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    You are here: Home / Archives for Virgin America

    More About ASAP

    December 26, 2017 12:00

    As previously mentioned in a communication from the AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC), pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants will soon be participating in the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).  ASAP is an FAA program that allows Flight Attendants to self-disclose unintentional violations of CFRs or company safety policy without fear of disciplinary action from management or enforcement action from the FAA.  The intent of the program is to improve procedure, processes, and training through increased reporting of safety-related incidents that might otherwise go unreported.

    Management will soon be putting out more information about ASAP, including a required computer based training (CBT) and information about the start date of the program for pre-merger VX Flight Attendants

    Your AFA ASAP Representative

    As part of the program, all ASAP reports received are de-identified (names and identifying information removed) and then reviewed by an Event Review Committee (ERC) made up of one representative each from AFA, the Company, and the FAA. Brad Young has been appointed as the AFA ASAP ERC Representative for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants.

    About Brad

    Brad has been a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant with Virgin America for 8 years.

    In 2012 and again in July of 2013, Brad assisted with a handful of fellow Flight Attendants in approaching, educating, signing and achieving enough cards for a successful vote to help bring representation to the Virgin America Flight Attendants.

    “The Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) is a critical component in the success of the Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants and there is no better time to be involved in this unique and successful program to involve the Virgin America Flight Attendants.   With the assistance of AFA, my role in the ASAP will take us all to the next level of airline safety and security out on the line for our workgroup,” says Brad.

    Brad graduated from Sierra College with a degree in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement and Psychology.  Prior to joining Virgin America, Brad worked for the State outside Sacramento, California.  Brad is currently studying several degree courses at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aviation Security and Safety Management.

    Brad currently resides in San Jose, California where he enjoys being outdoors, being an aviation history nerd, landscape photography, cooking and studying to get his Private Pilots License (PPL) for recreation.

    Learn More About ASAP

    In addition to the company’s CBT that will be released soon, you can find more information about the program on the ASAP page of the AFA Alaska website.  ASAP resources are also available on the FAA website.

    Questions?

    ASAP-related questions can be directed to pmVX ASAP ERC Representative Brad Young at bradley.young@afaalaska.org

    In Solidarity,

    Melissa, Jamie, and Brad

    Filed Under: Council 35 SFO Tagged With: 2017, ASAP, Council 35, Virgin America, VX

    Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Update

    December 18, 2017 05:00

    New FAA Memorandum of Understanding outlines program for both pre-merger Alaska and Virgin America Flight Attendants

    AFA is pleased to announce that a new Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by management, the FAA, and AFA, renewing the ASAP program for another two years.  The new MOU includes a provision to roll out an ASAP program to pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants in the near future and then integrate the pre-merger Virgin America ASAP program into the pre-merger Alaska ASAP program once a single collective bargaining agreement and integrated seniority list have been achieved.

    Click here to view the new ASAP MOU

    Along with the ASAP MOU, an accompanying letter of agreement (LOA) has been signed that specifically apply to the Flight Attendants at each specific pre-merger airline.  The LOAs spell out additional protective provisions of the program that complement the MOU.

    Click here to view the ASAP additional provisions LOA for pre-merger Alaska F/As
    Click here to view the ASAP additional provisions LOA for pre-merger Virgin America F/As

    IMPORTANT: ASAP Reporting Timeline Change for Pre-Merger Alaska Flight Attendants

    One important change to the ASAP program involves the timeframe for filing a report under the protective provisions of the program.  Previously, ASAP reports needed to be filed no later than 24 hours after the end of the sequence during which the event occurred.  Recently, the FAA has moved to a new standard template MOU that changes that timeline; this template was used to renew the AS ASAP program.  Under the new ASAP MOU, reports must be submitted no later than 24 hours after the end of the duty period during which the event has occurred in order to qualify for the protective provisions of the ASAP program.

    Coming Soon: ASAP for Pre-Merger Virgin America Flight Attendants

    AFA and management have also agreed to establish an ASAP program for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants.  Please note that even though the ASAP MOU and LOA have been signed, the ASAP Program for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants is not yet in effect.  A timeline for implementation is currently being discussed with management and more information will be communicated regarding training as well as the date the program will be effective.

    Questions?

    Pre-Merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants

    If you have questions about the ASAP program, please contact AFA ASAP ERC Representative Ronda Ruderman or a member of your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC).

    Pre-Merger Virgin America Flight Attendants

    If you have questions about the upcoming ASAP program, please contact your Local Council Officers.

    In Solidarity,

    Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

    Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News Tagged With: Alaska, ASAP, ASHSC, safety, Virgin America

    MEC Inflight Training Committee Interviews

    November 30, 2017 09:00

    Due to the recent growth within the inflight training department and the increase in other special projects assignments that are being offered by management, the MEC has elected to form an AFA Inflight Training Committee at the MEC level.  The purpose of the committee is to represent Flight Attendant interests related to initial, recurrent, and supplemental training and to represent the unique needs of the inflight instructors and those Flight Attendants on non-flying special projects assignments with management.

    The committee will be comprised of one chairperson and two committee members.  Current inflight instructors and members of the special projects pool who are active and regularly assigned to inflight training/special projects duties are eligible to serve on the committee (this includes inflight instructors and ATS Flight Attendants at Virgin America). Flight Attendants who are currently on training or special project assignments who would like more information about how the committee positions including how to express interested may access the full position posting by clicking here.

    For more information about the Inflight Training Committee, visit the committee page of the AFA Alaska website or refer to Article VII.I of the AFA Alaska Policy and Procedure Manual.  Additional questions may also be directed to your Local Council President.

    In Solidarity,

    Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

    Filed Under: Inflight Training Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, Alaska Airlines, inflight training committee, Virgin America

    MEC Inflight Training Committee Interviews – Call for Expressions of Interest

    November 30, 2017 08:55

    [UPDATED 12/04/2017] Clarification was added to indicate that only members of the inflight training department or special projects pool assigned to inflight training-related projects are eligible for Inflight Training Committee membership.

    Background

    The Inflight Training Committee is an MEC-level committee responsible for working with management to advocate for Flight Attendant interests in all matters pertaining to Flight Attendant training programs and to represent the unique needs and interests of Flight Attendants who are involved in Flight Attendant Initial and/or Recurrent Training, the special projects pool, and other non-flying assignments.

    The MEC is seeking to fill the committee with an MEC Committee Chairperson and two Committee Members.  Both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants who meet the qualifications of the position are eligible to express interest.

    Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual

    I. INFLIGHT TRAINING COMMITTEE

    1.  SCOPE

    a.  The MEC Inflight Training Committee will be responsible for representing the unique needs and interests of Flight Attendants who are involved in Flight Attendant Initial and/or Recurrent Training, the special projects pool, and other non-flying assignments (hereafter referred to as the “Inflight Training Department”).

    b.  The Committee will advocate for Flight Attendant interests in all matters pertaining to Flight Attendant training programs, curriculum, materials, and activities.

    2.  POLICY/REPSONSIBILITIES

    a.  The MEC Inflight Training Committee shall consist of the MEC Inflight Training Committee Chairperson and two additional members-at-large selected by the MEC.

    b.  The MEC Chairperson shall:

    (i)  Be an active member in good standing who is currently and regularly assigned to Inflight Training Department responsibilities.

    (ii)  Meet regularly, but no less than monthly, with the MEC Vice President to discuss the needs, interests, challenges, and other matters of interests to members assigned to Inflight Training Department responsibilities.

    (iii)  Represent the Flight Attendant point of view to the Company in all matters pertaining to Flight Attendant Initial and Recurrent Training programs, curriculum, and other materials as well as supplemental required and optional training activities.

