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View From The Jumpseat
January 2010 - ATL/NYC Member ConcernsDecember 2009 - DTW FA Janette Rook's Views
November 2009 - BOS FA Jacob Easter's Views
October 2009 - MEM/ATL FA Kathy Swarts' Views
eNEWS MARCH 12, 2010
UNION QUOTE OF THE WEEK
As union represented workers, we have the ability to hold our new Delta executives to the admirable principles set out by the old Delta in the Rules Of The Road, and we reflect upon the one that states: “Always keep your deals.”
~ NWA-AFA MEC President Janette Rook
AFA-CWA GENERAL COUNCIL ED GILMARTIN ADDRESSES SCOPE
As you know, AFA filed a grievance last Friday to enforce the Scope provisions of the NWA-AFA collective bargaining agreement. Under the Northwest Flight Attendant contract, disputes over Scope must be resolved in expedited arbitration within 60 days. Unfortunately, in direct violation of these agreed-to procedures, Delta has announced it will ignore the contract and will refuse to participate in a Scope arbitration. Instead, Delta has run to federal court to ask the court for permission to violate its own contractual promises and not arbitrate the Scope grievance.
AFA regrets Delta’s action, but the Union will vigorously defend its position, and will seek an expedited resolution to this dispute. The Union’s goal is to enforce its contract and protect PMNW and PMDL Flight Attendants by not allowing Delta to outsource flying-now or in the future.
Remember, the filing of this grievance and the Company’s response will have no effect on flight attendant schedules. The legal process will play out over several months, and we will keep you apprised of any developments with the Scope issue. Keep on flying and continue to be safe.
JOINT VENTURES ON THE SCOPESCAPE?
AFA-CWA has been leading the battle to protect our careers against outsourcing ever since it entered the airline arena as yet another means for companies to fatten their bottom line at the expense of Flight Attendant careers. Fundamental to this effort is our goal to protect U.S. airline jobs that support our employer and ensure Delta’s success, while supporting the airline industry and quality employment for our U.S. economy.
The battle to protect U.S. airline jobs is not unique to Delta/Northwest. However, previously veiled company threats to replace thousands of PMNW Flight Attendant jobs by outsourcing international positions became unabashed and blatant corporate demands at NWA just five years ago. Whether by defending existing Scope language for AFA-represented carriers, or proactively scanning the horizon for potential threats to all Flight Attendant jobs, AFA-CWA has led the charge to protect our profession and our careers.
Efforts to prevent current crewmembers from being replaced by outsourced workers- whether from inside or outside U.S. borders-continue in our industry in ways that extend beyond our own internal efforts to protect Section One Scope language. AFA- CWA, along with ALPA and the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), are working to fight the erosion of U.S. jobs on the legislative front, as well. Key members of Congress are supporting this endeavor with the introduction of legislation to protect workers when airlines partner to create joint venture arrangements. As reported by United Airlines AFA-CWA, the issue is complex, but generally encompasses the larger issue of outsourcing associated with anti-trust immunity. It also addresses current problems stemming from the United/Aer Lingus joint venture.
As always, we applaud any business arrangement that gives our employer a greater financial advantage, which will feed into the world class contract we deserve. In turn, we seek every legislative advantage and contractual protection to uphold stability for our careers, in the face of such global alliances. Quality of life begins with keeping your job.
Earlier this week, Yahoo News reported details on Delta’s continued efforts to expand international alliances by seeking additional joint venture arrangements.
TIME TO SPRING AHEAD
Don’t forget to re-set your clocks one hour forward (and turn some cell phones off and back on again to update) Sunday, March 14th at 0200. Better still, change clocks Saturday night to avoid startling surprises in the morning.
RESERVE SICK/ VACATION ACCRUAL ARBITRATION IN MSP THIS WEEK
On March 16th and 17th, your MEC Grievance Committee will present Grievance #88- 77-02-144-09 for arbitration, on behalf of Reserve Flight Attendants with improperly pro- rated sick and vacation time accruals.
Currently, the company pro-rates (or reduces) Reserve sick and vacation accruals in two ways. Proration occurs when Reserves finish their flying month between 70 and 80 hours due to the use of reserve releases or other unavailability. The company also reduces sick and vacation accruals for Reserves who finish their month with less than 70 hours. The company is currently using a different proration calculation formula than what is specified by the contract, with a base of 80 hours instead of 70. This formula results in some Reserves suffering a disproportionate reduction to their sick and vacation accruals.
We will ask the arbitrator to rule that the company properly prorate sick and vacation accruals for all Reserves going forward, and that those Reserves with improperly calculated sick and vacation accruals be made whole. Marlene Gold will be the hearing officer for this arbitration. NWA AFA Staff Attorney Peter Swanson will present the Union case with Bruce Retrum as the System Board Union advocate. Presenting for the company will be Susan Kramer, Managing Director, Labor Relations - PMNW.
~ Submitted by MEC Grievance Committee Vice Chair Patricia Reller You can find a list of other important MEC level grievances (system wide issues) recently filed at http://nwaafa.org/docs/03.10_MEC_Grievance_Summary.pdf
~ Submitted by MEC Grievance Committee Vice Chair Patricia Reller
WHAT YOU’RE SAYING ONLINE
“When we told Delta we wanted to hold the election last fall, why did they turn us down? It would all be behind us if they had just let us vote when we asked.” ~ PMDL FA, ATL
“I know my co-workers chose to take way deeper cuts in pay and work rules just to keep Scope language in the contract. That’s how valuable they believe it is. I don’t really understand Scope, but I know if they hadn’t made that sacrifice then, I would not be here today and neither would any of my classmates.” ~ PMNW FA, DTW, 2007 Hire
“This is why I want a contract. I’m not the type of person who is motivated by fear and threats. But I’m also not motivated by promises or good intentions if there’s nothing but friendly words from this year’s executive management team to back it all up.” ~ DL FA, Base unknown
FMLA VICTORY ADDRESSED IN DELTANET MEMO
Having addressed concerns about Delta’s possible non-compliance with the new FMLA protection provisions signed into law last December, we were pleased to finally get something in writing. Be sure to check either -What’s New on ATLAS or IFS News on the DeltaNet homepage for Delta’s March 8, 2010, memo addressing the Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. While they chose to spin our FMLA victory to make it appear as though PMDL had it better all along, the fact is that ALL Delta crewmembers-and especially Reserves-can now enjoy the greatly improved FMLA provisions, including lower flying thresholds, that you and your fellow AFA activists have lobbied to attain for years. Be sure to print and save a copy for future reference, before the memo is scrubbed from DeltaNet archives.
2010 EAP BASIC TRAINING PROCESSING APPLICATIONS NOW
Do you have a special knack for working with people? Counseling skills to offer your colleagues in a rewarding and meaningful venue? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers emotional support and referral assistance to Flight Attendants, their partners, and families for a wide range of personal or work-related issues, including domestic abuse, depression, work-related stress and substance abuse. Applications are currently being accepted for new EAP Representatives to attend 2010 EAP Basic Training April 13-14 at the Phoenix Clarion.
Go to http://www.afanet.org/eap to learn more about the AFA EAP Program and what it provides. If you think it might be a good fit for you, click the link to the Becoming an EAP Rep on the left-hand side of the page. If you are ready to step forward and volunteer, be sure to fill out the EAP Rep Online Application, which can be found at the top of
Becoming an EAP Rep. Specfic EAP Basic Training details can be found at http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/eap/EAP_Basic_Training_Info_Letter.pdf.
TELL YOUR SENATOR(S): PASS THE FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL
Every three to five years, the FAA is funded by legislation in the House and Senate. AFA-CWA was successful in writing several Flight Attendant friendly provisions into this bill, which now addresses the flight attendant fatigue study, includes a mandatory contaminated air study and adds a layer of outsourcing protection. It also requires the FAA and OSHA agencies to resume their work on developing workplace safety and health protections for Flight Attendants. The previous reauthorization bill expired in 2007 and Congress needs to act now. Go to http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/faa_reauthorization/ to tell your U.S. Senator to support your career by passing the FAA Reauthorization Bill.
