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» Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)

One of the many benefits of our AFA-negotiated contract, is the fact that we are entitled to the benefits afforded by all the provisions of the Federal Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA).  This generally results in a much higher rate of pay versus standard Workers Compensation benefits.  Given the substantial increase in international flying at Delta, it is recommended that members review page 16.3 of the collective bargaining agreement in the event they are injured on the job and engaged in international flying.  These benefits are substantial and worth pursuing.  Further information (and forms) regarding LHWCA can be found at HERE.

Posted by soltersdorf on 07/30 at 02:36 PM

» NWA-AFA PROPOSES JOINT SOLUTION TO SERVICE-RELATED INJURIES

Recent eNews “Harmony” reports and feedback have focused on the variety of challenges presented by our new onboard service , including physical difficulties and an increased potential for on-the-job injuries. Poorly designed cart set up, repetitive motion, and improper tools increase the risks for acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Indeed, member feedback from our ONBOARD FEEDBACK FORM  prompted additional scrutiny into workplace ergonomics by your Air Safety, Health and Security Committee.

According to Dr. James McGlothlin, director of Purdue University’s Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences graduate program and a 30-year Delta customer, these new service delivery options, while problematic, also present an opportunity to better design the cabins, service components and galley workplaces of the future.
NWA-AFA is recommending a partnership with the Delta flight attendant workforce, Delta management, and Dr. McGlothlin and his research staff at Purdue in order to identify opportunities for ergonomic enhancements and to evaluate and institute comprehensive solutions.

Read MEC President Janette Rook’s proposal to the company HERE.  We are hopeful to establish a cooperative effort with all parties.

Posted by dgrey on 07/19 at 04:06 PM

» ASHS Service Sub-Committee Meet On BE Service

Recently, ASHS Service Sub-Committee Chair Chris Smith met with Onboard Base Management to share your safety and service concerns regarding the new BE Service. Mutual steps toward progress and resolution so far are synopsized in THIS REPORT
BE service and safety feedback is being collected via THIS ONLINE SERVICE FORM or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). (imbed links, if possible)

Posted by NWA Webmaster on 05/22 at 10:54 AM

» Joint Safety Committee Meetings

Since the beginning of the year, Joint Safety Committee meetings have been held on January 13th and April 13th.  Agendas, points of discussion and comprehensive meeting minutes include a tremendous volume of important information, as presented by ASHS Chair Jeanne Elliott and Vice Chair Gary Helton. Finalized and detailed meeting minutes can be found HERE.

Posted by NWA Webmaster on 05/22 at 10:49 AM

» 1.  Quarterly, Contractual (Section 22) Joint Safety, Security and Health Committee Meetings:

Since the beginning of the year, Joint Safety Committee meetings have been held on January 13th and April 13th.  The agendas for these meetings have been made available to the MEC Officers and the finalized Meeting Minutes have been distributed to the full MEC by Dan Grey.  The meeting ‘agenda’ for the April 13th meeting included the following points of discussion: 
      -  Turbulence Integration Group:  AFA’s push to reconvene the Group in light of turbulence-related injuries.
      -  Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for DL Flight Attendants:  continued advocacy for the establishment of an ASAP initiative for voluntary,
        non-punitive safety reporting for all DL flight attendants.
      -  Crew Rest Provisions (as per Sections 8 and 22 of the CBA):  inspection/evaluation of crew rest accommodations on B777/B767.
      -  Duty Manager’s Inflight Incident Notification:  issues with timely reporting, current automation process and adherence to reporting protocols;
        reference AFA Grievance #88-77-00-033-10 filed on March 1st.
      -  Regulatory Compliance:  issues related to seat back pocket stowage, water bottle pick-up/stowage, alcohol consumption while deadheading,
        unattended/unrestrained service carts, exit row changes/compliance and differences in interpretation/compliance by FAA’s Southeast Region.
      -  Cabin Maintenance Logbook/Cabin Discrepancy Logbook:  changes in procedures, use of Equipment & Furnishings Manual (EFM) in early
          September 2010 and maintenance items reported via Departure Report - reference Bulletin 4-10, dated April 15th.
      -  FA Injury Tracking and Trending:  request for access to OSHA Summary Logs for all recorded injures/illnesses for DL FAs (31 March 2005 -
        31 March 2010), request for FA injury trends established for last two quarters - and request for definitive guidance to be issued to all FAs on
        toxic fume events, deicing exposures and availability of MSDS information (Material Safety Data Sheets) via the IFS portal.
      -  On-Board Manual/Announcement Handbook:  review of changes planned for Revision 02-10 (l June 2010) and request for AFA review of
          ‘advance copy’; advised that OBM/AH revisions to be ‘shrinked wrapped’ together; discussion of new Bulletins to be issued/effective on April 15th;
          discussion of FA duties/responsibilities related to exit operation and exit seat briefing added to OBM for each aircraft.
      -  Continuing Qualification (CQ) Training:  training mock-up injuries, bidding for Sections A&B, EMV consistency, availability of accurate
          training ‘agendas’, facilitator calibrations, revised Resource Guide #4 (to be issued soon), value/significance of CQ Safety Reviews (CBT pay;
          30-minute refresher; 30-45 days to complete) and additional FA feedback on CQ experience - reviewed discussion points of telecon held on
          March 15th with Tasha Schmitt and Tricia Ahrenholz.
      -  Cabin Engineering Projects:  review and update of all Cabin Engineering projects underway, including PMDL fleet.
      -  New Business:  discussion of new issues/concerns from the field, including:  inconsistency of downline servicing of lavatories (particularly on
        ‘turns’), PSK contents and availability of CPR masks, galley wipes/food service pick-up glove shortages, ACS boarding pax before pilot
        availability known, oven insert problems to OBS, challenges of ‘cross fleeting’ and FA operating on more than three aircraft type/models on May 1st,
        minimum crew verification on Departure Reports and DL policy allowing use of glass in flight deck.
      -  Next Meeting:  July 14th; guests and location to be determined.
If further information, background and/or follow-on action is needed, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Posted by NWA Webmaster on 05/18 at 10:19 AM