter, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS, will be retiring from both his AFA position and Alaska Airlines, effective October 1, 2020. Throughout his career, Steve has been involved in AFA in various roles including Negotiating Committee Member. Steve was instrumental as a key AFA representative during the transition from paper line bidding to the preferential bidding system (PBS) in 2007 and since 2013 has served as the Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson for the PBS Subcommittee. His contributions have benefitted countless Flight Attendants and he will certainly be missed. Steve wants to thank all of you for your support and kind words over the years and looks forward to seeing you from a passenger seat!
Effective October 1, Adam Clarey will assume the role of MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS for the duration of the term of appointment. Adam currently serves as a PBS Subcommittee Member and is the Alternate PBS Subcommittee Chairperson. He will continue to work with PBS Subcommittee Members Sheri Rochel and Virginia Fritz to oversee the bidding and bid award processes on behalf of AFA.
Update on Our PSP Extension Fight
AFA International
Flight Attendants and other aviation workers will not accept inaction from Congress. Even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has recessed the Senate, both he and Speaker Pelosi have stated they will bring Congress back to vote if an overall COVID-19 relief deal is reached. Congressional staff is still working and leadership is still able to meet.
We have to continue to demand a relief package now. “When you say Congress does nothing, you give them permission to do nothing and that’s not okay.”
WATCH AFA on The Today Show: Flight Attendant Jobs are in Jeopardy, Congress Needs to Take Action Now >
Your calls, emails, and tweets have worked. We have built broad bipartisan support for our Payroll Support Program (PSP) Extension from the House of Representatives, to the Senate, and even the President. Read this summary >
But our PSP extension won’t happen unless an overall deal is reached. We must keep pushing on a PSP Extension. Regardless, we’ve got to get the extension locked in because it is the best way to protect our jobs, keep our airlines intact, continue serving all of our communities, and have the ability to recover once the virus is contained.
Flight Attendants have seen crises before and this time we know the importance of preventing bankruptcies and other fallout. That is why we will not stop.
Take Action
SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365
Sample Script:
"Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”
After you call, sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >
Managing the Uncertainty of 2020
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee
Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. While many things remain outside your control, your mindset is key to coping with difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.
The Role Of Uncertainty In Life
Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. Yet as human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.
We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and worry, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same situation at this time. It’s also important to realize that no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel, there are steps you can take to better deal with uncontrollable circumstances, alleviate your anxiety, and face the unknown with more confidence.
Learning To Cope With Uncertainty
To cope with all this uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over uncertain circumstances. You may believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Unfortunately, chronic worrying can’t give you more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment in the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up at night. Below are few tips to consider in developing healthier ways to cope with uncertainty.
Tip 1: Take Action Over The Things You Can Control
Much about life is uncertain at the moment—and many things remain outside of your control. But while you can’t control the spread of a virus, the recovery of the economy, or whether you’ll have a pay check next week, you’re not totally powerless. Whatever your fears or personal circumstances, instead of worrying about the uncontrollable, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the aspects that are within your control.
By focusing on the aspects of a problem that you can control in this way, you’ll switch from ineffective worrying and ruminating into active problem-solving. Of course, all circumstances are different and you may find that in some situations all you can control is your attitude and emotional response.
Tip 2: Actively Deal With Your Emotions
When circumstances are out of your control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. When you can do nothing else about a situation, you can still actively face your emotions—even the most negative and fearful ones. If you allow yourself to feel fear and uncertainty, they will eventually pass. Focus on the present moment and your breathing and allow yourself to simply feel and observe the uncertainty you’re experiencing. Take some slow, deep breaths or try a meditation to keep you anchored in the present.
Tip 3: Identify Your Uncertainty Triggers
Some uncertainty can be generated by external sources, especially at times like this. Reading media stories that focus on worst-case scenarios, spending time on social media amid rumors and half-truths, or simply communicating with anxious friends can all fuel your own fears and uncertainties. Notice what scenarios or people raise your anxiety levels and try to reduce your exposure to them.
Tip 4: Focus On The Present
Uncertainty is often centered on worries about the future and all the bad things you can anticipate happening. It can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed about the days ahead, exaggerate the scope of the problems you face, and even paralyze you from taking action to overcome a problem.
One of the surest ways to avoid worrying about the future is to focus on the present. Instead of trying to predict what might happen, switch your attention to what’s happening right now. By being fully connected to the present, you can interrupt the negative assumptions and catastrophic predictions running through your mind.
Tip 5: Seek Assistance
The uncertainties of our time are new to all of us. There is no ready template to instruct us how to navigate them. Be open to asking for help. Your AFA EAP is just a phone call away. We are ready to help and we are confidential. You can access your Local EAP Committee Members by calling (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap .
Bay Area California Wildfires
As if battling a pandemic isn’t enough to deal with this year, sadly many Flight Attendants have been impacted by the California Wildfires. If you are unable to report to work as scheduled, please reach out to a supervisor as soon as possible: SFO Village: 650.218.6810
The AFA-CWA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support those affected by the Wildfires: AFA Alaska EAP: 949.922.1606 or eap.sfo@afaalaska.org.
AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund
We know that disasters can change lives forever. While we can’t stop destructive events from happening, we can, as a Union, assist our members with their recovery. AFA established the Disaster Relief Fund after September 11th to assist our members whose lives were placed in harms way. AFA members and retirees, whose primary residence is in the affected counties and who have suffered damage and/or dislocation, are eligible for $200.00 from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund. It is a gift made possible by the generosity of your fellow union sisters and brothers with AFA.
If you would like to apply for assistance, visit the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds website and download the Disaster Relief Fund Application and submit via:
- Mail: AFA-CWA EAP Department, 6th Floor, 501 Third Street NW, Washington D.C. 20001-2797
- Email: lfoster@afanet.org
- Phone: 1.800.424.2406
- Fax: AFA EAP Department at 202.434.1411
If you wish to make a contribution either by check or electronic payment, please visit AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds website for more information on donating.
Stay safe and healthy!
Your Council 35 Officers,
Melissa, Aladrian, James and Brad
Melissa Osborne, LEC President • Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
Aladrian Hillmon, LEC Vice President • Aladrian.hillmon@afaalaska.org • 415-991-3791
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary • James.ikehara@afaalaska.org • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503
This is the seventh in a series of “Reduction in Force” (RIF) communications from the Master Executive Council (MEC). See RIF Part 1, RIF Part 2, RIF Part 3, RIF Part 4, RIF Part 5, and RIF Part 6 for the previous editions.
In This Edition
- COVID-19 Pandemic Impact to Staffing
- Early Out and Other Furlough Mitigation Awards
- Involuntary Furloughs
- Systemwide Vacancy Bid?
- Payroll Support Program Extension
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact to Staffing
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on staffing. Over the past several months, approximately 70% (~4200 out of 5968) of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have been on some form of pandemic-related leave of absence or reduced hours line. This includes school/childcare closure leaves; high-risk or self-isolation leaves; directed isolation or quarantine leaves; work-related exposure leaves; capacity reduction leaves; and voluntary low bid (reduced hours) lines. That is over 70% of Flight Attendants whose paychecks and livelihoods have been directly affected by this pandemic, which is not even factoring in the impact to the entire group through reduction of the line average to the contractual minimum.
Early Out and Other Furlough Mitigation Awards
With regard to Early Outs (EOs), Extended Leaves of Absence (ELOAs) and Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs (EVFs):
- Total bids: ~2,900
- Total awards: ~2,500
- EOs awarded: 200
- ELOAs awarded: 50
- EVFs awarded: 2,250
- Total denied: ~400
Management has stated that the denied furlough mitigation bid requests are to prevent excessively imbalanced staffing between the domiciles. The Master Executive Council (MEC) has reviewed numerous iterations of potential awards, and we can validate that the complex interplay between occupational seniority, domicile assignment, leave duration and base guarantee requirements lead to vastly different outcomes depending on how many of each type of furlough mitigation are awarded. Candidly, there was no potential award that felt good to the MEC for various reasons. Although we are extremely disappointed that not all furlough mitigation bids were awarded, this final award is the least objectionable—call it the best of a really, really bad situation.
Involuntary Furloughs
We regret to inform you that management intends to involuntarily furlough approximately 400 Flight Attendants effective October 1, 2020. This affects the junior quarter of the April 16, 2018 Initial Training class and all Flight Attendants junior to them. Management will begin involuntary furlough (IVF) notifications starting next week via certified mail at current mailing addresses on file with the Company and via Company email. Management will also host an online IVF information session the week after, and MEC representatives will participate.
