MEC November Newsletter

Winter is on its way. We would like you to take some time to review some best practices and contract language so you will be prepared for the many changes that can occur during irregular operations and winter weather. Additionally, many of you are now on Reserve for the first time in a long time or this will be your first winter as a Reserve. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Reserve-specific language as it can differ from what applies to line holders. 

General Winter Safety

Getting to work - Plan your route in advance. If you drive, check local traffic and incident reports (i.e., WSDOT, ODOT, etc.) for any hazards you might encounter. If you take public transit, check to see if your bus(es) and/or train(s) are running on their normal route, a modified/snow route or canceled.

What to pack - Pack clothes to layer.  Just like we advise you to pack for your WHOLE block even if you’re only called out for a day or two, pack extra socks, tights, personal items, medication, etc. in case you get stuck somewhere. Pack for the entire operation and not just your scheduled overnight—this means bring your warm coat even though you were assigned an overnight in SAN where it’s 75°F. you may be in ANC the next night. Invest in a pair of compliant (navy or black) gloves that have touch-capability so you can keep your hands warm and operate your IMD while the MCD/L1 is open.

Pack extra nonperishable foods in case of long nights, early mornings and no availability to purchase food.

At Flight Attendant option, Flight Attendants will be reimbursed up to $37.50 per year for the purchase of uniform compliant winter scarves and gloves. Reimbursement will be handled following the procedures for reimbursement for shoes.

Article 12.D.2.H Page 132 and https://afahorizon.org/system/files/2024-06/01.31.2023_reimburesement_for_winter_scarves_and_gloves_2.pdf

Walking on Snow/Ice - Choose shoes or boots for work carefully; they need to have good traction or look for traction grips that can be stretched over your shoes. Step carefully and avoid areas that appear wet, as they may be icy. Use handrails whenever possible. 

Be very aware of your surroundings, ice is not always visible.

Getting to/from the Airport

Commuter Policy - Know your commuter policy!!! If you are a commuter, remember, you must be in position when your reserve shift begins, not when your assigned or self-assigned trip begins. Consider flying to base a little earlier than usual in case of a delayed flight or cancellation. Your first flight must get you in position no less than 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your shift, and your backup flight must get you in position by the time your shift begins.

Article 25.E.1 page 192 and side letter link: https://afahorizon.org/system/files/2024-06/2020.10.30_commuter_policy_and_utilizing_other_airline_carriers_during_covid_19_schedule_disruptions.pdf

Inflight Hotline - Inflight Management will activate an Irregular Ops Hotline that will run 24/7 during a winter storm or other irregular events. This hotline is designed to be used for non-operational questions such as hotels before/after a trip, questions about an upcoming trip, and help with trip concerns. The hotline is a great resource, using it will help alleviate the call volume for and to Crew Scheduling, meaning they’ll have more time to help those FA’S actively on duty.

Getting a Hotel in Domicile - If you’re concerned about getting to work safely and/or on time, call the Inflight Hotline to request a hotel in Domicile the night before your trip. This Hotline can also be used to request a hotel after your trip finishes, and you are concerned about driving or commuting home. When in doubt, take the hotel. You’ll feel better if you’re able to get a good night’s rest without stressing about getting to work safely or trying to catch a late-night flight home.

During your Trip

eCrew vs B2B - eCrew is your primary resource for all scheduling. If there is ever a discrepancy between eCrew and B2B, rely on the information in eCrew. Rainmaker is the primary resource for pay.

Calling Crew Scheduling - Calls to Crew Scheduling should be limited today-of need whenever possible. Consider self-notifying when possible. If you’re with a full crew, designate one point-of-contact, such as the CA, who will call on everyone’s behalf.

Fatigue - Delays and trip changes can increase your risk of fatigue. If you are fatigued, notify Crew Scheduling so you can be removed from your trip. After calling out, make sure to submit a fatigue report within 3 days. A common misconception is that fatigue calls are rarely approved, however over 98% of reports that are initially denied by management are ultimately approved.  Article 26.H.1 page 203

Minimum Rest - You are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours free of duty and restraint.  If anything occurs that delays your arrival to the hotel and receiving your rest, please notify Crew Scheduling so they can adjust your schedule.

Crew Scheduling is allowed a single phone call while you are on rest. Any additional phone calls are considered an interruption and restart your rest clock. It is not an interruption if you call Crew Scheduling. Article 5.d page 34

Delays & Cancellations - While out on your trip, make a habit of tracking your inbound aircraft, especially while on an overnight flight in case of significant delay or cancellation. Winter ops can have very long delays, and many changes happen. Be flexible.

Tarmac Delays - During weather events, you may find your aircraft sitting on the ramp for an extended time due to full gates, flow, de-icing, etc. The Tarmac Delay clock starts when L1 is closed, so pay close attention to the time. Keep track of your times, announcements and water and snack times.

In the event of being used into your days off for Weather, ATC or Mechanical. Please see contract language Article 6.H.3  Page 61 and side letter  https://afahorizon.org/system/files/2024-08/settlement_agreement_6-99-2-20-21_reserve_sch_into_day_off_1.pdf

When in doubt please always file a ticket and we will get back to you. File a ticket here  https://afahorizon.supportsystem.com

Important contacts available for you, your Mentor first and foremost, and the Reserve Committee Members listed below:

LEC 17: ANC, MFR and PDX:

Molly McCloskey, [email protected] (510) 862-2116

Diana Alcorn, [email protected], (541) 826-9631

LEC 16: BOI, GEG, PAE and SEA:

Darnell Kebo, darnellafahorizon.gmail.com, 559-285-5168

Jared Wright, [email protected], 469-267-3029

As always, we are here for you and happy to help.  Stay safe and Happy Winter!

Norann Mann and Jamie Moore

Norann Mann-New Hire Mentor Coordinator, [email protected], (360) 907-0406

Jamie Moore – MEC Reserve Chair, [email protected], (360) 790-0039

P. S. Reminder we host a Mentor and reserve chat on the last Monday of each month at 10am.  See dates and links at https://afahorizon.org/calendar

As a remedy for the violations that were reported/discovered from February - May 2023, the Company will pay each Flight Attendant who sat reserve on any calendar day in which any Reserve(s) in their domicile referenced FST and/or LST on the same calendar day. Those affected Flight Attendants who were a part of this settlement will receive one credit for each month from February - May 2023 in their 11/20/24 adjustment check.

We would like to thank our Grievance Committee, chaired by Marcella Oswald and Kirk Hansen, for processing this reserve grievance to a successful settlement. We also want to thank the Flight Attendants who brought the issue to AFA’s attention. Enforcing our contract through the grievance procedure is just as important as negotiating our contract. If you experience a contract violation, make sure to file a ticket (report) here. 

To clarify the process of FST/LST for APSB reserves, please see the information that follows.

How does this work? When Scheduling is assigning home reserves, APSB is considered a four-day trip worth five (5) credit hours. This is current practice. Scheduling looks for four (4) day reserves, then three-day reserves, then two-day reserves, and finally one-day reserves. Then, within days of availability:

1.    Scheduling assigns APSB to the FST Reserve with the lowest credit. If there is a tie, it goes to the most senior FST.

2.    If there is no FST, Scheduling assigns APSB to the Reserve with the lowest credit who has not preferenced FST or LST.

3.    If there is no FST or no-preference Reserve, Scheduling assigns APSB to the LST Reserve with the lowest credit. If there is a tie, it goes to the most junior LST.

Scheduling can alter the order of assignment of APSB to skip a Reserve who has already been assigned (not self-assigned) APSB four or more times in a bid month. APSB would then go to the next eligible Reserve. 

Trips assigned from APSB continue to be assigned at Scheduling’s discretion to meet operational needs.

The Settlement details and list of affected Flight Attendants may be found here.