The Company is offering Premium Pay Patterns (AFA CBA 6.I.) in most bases through the month of July.  A Flight Attendant awarded such designated pattern(s) shall be paid the value of the Premium Pay Pattern, plus an additional (25%) at the Flight Attendant’s applicable incentive rate of pay.  PPPs must be picked up a straight upward adjustment from open time. Reserves picking these PPPs up as a Reserve Increase Adjustment in SLAP receive the RIA pay (which is paid above the Reserve guarantee), as well as the 25% premium pay.  Familiarize yourself with the special provisions involved with these patterns!  Premium pay patterns have unique pattern numbers so they should not be confused with normal patterns.  More information on PPPs HERE.

June 2010 - Remember that all military charter flying covered under LOA 40 - which NWA & NW/Delta negotiated last year - is voluntary in nature.  If you are assigned/rescheduled to this flying (including Reserves), you can legally decline the assignment. This Letter of Agreement is in effect for the duration of our contract and only applies to the Middle East AMC/CRAF operations.  Please review LOA 40 for more detailed information. 

888.3.NWA.AFA, option 2 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Your NWA-AFA MEC is pleased to introduce the NWA Summer Reserve and Scheduling
Outreach and Support—or Reserve S.O.S., for short. You’ll hear more about this program in
the coming days, including a mailer to your home with additional info, contact resources,
contract tips and more.

For now, this is what you need to know. Your NWA-AFA MEC has been brainstorming for the
best way to meet this summer’s unique scheduling variables and unknowns head on, with
extra support for our Reserves. For the next few months, NWA-AFA officers will be teaming up
to provide special 24/7 Reserve and Scheduling support on a dedicated phone line to address
your on-the-spot Scheduling, Rescheduling and Reserve questions.

Program this number into your phone: 888.3.NWA.AFA, option 2. (That’s 888.369.2232) or try
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for less time-sensitive issues.

As always, contact your Local Council Officers first for all scheduling, discipline, contract,
grievance and rumor control issues. (Their numbers should already be in your phone!) But we
recognize scheduling emergencies come in all sizes and shapes, and never when it’s
convenient.

“Can they do that?” “Do I have to do this?” Sometimes you just can’t wait for an answer. The
NWA Summer Reserve S.O.S. is your supplemental 24/7 scheduling support to tackle this
summer’s unique challenges, together. Keep your contract close and an ally on speed-dial at
888.3.NWA.AFA, option 2.

Now, did you remember to GDO your day off tomorrow? Good. It’s after 3:00 p.m. Let’s head
on back to the lake!

February 2010 - Representatives from your Local and Master Executive Council Scheduling/Reserve Committees met with the company in Minneapolis.  The meeting was part of our contractually prescribed biannual meetings to be held with the Scheduling Department.  Items discussed included company plans to cross staff in May, Summer 2010 flying plans, pattern improvement based on our jointly offered AFA/NWA scheduling survey, split lines, charter flying, and much more.

Summer flying levels were discussed in detail.  The Company has indicated there will be an “all hands on deck” need for the summer flying schedule. In May, all current SLIP leave participants will return to work, and we will see the closure of our Atlanta satellite base. Company Convenience Leaves (CCLs) / Split Lines are not widely anticipated. Additionally, you should expect to see a noticeable decrease in the number of pattern drops / downward adjusts granted, and a marked increase in block hours and EBLA credits across the system. For more details on EBLA ranges, refer to your bid analysis cover letter each month. According to the company, Reserves may see fewer pattern releases, as well as daily, early and block releases.

Assignment procedures for OPR were discussed. The Company clarified that trips falling into open time within one (1) hour of departure SHALL be assigned to an OPR flight attendant. Should you encounter any deviations from this contractual language, please contact your Local Council Representative as soon as possible. OPR Reserves SHOULD NOT be assigned clerical work, etc.

After months of being overstaffed, many members will see this increase in flying and tighter reins on drops to be a return to ‘normal’ times - all with an increase in work load/service! We encourage everyone to reacquaint themselves with the Scheduling and Reserve sections of our contract (sections 5,6, and 7).  An easy to carry reference sheet for Lineholders and Reserves is available for print HERE.

The MEC Scheduling Committee is comprised of volunteers who act as a liaison between Flight Attendants and Crew Scheduling. Our contract provides the committee the ability to give input and opportunities to recommend changes in the distribution of future flying. We want to hear from you!  An automated Crew Schedule Report is available online for Scheduling issues HERE.  Finally, remember to always request a Review of Crew Orders when you question the legality of an assignment or rescheduling (6.F.)  Minutes from the meeting will be posted to the MEC website soon.