MEC PRESIDENT JANETTE ROOK: SCOPE GRIEVANCE FACTS
Did you miss MEC President Janette Rook’s letter to the membership earlier this week? See what she has to say about the Scope Grievance at the top of the NWAAFA homepage under Always Keep Your Deals.
THIS WEEK IN THE NEWS
Continental CEO: We’re ‘big threat’ to Delta, Reuters see http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0923320820100309?type=marketsNews , March 9, 2010
eNEWS MARCH 5, 2010
THIS WEEK’S LABOR QUOTE
Where trade unions are most firmly organized, there are the rights of the people most respected. ~ Samuel Gompers
UNITED AFA PAYS TRIBUTE TO NWA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
Earlier this month, United Airlines AFA Flight Attendants paid the following tribute to Northwest Flight Attendants & Frontline Workers in their online newsletter, AFA ELines:
“Last month all Northwest Airlines flights became known as Delta Air Lines flights. Our AFA sisters and brothers at Northwest remain proud to have helped shape their Flight Attendant Contract for the last 60 plus years at their airline that was originally founded on September 1, 1926. Their airline may be gone today, but their rights under their Northwest Flight Attendant Contract continue as they remain Members of our Union. A worker’s identity is always defined by the characteristics of her/his career and the contributions to her/his profession. In this respect, we offer a comforting reminder to our sisters and brothers at Northwest that their identity has not and will not change. In our Union we can always stand proud for our contributions as Flight Attendants.”
ACTION NEEDED: SUPPORT NEW LANDING SLOTS AT HANEDA TODAY
Our airline has applied for four new slots at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. If the Department of Transportation chooses to award any or all of these slots to Delta, it would provide for U.S. flight attendant jobs, while also helping our company’s bottom line. Pre-merger Northwest Airlines Association of Flight Attendants-CWA members and Delta Air Lines flight attendants are proud to partner with management on this mutually beneficial initiative. To read a copy of the Northwest AFA Master Executive Council’s letter to the Department of Transportation’s Secretary Ray LaHood, click http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/govaffairs/03.04.10_MEC_Haneda_Slots_Letter_to_LaHood.pdf “ title="HERE.">HERE.
Please take a moment to support our airline’s application for new Tokyo Haneda route authority today by clicking on the e-activist link HERE The deadline for comment is March 8, 2010, so don’t delay! Take Action Now!
VACATION DONATIONS HELP CO-WORKERS GET BACK ON FEET
You may not be aware that our Vacation Donation http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/contract/CBA_Section_10_Vacation_Donation.pdf program for medically incapacitated co-workers is a contractual provision in Section 10 - Vacations. Over the years, dozens of flight attendants have shared stories of medical disability followed by devastating financial struggle, only to see generous colleagues offer a glimmer of hope with the donation of a little vacation time.
“The vacation donations that I received at the time actually kept my electricity on for several months as it was being turned off,” shared one grateful recipient. “It is not much, but one day of someone donating vacation can be the difference of having electricity or eating for several days.”
For more information about the vacation donation program, click HERE
Click HERE for the current the Vacation Donation Recipient list, which is also posted at your base.
WHAT YOU’RE SAYING ONLINE:
“The tenure of an American CEO is on a downward trend. The average tenure of a North American CEO was 6.8 years in 2007. (Forbes Magazine) The average job tenure of Flight Attendants is currently 16 years and is increasing. (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010) I need a legally binding contract, not an empty promise from a management team that won’t be here in a few years.” ~ PMNW Flight Attendant
MEC GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
As the integration of Northwest and Delta continues to pick up the pace, we have also seen a rise in the number of critical issues. Having eliminated so many PMNW management jobs, Delta management is now attempting to interpret the terms of our contract without the benefit of input from those who knew it best. They have also used third party vendors to analyze specific contract sections, despite an overall lack of knowledge regarding past practice and how it affects the application or interpretation of particular contract sections.
Countless problems have ensued, including difficulties with some of the most basic benefits we have long received without complication. Frustrated members continue to report the need for multiple phone calls and tracking numbers without resolution, as well as different representatives with every call, each providing a solution-free “non-answer.” When combined with the inability of the curiously named Delta Employee Service Center to resolve their problems, we have the makings of a frustrating start to our experience at the “new” Delta.
When unable to resolve issues via member and leader advocacy, your local AFA representatives and MEC Grievance Committee actively challenge many of these issues via the grievance process. Earlier today, we filed a Scope Grievance in order to protect the work currently performed by the pre-merger Northwest flight attendants. The Company’s plans to integrate cockpit crews means that we will no longer be flying exclusively with pre-merger NW pilots, as provided in our Section 1 Recognition, Scope and Job Security language. This section of our contract provides for arbitration within 60 days of any Scope dispute. Be assured that we’ll use all means necessary and available to defend our Scope. You can find some of the recent messages addressing scope here: Scope Q&A, Election & Scope, and SOC & Scope.
Although we firmly believe a grievance is not necessary to resolve every problem, the lack of an adequate Delta response to many issues leaves us with no choice but to pursue resolution through the grievance process. In addition to local grievances that have been filed on our members’ behalf, you can find a list of some of the important MEC level grievances (system wide issues) recently filed HERE.
~ Submitted by MEC Grievance Committee Chair Greg Riffle
CALLING ALL PURSERS—YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE
In case you missed it, don’t forget to bid for Simply Purser training if you want to retain your Purser designation! While the training is not mandatory, it is required to continue in the Purser program. Reports indicate many pursers are unaware of this important fact. It would be a tragedy for any Purser to lose his or her status over such a misunderstanding. Currently, Simply Purser training is being offered through May. For more information go to: DeltaNet > Departments > IFS > and scroll down to Simply Purser under IFS Hot Topics on the left-hand side of the page.
~ Submitted by MEC Purser Committee Chair Kim Evasic
HAVE YOU READ THE LATEST . . . MANUAL REVISIONS?
It is reported that FAA Cabin Safety Inspectors are out on the line checking for up-to-date On-Board Manuals and Announcement Handbooks, as well as knowledge of revision content, so now is a good time to ensure yours is compliant.
Revision 1-10 dated March 1st is the most current update for the OBM and AH. (Company policy requires FAs to insert revisions on or before their effective date.) The company plans to issue revisions on a quarterly basis, with the next set to be dated June 1st. OBM and AH discrepancies are available via DeltaNet by accessing the IFS home page > select ‘On-Board Manual/Announcement Handbook’ in the IFS Manuals box on the left side > select and scroll down to ‘OBM/AH Discrepancies’.
~ Submitted by MEC ASHS Committee Chair Jeanne Elliott
ADMINISTRATIVE, BENEFIT, PENSION ISSUES AND (800) MY-DELTA
Active members and retirees continue to report a litany of administrative and benefit issues, ranging from health insurance to FMLA, OJI, and on. We also receive calls from retirees about on-going pension benefit and/or pension payment problems.
Despite the difficulties frequently encountered, Administrative and Benefit problems generally should first be addressed with Delta’s Employee Service Center (ESC) at (800) MY-DELTA or with your manager, before contacting your Local Council. (Of course, we are always available to help you understand your contractual rights in any situation.) Keep an ongoing file detailing your efforts to resolve every situation. We recommend you contact Delta’s ESC a maximum of three times and then resort to written requests via US Mail and/or email. Additional calls to different representative do not necessarily result in better or quicker solutions. Explain your problem thoroughly in writing, and request a written response detailing the resolution within a specified number of days. Be sure to document all names, dates, times, case numbers, etc. for the case record, and keep copies of all written communication for your files.
Click HERE to read the rest of the story, including contact information.
Click HERE for a ready-to-print contact list
HOTEL COMMITTEE
Recently, the AFA Hotel Committee started seeing an unusual phenomenon regarding hotel registration cards and debt responsibility for hotel rooms. The AFA CBA states the company “shall provide lodging on a single occupancy basis,” (Sec. 4.A.1.a,) that crewmembers will “pay for any incidental hotel expenses that we incurred while staying at the hotel,” (Sec 4.A.5) and that we will “sign a Check In List,” (Sec 4.A.7).
We recommend that if the hotel requests you sign additional documents-especially one that states you will “assume debt liability of the room and any associated costs if my employer fails to pay the bill"- that you advise them that you are required to sign a check in list and that you will not sign anything that will make you responsible for the hotel bill.
~Submitted by MEC Hotel Committee Chair Ann Odenwald
THIS WEEK IN THE NEWS
Flight Attendants seek workplace protections, Workers’ Independent News http://www.laborradio.org/node/13024 , February 26, 2010
Flight attendants are working to get Congress to approve an FAA Re-Authorization bill that includes some workplace protections in the air. Doug Cunningham reports.
By Doug Cunningham
Front and center for flight attendants is health and safety on the job. Bill McGlashen is Executive Assistant to the President at the Association fo Flight Attendants - CWA. He says it’s vital that Congress include protections for flight attendants in the FAA Re-Authorization, because the FAA has sole jurisdiction over the airlines.
[Bill McGlashen]: “We have high injury rates that rank up there with coal miners and other at-risk workers. And yet we don’t enjoy the benefits of OSHA or OSHA-like protections. We have flight attendants who are injured because of repetitive injuries, shoulder and neck injuries, back injuries. We have things that go on in the cabin in terms of temperature standards, air quality. Those have to be attended to. And they haven’t been because the FAA, in its solejurisdiction, has not paid attention to those concerns.”
eNews February 19, 2010
THIS WEEK’S LABOR QUOTE
My friends, it is solidarity of labor we want. We do not want to find fault with each other, but to solidify our forces and say to each other: “We must be together; our masters are joined together and we must do the same thing.” ~ Mother Jones
AMENDED FMLA ELIGIBILITY IN EFFECT AT DELTA SINCE 12/21/09
Delta management has agreed with AFA that the amendment to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, which clarified the eligibility requirements with respect to airline flight crews, has been in effect for all flight attendants since President Obama signed it into law on December 21st. View the amendment at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ119.111.pdf
If you have been denied FMLA since December 21, 2009 (this may apply to Reserve flight attendants in particular), and you believe you should have been approved under the amendment to FMLA, please contact your Local AFA representatives for assistance.
AFA has further clarified our position that both our supplemental contractual FMLA provisions and the law should apply toward PMNW FA eligibility. Where not eligible under the amended FMLA, Delta should also take into consideration the supplemental contractual language that may provide additional opportunities for PMNW FAs to qualify for FML. View the contract language at http://nwaafa.org/contract/section18/
ALERTS FROM THE SCOPESCAPE
Recently, a PMDL flight attendant worked/served as minimum crew for boarding a PMNW flight, another worked an actual flight with a PMNW crew, and at least one PMNW flight attendant was asked to board a PMDL flight. This should absolutely NOT happen, under any circumstances! No PMDL flight attendant should be performing the duties of a PMNW flight attendant and vice versa, until representation has been resolved and we have a combined Flight Attendant Agreement with a union, or common policies and working guidelines without. That includes boarding, deplaning, and anything in between.
The company recognizes this is a contract violation, and we look for them to address the issue with all PMNW and PMDL flight attendants soon. If you are assigned anything other than “Must Deadhead” (DH) for a PMDL flight, or if you witness an Error of Assignment of this nature for either group, call Scheduling and report it to AFA immediately. If Scheduling is unwilling to correct the situation on the spot, be certain to request a Review of Crew Orders with a Scheduler or Duty Manager and again, contact AFA immediately.
DRUG TESTING NOTIFICATION CHANGES: WHAT (NOT) TO EXPECT
Changes in the company’s application of an FAA rule regarding advance drug testing notification methods have led to inconsistent and sometimes confusing or alarming procedures by local management. Last fall, we published information about the FAA’s decision that ACARs was an unacceptable means to notify crewmembers inflight of a drug test to take place upon landing. What is missing, however, is an official communication from the company that details the new process, the reason for the change, and explaining how the procedure will be consistently applied from base to base.
Recently, we have received a high-than-normal volume of reports about notification inconsistencies and problems. Generally, the notification messages are received from dispatch and conveyed by the pilots, but concerns remain about message content. Some members have received messages indicating company personnel would meet their flight, while assuring them it was not a family emergency. Unfortunately, others have not included that assurance, generating unnecessary alarm. Still others received no dispatch message at all, but were met by local personnel and advised of a test upon deplaning.
We are pushing the company for a standard script to be given to dispatch, always including the “non-emergency” piece. Additionally, logistics unique to each base necessitate a standard on-the-ground practice, so flight attendants don’t inadvertently miss an in-person notification. At some bases, for instance, personnel might not be permitted at the aircraft door following an international flight. Designated testers could be stationed in one area attempting to locate their testee, while the Crewmember could depart Customs headed in a different direction, and never receive notification at all.
2010 AFA LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS: DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
Currently, elections are being conducted following Local Councils: Council 91 NYC, Council 92 BOS, and Council 97 SFO.
In the ongoing cycle of democracy within AFA-CWA, elections at many AFA carriers are currently underway or will soon begin. Your participation in the nominating and voting processes today will have a direct bearing on your future. This is your opportunity to elect your co-workers to union office-or run for office, yourself-and choose those who will serve the collective priorities of our work group.
The structure of governance at AFA-CWA is completely and directly member-driven. The Local Council President you elect will serve on the AFA-CWA Master Executive Council, which is the highest AFA-CWA governing body at each AFA-represented carrier. Along with other Local AFA-CWA Council Presidents, they form the highest governing body in your union, the AFA-CWA Board of Directors (BOD). In turn, the BOD directly elects the International officers, who will guide our union as a whole, advocating at the highest levels of government and advancing our professional interests within our industry.
Due to last week’s snowstorms, there is an extension on nominations for officer elections in NYC and BOS, which will now end on Feb. 26th, with elections to follow several weeks later. All nominations must be postmarked by this date. The nomination period for Council 97 - SFO has passed, ballots will be mailed shortly, and new Officers will take office starting in April. If you are nominated for an LEC Officer position at one of these councils and wish to be a candidate, you must contact the AFA-CWA Membership Services Department and state your commitment to serve. This can be done by completing the form that can be found Here
For information about eligibility to vote, voting procedures, election schedules, nomination results, election results and to vote on-line, visit the AFA-CWA elections website at http://www.afanet.org/elections. Take charge of your professional future by participating in your Local Council elections today!
~ Submitted by MEC Secretary-Treasurer Lynn Bible
WINTER OPERATIONS: DEICING ALERT!
With winter conditions continuing, aircraft deicing procedures are routine at many airports systemwide. Stay alert in situations where exposure to deicing (glycol) fluid is possible, and follow these guidelines to minimize any resultant ill effects, should exposure occur:
* Be mindful of standing at or near aircraft doors. Experience has shown that some door seals, particularly on DC-9s, can allow deicing fluid to spray through the gap and come into contact with anyone in the vicinity.
* If you and/or your clothing comes in contact with the fluid, remove fluid-soiled clothing and change into other uniform items and/or appropriate clothing, if a uniform piece is not available.
* Immediately wash the affected areas of the face and/or body, with particular attention to the eyes, which need to be sufficiently flushed out as soon as possible.
* Coordinate with the flight deck and seek medical attention, as necessary.
* If ill effects are experienced or persist, consult a physician. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) posted on the ATLAS website for additional
information on deicing agents used. This resource can be helpful to the physician in identifying the composition of the fluid and treatment for such exposure. To access MSDS, click on the Inflight Services link> then Safety & Security> then Safety & Health> Resources> MSDS.
* Ensure an Inflight Incident Report is submitted and an OJI report filed. Keep your Union informed as well!
~ Submitted by MEC Air Safety, Health and Security Committee
JUMPSEAT LISTING and NON-REV TRAVEL
Jumpseat listing confusion abounds following recently published jumpseat guidelines and changes to listing procedures in the cutover from PARS to TravelNet. Alert members, particularly those who commute, immediately recognized areas that challenge and/or outright violate our Contract. First, please take the time to familiarize yourself with Section 25, General regarding PMNW XFA contractual jumpseat specifications. Go to http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/contract/XFA_Section_25.pdf for a print-and-carry copy of our contractual jumpseat listing page, just in case you, a fellow flight attendant or a gate agent may need it for reference.
As most of you are aware, our contract states that “A Flight Attendant may list as both a non-revenue passenger and XFA seat rider on the same flight.” However, when listing for both on DeltaNet, members are discovering this creates a duplicate booking in the Delta computer system. This is a programming issue for Delta, as their reservations system processes the listings differently than PARS did. Bottom line, the company did not adequately prepare for this contractual provision, but they have advised a “fix” is in the works.
Some members have expressed concern over potential discipline for inadvertently violating Delta’s policy about duplicate booking. Know this: it is your contractual right to book both, and discipline should never enter the equation in this situation. If you are required to attend a manager meeting for booking jumpseat and listing as non- rev on the same flight, contact your Local Council for assistance.
AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE JUMPSEAT…
Remember that flight attendants with a jumpseat reservation are not to be removed from or denied use of the jumpseat due to weight and balance issues. Flight Attendants received this “Clarification on XFA (jumpseat) travel on weight restricted flights” memo on 09.18.09. CSAs were advised of the same in a Policy Alignment memo issued in 9.19.09 and reminded in a 12.25.09 update stating “When a flight is deemed to be payload optimized, it will be necessary to accommodate all reserved (RS) PMDL & PMNW cockpit and cabin jumpseat requests onboard and these riders are not to be removed.” Some commuters have suggesting printing a copy of the FA and CSA memos, which can be found on DeltaNet, to carry for reference.
In other jumpseat news… Yesterday, Delta announced a reciprocal agreement with Compass Airlines, allowing flight attendants access to empty cabin jumpseats. This is the first such agreement for Delta, which will permit another airline onto our FA jumpseats, once procedural details are finalized. Stay tuned for more information.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT AND PILOT HOTEL DIFFERENCES
Lately, many flight attendants have asked why our pilots are staying at different hotels, even though the layover time may be the same. There are several reasons for this disparity. First, we are still working under the 2007 bankruptcy Agreement, which stipulates in Section 4.2.B.1 that “...a downtown or downtown-like location shall not be required at a location in the case of: A city located in the forty-eight contiguous United States and Canada…” (among other things).
Secondly, the pilots have different language in their contract, which provides for lodging at a downtown hotel on layovers of more than 12 hours. Also, now that former Northwest pilots are working under one contract with their pre-merger Delta colleagues, they often stay at Delta hotels, which may be different than those used by Northwest. Finally, there is a cost issue. If a Delta hotel is cheaper than a Northwest hotel, we will generally move.
As always, the Hotel Committee welcomes comments, both good and bad, about your hotel experiences. Your written documentation is the only way we can identify problem hotels, enabling us to then find solutions. To access the hotel problem worksheet for both PMNW and PMDL Hotels, go to the NWA-AFA website homepage at http://www.nwaafa.org, click on “Committees” at the top of the page and then click on “Hotel.” This brings you to the Committee homepage where, you will find a link to the “Flight Attendant Hotel Report Online Form.” We look forward to hearing from you soon.
~ Submitted by NYC Local 91 Hotel Committee Chair Stephen Chung
February 17, 2010 eNews Bulletin
Dear Colleagues - Many of us have some of the same questions and comments, so I would like to address a few of the most frequent that have been sent to me directly if I may.
> Ye Old Pay Raise Bait & Switch Tactic Coming to Theaters in October
As PMDL flight attendants are well aware, offering future pay raises only to non-union employees is a common strategy - it’s Union Busting 101. Delta management has used this before, prior to past union representation elections. For more information from PMDL flight attendants about how this technique has been used over time at Delta, click HERE. A Delta exec used the word “repugnant” late last year to describe union efforts to ensure our election is held following the principles used in most other elections worldwide. However as part of the employee group who has endured massive cuts to save our company in the past few years, I think this word is more aptly used to describe this divisive union busting pay raise tactic.
What some may not know is that this raise was announced on the first full day of the representation election voting for workers in the SIM TECH group, now represented by the IAM at NWA. To read the IAM’s letter to Anderson about the matter, click HERE. For the record, I echo the IAM General Vice President Robert Roach’s comments to Mr. Anderson - AFA’s consistent position is that there is nothing in our collective bargaining agreement that prohibits management from working with us to raise our members’ pay above the minimum rates set forth in our contract.
> Any News From the NMB? When & How Will We Vote?
We await the decision of the NMB. The mandatory 30 day minimum time period required for deliberation on their proposed voting rule change is over; however there is no deadline for the Board members to make their decision. Whether the Board decides to change the voting rule or not, after their decision we’ll file for our single carrier determination and move forward as expeditiously as possible. For more information about the voting timeline and much more, click HERE. As you can see on the NMB’s website, there is a massive amount of comment regarding the NMB’s proposed rule change. Make no mistake; the NMB’s ruling will make history - one way or another.
We keep in mind the words of Thomas Carlyle; “No pressure, no diamonds.” Over the years union leaders and members have made tough choices to fight for our rights and it’s rarely been quick or easy. When the decision was made to withdraw our petition by our campaign leaders we knew this was a bold and challenging road. PMNW & PMDL campaign and AFA leaders unanimously agreed we must give 110% to support a fair election process for not only ourselves, but for all rail and airline workers. While at times it’s hard on our patience, we know that opportunities to push for reform of unfair rules rarely knock twice.
> What Are AFA Representatives Doing in the Meantime?
To be perfectly frank, we are fighting tooth and nail on many fronts for our members - to uphold our contract and assist members and retirees with a large influx of problems and issues. Whether through ignorance, poor preparation, or a calculated plan, Delta management has been a handful in many areas. Benefit and Payroll issues continue to roll into your Local AFA reps at a pace never before seen at any of the 20 AFA carriers. Many simple matters that only took a phone call or email by members or union representatives in the past now must often proceed to a grievance, simply due to no response or due an apparent corporate structure that is not conducive to fixing errors in a timely manner. The widespread practice of outsourcing at Delta doesn’t help.
Every day we’re here is another day that we have the chance to protect and uphold our contract for all of us. In the meantime, union leaders do everything possible to ensure we’ll have the right to negotiate a new one. Our members’ and leaders’ advocacy and continued hard work at this crucial time is shoring up the bedrock of the future of our career. I’m proud to be amongst such dedicated and committed activists.
> What Can I Do To Help?
This is simple - our AFA pin is like the North Star in our campaign. Wearing it speaks volumes and it matters. It is the symbol of our support for a legal contract and union representation during this crucial time. We can also display pro-AFA and pro-Union bag tags, pins, and other items. Our members and the Delta union activists have been phenomenal, but we must continue to show our visible and vocal support for a legal contract and AFA representation at Delta. If I could ask but one more thing, I would ask we all recognize and show our support and appreciation for our fellow flight attendants who are also union leaders - our elected union officers, and committee leaders and campaign volunteers. At times we can feel like we’re on the point of a battering ram, but its empowering to know and feel that we’re all in this together. We’re all “the Union” and together we’re strong.
> Say It Again Sam - What’s Up With Cross Staffing & Scope?
Yes, AFA disagrees with management over their position on our Scope protections. The company must abide by the complete Scope provisions of our contract, not pick and choose as they see fit. PMNW pilots are not hard to find and we can all sort them out - in fact there are even some “fences” in place to separate the pilots on certain aircraft. As Delta leadership has acknowledged in writing, Delta Air Lines is the Successor to our contract and they must honor our contract in its entirety. If management doesn’t honor their word with our joint contract, our remedy is to file a grievance and battle it out in arbitration. A violation of our Scope doesn’t mean time stops; it means as an equal partner in our joint contract we have the right to present our case (with witnesses, attorneys, experts and data) before an independent and jointly selected arbitrator (this is much like a court proceeding with a court reporter).
Section 1 - Recognition, Scope & Job Security of our contract provides for arbitration within 60 days of any Scope dispute. Be assured that we’ll use all means necessary and available to defend our Scope. Here are some of the latest messages we’ve sent out about related subjects - please help spread the word: DL & AFA Negotiations - Scope Q&A - Election & Scope - SOC & Scope - AFA 90 Closure Hotline.
In Solidarity,
Janette Rook
Northwest MEC President/DTW Flight Attendant
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA