In This Edition
- Where to Find Our Contract on the IMD
- The Latest on KCM
- Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11
- Election Notice: MEC Officer Elections
Where to Find Our Contract on the IMD
Contract Committee
Having easy access to our collective bargaining agreement empowers you to ensure that you are always able to reference your contractual rights and responsibilities in a given situation. Section 27.T of our collective bargaining agreement requires that the Company provide access to an electronic version of the contract on the IMD. Management has complied with this contractual requirement by housing an electronic version of the contract in the GoodReader app.
To access the contract on your IMD, follow these steps:
- Open the GoodReader app
- Tap on ASFASupplemental
- Tap on Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Tap on Contract
- Tap on the contract file
Questions?
If you have any questions about accessing the contract on your IMD, please contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers.
The Latest on KCM
Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)
On Saturday, August 24, an update was posted to the KCM website indicating program changes related to unpredictable screening procedures (USP) and uniform requirements that were to take effect several days later. This update was posted with no advance notice and a very short implementation schedule. After receiving notice of these proposed changes, AFA promptly engaged the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA), Airlines for America (A4A), and the TSA to have additional conversations about these program changes and discuss alternatives.
Unpredictable Screening (USP) Changes
Additional measures related to USP (commonly referred to as “random selection”) went into effect on Tuesday, August 27 as announced. With this change, if you are selected for USP at a KCM access point you will continue to be flagged as a selectee at all KCM access points at that airport for a pre-determined amount of time. If you are referred for USP that involves re-direction to the passenger screening lanes, please remember that you are subject to the same requirements as passengers if you are not in uniform. Only crewmembers in uniform are exempt from TSA limitations on liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Uniform Requirement
As a result of discussions with AFA, ALPA, and A4A, the TSA made the decision not to change the uniform requirement for KCM screening, meaning that crewmembers continue to be able to use KCM access points while out of uniform.
Compliance and Reporting
It is important that we continue to comply with procedures and instructions at KCM access points and security checkpoints if selected for unpredictable screening. If you are given an instruction by a TSA Officer that differs from communicated procedures, please respectfully question the instruction. If the Officer does not change the instruction, comply and then report the issue immediately to AFA.
The only way to address concerns with individual TSA Officers or airports carrying out KCM screening differently from communicated procedures is to report the issue. Posts on social media about individual issues will not only fail to resolve the concern but could also unintentionally share sensitive security information (SSI) related to the KCM program. Please use the reporting form below to report any issues as soon as possible so that they can be addressed directly with the TSA.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding KCM, please submit your question using the above form or contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers for assistance.
Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee
As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys. They can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency. For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession. For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.
- There is no right way or better way to recognize the anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11th.
- Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you. Say no to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings. Find more gentle ways of honoring the anniversary.
- Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th anniversary.
- Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.
- Give yourself permission and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches. Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.
- Try not to isolate yourself. Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you have this tendency.
However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it. If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your local EAP contact information on the EAP Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.
Election Notice: MEC Officer Elections
Master Executive Council (MEC)
The term of office for our current Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2019. The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the regular November MEC meeting. This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with article III.C.1 of the MEC Policy Manual.
Background
The MEC Officers consist of a President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. These officer positions are responsible for serving as the coordinating council for the membership of the airline and carrying out the decisions of the MEC. These officer positions are elected by the Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, who are the voting members of MEC.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the MEC Officers are defined in article VII.C.2 of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws.
MEC President
From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.a)
The President shall be the official Union spokesperson and chief executive officer for that airline and shall have the authority and duty to:
(1) Be responsible for and charged with administering the policies of that Master Executive Council, and implementing the objectives and policies announced by the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
(2) Be responsible for the expeditious processing of members’ complaints and grievances.
(3) Be the Union representative on that airline for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies announced by the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
(4) Coordinate and compile Master Executive Council policy, review reports and recommendations and submit such material to the appropriate committees of the Union.
(5) Be a member of the Negotiating Committee.
(6) Be a member of the Executive Board.
(7) Be granted the privilege of the floor at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but shall have no vote, if not also a Local Council President.
(8) Be responsible for and supervise the business and managerial functions of the Union on that carrier.
(9) Consult with and be assisted by the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer.
(10) Ballot the Master Executive Council if necessary or when required.
(11) Keep a current and accurate inventory of all Union property and supplies purchased or provided by the Union and submit a copy of this to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Union.
(12) Inform all Master Executive Council Officers and committees that all files, correspondence, documents and other materials resulting from the work of such committees are the property of the Union, not the personal property of individuals, and are to be safeguarded.
(13) Maintain the Union’s files and property, then transfer them to her/his successor promptly.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
- Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
- Participate in the MEC Duty Officer program
Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement
- This position is contractually provided 130 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month
- Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle to attend meetings and as needed. Additional work completed remotely as necessary.
- No relocation or accommodation reimbursement is provided for this position.
- The MEC President is on-call to respond to critical incidents and situations.
MEC Vice President
From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.b)
The Vice President shall:
(1) Function under the jurisdiction of the President in carrying out the policies and directives of the Master Executive Council.
(2) Perform the duties of the President at her/his request or in the absence of the President.
(3) Be granted the privilege of the floor at all Master Executive Council and Board of Directors meetings, but shall have no vote if not also a Local Council President.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
- Serve as executive sponsor of MEC Committees and inform the MEC Secretary-Treasurer of upcoming meetings for calendaring.
- Be responsible for obtaining a monthly written report from each of the MEC Committee Chairs and providing these reports to the MEC Secretary-Treasurer for submission with the monthly MEC agenda.
- Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, MEC committee meetings, and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
- Coordinate and participate in the MEC Duty Officer program
Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement
- This position is budgeted for 120 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month
- Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle to attend meetings and as needed. Additional work completed remotely as necessary.
- No relocation or accommodation reimbursement is provided for this position.
- The MEC Vice President is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC President during vacation and as needed.
MEC Secretary-Treasurer
From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.c)
The Secretary-Treasurer shall:
(1) Assist the President in administering Master Executive Council funds.
(2) Maintain Master Executive Council records and perform such other duties that may be specifically assigned to the Secretary-Treasurer by the President or Acting President.
(3) Be responsible to the President and Master Executive Council.
(4) Be responsible for general record keeping and accounting of the Master Executive Council budget and any funds.
(5) Distribute a quarterly statement on expenditures to the Master Executive Council.
(6) Assist in preparation of the Master Executive Council annual report to the membership.
(7) Exhibit at all reasonable times the general records to any Officer or active member in good standing upon application.
(8) Maintain Master Executive Council records and record all meetings of the Master Executive Council.
(9) Deliver to her/his successor all monies and other property of the Master Executive Council. On demand of the International Office, s/he shall make available all books and records for examination and audit.
(10) Submit a copy of all Master Executive Council meeting minutes and nomination notices to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Union.
(11) Be responsible for distributing a list of Master Executive Council committees’ flight pay loss to the Master Executive Council and the International Office each month; this list will include, but not be limited to, hours and ID(s) missed, days on projects, and projects charged.
(12) Be granted the privilege of the floor at all Master Executive Council and Board of Directors meetings, but shall have no vote if not also a Local Council President.
Additional Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain the MEC agenda; solicit agenda items from members of the MEC
- Reserve meeting space and other meeting resources as needed
- Make arrangements for MEC hotel accommodations and meals
- Perform month-end financial reconciliation activities including:
- Monthly submission of MEC flight pay loss to the company
- Monthly reconciliation of Union Business flight pay loss
- Monthly submission of all Union Business to AFA International
- Review and approve expense reports
- Monthly reconciliation of budget and expense reports
- Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
- Participate in the MEC Duty Officer program
Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement
- This position is budgeted for 100 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month
- Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle to attend meetings and as needed. Additional work completed remotely as necessary.
- No relocation or accommodation reimbursement is provided for this position.
- The MEC Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC Vice President during vacation and as needed. S/he is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC President if the president and vice president are simultaneously unavailable.
Working Relationships
With The Master Executive Council (MEC)
Constant interaction with the LEC Presidents, other LEC Officers, and other MEC Officers
With MEC Committees
Constant interaction with MEC Committee Chairs and Committee Members.
With Management
Constant interaction with Alaska Airlines management, particularly within the inflight and labor relations departments
With AFA International
Frequent interaction with AFA international officers and staff members
Term of Office
The regular term of office is for three years, beginning on January 1, 2020 and concluding on December 31, 2022.
Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling
The MEC will hold interviews and conduct elections during the regular November MEC meeting on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Bid around these dates or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.
Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/DoRD4akQcakcuWRn9. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, October 29. After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.
Please note that in order to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.
Questions?
If you have any questions about MEC duties and responsibilities or the election process, please email officers@afaalaska.org.
We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions. September 11, 2017 will be no different. Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials. For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th. For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month. Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans.