AFA and the Virgin America (VX) leadership team (management) met in Seattle, WA yesterday to discuss VX Flight Attendant wages, work rules and other concerns. After negotiating into the late evening, the parties reached agreements on several interim improvements to pay and work rules. Improvements to work rules will be detailed in this communication; pay was discussed in an earlier communication.
Summary of provisions in the “Interim Improvements” letter of agreement (LOA):
- Adoption of the Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant personal electronic device policy
- Reimbursement of expenses for passport renewal
- Union Business provisions establishing a solid foundation for AFA Local Transitional Council 35 Virgin America
- Walk/waive option reduced to 16 hours from the current 18 hours
- Reserve pick up on days off
- “Last resort” Red Eye tagging of Lineholders/Reserves
- Window for Swaps and Drops reduced to 12 hours from the current 18 hours
- Requirement of adequate notice to AFA regarding any proposed work rule changes and an opportunity for input to such changes
- Commitment to discuss implementing a grievance procedure for disciplinary issues
AFA VX Interim Improvements Letter of Agreement (4/27/2017) >
AFA appreciates the Virgin America leadership team’s partnership in identifying and implementing these interim work rule improvements.
As stated in our previous communication, AFA would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts of our sisters and brothers on the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) negotiating team. Although the improvements that AFA achieved this week are not directly connected to that committee’s negotiations, their foundational work is recognized and appreciated. Once again, AFA sincerely thanks the TWU negotiators for their service.
Contact your local president (AS) or your Council 35 VX officers if you have any questions or concerns.
In Solidarity,
Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee
