Scheduling Committee

Scheduling

Chair: Greg Frattini Vice Chair: Marlene Pleatman
The MEC Scheduling Committee: mecscheduling@nwaafa.org are volunteers who act as 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.

An automated Crew Schedule Report is available online for Scheduling issues. Please provide as many facts as possible and if necessary, please contact your Local AFA officers to file a grievance. If you feel you have been given an assignment/rescheduled in violation of our contract, ask for a "Review of Crew Orders," per Section 6.F. Always carry Sections 5, 6 & 7 of the contract with you on all trips, so you're prepared to give contractual references to Scheduling. Fly safe and fly the contract!

Latest Scheduling News

Holiday Staffing & Trades

December 2009 - The busy Thanksgiving Holiday is behind us and, by most accounts, the operation during the long weekend was relatively smooth.  The Company has informed us that trip drops for lineholders were granted on and around Thanksgiving, and releases for reserves were offered - a very rare scenario in holiday periods of recent years. 

A number of our fellow Flight Attendants have asked; ”Why aren’t reserves flying as much as we used to fly?” As we approach the Christmas and New Year Holiday, we are experiencing the historical calm before the storm with open flying and reserve utilization.  In addition, the PBS system now assigns 100% of known flying, and there is no longer a cap on our monthly maximum line value.  The more each of us pick up, the less there is to assign to reserves.  Moreover, we continue to be in an overstaffed situation during an industry downturn and with all of the capacity reductions made in recent months by Delta.

While some reserves may be flying fewer hours while on call, AFA has worked with the Company on ways to offset potential involuntary furloughs. SLIP leaves continue to be offered, and a Split Line flying program was negotiated and will be implemented in January along with Company Convenience Leaves to help manage the overage of flight attendants.  RIAs and OWTs are two options that are now available for reserves to supplement their 80 hour reserve guarantee, (RIAs are always being paid above guarantee).

Pattern trade requests that operate over the holiday period are subject to different contractual parameters:  6.G.4.c.(b) says that holiday trades are subject to a 30% rule, sometimes referred to as “holiday logic.” Essentially, the 30% restriction is a formula of reserves in relation to open flying.  If there are 200 reserves and 60 open patterns on a day, trading away from a trip that touches a holiday (as defined in 2.LL) would create 61 open patterns and therefore bring the ratio of open trips to reserves over 30% and not be granted. 

Remember that pattern drops are handled differently than open trades and are not subject to trade restrictions.  The Company may offer drops as we get closer to the holidays as a way for them to use reserves that may otherwise not fly.  Downward adjusts also give members increased schedule flexibility, though they are subject to the needs of the operation.  Simply put; trip drops are a way for the Company to save money while giving Flight Attendants additional flexibility by increasing the amount of open flying, thereby boosting reserve utilization. - MEC VP Daniel Grey

Posted by jrook on 12/04 at 10:00 PM

Split Lines Arrive For January 2010

December 4, 2009 - Split Lines are expected to be available in a limited number in MSP, DTW and SEA for the January 2010 bid month. January will serve as a testing phase for this new contractual program. The bidding window will be announced today and it will close on the 09DEC09 at 0001. SLIP Leaves and CCLs are also available and these will be awarded first, which may reduce the number of Split Lines. More details, as well as the additional benefit costs for the Split Line participant, are posted on ATLAS. Please read this carefully, as well as the terms of Letter of Agreement 41, Split Line Program in our contract.

Posted by jrook on 12/04 at 07:19 PM

LFA Pay Verification

lfa.pdf

LFA PAY:  VERIFY YOUR CREW ACTIVITY STATEMENTS
The Company has informed AFA that nearly 1500 flight segments will not receive lead flight attendant pay because of incorrect employee ID entries into the ACARS system.  REMEMBER:  At this time, your DL employee number (passport) is used only to access DeltaNet, TravelNet, etc..  For all functions of payroll and scheduling, you must continue to use your 6-digit NWA number.  ACARS will not recognize the 9-digit DL number for flight attendants and that segment will go unpaid.  Please scrutinize your recent crew activity statements and be sure you have been paid for all segments flown as LFA.  You will need to submit a Pay Inquiry form if you find any discrepancies. 

NOTE:  This notice is different from LFA pay on B757 aircraft.  If you fly LFA on the B757, you must complete the “Lead f/a Maintenance” form available on Atlas.

Posted by dgrey on 11/25 at 12:01 PM

PBS Bid Lock - The Rule and the Exceptions . . .

PBS_Bid_Lock.pdf

PBS locks out most trade functions during the last seven days of the month, per Section 6 of the Agreement.  Click the link for more information. 

Posted by dgrey on 11/06 at 05:42 PM

Split Lines - January Launch

SPLIT LINES - FOR RESERVES AND REGULAR LINEHOLDERS
Due to all the merger related programming, the company was unable to complete all the Split Line programming that is necessary for a November launch of the new Split Line Program.  That means the program is now scheduled to launch in January, since we don’t want to make the December bidding any more complicated or stressful than it already can be for all of us.  In the meantime, please read over Letter of Agreement 41 for details about this new program. I’ve spoken to a lot of Reserves while commuting to the MEC office in MSP and many don’t yet realize that both Regular and Reserve lineholders will be eligible to bid for this new program.  LOA 41can be found on the Negotiations Committee page or click here: http://www.nwaafa.org/docs/contract/LOA_41_Split_Line_Program03SEP09.pdf.  - MEC President Janette Rook

Posted by jrook on 10/15 at 07:05 PM

AFA & NWA Joint Scheduling Meeting - September 22, 2009

CLICK HERE: NWA__AFA_SEP09_SCHEDULING_MEETING_AGENDA.pdf

Posted by jrook on 08/28 at 11:30 AM

PBS Support Team Meeting - May 2009

On May 6th the contractual PBS Support Team meeting took place.  Flight attendants, union representatives, and management representatives from all bases flew to MSP and spent the day discussing PBS programming, flight attendant issues, examining test runs, and suggesting possible solutions that would improve bidding satisfaction.  Some suggestions may entail costs and extensive programming, but sometimes changes can be accomplished for little or no cost and could positively impact the bid run.  All throughout negotiations and the PBS implementation, union representatives and the company adjusted contractual language and programming to allow for better bidding satisfaction.  This Team is the next step in that process.  On the positive side, there were some dramatically improved bid outcomes seen in some bases for the May bid run (e.g. the PBS stats showed only 2% negatively affected by feasibility in DTW.)

Tests were run for these tweaks suggested by the PBS Support Team:  1. Change the Line Range, 2. Change/Remove Target Penalty, and 3. Increase /Decrease Target Size

The tests results were examined in report form and on a scatter plot and showed some improved outcomes.  However there was a disproportionately negative impact on the bottom third of our work group.  New tests were suggested, along with other improvements.  To read the complete meeting notes from our May 6th meeting, please click HERE or visit the Scheduling Committee page of our MEC website. 

Additional suggestions/action items in progress: 1. the PBS Call Center will be fully staffed with 6 FAs during bidding window and resolution and company is looking at staggering hours for longer coverage, 2. Explore the possibility of opening generic bidding before patterns are loaded, 3. PBS “stations” at all bases for information, 4. Posters with contacts and tips for bidding rooms, 4. Decrease emails and increase other types of communication venues such as targeted seminars, 5. More specific information given in resolution responses, 6. Removing/changing target for new test, and 7. Open Time residual tests.

Please stay engaged in this process and be sure to send programming suggestions to your Local union representatives.  A PBS Problem Worksheet is available on the MEC website or click HERE.  The feedback from your submission will go to flight attendants and union representatives who are serving on the PBS Support Team, and will be used to support our ongoing efforts.  Our next formal meeting will take place September 23, 2009.

Posted by jrook on 07/04 at 03:17 PM

MEC Scheduling Committee Meeting Update - February 2009

The MEC Scheduling Committee, along with your LEC Scheduling Chairpersons, met with the Company in MSP on February 12.  The recent F/A Pattern Construction Survey results were discussed in great detail.  Your likes and dislikes were clearly evident, and we are committed to acting on the results.  Brian Moreau, our Director of Crew Scheduling, has pledged to conduct tests on several issues raised in the Survey.  Their studies include splitting F/A and Pilots on the DC9-40/50, limiting airport sit times to no more than 3 hours, increasing layover times, etc.  While the Company’s main concern is affordability, our number one concern continues to be YOU.  We are determined to hold the Company to its commitment to improve our quality of life.

There are several new routes beginning this summer, most notably, Venice and Athens, out of NYC.  Detroit-Rome is slated to begin in early June, as is the resumption of the Hartford-Amsterdam flight.  The newly created ATL satellite base will begin its operation soon with Narita flying.  For Reserves, the much anticipated and often delayed AM/PM option is making its debut.  Contractual Information about the AM/PM option can be found on pages 7.4-7.5, as well as on the Atlas page.  A full version of the meeting notes will be posted soon on the Scheduling Committee page at http://www.nwaafa.org. Our next meeting with the company will take place September 23, 2009.—Submitted by MEC Scheduling Committee Chair Greg Frattini

Posted by jrook on 07/04 at 03:14 PM

NWA & AFA Joint Scheduling Survey Results

CLICK HERE:
NWA_AFA_Joint_Scheduling_Survey_Results.pdf

Posted by jrook on 03/13 at 07:45 AM

PBS SUPPORT TEAM MEETING REPORT- JAN09

On January 12th the contractual PBS Support Team meeting took place.  Flight attendants, union representatives, and management representatives from most bases flew to MSP and spent the day discussing PBS programming, flight attendant issues, and possible solutions that would improve bidding satisfaction.  Our suggestions may entail a significant expense and extensive programming, but sometimes changes can be accomplished for little or no cost and could positively impact the bid run.  The Company is willing to discuss all ideas and cost them out so we can see if our suggestions are possible. 

All throughout negotiations and the PBS implementation, union representatives and the company adjusted contractual language and programming to allow for better bidding satisfaction.  This Team is the next step in that process.  One of the most recent tweaks - the company has overbuilt the Reserve blocks slightly and added a requirement for each day, to improve Reserve outcomes and to better preserve seniority.  It appears to have helped in the test runs.  As more bids are released, we will be able to see how this impacts Reserve results.

Following discussion, tests will be run in the next week or so for these suggested tweaks:  1. Change the Line Range, 2. Change/Remove Target Penalty, 3. Increase/Decrease Target Size, and 4. Run with Open Time Residual.

Additional suggestions/action items: 1. the PBS Call Center will be fully staffed with 6 FAs during bidding window and resolution and company is looking at staggering hours for longer coverage, 2. Explore the possibility of opening generic bidding before patterns are loaded, 3. PBS “stations” at all bases for information, 4. Posters with contacts and tips for bidding rooms, 4. Decrease emails and increase other types of communication venues such as targeted seminars, 5. More specific information given in resolution responses.

Please stay engaged in this process and be sure to send programming suggestions to your Local union representatives.  Your Master Executive Council would like to thank all flight attendant and union volunteers, as well as company representatives for their continued hard work on this important matter.  Our next formal meeting will take place May 6, 2009. 

Posted by jrook on 01/15 at 02:40 PM

Joint AFA & NWA Scheduling Survey

21 October 2008
A joint Flight Attendant Scheduling Survey was developed through Union and Company cooperation.  This joint initiative demonstrates the correct way to survey unionized flight attendants, by working with their certified bargaining agent. We would like to extend our appreciation to all AFA Scheduling and Reserve Committee volunteers, as well as the Company representatives who worked diligently on the survey. 

There have been many changes to the flight attendant profession at NWA, and AFA and the Company recognize that these changes have significantly affected your work schedules.  To get a better picture of your scheduling preferences in this new environment, we have worked together to produce a survey designed to solicit your input in the areas of pattern construction and bidding of schedules.  It is our hope that all flight attendants will participate, thus giving us the most accurate data base from which to make future pattern construction and computer bidding decisions.

Although there are contractual, federal, operational and economic requirements to be considered with the construction of patterns and PBS bidding, where and when there is flexibility, we want to be sure that your true priorities are taken into account.  You’ll see that many questions will require you to prioritize your preferences. This technique is required since in the pattern construction world it is sometimes true that ‘improving’ one pattern characteristic can negatively impact a second pattern characteristic. We also recognize that what is a priority at one base on a particular aircraft type, may not be a priority at another. We are therefore exploring whether there is a reasonable way (both technically and practically) to apply different pattern characteristics to different bases.

Only one survey will be allowed per flight attendant; your last entry will be the one that counts. Both AFA and the company will have access to the raw data produced from the survey. The MEC Scheduling Committee will work with the Company toward analyzing your input to present viable changes to pattern construction whenever possible.  The survey will remain open on ATLAS under “Hotlinks” until November 15, 2008. 

Posted by jrook on 10/21 at 05:54 PM

PBS Implementation in September

PBS Going Live in August for September Bid Month
The joint PBS Implementation Team of AFA-CWA representatives and Northwest management has concluded that problems encountered during earlier mock bidding have been resolved.  Live implementation of PBS will proceed as previously scheduled – in August for the September bid month.

The PBS bid deadline for all bases for live implementation will be Wednesday, August 13 at 0900 CDT.

AFA-CWA had officially requested to delay the implementation of PBS after Mocks 1 and 2 revealed many problems with the program.  However, after reviewing the program in Montreal and the bid awards for Mock 4 and Mock 4.5, it appears that these problems have been remedied and that the program is now ready for live implementation.  In addition, the Company’s contractual requirement to provide for two mock bids (parallel tests) has been met from at least the last few mocks:  Mock 4, Mock 4.5 and Mock 5.

Although the “bid lock” will not be on during live PBS bidding – in other words, flight attendants will be able to enter a PBS bid without first entering a SLIC bid – the joint PBS Implementation Team has agreed that all flight attendants should enter a viable SLIC bid as a back-up in the unlikely event that PBS awards cannot be posted. In that event, the last SLIC bid entered by each flight attendant will be used for September bid awards.  Please review your last SLIC bid and be certain to update it before the deadline.

After careful consideration, the Union and the Company have agreed to publish one bid deadline for both live PBS bidding and SLIC:  Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 0900 CDT. With just one deadline, it is less likely that flight attendants will inadvertently miss bidding for September, as was the case with mock bid deadlines during the PBS training period.

PBS Instructors will be conducting specialized seminars during July.  A schedule is posted at each base and is available on the Scheduling Committee page of our website, nwaafa.org.  Flight attendants may sign up for a PBS seminar at any base but should call the base Inflight office to confirm dates and times for each class.

PBS TO-DO LIST FOR SEPTEMBER FLYING:

• Attend a PBS seminar when offered (July seminars are on “Weighting");
• Read and save all PBS communications in ATLAS;
• Enter your September bid in PBS by 0900 CDT August 13;
• Review and re-enter SLIC bid by 0900 CDT August 13;
• From the left side of the ATLAS homepage, print a copy of your September PBS bid in the FA Audit Trail (listed in the audit trail as “WEB Monthly Schedule Bid") – check it to ensure your bid isentered correctly;
• From the left side of the ATLAS homepage, print a copy of your September SLIC bid in the FA Audit Trail (listed in the audit trail as “SLIC BIDDING")

Posted by Communications on 07/16 at 10:28 PM

PBS Seminars Scheduled

All dates/times subject to change.  Please contact a PBS Instructor or FAM for confirmation of the sessions listed.
Interested participants should register on the sign-up sheets at base.

PBS INSTRUCTOR LINE:  1-866-612-0001 (select 1, then 7)

BOS
Individual instruction during PBS instructors’ available hours
Throughout August

DTW
(PBS Instructor Line 734-247-2529)
CBT training room near Inflight
August 7 to 13
1300 – 1500 daily

HNL
(PBS Instructor Line 808-831-4233)
August 6 to 10
“Hands On” Seminar (bring your laptop computer)
1000 – 1130 daily
August 11 & 12
“Last Chance” Seminar
1000 – 1130 daily

LAX
Training room, Baggage Claim Level
August 6 & 7, 11 & 12
1000 – 1100
August seminars on “Reports”

MEM
Please call 901-922-8524 for location
August 5
0900
August 6 & 7
1200

MSP
Southside conference room near computer room
August 5
1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

August 6
1000 –1200 (Fundamentals)
1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

August 9
1330 – 1530

August 10
1000 – 1200 & 1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

August 11
1000 – 1200 (Weighting)
1330 – 1530 (Fundamentals)

August 13
1000 – 1200 (Weighting)

August 19
1000 – 1200 & 1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

August 20
1000 – 1200 (Weighting)
1330 – 1530 (Fundamentals)

August 21
1000 – 1200 and 1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

August 22
1000 – 1200 and 1330 – 1530 (Weighting)

NYC
None scheduled; call for availability
LGA:  718-476-7414
EWR:  973-961-2828

SEA
Call 206-433-3715 for location

August 6 – 8
0930 – 1100

August 10 & 11
0930 – 1100

August 12
1100 – 1230

August 13
0930 – 1100

SFO
Airport Ops Training Room across from Inflight Lounge
Call 650-877-5069 for more information

August 6 and 11
1000 – 1130

Posted by Communications on 07/06 at 10:52 AM

PBS Mock Bidding for June Cancelled

Last week’s special PBS/Scheduling message stated that June Mock 3 PBS bidding had been delayed until May 15, and that the SLIC screen had been “unlocked” from the PBS test screen in the meantime so SLIC bids could be submitted.

While the PBS vendor did make an attempt to fix systemic problems by May 15, upon further investigation and discussion with the vendor, the decision was made to cancel June mock bidding.  As a result, you will not be able to practice using PBS in May for June bids, nor will you be required to enter a PBS bid for June.

Mock 4 bidding will begin in early June for July flying, with the SLIC “lock” reinstated:  you will be unable to use SLIC until you have successfully submitted a PBS bid.

Our union representatives on the PBS Implementation Team agreed that June bidding could not possibly continue when flight attendants would again be faced with many of the same problems encountered during Mock 2.  The Company is still going forward at this time with plans to launch PBS in August for September flying.

We will continue to meet with Northwest and PBS vendor representatives to address our concerns about programming.  Please contact (cc your Local Executive Council officers) with specific problems encountered while using PBS, as well as suggestions for improvement.  Data is being compiled by special assignment flight attendants at the pbshelp address, who track and report trends directly to the Company.  We will discuss these issues in our meetings with the Company and vendor programmers and will update you with additional PBS testing and launch information as it is known.

Posted by Communications on 05/13 at 04:27 PM