Management also intends to recall many IVFs in October after a very short furlough—on the order of a few days. The MEC understands these October recalls will be based most likely in Seattle, Anchorage or Portland in order to “right size” the operation. We are already working with management to develop a domicile preference bid form for IVF recalls as soon as possible. Involuntary furloughs will have access to all reduction in force contractual provisions, including severance pay and relocation benefits as applicable. Management is not committing to this, but the MEC believes there is a very good chance that all IVFs will be recalled by March 2021 based on the staffing projections we have seen; however, these projections are subject to change.
Systemwide Vacancy Bid?
Will there be a systemwide vacancy bid (sometimes called a “master re-bid” on the line) in which everyone rebids for a domicile? Management seems to believe that recalling the involuntary furloughs to specific domiciles will adequately balance the operation for now, but they have not ruled out a systemwide vacancy bid in the future. AFA disputes management’s position that it may unilaterally impose a systemwide vacancy bid under these circumstances, and we fully intend to file a contractual grievance and push for expedited arbitration if management decides to move forward with such a bid.
For some historical perspective, there have been only two systemwide vacancy bids: once in the mid-90s to correct seniority violations as a result of imposed work rules during contract negotiations and again in 2011 to correct seniority violations and to right size LAX as a result of a preceding reduction in force. Both scenarios involved discussion and concurrence from AFA and management prior to proceeding.
Payroll Support Program Extension
Although Congress has technically recessed for now, work to extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP) continues in earnest during the recess. If PSP were to be extended at any point and involuntary furloughs subsequently prohibited, AFA and management would meet and confer over any necessary changes to furlough mitigations and involuntary furloughs pursuant to the October 2020 Involuntary Furlough Mitigations Letter of Agreement. Realistically, that would likely lead to discussion regarding voluntary leave programs similar to those offered over the last five months.
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. As your direct representative on the MEC, your LEC president is available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about all the information presented here. Contact information for your respective LEC president can be found by clicking here.
With today’s announcement from management that the awarding of Extended Leaves of Absence (ELOA) and Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs (EVF) will be additionally delayed, the MEC knows that Flight Attendants will be greatly disappointed. Though it is certainly understandable that there are complexities around the process of determining staffing levels, many of us are eager to have some definite news during this period of relative uncertainty. It is unfortunate that this delay may add to feelings of apprehension and unease.
Despite the delay in furlough mitigation awards, management’s intention to review all of the information available to them and make a decision that minimizes the disruption to the lives of Flight Attendants is a rational course of action. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing discussions within Congress for a clean extension to the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Should Congress pass an extension to the PSP, it would be further frustrating to everyone if management had to adjust or roll back any decisions that had already made and communicated.
Payroll Support Program (PSP) Extension
Our Union is working around the clock at all levels to extend the PSP to keep Flight Attendants and aviation workers in our jobs, connected to our healthcare and providing essential service to our country, as it has over the last five months. It was anticipated that there would have been a definite outcome on the extension by last Friday. However, that is not the case and the discussions in Washington, D.C. are ongoing. The PSP Extension the best solution for our jobs, our airline, our communities, and our country.
Our focus as an entire Union and industry is focused on pressuring Congress to get to the table and negotiate a COVID-19 relief bill. Every Flight Attendant can make a difference.
SENATE: (888) 848-4824
Sample Script:
I am a constituent calling on Senator [NAME] to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss and to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. The Executive Orders signed over the weekend will not save my job. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.
EAP Assistance
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. Contact information for your Local EAP Committee can be found by clicking here.
This is the sixth in a series of “Reduction in Force” (RIF) communications from the Master Executive Council (MEC). See RIF Part 1, RIF Part 2, RIF Part 3, RIF Part 4 and RIF Part 5 for the previous editions.
In This Edition
- WARN Notices
WARN Notices
WARN Act Requirements
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act compels advance notice in cases of qualified mass layoffs. Management is required by law to provide “WARN notices” to employees who may be laid off (i.e. involuntarily furloughed). In all the states in which there are Flight Attendant domiciles (AK, WA, OR and CA), those notices must be sent no less than 60 days prior to the date of the involuntary furlough, or no later than August 1st for involuntary furloughs effective on October 1st. WARN notices provided to the union on behalf of affected employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement satisfies the WARN Act requirements except for in California, which also requires notices to be sent directly to the employee.
WARN Notices Served to 2089 FAs
AFA has now received WARN notices on behalf of the approximately* 2089 most junior Flight Attendants, affecting all domiciles: Anchorage (ANC), Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN). (* Master Executive Council representatives have not yet physically counted the names to validate the expected number, but we wanted to get the list out to the Membership as soon as possible.) The 2089 is inclusive of a significant buffer above the number of potential involuntary furloughs (IVFs), which is to assure the Company is in compliance with the WARN Act.
Affected California-based Flight Attendants received personalized WARN notices via Company email earlier today (Friday, July 31, 2020); such Flight Attendants will also receive a personalized hard copy of the WARN notice at their respective mailing addresses on file with the Company. Although the WARN notices sent to affected California-based Flight Attendants say (in part), “[W]e deeply regret to inform you that you are being furloughed,” the actual number of involuntary furloughs is still being determined.
WARN Notice List
The WARN notice list is password protected and is restricted from being printed or edited. Please respect the security of the document and do not share the password.
Click here for the AFA Alaska WARN Notice List for October 2020 Furloughs >
Password: [Check the personal email address that you have on file with AFA Alaska for the email version of this newsletter, which contains the confidential password. Otherwise, please contact your LEC president for assistance.]
AFA Alaska Statement to the Media Regarding WARN Notices
“COVID-19 is an unprecedented threat to aviation workers and the entire U.S. aviation industry. This crisis dwarfs all others in aviation history and there’s no end in sight. Demand was just barely climbing back to 20 percent of last year and even those minimal gains evaporated over the last month due to surging COVID-19 cases across the country.
The projected furlough numbers at Alaska are difficult and we are working with management on possible furlough mitigations. Right now, our focus is fighting to extend the Payroll Support Program to keep Alaska Flight Attendants on the job and connected to our healthcare during COVID-19.”
Coming Soon
- Early Out and Other Furlough Mitigation Awards
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. As your direct representative on the MEC, your LEC president is available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about all the information presented here. Contact information for your respective LEC president can be found by clicking here.
This is the fifth in a series of “Reduction in Force” (RIF) communications from the Master Executive Council (MEC). See RIF Part 1, RIF Part 2, RIF Part 3 and RIF Part 4 for the previous editions.
In This Edition
- Voluntary Permanent Transfers and Temporary Base Trades
- Furlough Mitigation Clarifications
- Dues Obligation
Voluntary Permanent Transfers and Temporary Base Trades
Voluntary Permanent Transfers
Flight Attendants may voluntarily transfer to a new domicile while on an Extended Leave of Absence (ELOA) or Enhanced Voluntary Furlough (EVF) by participating in vacancy bids pursuant to §28.C [Vacancy Bids] and §28.D [Standing Bid Awards…]. See also “October 2020 Involuntary Furlough Mitigations LOA” §II.A.3 and §II.B.4 for more information.
Temporary Base Trades (“Swaps”)
Flight Attendants on ELOA retain the ability to temporarily trade (“swap”) bases pursuant to §28.A.9 [Rules Governing Multiple Domiciles]. Flight Attendants on an EVF may finish out the term of an existing swap but may not renew the swap or enter into a new swap. A base swap is terminated if either of the Flight Attendants are involuntarily furloughed, and both are returned to their respective domiciles; however, Flight Attendants on involuntary furlough are not guaranteed to return to their domicile when recalled.
Furlough Mitigation Clarifications
Master Executive Council (MEC) representatives have been working with management to identify some lingering furlough mitigation questions. The following topics are being addressed by management in a communication issued tonight.
- Maternity and Other Medical Leaves
- Medical Coverage if 480 TFP is Met While on a Leave of Absence
- Reciprocal Alaska & Horizon Jumpseat Privileges
Dues Obligation
In accordance with the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws every Flight attendant on a leave of absence owes dues for the first three months of their leave of absence after their compensation from the airline ends. This obligation includes Extended Leaves of Absence and Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs. However, Flight attendants on involuntary furlough (or a military leave) do not owe this amount.
Article XI A.6. Payment of dues shall be required of all members that are on active status during a month or any portion thereof. After the first ninety (90) days of removal from service and no longer receiving compensation through a carrier for disability leave, payment of dues shall not be required.
AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws
Example: Voluntary furlough begins on October 1. You would owe dues for October, November and December. If dues are payroll deducted for any of these months, it will be applied to this 90-day leave obligation.
Click here for AFA-CWA Membership Services >
Coming Soon
- WARN Notices
These are extremely difficult and stressful times. Please remember that your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee is always available as a support resource. As your direct representative on the MEC, your LEC president is available to answer questions or concerns that you may have about all the information presented here. Contact information for your respective LEC president can be found by clicking here.
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