The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to thank Karyn Kobe her service as Chairperson of the AFA Air Quality Subcommittee and also as Council 18 LAX ASHSC Chairperson over the past several years. Karyn has helped numerous Flight Attendants through incidents of contaminated cabin air exposure and has relentlessly advocated for continued improvement to the way that the company handles air quality events.
With the continued growth of the company and corresponding increase in work for the ASHSC, the MEC has elected to establish a Vice Chairperson position for the ASHSC. The former responsibilities of the Air Quality Subcommittee will become part of the duties of the new ASHSC Vice Chairperson.
Background
The Vice Chairperson of the ASHSC will assist the MEC Chairperson as needed with the work of the committee. S/he will also have responsibility for overseeing all AFA and ASHSC efforts pertaining to aircraft air quality including responding to complaints or incidents involving possible contaminated air.
Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual
1. SCOPE
a. The Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) shall work with the Company on matters pertaining to cabin and Flight Attendant safety and health.
2. POLICY/RESPONSIBILITIES
a. The MEC ASHSC shall consist of the MEC ASHSC Chairperson, MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson, and the Local ASHSC Chairperson from each council.
…
d. The MEC Vice Chairperson shall:
(i) Perform the duties of the MEC Chairperson in her/his absence
(ii) Assist the MEC Chairperson as needed
(iii) Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson on all activities, meetings, and work being performed
(iv) Work on all matters pertaining to the quality of air onboard the aircraft. Coordinate ASHSC response to any incidents or complaints involving air quality, specifically:
(A) Handle any air quality or contamination issues as they arise
(B) Work with the company to investigate and address the source of air quality or contamination when it occurs
(C) Assist Flight Attendants in obtaining proper care, treatment, and testing when involved in an air quality or contamination incident
(D) Follow up with the Flight Attendant(s) involved to ensure they have received proper care, treatment, and testing
(E) Keep members informed of air quality incidents and developments through the MEC Communications Committee
(F) Attend Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings and other air quality-related meetings
(G) Develop, distribute, maintain, and update membership education materials about air quality, contamination, symptoms, and follow up procedures
(H) In conjunction with the International Office, develop and provide initial and ongoing training to the ASHSC of each Local Council
Qualifications
- Previous ASHSC experience required
- Knowledge of contaminated cabin air exposure protocols
- Ability to attend meetings as required, including being present in Seattle regularly
- Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed
- Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and take meeting minutes.
- Ability to meet deadlines and follow up on assigned tasks
Duties
- Fulfill the duties of the MEC Chairperson when s/he is absent or otherwise committed
- Perform tasks as assigned by the MEC Chairperson. Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Chairperson on all activities. Assist the MEC Chairperson in preparing the monthly committee report to the MEC.
- Actively respond to any incidents involving aircraft air quality. Provide assistance to the affected Flight Attendants. Work with management to determine the root cause.
- Represent AFA and the ASHSC at bi-monthly Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings in Seattle
- Assist the MEC Chairperson in planning and conducting bi-monthly meetings of the committee and other meetings and conference calls as needed. Attend and actively participate in all meetings and conference calls in coordination with the MEC Chairperson.
Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement
- This position is eligible for Flight Pay Loss (FPL) reimbursement by the Company under §27.P Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss with a 5% override and “A” pay. CB is compensated at 0.75 TFP per hour of work.
- Estimated 4-6 hours per week (12 to 18 TFP per month). This amount is highly variable and may be higher or lower depending on the amount of work to be completed each week and month. Some work may be accomplished remotely. Regularly required to be in Seattle to work on projects and attend meetings.
Working Relationships
With The ASHSC
Frequent interaction with Local ASHSC Chairpersons and Committee Members
With The MEC ASHSC Chairperson
Constant interaction; this position reports to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson
With Alaska Airlines Management
Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance, Manager of Inflight Policy, and Inflight Safety & Policy Specialists
Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling
- The MEC will hold interviews during the July MEC meeting on Monday July 18 or Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.
- Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Satterlee at yvette.satterlee@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Friday, July 8, 2016. Yvette will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Tim Green and Brice McGee; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple
