MEC Hotline Message
Recording: 1-888-3-NWA-AFA
14 November Hotline Message
MANAGEMENT ANTI-UNION RHETORIC OF THE WEEK
You might hear the following Delta management-suggested talking points from your NWA supervisors, so please don’t be surprised. Our managers are just trying to keep their jobs and may not even realize these statements are false:
“It would be inappropriate for us to give union employees a raise...”
“The AFA contract is closed and will not reopen.”
“ALPA has filed for single carrier transportation system and now AFA must file immediately.”
Not one of these statements is true. It is no secret that Delta’s intention during this current merger is to block flight attendants from having a union contract. Delta upper management is working hard to “poison the well” with this kind of anti-union mindset, and spares no expense in videos and with other familiar tactics: http://nwaafa.org/docs/AirlnExecs_NoUnion081.pdf Don’t be taken off guard, be prepared and don’t be discouraged. We have a good chance to keep our union contract in this merger, especially with your help.
MINNESOTA STATE HEARING ON MERGER
Flight Attendants testify at the Minnesota State Hearing on the DL/NW Merger
The Minnesota House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee held a hearing Thursday November 13 at the Capitol in St. Paul to inquire how Minnesota interests are being protected in the DL/NW combination. They are examining whether Northwest remains true to its 1992 loan deal with the state. It required the carrier to maintain a Minnesota hub, reach certain job benchmarks and keep its corporate headquarters in the state. Failure to meet those obligations can lead to a call on Northwest’s outstanding loan debt.
Members of your Government Affairs Committee attended the hearing and testified in front of the Committee expressing our concern how the “new Delta” continues to thwart our organizing efforts at Delta with such blatant moves as announcing raises for non-unionized workers only. If we allow these shenanigans to continue they will only serve to end our long history of union representation. For a copy of the speech please go to http://www.nwaafa.org/committees/govaffairs.
MN UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE UPDATE
Our AFA-CWA Government Affairs committee with the support of the AFA-CWA International Government Affairs department has been working closely with both the Minnesota state lawmakers and the Minnesota Congressional delegation to come to a resolution regarding our members based in MSP who take voluntary furloughs in lieu of permanent furloughs. All SLIP participants - with the exception of those members based in MSP - have been able to collect unemployment insurance. Our union feels that denying benefits to MSP members is wrong and unjust.
On Monday, November 10, Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN), an AFA-CWA Congressional Hero, hosted a round table discussion at the Capitol in St. Paul bringing together members of AFA-CWA Government Affairs and state lawmakers to try and reach a resolution to this disparate situation for our members based in MSP. As a result of this discussion, it was established that a change in state statute would need to take place. It is hoped that this legislation will be introduced when the new Minnesota Legislative session convenes in January 2009.
If we succeed in our efforts, this bill will help us move forward; ensuring that our MSP based flight attendants taking a voluntary furlough will be treated fairly and equally along with our members based in other states. This is one more example of how our union works for us every day. Specifically, this is a perfect example of our AFA-CWA Government Affairs goal of taking issues directly to lawmakers. Without a union, there would be no one working on our behalf. Without a union, we would be left to fight unjust laws as individual citizens.- Submitted by MEC Government Affairs Chair Albert Garcia
JOB PROTECTION IN A FAILING ECONOMY
Many economists expect the downturn of the U.S. economy to continue into 2009. A recent news article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution focused on the local airline industry and how Delta is proceeding during these hard times with the merger. At this time Delta has pledged not to close hubs or cut frontline employees, but as the economy weakens Delta President Ed Bastian admitted that the company is working against significant economic uncertainty. If air travel demand continues to weaken, combined with the monumental task of merging 75,000 employees, fleets of aircraft, reservation systems, and other operations, then additional cuts to domestic as well as international flying schedules may be necessary. As the Delta/Northwest merger moves through uncharted territory, job protection and the future of our industry are less certain than ever. Our union SCOPE language or go to section one of our contract on Atlas https://home.nwapeople.nwa.com/ifs/resources/FA_AFA_2006_Final.pdf takes on a more crucial role, especially the importance of job loss protection, retention of flight routes, and the long-term security of our profession. Please go to http://www.ajc.com/search/content/business/stories/2008/11/09/airsect.html to read the article in its entirety.
‘SAFE SKIES’—COMING SOON TO YOUR MAILBOX
Your MEC Air Safety, Health & Security Committee has worked to bring you timely, useful safety information in the form of a newsletter, ‘Safe Skies’. In the November issue soon to be placed in FA mailboxes system wide, you will find informative articles on: the upcoming FA Fatigue Survey, B787 ‘Dreamliner’ update, airport and layover hotel security - and on-the-job tips to make our ever-challenging profession safer. The ‘Safety Angle’ page highlights significant workplace improvements made through contractual safety provisions and our Union’s collective bargaining power. It’s a must read! ‘Safe Skies’ can also be accessed via the safety webpage: http://www.nwaafa.org/safety/.
