Dear Council 35 Members,
In collaboration with United Council 11 and the San Mateo Labor Council (SMLC), your Council 35 Officers have gathered information for SFO-based Flight Attendants that should be helpful when seeking guidance for leaves, unemployment benefits or other community-based assistance. We understand the frustration and confusion, and although we don’t have all the answers our members are seeking, we would like to provide as much information we can to help members navigate through this stressful time.
As of today, Alaska Airlines has offered Staffing Leaves and a variety of COVID-19 Leaves to alleviate COVID-19 safety concerns and overstaffing of Flight Attendants. The company has also offered the use of sick leave bank, vacation and longevity PTO to provide compensation to FAs for taking these leaves. It is possible that these leaves will not be the only ones offered, and there could be other types of leaves available in the future, depending on staffing projections and other possible unforeseen factors. Because of the immense uncertainty, it’s difficult to predict what may or may not happen in the next few months. I would like to assure you that as Council 35 President, and part of the AFA Alaska MEC, I commit to my members to not only advocate for them but also keep them updated as the information is made available.
Many members have asked us if we can advise them on leaves or unemployment applications for the California Employment Development Department (EDD). We can provide insight on trends we have seen, or help members understand options, however your Council 35 Officers cannot offer a confirmation to any of our members with the following two questions:
- Whether taking a staffing leave is right for them
- If the CA EDD will accept their unemployment insurance (UI) application
Taking a leave is a very personal choice, FAs must evaluate their own situations with the information provided to make the best choices. Additionally, the company has indicated that they will not dispute any UI claims filed for COVID-19 related applications, however even Alaska Airlines cannot predict the decision of the state. The responsibility to approve or deny a UI application lies with the CA EDD. We understand this is frustrating, and if we had the ability to provide a definitive answer, I can assure you we would be providing it to our members.
AFA has been pressuring management to model after other airlines and provide a more organized resource for Flight Attendants. If you have any suggestions about possible resources or guidance, please contact your Council 35 Officers. We would also like to thank everyone for their patience as we work though the daily challenges of managing this pandemic.
SFO Resources:
Resources on Alaskasworld:
- COVID-19 absence FAQs for Alaska AFA
- Staffing Adjustment Leaves and Low Bid Option forMay 2020
- AS Coronavirus Updates
AFA and more:
- AFA-CWA Coronavirus Updates
- AFA-CWA Unemployment Resources
- AFA Alaska MEC Updates
- DOT and FAA Health Guidance for Crews
Hang in there! We are in this together!
In solidarity and Health,
Melissa, Aladrian, James and Brad
sfo@afaalaska.org
Melissa Osborne, LEC President • Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
Aladrian Hillmon, LEC Vice President • Aladrian.hillmon@afaalaska.org • 415-991-3791
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary • James.ikehara@afaalaska.org • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503
