Council Newsletter, Oct 2024
AFA Horizon – Council 16 Newsletter (BOI, PAE, SEA, GEG)
In case you missed it, check out the last newsletter.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Join together October 14, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. At least twelve states do not celebrate Columbus Day and officially celebrate Native American Day instead.
In 2021, Joe Biden formally commemorated the holiday with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. president to do so.
National Group Protection
AFA and NGP reps will be in SEA on October 10th and 11th to answer questions and sign-up those interested in this supplemental insurance. Contact Wendy Kaihara for more information.
For more than 40 years, National Group Protection has offered insurance programs for the worksite environment. As a national leader in developing and administering supplemental benefit programs, NGP is able to handle plan design, implementation, administration and service. NGP is capable of offering a variety of supplemental benefit plans in all industries on a national level. With a team of licensed agents, NGP can enroll groups in all fifty states.
Leaders on the road
Your Local Vice President, Joshua Haimes, has been on the road at four different events! September 21 & 22 in Washington, DC. at the regional bargaining summit, union leaders from various regional airlines gathered to exchange strategies and insights, aiming to strengthen their collective bargaining power as individual airlines and together in solidarity fighting the same fights together. Complementing this event in Philadelphia on September 23 & 24, an advanced leadership training session equipped attendees with a deeper understanding of effective leadership dynamics. On September 25, a rally in Washington, D.C. energized union leaders, uniting voices in support of fair labor practices and obtaining contracts NOW. This confluence of events not only enhanced individual capabilities but also solidified a commitment to advocating for workers' rights on a broader scale. To cap off the week, on September 26, AFA joined Boeing machinists on their picket line in solidarity.
PAE safety vests
Safety vest are now required when walking on the ramp between the hangar and the terminal/ac. The vests are located in the PSA office in the 2nd drawer metal cabinet - the drawer is labeled HI-VIS Vest. The ask is that everyone turns them back in to the PSA gate agent in the terminal.
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Council Chat, Oct 15
Council Officers want to hear from YOU! This month’s chat will be held on October 15th at 16:00.
This council chat is held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, time is subject to change.
Please join us on Google Meet.
Join by phone – 1 (401) 375-9299 PIN: 380 261 809#.
Scheduling Report
Your Council 16 Scheduling Committee meets monthly with the MEC Scheduling Chair & Crew Planning Liaison to discuss the ongoing work representing your interests in line holder schedules and raise your concerns about how the pairings were built that month. The Committee also meets with management quarterly to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Representing you at these meetings are Miria Davis (BOI), Heather Coleman (PAE), Vacant (SEA), Aaron Lucich & Shannon Powell (GEG), and Joshua Haimes (Chair).
The committee has long heard from you that pairings are not being built to your satisfaction. In general, you want high credit pairings (5+ credits a day avg.), limited/no sits over 2 hours, overnights of 12 hours or greater, limited overnights in another base, and better distribution of pairing lengths (base specific). Continue to let your bases scheduling rep(s) know how satisfied you are with the pairings, and any issues faced with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
November 2024 Pairing Build
Council Status Report
If you have an unresolved outstanding balance pay online. Flight Attendants who have taken any unpaid leaves, including CLOA, union dues must be paid manually. If you happen to find yourself in an arrears situation and do not know the amount owing or have any questions regarding what months you owe, please contact Council leadership. We are here to help!
Negotiation Session 11
Your AFA Negotiations Committee met with management for Negotiation Session 11 on September 17. Representing you at the table were Committee Members- Heather Coleman & Lexie Massey, MEC President- Lisa Davis-Warren, AFA Staff Attorney & Negotiator- Kimberley Chaput.
The Committee met with Vice President Station Ops & Inflight- Shelly Parker, Manager Inflight Labor & Performance- William Casalins Altamar, Financial Analyst- Mark Schuck, Senior Corporate Counsel, Alaska Legal- Latrice Lee, and Seyfarth Shaw LLP Partner, Labor & Employment- Molly Gabel.
Management responded to AFA’s proposals on Article 6, Crew Scheduling, and Article 9, Sick Leave. They made little to no movement in Article 6, but they definitely changed their proposal on Sick Leave. Unfortunately, all their movement was in the wrong direction.
Until the next check-in, fly safe!
"Stronger Together, Better Together"