The Recurrent Training (RT) program for 2020 was unveiled with many significant changes: two days rather than one, verbatim drills, instructor vs. evaluator, the list goes on. Unfortunately, what we didn’t expect was how disorganized and unprepared Inflight Training management would be in delivering this new program. In our last communication about Recurrent Training (January 16, 2020), AFA informed Flight Attendants of the approved exceptions to the “verbatim” evacuation commands when management was unwilling to communicate. Why is management reluctant to be forthright and honest? Management should be held to the same standards they expect us to uphold.
Communication from management to the Flight Attendants has been abysmal at best. The core value of “Deliver Performance” in the Company’s Service Framework says, “I’m accountable and responsible for the success of the operation.” This is followed by, “know and perform my role,” “execute operational timelines,” “use time and resources wisely” and “collaborate across roles to ensure the team’s success.” Management has missed the mark on each. The same value states, “I take initiative to provide accurate and timely information,” which management has failed to do since the chaos of RT 2020 started. Management can keep throwing apologies out, but there is no accountability and no repercussions for them despite the many consequences Flight Attendants have experienced as a result of management’s actions.
Did you know that Instructors have been required to go through up to three different “calibration trainings” due to changing expectations, unclear standards and poor communication? Training materials are constantly being updated for Flight Attendants and Instructors sometimes after class begins, which could mean the difference between a successful or unsuccessful drill. Training management has also been unclear in their communications with base leadership and scheduling leadership, which has set those leadership groups up for being unable to help Flight Attendants or answer their questions.
Failure rates for the drill evaluations in some locations have been as high as 45%. What is meant by a failure rate? You have two attempts at each evaluation to successfully complete the drill. If you do not pass those two attempts, then you are allowed to complete RT but immediately pulled off the line and your Known Crewmember (KCM) access and jumpseating privileges are revoked until you go through remediation training and successfully pass the drill. More information about remediation training and the associated “Special Track” training program will be shared in the next RT communication, which will be published by AFA tomorrow.
We cannot continue RT 2020 on this track. With change there is understandably some stress attached. However, the level of stress added to both Flight Attendants and Instructors is out of control, and something needs to be done. Vice President of Inflight Ron Calvin and his team need to come together and make things right. This was their mess to begin with, and they are not meeting the same standards of near perfection they require from our workgroup. Management can and must do better.
The MEC requested a meeting with management as soon as possible to discuss these failures, and we are hoping management will meet with us next Tuesday. We want management to acknowledge the poor development of RT 2020 drill evaluations, the abysmal execution of the program so far, and the lack of communication and lack of transparency that has caused so much angst amongst our group. What will be done to rectify this unacceptable situation?
To be clear, the MEC takes issue with management in this debacle. We fully support our Instructors and their desire to provide a neutral, fair and supportive environment at each training location.
Stay tuned for the next RT update tomorrow!
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Matt Cook, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee
Diane Scott says
I have a concern regarding SAN based FAs. They’re required to be at another base two nights (night prior and night in between) for training, but the company is only paying for a hotel one night?
“SAN base Flight Attendants will bid for recurrent training in the domicile of their choice. Alaska Airlines will provide a hotel stay for one night…Book your inbound flight to arrive no later than 1900 the day prior to training”
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
The Company is paying for both hotel nights for SANFAs. I think you must be looking at an out of date resource or it is in error. Where did you find the statement?
Diane Scott says
Alaskaair.sharepoint.com
Recurrent Training
Welcome to Recurrent Training 2020
Get ready for class.
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
Thank you for pointing this out, Diane! It is a mistake. I sent a request to management to update the citation accordingly.
Chet Anguiano says
Please go to the FAA File a Former Complain , and The Associated Press and informed of the miscarriage of Safety in providing clear directions in safety training . And through the company under the bus
Stephanie Cardon says
MEC, thank you for this. The fear of losing my daily wage hung so heavily over my head that I couldn’t think clearly. The stakes were too high if I didn’t pass my drills. And like you stated here, requirements were changed during class. It took 5 weeks to perfect our drills in initial training. How can I perfect a new drill in 45 mins? Training did get too lax last year. But this extreme method of enforcing proficiency is traumatic, counterintuitive and destructive. I’m willing to be held to a higher standard for drills. But please give me the right tools to get there. I want at least two hours of practice time on day one. 4 would be better. And now that trainers can’t give you feedback on why you failed, well then we are completely on our own. So where is the emergency equipment I can practice with before I get to RT? I don’t mean to be conspiratorial….it’s one thing if you fail 45% of your students because their drills were a departure from the completion pack. But it’s another thing if you’re failing them for ticky tack items like not convincingly telling the abp’s to stay at the bottom. Guys, please find out the real reason for this witch hunt.
Adrian Alcantara says
Thank you for the update. The unsettling part of this new development is that it seems like the infrastructure of our organization is unraveling before our eyes.
Flight attendants are the backbone of this operation and it’s bewildering that we are so off the rails of a successful direction.
Crew Access and NavBlue are wrought with glitches. Cornerstone is like dancing with two left feet and now our recurrent program is the equivalent of a keystone cop comedy.
Not to open old wounds but after being forced to attend flight path, it makes me wonder why we didn’t divert funds towards the necessities? I hope at minimum, our executive management learned a lesson the next time someone suggests another friendship-circle would be a good idea.
Inflight crew are scared straight in training. We’re groomed to be held to the highest standards; (if we pass) as we are the faces of this company. But honestly it feels like we’re an army being sent to the front lines toting guns without ammunition.
As our union, I hope you can find us more clarity so that we can just get back to business. Appreciate what you all do for us.
Respectfully,
Adrian Alcantara
SAN
AL CHINN says
I fail my first two attempts on the Airbus window exit today. I’m awaiting contact by a manager to schedule the additional training and redo. One of the things that doesn’t help is that now the “evaluators” cannot coach you between attempts. All they do is show you what they mark off. It would be helpful if the could tell us exactly what we failed on. It would also be helpful if time and instructors were set aside to walk you through the proper steps before the second attempt. I imagine the new standard is here to stay even though the point system was easier. Also minor things such as passing or failing do to hand placement, overhand vs underhand grip need to go.
Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President) says
I am so sorry that you did not successfully pass the AB window exit drill. Stress on more stress!
AFA Alaska totally agrees it would be helpful if the Instructors could provide feedback or walk you through the steps prior to another attempt. Unfortunately, they are prohibited from doing so due to “hazard findings” from an FAA audit of RT.