Important Dates
- August 1: Rainmaker Launch
COVID-19 Points Forgiveness Extended Through September 2021
The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the COVID-19 related absences with supporting documentation.
Your Council 35 officers encourage members to submit the form for any absences related to COVID-19. Please review the MOU for details on what points are eligible for adjustment. This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. To request a points review, visit:
Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Administration>>Performance>>COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form
California COVID-19 Law and What it Means for CA-Based Flight Attendants
The state of California has recently enacted a law to protect employees from COVID -19 activities. The basics of the law provides:
- protection from penalties (points)
- requires employers to offer a special COVID-19 sick leave bank (including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement)
- requires employers to notifiy employees of the new CA provisions
Alaska has taken a position that F/As are not eligible for these CA benefits, however AFA does not agree. Your Council 35 officers encourage all CA-based Flight Attendants that have COVID-19 related absences on their attendance to file a wage claim with the state and/or file a labor law violation. This is especially encouraged for those that have submitted for an adjustment and have been denied. For more information, please see the AFA June 2, 2021 communication.
Trending Discipline
Monthly Commuter Audit
Monthly audits of registered commuters have been performed for the last several months. The most common violation occurs when commuters list for flights using D8Y from a non-registered city when dropping a deadhead leg. Confirmed violations normally result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (COW) on first offense but can escalate up the steps of discipline if multiple violations occur or other performance issues are on file.
Late to Plane
If a late to plane occurs mid-sequence, such as after a layover, and it causes a delay, steps of discipline will most likely be issued. Mid-sequence late is considered a performance issue, however if it’s the beginning of a sequence (at check-in), late attendance points are normally assessed. For a first offense with no previous disciplines on file, the FA can expect to receive a COW. For more information, please review Section 32 of the JCBA.
Nonrev Issues
A recent company-wide trend has been to issue discipline to Flight Attendants that give “goodies” to nonrevs. In most cases, passengers are the ones complaining and will trigger an investigation. When passengers see nearby nonrevs get food or beverages they aren’t able to purchase for themselves, it causes a conflict. This was especially challenging during COVID-19 limited service when passengers got very little in the main cabin. First offenses have resulted in a Written Warning, which is the 2nd step of discipline.
Union Member Support Opportunity
The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act restores the right of workers to freely and fairly form a union and bargain together for changes in the workplace. It is a worker empowerment, civil rights and economic stimulus legislation, and an essential part of any plan to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression and is now in the hands of the Senate (more information can be found here). As a Union member, make sure your voice is heard by signing the petition and contacting your Senator to support this bill. The bill provides others with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that being part of a Union provides. For more information please visit the AFA-CWA latest news to sign the petition and contact your state’s Senator to encourage their support.
COVID-19 Resources at SFO
Need a vaccine appointment? Need a COVID-19 test? SFO has both options available for travelers and employees. Please visit FlySFO for more information.
TSA Sponsored Crew Member Self Defense Classes – Limited Availability
The TSA has reinstituted their Crew Member Self Defense classes on a limited basis. More information about the classes and a link for registration can be found here. Please note: although there are no sessions available for SFO for the rest of the year, there is one class scheduled in August and one in September for LAX, LAS, and SEA. A variety of other cities in the midwest and east coast are available for commuters residing in those locations.
Union Plus Services and Discounts for AFA-CWA Members
Your AFA-CWA membership includes discounts and services from a variety of categories offered by Union Plus. Use this link for more information on discounts and services for the following categories: Money, Home, Travel, Auto, Insurance, Health, and Education.
We’re Here to Help: Online Support Center
\The best way to contact us for support is by submitting an online support ticket. By selecting the type of concern you have, the best rep for your situation can assist you. The online support ticket system is for AFA use (not management) and is confidential, so please use a personal email address to open a request.
In solidarity,
Melissa, James and Brad
Melissa Osborne, LEC President • Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary • James.ikehara@afaalaska.org • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503