CURRENT SAFETY REMINDERS
Inflight Quality Assurance Audits commenced on September 30th. Even though AFA-CWA has been assured that such audits are not intended to result in disciplinary action, we would like to extend a reminder that such audits include a special emphasis on safety and service requirements and there is an expectation of compliance. The QA auditors are not obligated to identify themselves, so be conscientious regarding established policies. Winter operations have begun and your Safety Committee would like to remind everyone to be extra cautious in the cabin when the aircraft is de-iced, particularly around aircraft doors. Door seals (particularly on DC-9 aircraft) do not always prevent the de-icing fluid from entering the cabin.- Submitted by MEC Air Safety Health & Security Chair Jeannie Elliott
DISQUALIFYING CODES FOR HOLIDAY PAY
Our contract contains negotiated holiday pay for the upcoming holiday season. A list of disqualifying codes can be viewed under the What’s New section of the ATLAS home page. Many flight attendants may be unclear of the YW code—YW stands for You Walk. YW only refers to walking off during a labor dispute. Your collective bargaining agreement absolutely guarantees that you will be able to exercise your negotiated legalities. If you are flying during the qualified holiday dates and decide to exercise the option to walk when your duty period runs out, you will not jeopardize your holiday pay. We want to wish safe flying to all during this holiday season.
SELF SERVICE CHECK IN NOW AVAILABLE IN BUILDING F
Following flight attendant and union representative feedback about difficulty checking in for travel after HOT in MSP, Local 92 President Bob Cannatelli approached the Company with our concerns, and the Company has installed a self-service check-in machine in Building F. This should improve the training travel experience for those who do not live in MSP. Some flight attendants’ seats were being reassigned because they could not check in before training started, and then the bus dropped them off too late at the airport after training. Many thanks to the flight attendants who reported this problem as well as kudos to Bob Cannatelli for working on behalf of the interests of our membership. The machine is located near the first floor entrance adjacent to the ATM machine.
AN INSPIRATIONAL MEETING AT LOCAL 95
An overwhelming membership turn-out took place this week at the local Minneapolis base meeting. The meeting had to move to a much larger room, in order to accommodate the larger than expected crowd. It was truly moving to see over two hundred flight attendants set aside time in their busy schedules to attend their base meeting and be informed on all the latest from AFA international and Delta flight attendant activists. It was also encouraging to see over 50 flight attendants sign up to participate in our joint merger campaign. Thank you Local 95 members for being proactive and getting involved in our future. You were inspirational.
UPDATED LTD/PENSION/MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION ON THE MEC WEBSITE
AFA Senior Benefits lawyer Marylou Savage and NGP representatives traveled to Los Angeles this week for the MEC and LEC 98 meeting. Marylou presented information about DL & NW pensions and medical insurance coverage and costs please go to http://nwaafa.org/docs/DAL_NWA_Medical_Plans_Comparison_2008.pdf and http://nwaafa.org/docs/DAL_NWA_Pension_Merger_Information.pdf , while NGP reps discussed the Long Term Disability policy. We now have an easy guide on the MEC website under the Print Resources tab to help our membership through LTD filing process. It’s complete with contact information and a quick reference to all of the frequently asked questions.
NEW HIRE CENTRAL
One of the things that many Flight Attendants, new and veteran alike, could easily become confused by is “Standby Pay”. This part of the contract can be especially important to reserves, because if a Flight Attendant shows up for a company assigned trip, and is then sent home, the FA will only receive one hour pay.
For the exact contractual language on “Standby Pay”, please refer to section 3.J of the contract. Essentially, this provision in the contract has two key points:
1. The 1-in-6. A Flight Attendant who has a pattern that is delayed more than two hours, will receive pay of one hour for each six hour period (or portion thereof) during the delay. This pay may also be credited if the pattern is canceled less than two hours after quoted departure.
2. The one hour (1:00) “report” credit. If a Flight Attendant reports to base (lineholders and reserves) and then is removed from the flight and released without further duty, then the Flight Attendant will receive pay credit of one hour and NOT the 4:15 “Minimum Duty Period Credit” found in section 5.A.
Please note that Standby Pay shall be offset by any Ground Holding Pay, as described in paragraphs 3.O. and 3.P., for which a Flight Attendant is also eligible during the same report period."- Submitted by DTW Flight Attendant William Burkhalter
AT WILL VERSUS CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT
“At will” employment goes against the principles of unions and refers to a relationship between the employer and the employee that is contract free and gives tremendous advantage to the employer over the employee. For instance, the employer can terminate any employee without cause. The discharged employee has no opportunity to make their case before arbitrators to save their job. The employer can also change the terms of employment with little recourse. As we continue our merger with Atlanta-based Delta, it is helpful to understand that Georgia is a “Right To Work” state. “Right To Work” is just another way of saying “At Will” employment. The Georgia Secretary of State website provides helpful information regarding employment rules in the state of Georgia. Please go to http://sos.georgia.gov/FirstStop/georgia_employers.htm and find out about your rights.
Posted by NWA Webmaster on 11/14 at 06:11 PM