Greetings,

AFA WINS ON-LINE TRAVEL FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ON MEDLOA

If you are on medical leave, you have the right to travel on-line.

AFA filed a grievance against Alaska when it learned that the company was not honoring the language in Section 15 K.  This language, new in our last agreement, allows Flight Attendants to travel on-line even though they are out on medical leave of absence.

Though initially the grievance was denied by the company, AFA persisted and has prevailed.

The stumbling block for the company was language in System Regulations stating employees may not travel while on medical leave of absence, except in certain circumstances.  That language makes sense if one has a desk job.  But Flight Attendants may be off work due to a broken leg, for example, and still be able to travel without jeopardizing their recovery and their speedy return to the job.  And, System Regulations also states that contract language supersedes System Regulations which are designed to broadly cover all employee groups. The grievance was granted after a semi-annual grievance review meeting attended by former Inflight leader, Joe Sprague.

For Flight Attendants out on medical leave, there should be no further hurdles to arranging travel. To secure your on-line travel passes you need to contact Inflight management, preferably Mike Link.  The way you list for a flight will vary, depending on whether or not you are receiving pay. 

Consult your physician prior to travel.  Your health should be your first priority. If travel is going to impede your recovery process, don’t do it.