Commuter Policy Starts Today October 1
Today we begin the trial period of the newly negotiated VX Commuter Policy. Please read the Letter of Agreement to understand how the policy can help when encountering commuter challenges by air and ground transportation. As a reminder, for the trial period, SHP will be available for use concurrently with the new policy. Stay tuned in November for a request by AFA to participate in another survey to give feedback on the effectiveness of the policy. For questions, please review the FAQs or contact your Council 35 officers.
Relaxed Hair Standards Starts Today October 1
Council 35 has been advocating for a change to the hair requirements for VX since interim improvement talks began in April. As of today, management has agreed to allow VX Flight Attendants to follow the AS uniform standard as it relates to hair requirements while on duty. Please see the September 29 VX Uniform Update communication for details on the new standards.
Council 35 Membership Meeting November 2 in SFO
AFA Constitution and Bylaws require that local councils hold a membership meeting twice per calendar year. Our first meeting was held in June with United Council 11 to discuss the AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda. The next meeting for Council 35 members will be November 2 in the SFO Terminal 2 Conference Room. This meeting will be open to all Council 35 members in good standing who have submitted a membership application. The purpose will be to provide members the opportunity to ask questions and receive updates on the latest issues that are impacting Council 35 members. For specific topic discussions, please submit an agenda item to Council 35 by October 26. Light refreshments will be offered, so please complete the online registration form to help with attendance expectations.
AFA Membership Applications Needed
Every VX Flight Attendant must complete and submit a membership application to become an official member of AFA. Please be aware that this form cannot be completed online. The hard copy form must be submitted directly to an AFA representative or mailed to the AFA International Office in D.C. You can download and print one by clicking here. Completing an application ensures that you have the right to participate in voting activities and to attend membership meetings.
New AS PED Policy in Effect for VX
Management has recently implemented the new and improved PED policy for Virgin America Flight Attendants. The policy, in relation to PED use, was taken from the AS Flight Attendant Manual. Please review the Personal Conduct portion of the policy to ensure understanding of the changes as it relates to personal use while on duty. If you have any questions about PED usage, please contact your Council 35 officers.
Grievances and AFA Representation at Meetings
Council 35 has been in attendance for 75 meetings with VX Flight Attendants since June 1, when the Grievance Letter of Agreement went into effect. These meetings have been for investigations and issuance of discipline. To date, we have filed 25 grievances on behalf of Flight Attendants to dispute discipline issued and for contractual violations. If you want to know more about the grievance process please review the Letter of Agreement and the July 5 Council 35 News for an explanation of the just cause employment relationship. If you need representation for a meeting with management, please contact your Council 35 officers.
FAQs and Rumor Control
I heard that the AS eligibility requirement for baby bonding is 1250 hours. As a CA employee am I subject to this requirement?
Council 35 officers have been investigating the changes to benefits and leaves that are coming to VX because of the merger. Leave requirements differ by state and there are a lot of factors involved to determine an individual’s eligibility. This week C35 officers will be meeting with management and leave specialists to review these changes and determine how they will impact VX F/As. Please stay tuned for an upcoming communication with more details regarding benefit changes.
Please let us know if you have any questions or thoughts! You can reach us at vx@afaalaska.org.
In Solidarity,
Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & Jamie
