Over the past few months AFA has noticed an increase in complaints and concerns in relation to FA-to-FA trading.
As a result of this increase and one recent issue that resulted in a Written Warning, the Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to remind Flight Attendants of the importance of evaluating trades before they are processed.
Remember, all trades are final. Even when an unintentional trade mistake occurs that trade is final and cannot be changed without first notifying the affected Flight Attendant.
The posting of trips for trade with specific expectations is self-policing. There is no contractual language that requires AFA or management to intervene with problems associated with FA-to-FA trade issues when they arise.
In some trading issues, Flight Attendants have elevated into steps of progressive discipline due to attendance points accrued as a result of No Shows from unknown trade actions on their lines. AFA has had very little success with convincing management to adjust points as a result of this type of trade issue.
Before you process a trade:
- Carefully review the trade and verify if you are trading with Open Time or if you are trading with a Flight Attendant.
- Have you reviewed the comments box to ensure you are trading trips that meets the desire of your fellow coworker?
- Did you call or communicate with the posting Flight Attendant prior to the trade?
Again, if the posting Flight Attendant has comments associated with the trade please respect and adhere to those stipulations. Remember, this is a self-policing system, and issues that arise as the result of “trades gone wrong” do not fall under the scope of your AFA reps or management to resolve.
If a mistake is made as a result of a trip trade or trip pick up, contact the affected Flight Attendant immediately. Discuss options to resolve the issue. The affected Flight Attendant is under no obligation to take a trip back as a result of a “trade gone wrong.”
As a reminder, per the Company security policy, you are not allowed to share your login information with anyone.
It is important that we work together and respect one another when we process trades. Discipline that results from “trades gone wrong” is a serious issue and could result in Flight Attendants suffering discipline, or even termination, as the result of point accumulation.
If you have questions contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) president.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green and Brice McGee
