What are some of the changes in Section 32 during the last session?  I am hearing different things on the line…..

Do we still have to fly a leg prior to calling in sick online at domicile for check-in?

In the last negotiating session the committee told management that many changes were required to meet our Flight Attendants expectations.  The committee brought forward concerns regarding the requirement to fly the first leg of a sequence to call out “sick online”.  We were able to remove the requirement, however there is a .5 point associated with calling out sick online at domicile prior to flying the first leg of a sequence.  An example is if you had a 4 day trip, it would be 2 points total for the sick call plus the .5 point for calling out sick at domicile prior to flying a leg for a total of 2.5 points.  Points for the sick online could be mitigated by calling in well.  If you have a FMLA on file or you are injured in the workplace (workers compensation) you will be exempt from the additional .5 point.

Do we still have black out dates attached with our quarterly doctors note?

No, the committee was able to remove all black out dates!

Is there a quarterly or year-end (annual)  flying requirement to receive record improvement?

For quarterly improvement there is no flying requirement.  In TA1 there was a 120 tfp requirement which is now eliminated.

Year-end record improvement does require on December 31st that you meet your 480 tfp (including vacation, excluding sick leave) for the calendar year.  You must avoid any occurrences in the months of Nov/Dec as described in TA1 and if you have 4 points or under will have your points reduced back to zero.

How many bank points will I be able to accrue?

The committee was able to maintain the improvement of 6 bank points from TA1.

Under the current contract I am penalized when I call in sick using my doctors note because I have bank points, is anything being done about this?

Yes, under TA2 you will not be penalized.  You will have the ability to choose whether you use your bank points for the occurrence or the quarterly note which will remove the points and continue to maintain your banked points.

With the provisions of TA2, what are the changes regarding a Single Continuous Occurrence?

A Single Continuous Occurrence will be valid for ten (10) consecutive days beginning from the day of the sick call.  If you are going to be out for any length of time and qualify you should consider taking a medical leave.  The medical leave handbook is currently being revised to reflect the current practice.  If you have questions or concerns regarding medical leaves please contact your AFA Benefits Representatives by visiting us online at http://afaalaska.org/benefits.