    (iv)  Work with the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to review all Flight Attendant training activities and materials

    (v)  Work with other AFA Committees as needed to accomplish assigned tasks and responsibilities

    (vi)  Participate in AFA presentations to Flight Attendant Initial Training (IT) classes

    (vii)  Keep the membership informed of items of interest pertaining to members assigned to Inflight Training Department responsibilities.  He/she will compose informational and educational articles of interest to the membership and provide them to the MEC Communications Chairperson to be included in MEC communications and posted to the MEC website

    Qualifications

    • Current member of the inflight training department and/or inflight special projects pool assigned to inflight training-related projects (includes Virgin America ATS Flight Attendants)
    • Working knowledge of inflight training department policies and procedures
    • Strong computer skills. Working knowledge of Google email and Microsoft Office.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meeting agendas and take minutes.
    • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

    Duties

    • Review and provide input on Flight Attendant Initial and Recurrent Training programs, curriculum, and other materials
    • Review and provide input on supplemental training activities
    • Act in an advisory role to the MEC on inflight training-related matters
    • Review material, handle correspondence, and keep the members well informed of current inflight training developments. Provide information to the Communications Committee for inclusion in MEC communications.
    • Attend meetings with management and represent the AFA position on inflight training-related matters.
    • Correspond with the MEC regularly to provide status updates. Prepare and send a monthly committee report to the MEC.

    Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

    • It is estimated that most of the work of these positions will be conducted in conjunction with performing regular inflight training or special projects responsibilities. Some additional remote work may be required.
    • These positions do not have an allocated budget for flight pay loss reimbursement.

    Working Relationships

    With Other MEC Committee Chairpersons

    Regular interaction with other MEC Committee Chairpersons; particularly the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Grievance Committee, and Reserve Committee Chairpersons.

    With The Master Executive Council

    This position reports to the Master Executive Council. The MEC executive sponsor for the committee is the MEC Vice President.

    With Alaska Airlines Management

    Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Managing Director of Inflight Strategy and Support (Carmen Williams), Manager of Inflight Training Delivery (Amanda Westendorf), Manager of Inflight Policy and Procedure (position currently vacant), and the Inflight Training Supervisors.

    Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

    • The MEC will hold interviews during the January MEC meeting on Thursday, January 18 and Friday, January 19, 2018.
    • Interviews will be at the AFA Alaska MEC office in Seattle.
    • Submit an expression of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou at linda.christou@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Monday, January 8, 2018. In your expression of interest, please indicate the position you are interested in: Chairperson, Committee Member, or both.
    • Linda will be able to provide additional information regarding transportation and booking of flights if necessary.

     

    In Solidarity,

    Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

    Filed Under: Inflight Training Committee Tagged With: 2017, Alaska Airlines, ATS, inflight instructor, inflight training committee, special projects, Virgin America

    Seniority Merger Update – October 27, 2017

    October 27, 2017 09:00

    The seniority merger process is well underway.  By now, you should have received your Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) at your home address.

    If you did not receive it, you may request that a duplicate be sent to you by email.  To do so, send your request to the following email address: seniority@afacwa.org.  Your request must include your Name, Employee Number, Council/Base, and your Email Address.

    To help explain where we are in the seniority merger process, we have included a timeline of events.  Note that the next date is November 24, the due date to notify us of any inaccuracies.  That is followed in January 2018, when we will work on the credit for training days and how to resolve same-day seniority dates.

    Timeline of Events

    Click to enlarge

    May 22, 2017 AFA named as union for VX.  Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) Reps named for both AS & VX
    July 19, 2017 SMIC kickoff training at AFA HQ in DC. Request sent to AS HQ for necessary employment data for AS & VX FAs
    September 29, 2017 AS HQ provided AS & VX seniority lists that included seniority dates and dates of birth
    October 10, 2017 Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) mailed to all FAs home address to confirm pre-merger seniority bidding date and birthdate
    November 24, 2017 Deadline to respond to SVL, if inaccuracies exist.
    January 2018 SMIC works to resolve any issues with pre-merger seniority bidding date and/or birthdate
    January 2018 SMIC determines adjustments for initial training days and method for integrating same day seniority dates
    January 2018 SMIC merges AS & VX seniority bidding list and publishes methodology used to merge of the joint list
    Future Single Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified and final seniority bidding list published

    As we move through the process, we will provide additional updates.

    In Solidarity,

    Your Seniority Merger Integration Committee – Sandra Morrow (AS), Rolando Teran (VX), Lynne Voigtsberger (VX) and Marie Maxwell (AS)

    Filed Under: AS/VX Merger, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, Alaska, AS, merger, seniority, seniority integration, seniority merger integration committee, SMIC, Virgin America, VX

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