The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) concluded negotiations training followed by two days of discussions with management’s team this week. Representing management were Vice President of Inflight & Call Center Services Andy Schneider, Vice President of Labor Relations Greg Mays and Managing Director of Labor Relations Elizabeth Ryan. This week’s meetings focused solely on issues that must be addressed in order to integrate the two Flight Attendant groups. Improvements to the Alaska Contract will be addressed downline.
This first session focused on working with management to create an initial list of items that both sides agree will require further discussion in the months ahead. Representatives from the Human Resources department joined the meeting, bringing their expertise to the discussion. Some issues are complex and will require negotiations, such as integrating both groups into the 401(k) and medical plans, translating points for the Attendance Policy and working through the differences in vacation programs. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.
The JNC will hold an additional preparatory meeting in July just for the committee. Meeting dates with management have been scheduled through the end of the year, with meetings at least once per month starting in August.
We will update you further after the next meeting, August 8-10.
In Solidarity,
Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo
