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February 2010 Update
Reserves Persevere Through Staffing Debacles and Storms
The December staffing issues of the holidays combined with January’s severe weather occurrences in Phoenix, put Reserves through a strenuous endurance test. During the holiday season of inadequate staffing many Reserves had Days Off (DOs) rescinded by Scheduling while others were tagged with additional legs, multiple times. We saw the flag for volunteer fly being flown by Crew Resources and many of you offered to work Voluntary Fly trips.
As the severe weather hit Phoenix on January 21st, the operation crumbled before our very eyes. Crews were diverted, delayed and stranded across the system. I have spoken with many of you answering questions as to whether these assignments and reroutes were legal per our contract.
If you were involved questionable scheduling changes during the weather fiasco on January 21st please email Council 66 a statement on how the company responded to your plea for information. Make the statement factual, brief and to the point. Make sure to include the date, flight numbers, situation, who was called for assistance and how they responded.
With all that Reserves must do to keep the airline flying in irregular situations, the company can not deny that Reserves, as a whole, deserve a substantial pay increase along with a Reserve scheduling system that we can live under. I don’t know how much clearer it can be made to them. I applaud each and every one of YOU for the job that you do day in and day out!
BRAVO!!!
Respectfully,
Deb Breazeale,
AFA MEC Reserve Chairperson
Dear AFA Council 66,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Flight Attendants that helped out during the time frame of January 1st through 4th. Specifically, I would first like to thank those Lineholders and Reserves on days off that called and picked up a pairing as Volunteer Fly. Every single pairing that was picked up meant that we had to cancel one less flight. I hope they are recognized for their willingness to help the operation, the airline, and our customers.
Secondly I would like to thank the Reserves that were on call and on duty for this time frame. They were all very flexible with the pairing assignments and the reroutes. I am sure it was inconvenient dealing with reroutes, but on the whole the entire Flight Attendant group was very adaptable to the needed changes. That truly made Daily and Future Scheduling’s jobs easier. As a representative of the entire Flight Attendant group I believe that you should be proud. We dealt with a major crew shortage and the Flight Attendants that stepped up and assisted when needed played a very important role in dealing with this situation. So to all of them please relay my deepest gratitude.
Thank you from all of us here in the Crew Scheduling department.
Sincerely,
Andrew Masiello
A new feature will be added to the Reserve Reporter for 2010. Reserve Committee member Stacey Vigie will be contributing helpful “DID YOU KNOW” information throughout the year. So here goes the first of many!
Did You Know?
When sitting HR1 to HR5, how many total hours can a Reserve be scheduled out of the hot room? 13 hours is all that is required of a reserve to fly, this includes the time you sat hot. Therefore, you add your duty time to your hot shift and if it is more than 13 hours you are not legal for the trip.
When sitting HR6, how many total hours can a Reserve be scheduled out of the hot room? 12 hours is all that is required of a reserve to fly, including your HR shift.
When sitting HR7, how many total hours can a Reserve be scheduled out of the hot room? 11 hours is all that is required of a reserve to fly, including your HR shift.
F. HOURS OF SERVICE CHART
|
Report Time |
Scheduled Duty* |
Actual Duty |
Landings** |
|
0500-1600 |
13 |
14.5 |
7 |
|
1601-1900 |
12.0 |
14 |
7 |
|
1901-2200 |
11.0 |
13 |
5 |
|
2201-0459 |
9.5 |
10.5 |
3 |
* The last duty period of a trip may be scheduled for four (4) hours beyond duty limitations for the purpose of deadheading to domicile. However, if a reroute or reschedule causes the Flight Attendant to be projected to be on duty for more than fifteen (15) hours, she/he may decline a deadhead segment at the end of her/his duty day. A Flight Attendant declining such a deadhead segment shall be subject to the provisions of Section 7, Scheduling, Paragraphs D.1. and D.2.
** Deadhead segments are not included
I hope that each of you find the above information useful. Thanks and fly safe,
Deborah Breazeale
Reserves@afa66.org
480-966-1231 ext.23
November 2009 Update
HOLIDAY TRIP REQUESTS
FLYING OVER 90 HRS.
During the bidding process each Flight Attendant is asked if they would like to fly over 90 hrs. The original intent of the over/under 90 indicator box was for lineholders, but Crew Resources now uses this indicator box for help in determining which Reserves would like to fly over 90 hrs. The 90 hr. calculation is determined by company assigned time, trips that are picked up on GDs are not to be added into your 90 hr. mark. If Crew Resources calls with a trip that will bring your MTD credit over 90 hrs, you have the right to refuse said trip. Now if you accept the trip, work the trip, your MTD credit is at 95 hrs. and you still have RV days of availability...YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CONTINUE FLYING. Over the past few years the conception of all Reserves was if you flew over 90 hrs you were at the mercy of Crew Resources, NOT SO!! You have the right to refuse at any given point over the 90 hr. mark.
RESERVE VOICEMAIL
When leaving voicemails on the Reserve extension, please ensure that you are clear w/ information. Last week there were 3 voicemails left that I could not understand. The information was very garbled. This could be due to phone issues, but if you left a voicemail last week and have not received a return call please call again. Sorry for any inconvenience. 480-966-1231, ext. 23
EXCITING NEW FOR RESERVES
Council 66 has been working with Crew Resources to implement the posting of the daily Reserve call-out sheets. On Monday the Union got confirmation that testing will begin the week of Nov. 23rd with a target launch date of Dec. 15th. Once launched the call-out sheets will be posted on the "Wings" website. Council 66 is very excited as this will eliminate the current Maestro scheduling program from being so "blind". As more information becomes available we will send additional hotlines. Any questions please call 480-966-1231
_____________________________________________________________________________________
October 2009 Update
HR7s - Per Andrew Masiello - Mgr. of Crew Resources(PHX)
Twenty(20) minutes after the last flight leaves, barring any irregular operations(diversions, turnbacks, mx, etc), thoses FAs sitting HR7 can request to be released. If you are denied a release you have every right to ask the Duty Coordinator if there are issues in the air. If Reserves run into problems getting released please call the Union office. 480-966-1231, ext. 23
Preferences - Quite a few Reserves have made call or inquiries regarding preferences and questioning why they have not received their 1st or 2nd choice. In most cases this due to other FAs defaulting to specific standby shift.
Example: Susie Jones C200 has her preferences listed as ABC. Susie Jones was on standby A, received a 2-day trip, and her trip released in PHX at 2248. Because of minimum rest requirements, please see 5.7, E Minimum Rest Periods, Susie will now have to be placed on a modified standby B or possibly standby C. Once this happens Bob Smith C250, who has his preferences listed as CBA may have to be put on standby B or standby A list, depending on his seniority with other FAs with the same number of days of availability.
The above is just one example of how a Reserve FA could go from their first preference choice to their last. FAs who get their 2nd or 3rd choice should be assigned in seniority order. If you feel your preference choice(s) have not been honored in seniority order we want to hear from you. 480-966-1231, ext.23
Thanks and fly safe,
Deb Breazeale
Reserve Chair
July 2009
The month of June was an extremely stressful month. Our LEC received word that if a quota of 300 VLOAs was not achieved the company would furlough the remaining number of Flight Attendants. Unfortunately the 300 person goal was not reached. Late last week the impending furlough list was published. Furlough List Please know that your LEC fought hard and offered many solutions to avoid this heartbreaking situation. Questions & Answers One question that has been asked of me many times of late is this....."Do the flight attendants who are being furloughed bid for August and the answer is "YES". The official furlough date is August 5th.
While on the subject of bidding for August, all Reserves need to be aware that while bidding each FA is asked "Fly over 90 hrs?" and a box must be checked "Yes" or "No". Each Reserve must check their preference "Yes" or "No". If you would like to fly over 90 company assigned hrs check "Yes", if not check "No". The original intent of this option was for lineholders only, however in the past Crew Resources has used this to persuade Reserves to fly over 90 company assigned hours. Be very careful in your choice.
AUTOs via Maestro....lately Maestro has been "dumping" Reserves' AUTO requests. Please make sure that when an AUTO bid is placed in Maestro you put a "31" in the white box under the "No. of days" caption. This means the Auto bid will run for 31 days or to the actual day you are trying to AUTO.
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to AFA Council 66 Grievance Chair, Robin Agee and her committee.
Below are some statistics she recently shared with me and I wanted you all, the Reserves, to know that the Grievance committee is committed to be a voice for Reserve infractions.
Filed grievances:
7/1/07 to 6/30/08 RV Contractual - 3
7/1/08 to 6/30/09 RV Contractual - 23
Thanks and fly safe,
Deb Breazeale
Reserve Chair
480-966-1231 ext. 23
June 2009 Update
It has been way too long – we apologize, understanding to some this will not be enough. During this critical time for our Reserves we will do our best to win your confidence back and work to keep you educated and informed as information is processed through the Union office. It is important for you to understand that the company has been extremely slow to provide necessary information regarding furloughs to our MEC leadership. However, the Reserve Chair has been working diligently to acquire any information from the MEC leadership that directly affects the Reserve work group.
The Chairs for various committees have developed a packet of information to guide you through furlough process. These packets will include information regarding Cobra, unemployment benefits, and airlines currently hiring, to name just a few. These packets will be available to you on June 24.
The Reserve Committee is in the process of verifying information to ensure it is both factual and accurate before we present it to you. But know this; we have regained our focus, you the Reserves. The Reserve Reporter will be returning on a regular basis. If there are questions or concerns please email them to: reserves@afa66.org.
RESERVE REPORTER 8/18/2008The Reserve Committee has 3 members who are monitoring the assignments issued by Crew Resources for the month of August. According to the audits, the trip assignments have been on target. If any Reserve questions any assignment please contact the Reserve Comm. at reserves@afa66.org and we will investigate the situation.
2 hour call-out....Reserves are protected by contractual language, Crew Resources must give Reserves no less than a 2 hour call-out for an assignment. The Comm. is hearing of situations where Reserves are accepting trips with less than the 2 hour call-out, the Comm. strongly urges all Reserves to refuse any assignment with less than a 2 hour call-out.
Illegal duty day....while sitting HOT if you are called out to do a turn or a multiple day trip, you must calculate your hot time into that day's trip duty time.
Please insert Hours of Service Chart here....sec 5-8 of contract
Meaning...if you started your hot shift at 0800 and then get called for a trip that reports at 1000 with a duty of 11.16 on that day, you are illegal.
Hot time.........2.00
Pairing Duty..11.16
Total Duty.....13.16 (illegal)
During the month of July and August two new procedures were introduced to Reserves.
"Changing F/A DO to GDz" and "FA's Electronic Release from Pairing"
September Reserve Lines....the committee members are hearing from Reserves who are disenchanted with the lack of cadence in the lines for September. I will be meeting Jane Flinn, Bid Review Chair, at the end of the this month to voice what we would like to see for the October lines. Please contact a Reserve Comm. and let them know what you would like to have for the Oct. lines.
Thanks and fly safe,
Deborah Breazeale
Changing Reserve DO to GDZ (Golden Day Trip Trade)
Beginning tomorrow, Monday, July 28, 2008, Reserve Flight Attendants will have the ability to gain more flexibility within their own lines. This new procedure is called "Changing Flight Attendant Day Off (DO) to Golden Day Trade (GDZ)" and allows a Reserve the flexibility to pick up trips on his/her original Day Off.
The rules are as follows:
1. On your last Reserve (RV) day preceding a DO, when a Reserve Flight Attendant is released from his/her trip, hot shift or stand-by shift, he/she may call Crew Resources and request to have the following DO changed to a GDZ. Make sure to ask for the "Z" ability with the request.
2. Minimum rest rules still apply. He/she must have a minimum of 10 hours of domicile rest, waivable to 9 hours at the flight attendant's option. Please refer to Section 5-7 E. of the flight attendant contract.
3. Automation of this process is targeted to begin on September1, 2008 through Maestro. The new update will allow Reserve Flight Attendants to pick up trips prior to noon (12 pm). Until automation on September 1, Reserves will only be able to pick up trips that report after noon
on their GDZ.
AFA Officers President Lisa LeCarre, Vice President Dorene Fredette and Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Albers, along with the entire Reserve Committee view this new procedure as a significant and hard-won victory for all Reserve flight attendants. This victory was made possible by the earnest persistence of flight attendants John Connor and Simon Heppell. When you meet these two gentlemen on the line, please shake their hands and thank them for a job well done.
Respectfully,
Deborah Breazeale, AFA Reserve Committee Chairperson
Update June 27, 2008
A Letter of Agreement has been signed which modifies Section 7.C.4.a of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and will allow Reserve Flight Attendants the ability to pick up trips on their Golden Days prior to noon.
LETTER OF AGREEMENT
Gary Richardson
MEC President
AFA-CWA
505 S. 48th Street, Suite 101
Tempe, AZ 85281
Dear Gary,
The purpose of this letter is to modify Section 7.C.4.a of the America West/AFA Collective Bargaining Agreement. This modification to the Collective Bargaining Agreement is at the request of the Association of Flight Attendants. The details of such request are outlined below:
As an exception to Section 7.C.4.a of the AWA/AFA Collective Bargaining Agreement, a Reserve Flight Attendant who has a sequence of days off that begins with a Movable Day followed by one or more Golden Days will be allowed to pick-up a trip which reports no earlier than 6:00 am home domicile time on the first Golden Day in the sequence.
A Company assignment on the Reserve day(s) of availability, including Crew Resources ability to assign a trip into the Reserve Flight Attendant’s Movable Day under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, will take precedence, and the Reserve Flight Attendant will complete the Company assigned trip. Should the Company assigned trip conflict with the trip picked up, Crew Resources will drop the picked up trip in order to meet the minimum rest requirements outlined in the Agreement. The Reserve Flight Attendant, at her/his option, may rejoin the dropped trip when it transits the domicile after she/he has received her/his minimum rest.
This Letter of Agreement shall become effective as of the date it is signed. The aforementioned terms of this agreement shall become effective as of the date of the programming change. At that time, both the AFA and the Flight Attendant group will be notified. This agreement shall remain in full force and effect concurrent with the America West/AFA Agreement signed May 4, 1999.
Sincerely,
Agreed:
s/_____________________
Cindi Simone
Director, Labor Relations
s/_____________________
Gary Richardson
MEC President
Date June 26, 2008
cc: Sherri Shamblin, Vice-President, Inflight Services
Mike Finn, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling
Linda Fry, Director, Base Operations - PHX
Q & A
Q. When will the Automation process be implemented?
A. The Company will have SBS write the program which will be necessary in order to implement the agreement. Once this is completed, several testing phases including a home user test will be conducted to insure that the program is functioning properly. The programming and testing may take up to 90 days to complete, but will be conducted with all due speed to shorten the time frame as much as possible.
Q. Can a manual process be implemented in the interim period?
A. Unfortunately no. AFA had requested a manual process be put into place; however during our conversations the company indicated that a manual process outside a programming rewrite was not possible.
Update June 14, 2008
Reserve GD Trip Pickup Ability To Be Restored
As you may recall on April 1 Crew Resources implemented an unannounced series of patch programming updates to the Maestro Scheduling System, one in which re-established certain programming rules governing rest requirements and report times of trips picked up on a Reserve's Golden Day off. The programming rule, originally written to conform to the contractual language of Scheduling Section 7.C.4.a as well as other relevant sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement inexplicably broke in 2006 or earlier. During the time period that the rule was not in effect, Reserve Flight Attendants who had a day off (DO) preceding a Golden Day off (GD) or series of GD's were permitted to pick up trips that reported earlier than noon on their Golden Day.
Upon learning of the Maestro patch changes, AFA immediately contacted the Company and had meetings with Crew Resources in an attempt to find a solution and restore the past practice. These meetings were productive and the Company seemed agreeable to the restoration, however we received word in May that due to the cost associated with re-programming, the Company would not revert back to the former practice.
This past week MEC President Gary Richardson brought several issues including this important Reserve Flight Attendant matter to the attention of the members of the US Airways Board of Directors Labor Committee. After discussion, CEO Doug Parker who chaired the Labor Committee, agreed with President Richardson's request to restore the practice.
This coming week, Richardson and US Airways Labor Relations Director Cindi Simone will work on the necessary language and Letters of Agreement that will resolve the issue. More information on the expected time it will take to re-program Maestro and restore the practice will be forthcoming.
EAP Services Available and just a Phone Call Away
From time to time, everyone experiences personal or work-related problems. Sometimes, these problems can overwhelm our normal coping strategies. Support from a trained peer or a referral to a mental health professional may prove helpful.
The AFA EAP helps members, their families and partners deal with concerns on and off the job that affect them. The AFA EAP is strongly committed to the health, safety and well-being of all of its members.
How do I access the EAP?
Many ways! You can contact your local peer representative directly by calling 480-966-1231 ext. 27 or call the International helpline at 1-800-424-2406 or 202-434-0560 to help you access services. You can also visit the EAP Department website at www.afanet.org to find a peer representative at your local.
When should I call the EAP?
Anytime! Or as soon as you, your partner, or family feel like a problem is getting too difficult to handle alone. No matter how small or large the problem may be, AFA-CWA EAP can help.
What happens when I call the EAP?
Good things! Your trained EAP peer representative can answer any questions you may have about EAP services available to you. The peer representative will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, offer guidance and support, and assist you with locating resources. The only thing you have to lose is the problem.
Update May 29, 2008
Over the last several years Reserve Flight Attendants have been able to take advantage of a  Scheduling System program error which allowed individuals to pick up future trips that reported earlier than Noon on a Golden Day(s) when the Golden Day(s) proceeded a Day Off.
Without any forewarning, on April 1, 2008 Crew Resources installed a patch update to the SBS Maestro Scheduling System that reinstated the contractual rest time buffers between the latest time a Reserve could be released on a RV day or Movable Day (0200) and the report time of a requested pick-up trip on a Golden Day Off (1200), effectively eliminating the two-year or more practice.
MEC President Gary Richardson and MEC Reserve Chair Deb Breazeale diligently worked to resolve the issue and met with Mike Finn - Managing Director of Crew Scheduling, Cindi Simone - Director of Labor Relations, and Jeb Percival - Manger of Crew Resources to discuss the patch update and its negative impact on Reserve Flight Attendants.
Crew Resources indicated that they would review AFA-CWA’s suggested proposal which restored the practice yet allowed the Company to protect the operation when needed.
The Company responded back on May 21st and informed the Union that after consultations with SBS programmers, the cost to revert back to the practice would be $12,000, and as such, they were not going to change the programming criteria.
Needless to say, we are extremely disappointed in management’s response.
AFA-CWA has filed a MEC Grievance over the violation of past practice in this matter. A Step One grievance hearing will be held in the next few weeks.
Continue to submit examples to the AFA office of trips picked up prior to noon on your Golden day. We will need as many examples as possible dating back as far as possible.
Stay tuned to see how you can help in the “Twelve Thousand Excuses Campaign” to restore the former practice
Update May 4, 2008
MEC President Gary Richardson and MEC Reserve Chairperson Deb Breazeale met with Mike Finn, Managing Director of Crew Resources, Jeb Percival, Manager of Crew Resources, and Cindi Simone, Director of Labor Relations on Tuesday April 29, 2008 to continue discussions on a problem precipitated by the installation of a recent patch to the Maestro System that affected Reserve Flight Attendants.
The Maestro patch re-established a system programming rule that, according to the Crew Resources, unexplainably broke in 2006. During the time period between 2006 and the present, Reserve Flight Attendants were able to utilize the automated scheduling system to pick up trips on their Golden Days that reported earlier than the specified times outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
While we have yet to reach a resolution, the company seemed willing to seek a mutually agreeable solution to the issue. Crew Resources is currently reviewing language of an AFA proposal that we drafted after our last meeting and we expect further discussions will take place this week.
Update April 28, 2008
Crew Resources implemented a series of patches to the Maestro scheduling system recently which among several notable “fixes” resulted in limiting the customary ability of some Reserve Flight Attendants to pickup trips on their Golden Days. While these “fixes” may potentially be compliant with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a status quo concern has been raised by the union and we are continuing to have discussions with the company in an attempt to resolve the matter.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement allows for the ability of Reserve Flight Attendants to pick up trips on their Golden Days as long as there is a minimum of 10 hours rest between the latest time a Reserve could be scheduled to be released in domicile and the scheduled report time of the requested trip pick up, (for example, if the latest time the Reserve could be released is 0200 on their first Golden Day or Movable Day, then the requested trip must be scheduled to report no earlier that 1200 on the Golden Day, which is ten hours later. -See Sect. 7.C.4.a)
Over the course of the last several years, when a Reserve had a time-off sequence starting with a Day Off (DO), and then followed with a series of Golden Days (GD’s), the Maestro system failed or was not programmed to recognize the contractual rest restrictions in conjunction with the company’s ability to convert a DO to a Movable Day. Due to this programming oversight, Reserves were accustomed to the ability of picking up trips which reported prior to 1200 on their Golden Day; in contradiction to the language of the agreement.
While the overall company-initiated patch update to Maestro may be the result of certain allegations of individuals manipulating the system, this particular “fix” to the way Reserve Flight Attendants have customarily picked up trips on their Golden Days should not be considered a manipulation issue but rather a programming issue. Until the issue was discovered by Crew Resources, it caused little to no harm in the company’s ability to schedule flight attendants.
MEC President Gary Richardson has communicated the Reserve Flight Attendant’s concern to the Director of Labor Relations regarding this issue, and has a meeting scheduled with Mike Finn, Managing Director of Crew Resources on Tuesday.
Reserve Reporter Update March 4, 2008
Mediation Update
In February, a mediation session was held before Federal Mediator Terry Brown in an attempt to resolve several outstanding contractual as well as discipline-related grievances.
Mediation is an Alternate Dispute Resolution process and is considered the third step of the grievance procedure wherein our AFA-CWA Attorney Mark Bigelow, MEC Officers Gary Richardson and Mary Cost and our MEC Grievance Chairperson Linda Campagna, present grievances before the company and a National Mediation Board representative.
US Airways Labor Relations department personnel, a company attorney, along with members of Inflight and Crew Resources management present their side of the case and the mediator facilitates the discussion and works with the parties in an attempt to resolve the outstanding issues.
AFA-CWA presented six cases- 2 discipline and four contractual grievances. The two cases involving flight attendant discipline were resolved.
One of the contractual grievances presented at the mediation was Grievance 24-66-02-11-07.
This dispute centers on Section 13.B.4 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and whether the company is in violation of the Agreement by denying Reserve/Relief flight attendants the ability to move days off that fall within their core vacation to the days immediately following the vacation when that vacation transitions from month to month. AFA believe that the language and intent of Section 13.B.4 allows a Reserve/Relief flight attendant the ability to make an election to move their days off immediately after their vacation even if this would fall into the next month. The parties did not reach a settlement over the issue and AFA will submit this case to the System Board of Adjustment sitting with a neutral member (Arbitrator) for a final decision.
For more information on the mediation and the other cases presented, please visit our AFA-CWA website at www.afa66.org and read the March 4 Hotline.
The Reseve Committee in conjunction with the Voice Committee is currently gathering your views on what worklife is like for our Reserve Flight Attendants. Please fill out the form and return to the AFA office by faxing to 480-966-7374 or dropping the form in the AFA talk box located in the T-4 Business Center (small computer room next to the breakroom).
February 16, 2008 Reserve Proposal On The Table
Over the last several weeks, the AFA Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has been negotiating with US Airways management over the Reserve Section. The JNC has used some key concepts of the West Reserve System but largely modeled our Reserve proposal off the East Reserve section with two sweeping changes: a Seniority based Reserve System and a move away from the current East procedure of being on call for 24 hours in a row.
While the Company agreed to fix some problems with the Reserve system, they proceeded to make other parts worse. Your JNC made it clear to management that this is not a zero sum game. We are not looking to patch some holes in one part of the Reserve system while creating leaks in another. We are looking for a Reserve system that improves the quality of life and earning potential for Reserves.
On the positive note, as explained below, management did agree to certain improvements on the East system, such as the elimination of twenty four hour call and the limited use of seniority the day prior to a day of availability. Improvements for West Reserves already agreed to by management include a requirement for the report time of the assignment to be within the RAP, better Airport Ready Reserve (HOT) / On-Premise Reserve (OPR) pay and no extension of HOT shifts..
However, what management gave with one hand, they took away with the other. The following are a list of unacceptable provisions management wants to incorporate into a Reserve system. These provisions have been rejected by your JNC.
- Days of availability buckets (limiting trips a Reserve could fly to specific number of days of availability)
- Moveable days scheduled only before Golden days.
- Force Reserves to work until 0330 on Golden Day with no restoration of day off.
- Continued used of time balancing.
- Eliminate ability to select among multiple available trips on day of assignment.
- Allow Crew Scheduling to assign Reserve another segment when they return to domicile after a trip. (Tagging.)
- Eliminated the requirement for a Reserve to have 3 days of availability and 18 hours of credit available in order to be assigned or awarded an OPR shift
Through Union meetings, the Wilson Survey, the online survey, emails and conversations with individual Reserves and discussions with our MEC and LEC Reserve chairs, the JNC developed a proposal which focuses on two core principles:
1. Quality Of Life
2. The Ability To Earn A Living
Quality Of Life
- The JNC proposed a system based on Reserve Availability Periods (RAPS). The Company has agreed to create twelve (12) hour RAP periods in which Reserves will only be contactable within the RAP and only awarded or assigned a pairing that reports within the RAP. This represents an improvement to the current West Reserve system, where Reserves may be assigned trips that report well after the Reserve’s RAP has ended.
- The JNC has proposed an additional INV or Golden day to match the current West Contract for a total of nine (9) INV or Golden days along with the three (3) OFF or Moveable days.
- The JNC proposed a two-hour call out time to report to the airport, an improvement for the East Reserve system that has a 90 minute call out time, and no requirement to reside within a two-hour drive time to the airport. The Company has countered with a two-hour call out time to “check-in” at the airport with no residence language.
- The JNC has proposed the elimination of Reserve tagging. Tagging under the current West Contract allows the Company to add additional segment(s) to a Reserve trip assignment when they return to domicile after completing the trip.
- The JNC proposal would use seniority as the mechanism for trip assignment rather than a time balancing or LTO (Least Time Order) system. The Company has countered with seniority the day prior but has added a bucket and pool system. (limiting trips Reserves could fly to specific number of days of availability and least amount of credit at time of assignment)
- The Company proposal would allow Reserves to bid for trips the day prior in seniority order until they reached a sixty-five (65) hour threshold at which point the Reserve would revert back to LTO until all other Reserves reached sixty-five (65) hours and would only be allowed to bid for RAP shifts for the following day. The Company proposal would assign trips in LTO on the day of assignment. The Company proposal seeks to match trip awards with days of availability.
- The JNC proposal cleaned up OPR pay. West Reserves receive one for two for OPR (known as Airport Ready Reserve or HOT on the West) and the shift may be extended. AFA proposed and the Company agreed to the East formula of 3:30 for a four hour OPR shift which cannot be extended. Pay for an OPR awarded/assigned trip during the OPR shift would be pro-rated up until the check in time of the awarded/assigned trip. We are still in dispute about whether an OPR may be required to remain after the end of the OPR shift to complete boarding duties.
The Ability to Earn a Living
- The JNC understands Reserve is not what it used to be. Reserve at an airline with no growth can go on for a long time. The JNC believes that any Reserve proposal should take that fact into account. Gone are the days of being on Reserve for six months and therefore a system must be negotiated that allows Reserves to earn a living without having to work all of their days off to do so.
- The JNC believes a Seniority based system for selecting trips is the only fair way to provide someone the necessary reward for their years of service and has proposed just that.
- We have not addressed the Reserve Guarantee at this time but we do believe that the guarantee needs to be increased.
- The JNC does not believe that Reserves should have to work their days off to earn a living, but we have proposed a pay above guarantee for both trips flown off the ETB and Company time flown on days off be paid above guarantee.
The Company believes otherwise. The Company believes it is in their best interest for every Reserve to come as close to the guarantee as possible without exceeding it. While that may make financial sense for the Company, it makes no sense to the JNC. Our Reserves deserve a system that balances the needs of the Company without putting Reserves into bankruptcy or driving them to the brink of exhaustion.
This is going to be a difficult fight but we are certainly prepared to take it on.
The JNC will meet with the Company in negotiations the week of February 26-28 where we will continue our work on the Reserve Section along with our preliminary work on the International Section.
In Solidarity,
Gary Richardson, MEC President America West Airlines
Mike Flores, MEC President US Airways
Nicki Kirkeby, AFA America West Negotiations Representative
Carol Austin, AFA US Airways Negotiations Representative
January 1, 2008
Happy New Year to all !!!! As we bring any new year we are full of hope and new promises. 2008 should be no exception. I was recently granted the opportunity of being named Reserve Chair so let me introduce myself, my name is Deborah Breazeale. I started working for America West Airlines in February of 2004. Early in 2006 I volunteered to be a part of the Reserve Committee under the guidance of Marsha Calhoun. Boy do I have big shoes to fill, she is a true Reserve advocate. The Reserve Committee is looking for new members and I have been contacted by a few people who are interested in helping out, if you would like to become involved please email us at mec@afa66.org or cactusreserves@yahoo.com On another note we need to hear from any and all Reserves on issues that need resolve, questions or problems in understanding our current system. The Committee is here to help guide you, we need to know what is going on out there.
Thanks and fly safe,
Deborah Breazeale
Update November 5, 2007
Many of you have been asking what happened to the Reserve Reporter? It has been a while, 3 months to be exact since our last report. As MEC Reserve Chair it has been my responsibility to keep you all informed and to ensure that the Contract is upheld, and to the extent that I neglected the first part, I apologize for letting you down.
As some of you may know, I had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn bicep tendon. The injury was more extensive than originally thought and recovery has been long and tremendously painful. Because my health has been compromised and at the wishes of my family I am resigning as MEC Reserve Chair. As my "final" act, I will bring you all up to speed with a final Reserve Reporter.
This Reserve Committee was formed 22 months ago with great ambition and hopes to match. This Committee was so dedicated that they collectively wrote both a Vision and Mission statement, that's how much they cared about our Reserve work group. We hit the ground running determined to make Reserve life better. We had meetings with the big guys and little ones too. We listened to the Reserves concerns and set out to "rule the world", or at least Reserve life.
Looking back at those aspirations and comparing Reserve life today, it is sad to think that very little was accomplished, Understand, it was "not for lack of trying or time, effort, tears, time away from our families, hope, dreams, wishes and plain old elbow grease." We have gone as far as we were allowed.
In September and October we met with Mike Finn and his staff to secure a few much needed changes to give Reserves a ray of light, a semblance of hope until the new contract is finally in place. It was a true battle and at the end of the day, nothing was changed. It is the belief of Mr. Finn that many changes have already occurred at the expense of his schedulers. Here is that list:
1. FIRST OF THE MONTH ASSIGNMENTS - this was the first big step for the Reserve Committee. The contract states that all things equal, trips are assigned in Seniority order, although anything but that was happening then. This gave credit where it was due, to our Senior RSV's.
2. DO TRADES - many were able to trade their DO's others were not. It was the proverbial "glitch in the system" (and Kae) that brought this about. While at times it seems impossible to accomplish, it does happen from time to time.
3. HOLIDAY TRIP REQUESTS - 4 and 5 day RSV's are treated equally. Previously, a 5 day RSV could not request a 4 day trip. Considering there are very few 5 day trips it was impossible for those RSV's to request Holiday trips. It was the only fair way for this to be handled.
4. ASSIGNING DAY OF TRIPS - the Committee has always believed that trips in COT should be assigned as early as possible. Giving Reserves a "heads up" so to speak allows planning for the RSV and a feeling of control, albeit very little control.
5. HOTS ASSIGNED SHORT TURNS - instead of calling a RSV from home to do those 2.5 credit turns, the Committee felt it was in everyone best interest to "build" turns for the "home bound" RSV. We never specifically requested HOTS to do the turn, we just asked then to make it worth our RSV's time. We are not in favor of HOTS doing an LA turn, we believe all HOTS should be utilized for irregular and immediate operation issues.
6. CHANGES IN RELEASE - many of you may not be aware, but after the April 23 Round Table, discussions began on changing HOW RSV's are released. While we never got "official" verbiage from Mike or Julie Runk, the basis of Release is this: If you attempt to contact Scheduling for release and are placed on hold, or no one answers, you need to continue to try for 15 minutes. If after that time frame you have been unsuccessful, check your line for messages prior to leaving the airport.
It's pretty simple, but you must wait 15 minutes in an attempt to make positive contact and if you cannot, please remember to check your line before leaving the Airport for any messages from Scheduling.
7. TAGGING - this is a bit tricky. Suffice to say, without official verbiage from Scheduling, there are some changes being practiced by the Schedulers. Understand, they would not verbalize these changes because sometimes it will not work. We appreciate the thought of not setting the RSV's up for any more disappointment.
8. LH to RV TRANSITION TRIPS - because of the fluctuation of our Reserves and concerns over transiting to a line with a DO/GD, IF it is an original trip, the DO/GD can be moved by the RSV.
We will not comment on the above "laundry list" presented to us by Crew Resources, except to say that there were several concerns far more pressing than some of those addressed that were not considered. These issues along with concerns about preferential treatment, preferences and credit balancing continued to be addressed by the Reserve Committee daily. We opened up an email address for Reserves to forward concerns/questions to, instituted the Reserve Round Table, and established a "Mentor" program for our new hires. We even got Doug Parker to speak to the RSV's after the merger was announced. But, in our minds and in our hearts, it still was not enough. We couldn't stop the "bleed", the disappointment, the financial uncertainty. That has troubled us most.
On a VERY POSITIVE note, on Tuesday, October 30 I participated in a conference call to discuss the Reserve Section and upcoming negotiations. We WILL have a much improved Section with the help of the "east" Reserves and Sherri Baker, Reserve Chair, Boston. Both Sherri and I addressed the Joint Negotiation team and expressed YOUR UNHAPPINESS! We have each compiled a list of 5/6 most important changes needed, besides the obvious, money. Gary Richardson, MEC President, will address the Reserve section and keep you all (and us) apprised of the progress.
Lastly, it has been my privilege to represent the Reserves during this critical period. At it's formation this Committee represented America West Reserves. The merger was announced and all of our lives changed forever. It is not a bad thing, and many of our counterparts want what we do: flexibility, stability, structure and more money!!!
While I will not be on the "front line" anymore, I will always fight for the betterment of the Reserve system, just differently in the future. I have been blessed to be surrounded by some of the greatest Reserve advocates: Bill McGlashen, Susan Rivera, Shawn Garcia, Johnny Valesquez, Betsy Hooks, Deb Braezeale, Terri Brock, Donna Ruege, Thomas Gunther, Brittany Dubois, Stacy Vigie and Chris Hoogstad. To each of these extraordinary people a simple THANKS seems inadequate. Without their help nothing would have been accomplished. These people have been your voice, your champion and each of them deserve your thanks.
I look forward to returning to the line early next year. I wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season and a wish for a new and improved Reserve Section for the New Year.
With gratitude and humility, one last time....
Marsha Calhoun
MEC Reserve Chair
Update July 22, 2007
RUMOR CONTROL
Well, there have been some VERY INTERESTING rumors floating out on line recently. Please take a minute to read the REAL TRUTH:
Rumor:
17 - 27 RSV's did NOT resign en masse recently. We have no idea who, where, why or HOW that one got started.
FACT:
Attrition for June: 19 including line holders, retirements, terminations. Month to date: 9, including those who will take their East call-backs at the end of July.
Rumor:
No new classes in August, due to not enough interest.
FACT:
There are already 4 full classes in place with the first to start in just a couple of weeks (August).
Rumor:
We are merging with United, and PHL has been given away to another carrier (supposedly said by Scott Kirby).
FACT:
If Scott said it, the Company would have some supporting info out there. Nothing has been communicated from the company on this.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER REAL FACTS:
Reserve lives are becoming more difficult, but for all who think life is better on the East coast, think again. They are suffering as much as the West, albeit differently at times.
We NEED to ban together, our voices together at this time WILL make a difference. The new reciprocal jump seat agreement is PROOF of the power of numbers.
MONDAY, JULY 30 10:00AM - T4-INF HOT ROOM
THIS is OUR opportunity to have your voice heard by the company. We need a good turn out at this roundtable.
Many of you are aggravated, annoyed and disheartened over the recent bid which resulted in relief lineholders falling back to reserve. This Committee cannot stand alone; we tirelessly work for you all, harder and longer than many of you know. And in case anyone wondered, we ALL fly 70-100 hours a month. The work done by this Committee is from the heart, for the RESERVES. Help us to show the Company we are ONE voice.
At previous Round Tables we asked for email questions for those unable to attend. We want each of you to think of the ONE thing you would CHANGE if you could. The ONE issue that makes RSV life difficult. Take the time. PLEASE to email that ONE comment to: cactusreserves@yahoo.com AND.....Mike.Finn@usairways.com; Linda.Fry@usairways.com and Shari.Shamblin@usairways.com. Let's Campaign together to affect the changes necessary to "protect the integrity of the operation" and protect the integrity of RSV life.
This Committee has been working very hard over the last 18 months and has had some success. NOW is the time for us to present a united front. Mark you calendars for MONDAY, JULY 30, 10:00AM, T-4 INF HOT ROOM. Send your emails, talk to each other, support this cause.
DID YOU KNOW
*** If you choose <90 on your line, Scheduling CAN NOT assign a trip that will take you over 90 without your permission. As an example:
It is near the end of the month, you are at 72 hours, good for 4 days. You DO NOT wish to fly over 90, but have been given a 4 day, 21+ credit trip. You CAN refuse, because it puts you over 90. Crew Resources should advise the Flight Attendant that the trip would take you over 90 and you will advise them whether you wish to accept the trip. The credit calculation is based on company assigned hours and does not include hours that you have picked up.
The Committee encourages questions, cares, comments, concerns. If it sounds crazy, it probably is! We promise you all that if we don't know the answer, we WILL find it.
Stay strong, fly safe. Believe that we will continue to fight for the betterment of RSV life.
RESERVE ROUND TABLE
********MONDAY, JULY 30, 10:00AM T4-INF HOT ROOM*********
Update July 3, 2007
BLOCK HOURS
Block Hour forecast fluctuates monthly with more block hours during the spring and summer months and less during the fall and winter. Block hours peaked in May with 46,613 actual block hours and fall to an approximant 42,439 in September. Average monthly block hours for July through December are predicted at approximately 45,852 per month.
- Predicted amount of Line holders for August, September, and October are 1812, 1704, and 1788 respectively.
- Predicted amount of Relief Line Holders for August, September, and October are 188, 211, and 180.
- Predicted amount of Reserve Line Holders for August, September, and October are 421, 506, and 478.
Both Relief and Reserve line numbers fluctuate up or down based upon variables such as block hour forecasts and the amount of flight attendants coming back, going out, or extending various types of leaves. Many Relief Line holders were bumped back to Reserve in the July bid. Based upon the block hour forecasts and the amount of lines built, those that were bumped down may anticipate going back and forth between Relief and Reserve for the next couple months. Staffing is anticipated to stabilize with the addition of approximately 250 new hires on line by the end of the year.
2007 attrition rates have averaged around 19 flight attendants per month. While this figure encompasses all seniority levels, the fact remains that most of the attrition is coming from the lower end of the seniority ranks. Pre-merger AWA Flight Attendant Attrition was 172 in 2004. In 2005 attrition increased by 26% and increased again by 27% in 2006.
Update June 20, 2007
For almost 18 months the Reserve Committee has worked tirelessly to improve Reserve life. This Committee has been very different than it's predecessors, their goal has been to find commonality with the Scheduling department and with joint effort address the concerns of all our Reserves. We have not been out to win any popularity contests, not by a long shot. What we have accomplished is a list of small improvements almost unnoticed by most. During several occasions we have addressed the ""Wish List". This has been an unending source of grief, for RSV's and the Committee alike.
I encourage you all to email Mr. Finn (Director of Crew Resources) and ask about the "Wish List". There was never any "handshake" agreement between Scheduling and the Union to "honor Reserve requests". On the contrary it is not contractual. What did occur was a kind scheduler who indicated they would "try" to place the requested trip on the line of the "requester". Herein was the problem. More often than not, when a RSV would ask about the "Wish List" they were told there was no such thing. In January 2006 we meet with Mr. Finn to discuss a fair and equitable settlement to this dilemma.
Could the Scheduling Department honor, on a daily basis ALL RSV requests? The answer was: No. Could the Scheduling Department on a daily basis ensure that every RSV have an opportunity or a turn at requesting COT trips? Again, the answer was: NO. Our question to Mr. Finn was simply how do we resolve this situation. It was the Committee's responsibility to ensure the contract is honored and that goes both ways. It was this meeting that brought the trip request issue to a head. The final outcome angered some, but put every RSV on level ground. Mr. Finn made the decision, not the Committee or the Chair, that all Schedulers would not accept trip requests by phone or otherwise.
Here are the cold hard facts, the Reserve Committee believes that all RSV's should be able to request trips - the key word being all. This Committee would like to see less COT and more flexibility. We could go on and on. We have to do what is best for the group as a whole. We have fought to make things better, but in the end it is Mr. Mike Finn who makes the decisions of how RSV life goes. The final decision was his, no trip requests. For those of you who think otherwise you really do not see the big picture. Each and everyone of you needs to know your contract inside and out. Each and every RSV needs to contact the Reserve Committee when issues arise. WE are your BEST source of information, just ask those RSVs out there that have come to us. Ask those who had real issues what the Committee and the Union did for them. You may be pleasantly surprised.
And while I'm on the subject...none of us like, "fly it and grieve it", sorry though, this is not just the US Airways way, it is the law of the land. Try reading the National Railway Labor Act, you might just find answers to the questions you had. Change is a good thing. :Lets all work together to make the RSV system the best in the industry. Let's stop placing blame on those who can not control the outcome but work diligently to effect change.
On Monday, April 23 the Reserve Committee hosted a Round Table in the Reserve Hot Room. Managing Director of Crew Resources, Mike Finn along with Inflight Director Linda Fry, Supervisor Chris Hoogsted- and MEC President, Gary Richardson were in attendance to answer Reserve questions. This Reserve Reporter will give you all an overview of the April 23rd meeting.
The following topics were discussed at the meeting:
"LIVE" WEB BASED SYSTEM - Again, the issue of an automated system for RSV assignments was addressed. All the Reserves feel that a "live" system will give them structure to their hectic lives. Mike has indicated that he would like to go to an automated system in the new contract, but until that is possible we have asked for various concessions or agreements to improve Reserve Life. At this time there is no suitable action being taken to improve this system.
MEET GUARANTEE - Questions were posed regarding how many Reserves actually meet guarantee monthly. In March, 56 (out of 450+ RSV) did not meet guarantee. Everything done is by averages so that being said, the numbers look good.
TAGGING - There has been a steady increase of Reserves being tagged. The operational need for tags was discussed by Mike Finn. The Scheduling department sees tagging as a "logical" solution to maintain the operation. It is more productive in their eyes to assign that turn to a FA returning to base as opposed to calling out a Standby RSV from home. While in theory it would seem in everyone's best interest, it is exhausting to the RSV returning home from a 4 day. We have asked that Mike reassess the process of tagging and especially limit tags at the end of 4 day trips.
RELEASE FROM DUTY - Wait time on the phone for RSV's to be released has risen upward to 45+ minutes. This is unacceptable to the RSV's and questions were posed to the "reasonable" time to hold to be released. The Committee asked Mike to review "release" protocol and come to an agreed procedure for release when hold time has exceeded a certain time frame.
PREFERENCES - A continued issue. Again the Committee has asked Mike to review procedures to ensure that preferences abide by the contract with respect to seniority. While we are constantly aware that they are "preferences" it is important that Scheduling realizes that it is the simplest of things that will ensure a "happy work group".
COMMUNICATION WITH SCHEDULING - Issues regarding language and attitude towards Schedulers was addressed. Many RSV's feel there is a lack of compassion and understanding by the Schedulers. The Scheduling department, Inflight management and the Reserve Committee are in agreement that RESPECT is paramount. We will continue to work closely with management to improve communication between the departments. Additionally, we have asked both Crew Resources and Inflight Management to look upon each RSV issue as individual and keep in mind that compassion and understanding goes a long way.
SB vs,SCand RED EYE ASSIGNMENTS - Serious concerns over assignments for SB's involving Red Eye pairings. This is a continuing issue that the Reserve Committee worked towards resolving last year. It is the firm belief of the Committee that any pairing involving a Red-eye should be assigned to a SC Reserve. Assignments such as these to RSV's on SB is a dangerous practice. The RSV;s attending the Round Table were in agreement on this and again we have asked Mike to reassess this practice in the best interest of safety.
LEAD PAY (A) ASSIGNMENTS - Continued to errors on these assignments have been brought to Mr. Finn’s attention, again. While the fix is simple (go to the bubble), it should not happen. Mike has promised to review the agreement with his staff, again.
EXTENDING "HOTS" - The RSV's attending the meeting expressed their concerns over how being extended is handled. Per Mike, the Scheduler MUST tell you WHY you are being extended and for how long. This issue was addressed last fall at the last Reserve Round Table and we have asked that procedure be reviewed, again and followed.
RESERVE LINES - There was discussion and dissatisfaction among several RSV's over the May Bid. The general census among the RSV's is: 4 On/3 Off. This type of pairing is suitable to almost all RSV's as it allows for Commuters to return home and those who work more to have an opportunity to pick up "z" trips. The Committee has again requested that the Reserve Lines be reviewed prior to the bid.
AUTO'S - A sore spot with Reserves. We have again asked for review of assignments covering the autos. With the cost of gas and a 2 credit turn a possibility, it is certainly not lucrative for RSV's to be assigned these low yield trips. Mike will look into pairing the "auto" segment and so on.....
We can only stress again and again to know your contract. We are working on putting together a series of "Contract 101" classes to help you all understand the how’s and whys we live through daily. As always, we welcome your comments and concerns.
At this ime I would like to send out a HUGE thank you to DEBORAH BREAZEALE for all her hard work. You all know who I am, but without my friend Deb, alot of what I do could not be accomplished. When you see her around the airport thank her for ALL here efforts, she deserves it!
Fly safe, fly smart.
Marsha Calhoun
MEC Reserve Chair
Reserve Committee Update April 13, 2007
THEIR BACK!!!!!
RESERVE ROUND TABLE
MONDAY, APRIL 23rd
10:00am-Noon
Ladies and Gentlemen we have finally scheduled our first Round Table for 2007. Mark your calenders for the 23rd of April. As in the past, the meeting will be held at the Airport in the HOT ROOM from 10:00am until Noon. We know you have lots of questions and concerns and Mike Finn, Director of Crew Resources will be there to answer your questions and give updates on what to expect for the summer months. This is your opportunity to hear it directly. Please take just a little time out of your schedules to attend. If you are unable, please send your questions to: cacutsreserves@yahoo.com and we will forward them to the powers that be!!!!!
Again, we remind each and every one of you that you have rights! However, if you do not notify the Union of any misuse or abuse we cannot correct the problems. Since this committee was formed January 2006 we have established a Reserve email hot line, 1st of the Month Call-Out, DO trades, Reserve Round Tables, lead pay/most Senior RSV, monitor Scheduling activities, etc., just to name a few. We know that everything we have done has not always met the approval of all our Reserves. That being said, our goal has always been for fair and equitable assignments for all RSV's. We continue to work closely with Mr. Finn's office for improvements for our RSV's. Those improvements we seek include a system that will allow the RSV's to monitor their status while on call and Hot Room improvements including HR trades. It is a very slow and arduous process so we ask for your patience and support.
We are always looking for fresh ideas and fresh faces. If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Committee. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!
Fly Safe,
Marsha Calhoun
MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson
Reserve Reporter Update
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
March 17, 2007
March is turning out to be quite a month! Over the last few months many of you wondered if you would ever see 70 hours again! Well, the good news is they have you all working this month. The bad news is many irregularities are taking place and we need to know when this happens and it doesn't matter if you are on probation or not! I will try to address some of the concerns raised the past few weeks in this edition of the Reserve Reporter.
1. First of the Month Assignments - Our agreement with Scheduling is:
- Trips or pairings that are in Company Open Time which initiate on the first-day-of-the-month are assigned to Reserve Lineholders in seniority order by 1600 the day prior to the first-day-of-the-month.
- Airport Ready Reserves shifts, commonly called Hot Reserve shifts or HR shifts are assigned to Reserve Lineholders by 1600 the day prior to the first-day-of-the-month in inverse seniority order.
- Remaining Stand-by A,B and C shifts are assigned to Reserve Lineholders who are not assigned a trip/pairing or a HR shift
On the First of the month assignments will be based on seniority. While they will attempt to honor preferences along with these assignments, it will not always be possible. Our concern is that the most senior RSV's be assigned trips. That being said, this agreement covers just the first day of each month. If your first scheduled day to work is the 4th or 5th they may schedule an HR because it is considered a credit bearing assignment.
2. Emergency Situations - In the event that you are working or on an overnight and receive a phone call regarding a personal emergency or death of a family member please contact an Inflight Services supervisor or manger-on-duty immediately. You may also call the AFA-EAP Emergency pager number at 1-800-372-8673. For Critical incidents or emergencies on board the aircraft the AFA Air Safety emergency pager number is 1-800-313-5457. We realize that this is not an everyday occurrence but when it happens it can be very stressful. We want to alleviate that stress and help you understand the process necessary to get you the assistance that you may require.
3. Early Call-Outs - It is happening again and you need to understand your contractual rights. PLEASE if you are contacted prior to your assigned Stand-by shift you DO NOT have to accept the assignment - NO MATTER WHAT!!! The contract supports this. Kindly explain to the Scheduler that your shift has not yet begun and you can contractually refuse the assignment. It does not matter if it is 5 minutes early or 45 minutes early it is a violation of the contract. If this happens to you contact the Reserve Committee immediately documenting the time and the Schedulers name.
4. Conversations with Schedulers – A professional relationship built on mutual respect between scheduling and flight attendants benefits everyone. If you feel that you have not been treated in a professional manner by scheduling please document the name of the person you spoke with and the date and time of your conversation. Please forward this information to the committee or the MEC. Everything is recorded and when tapes are pulled we want to show that Reserves can conduct themselves in a professional manner and expect the same from scheduling.
5. Tagging - Almost a forgotten practice, but nevertheless a contractual one. Recently some irregularities have surfaced. IF you are tagged and you are working an exceptionally long duty day ask about your legalities for this tag. You can always ask questions of the Schedulers, provided they are done politely. In the event the tag holds and you feel there may be a violation here - Contact the Reserve Committee.
6. Gripe vs. Grievance - Sometimes even though we believe we have a grievance it really isn't, and sometimes we have a gripe that really is a grievance. Please contact the Reserve Committee or the Grievance Committee to ask any questions regarding your contract. The Reserve Committee can be reached at 480-966-1231 ext. 23. The Grievance Committee can be reached at 480-966-1231 ext. 25. We do need to know what the complaint is as the Committee may be compiling information that will be presented to a specific department to work out a mutually agreed upon resolution to the situation. Thanks from both the Grievance Committee and the Reserve Committee for your cooperation on this.
The theme of this Reserve Reporter has been - CONTACT US! KNOW YOUR CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS!!! If you do not let us know what has happened to you, how can we fix it?
We will be holding a Reserve Round Table in April. Look for the date(s) and time(s) and plan to attend. As always, you are invited and encouraged to attend Local Council meetings held the first Wednesday of each month beginning at 2:00pm at the AFA office 505 S. 48th Street Suite 101, Tempe. This is where you hear first hand from the people who know what is REALLY going on! Additionally, we are working on a "Contract 101 for Reserves" tentatively set for May.
Finally, if you have concerns that some of this Committee is no longer on Reserve and we have stopped caring you are wrong. We work everyday researching and deciphering what we are given. We welcome and encourage NEW volunteers to keep this Committee strong!
Thank you for your continued support. Fly safe, fly smart!
In Solidarity,
Marsha Calhoun
MEC Reserve Chair
RESERVE REPORTER UPDATE - FEBRUARY 23, 2007
Earlier this week Reserve Committee member Donna Ruege and I met with Mike Finn to discuss recent concerns over various Reserve issues, most notably: staffing and block hour projections for the summer, trip requests by Reserves, and a system for Reserves to "track open time vs. call out position".
As you have probably noticed, block hours increased resulting in "new relief line holders" for the month of March. Congratulations to those Flight Attendants who will experience for the first time what it is like to be off Reserve. Over the next few months there will be some fluctuation in the block hours so there will be some "see-sawing" going on for some of you. Historically block hours increase in March over February; projections show a dip in hours in April and then increasing and holding steady over the summer months. Block hours factor into the number of lines and FA's needed for the company to operate. What does this mean for "Senior" Reserves? Carefully bid Reserve lines every month to avoid any additional disappointment.
On the subject of hours, we know that many of you are not meeting your guarantee. And while you are "guaranteed" 70 hours, we realize how difficult it is to survive. We discussed this fact along with attrition and potential new hires. The increase in Reserves over the past few months was done to ensure sufficient staffing for integration training. The original staffing model called for new classes into 2007. After the merger was announced those classes were "bumped up" into 2006. The good news is attrition has leveled off, but with the increase in Reserves the average hours assigned to you is less than many of you have become a custom to. The Company is forecasting new-hire classes beginning in late summer.
Concerns have been raised by more than a few Reserves that there is an increase in specific trip requests being made by some to Schedulers. While the Reserve Committee understands that a specific trip request may be beneficial to those making the request, it does conflict with contractual language and reserve order of assignment. The contract states in Section 9:” ?The Company shall assign trips or Airport Ready Reserve shifts to Flight Attendants within a particular Reserve Duty time window by first considering days of availability, legalities and qualifications (e.g., language qualification). If the Company determines that more than one Flight Attendant is eligible for an assignment based on these factors, it shall give the assignment to the Flight Attendant with the least credit hours.” This contractual provision allows for credit balancing and a fair and equitable distribution of COT trips. The only exception to this LTO contractual provision is during a holiday. Reserve flight attendant may submit a specific trip request during the following holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. A Reserve Holiday Trip Request form can be found on the AFA website, www.afa66.org.
That being said, once again we asked Mike Finn to consider an automated trips/RSV order schedule. We suggested a system that would be solely internet based making it accessible for all FA's. We have received numerous emails on this subject and we now have Mr. Finn's reason for not wanting to implement such a system. It is true that the Pilots have a similar set up that was initially designed to be Web based. It was never implemented, and a manual system was devised. The same would have to be done for the Flight Attendants. Mr. Finn indicated that manual input is "a "labor intensive process" and the manpower is not available to provide constant hourly updates. Your Reserve Committee will continue to work on this issue to help provide some "structure" that will ultimately lead to flexibility.
There has been some confusion as to when a furloughed east flight attendant who accepted a job at America West during separate operations, will regain their East system seniority. The AFA/USA Transition Agreement provides that these flight attendants will remain junior to all America West flight attendants on the AWA seniority list (as of the date of the signing of the Transition Agreement) until such time as there is a merged operation, a ratified single agreement, a single seniority list, and that they would have been recalled to US Airways. All these criteria need to be met before a furloughed East Flight Attendant may exercise their USA date-of-hire for bidding purposes.
Continue to look for weekly/bi-monthly updates. We are also in the process of scheduling another Reserve Round Table within the next 6 weeks. Stay tuned for details.
In Solidarity,
Marsha Calhoun- MEC Reserve Chairperson
February 14, 2007-Happy Valentine Day!
The Reserve Committee has been receiving emails/calls on the following issues: Preferences/call-outs, NL/GD Replacements, and Auto RSV days that we would like to address for all Reserves.
Preference/Call-out order:
We have had several questions relating to why someone with less credit is assigned a trip first. The Scheduling department utilizes ALL Stand-by "A" RSV's before assigning the Stand-by "B" group. While the Committee does not believe this is optimal for Credit Balancing, it is not a contractual violation. The theory is Scheduling does not want to use a SB/SC before before all earlier Stand-by RSV's have been assigned in the event of a scheduling dilemma. We hope to address the Stand-by preference "issue" during the RSV section of negotiations.
Auto RSV days:
Some RSV's have not been receiving SBS notification when attempting to Auto an RV day. Kae from Daily Ops spoke to administration and a few changes have been made to alleviate problems with automatic notification. Please take note of the following:
1. There is a box inbetween the two columns asking "number of days". This box was initially meant for Line Holders only so herein lies the problem. With new modifications you will need to put "30" in the box for number of days. Do not worry about the "whys", but if you do this and do not receive notification, please contact the Reserve Committee immediately.
2. Once you have "dragged" your request into the box on the right, you must "Save" by clicking on the little floppy icon, next to the trash can at the top of the screen. Just dragging the requested RV day/days to the right box does not automatically "save" your request. It remains in the box on the right, but the computer does not see it as a completed transaction. Once recorded as "saved" an SBS message can be generated when processed. These requests are processed automatically on a daily basis at 4:00am, 48 hours prior to your request.
If you are having an issues while attempting to do this, Kae has kindly offered her assistance on a ONE time only basis. You may call her in Daily Ops before 10:00am for help.
NL/GD Replacement:
If you bid a line during a training month that has a GD on the training day AND an NL is initially placed on the line, then REMOVED with the GD then moved placed where the NL was originally, you may have a Grievance. Linda Campagna has a Grievance in place addressing this specific issue. If this has happened to you, immediately contact Linda Campagna by calling 480-966-1231 ext. 25 or go to the AFA66.org website and file a "Grievance Form" so that your name will be added to this. Questions, confused? Contact the Reserve Committee by email or phone and we will help you out.
January 25, 2007
In past weeks we had received reports that Scheduling was contacting Reserve Flight Attendants earlier than their on-call start times to assign a trip. We immediately contacted Crew Resources to stop this practice. You are not obligated to accept a trip, nor should scheduling be contacting reserve flight attendants earlier than the start time of their stand by shift to make an assignment.
Questions were raised however as to what happens if scheduling does contact a reserve prior to their on call start time. Does my rest start over? The answer is no, in most cases.
It is important for RESERVES to review the contract, specifically Section 9 - 3. Under C. ASSIGNMENT OF RESERVE DUTY:
"...Crew Resources may reschedule a Flight Attendant from one Reserve Duty assignment to another so long as it schedules her/him for a minimum rest of eight (8) hours between on-call periods....."
This section refers to changing a Standby assignment:
For example:
At 1600 on the day prior to duty a RSV is assigned SC. During the evening, Crew Resources notify's the RSV that the assignment has been changed to SA. THIS is what Section 9 covers. This change MUST provide at least 8 hours of REST from the time the Standby assignment has been changed to the earlier assignment.
There is no verbiage in the contract that calls for minimum rest to begin again if a Reserve is called out before their Standby shift begins. We continue to remind Crew Resources that they cannot call a Reserve prior to their assigned on-call duty period and should that be violated the Reserve may politely notify the Scheduler they are not yet on call. But, your "minimum rest" does not start over.
Please review the contract Sections, 7 and 9. If you have questions or need clarification please contact the Reserve Committee at www.cactusreserves@yahoo.com or contact the office at 480-966-1231, ext 23
December 8, 2006
Hello Everyone - Happy Holidays to All!
As 2006 winds down the Committee would like to reflect back on our first year together. We set some pretty hefty goals on behalf of our Reserves. Win, lose or draw we saw it all this year. 1st of the Month Assignments, preassigned trips, Mentor program, to name a few have helped add structure to Reserve life. We have not abandoned you regarding Preferences and Credit Balancing. We will continue to work on these very important issues.
We established the Reserve Round Table this year and have found it to be helpful in understanding the Company/Crew Resources. We will continue to hold these meetings next year as they will be beneficial in answering your questions regarding integration, scheduling and where the Reserves fit into the puzzle.
We also have established a line of communication with our counterpart on the East. Sherri Baker, East Reserve Chair and our Committee trade thoughts, concerns and ideas. As we get closer to one work group it will be very important to share our ideas to improve the Reserve system.
As we have "hit our stride" now, we want each of you to know how very important your questions, concerns and comments are to us. E-mail and phones have been quiet lately and yet we hear though the "grape vine" (hot room, discussion board, etc) that many of you continue to experience contract violations or have concerns. We NEED to know when things happen for the Committee to be truly effective.
We know that lack of hours has been on everyones mind, we are in the process of doing a comparison for November and will continue to monitor December. We are also closely following the bid lines as we know there have been some concerns with the inability for many of you to pick up additional flying. Hopefully, January will prove to be more lucrative for you.
As a reminder regarding "A" assignments for Reserves. We have received calls when all three positions go to Reserves. Here is the rule of thumb: IF ALL positions are assigned out at the same time, the "A" position will go to the most senior of the Reserves. IF the call comes to the Hot Room for 3 FA's again, the "A" will be assigned to the most senior. Occasionally all positions go Reserve, BUT at different times. In that case when "A" is in open time it will go to the least credit FA on stand-by. If you need further clarification please contact: cactusreserves@yahoo.com
Finally, a big thanks to all of you for your continued support. Our goal is to educate all of you on the system. As you all hear me say again and again, knowledge is power. We are gaining and we owe it to each and everyone of you!
Fly safe, fly smart. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
The Committee is very concerned about Reserves working trips that may not be within contractual legalities, (i.e. early call out before on call, delayed tags, etc). When and if these types of incidents occur, please contact the Reserve Committee or Union office by phone or email immediately. We have been hearing concerns over retaliation by Schedulers. We cannot correct scheduling problems without your help. Consequences will be greater if you do NOT notify us about these things. As far as "retaliation" goes, every conversation is taped. If the contract is being violated and and all you are doing is protecting your rights there should not be any type of "payback". IF any of you feel that this does occur, again please contact us immediately. We will have the tapes pulled and resolve the issue.
As we head into the busiest season for Reserves please remember the following:
1. If you check "NO" over 90 - Scheduling CAN NOT force you to work any trip that would put you over, even by minutes.
2. Any "Z" trips you pick up from Trip Trade does not count toward over 90 (therefore, you can pick up trips and still refuse to fly over 90 from COT).
3. Those who choose to work over 90, be very certain this is what you want to do for December, you may not be able to change your mind during the month.
4. If you are upgraded to sit HOT and you are close to 90, let us know of ANY irregularities, (i.e., bringing you in for 1 hour or less to get you to 90, etc).
Again and again we remind you to know your contract. Contact the Reserve Committee or Union office with questions or concerns. In the very near future we will be holding a "Contract 101" class to help you learn and understand your contract and rights. Also, on the first Wednesday of each month there is a "union meeting", the LEC meeting held at 2:00pm at the Union office. These meetings are open to all and you should try to attend. Remember, knowledge is power! This month's meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 8th at 2:00pm.
And lastly, keep this date open: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16. Mike Finn will be in the HOT room for our third Reserve Round Table. This is a CRITICAL meeting as Mr. Finn will be answering YOUR questions and discussing YOUR concerns for the December bid. This meeting coincides with the December bid! Please make a note to be there or email your questions to: cactusreserves@yahoo.com. We hope a lot of you will participate. Let's show Mr. Finn and Inflight OUR solidarity!
Marsha Calhoun, MEC Reserve Chair
Update November 2, 2006
It has been very difficult deciphering telephone messages lately and I sincerely apologize to anyone that I may have not responded to in the past week. It is very important that you speak slowly and clearly giving the following information when contacting the Reserve phone line: Name (and spelling), C#, contact number and brief message with basic information. Before hanging up give the contact number again, if you are on a trip and best time to call. Please understand that it may take 24 hours to respond. If your concern is urgent in nature, please contact the Union office during business hours to speak with an officer or Grievance Chairperson. Again, I do apologize for not responding recently but I have had a hard time understanding some of the information being left.
Marsha Calhoun
MEC Reserve Chair
Reserve Reporter Update October 24, 2006
The Holidays are fast approaching and along with that comes apprehension for all of you. Again, please review your contract and let us know of any discrepancies immediately. It is impossible to effect change and correct problems if we, the Committee are not made aware of your concerns. Please write down those concerns and forward them to us. The Hot Room is a great place to make friends and share knowledge but if you don't share with the Committee nothing will ever change.
Speaking of change, we are sad to have a few of our Committee members resign. I would like to take this time to thank Shawn Garcia, Terri Brock and Thomas Gunther for all their hard work and dedication to the Reserve Committee. Their efforts to make life a little bit easier for each of you deserves a big thanks from all of you as well. We will truly miss them all. And as the circle of life continues to turn the Committee is delighted to welcome Donna Ruege (C8095) on board. Donna has over 30 years experience as a Flight Attendant, is part of our ATS program and brings us a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to help make a difference. For our new Reserves, Donna will be taking Terri's place in the Mentor program. If you fell into Terri's group please email cactusreserves and we will forward Donna's information to you.
Regarding the Mentor program and the above mentioned changes continue to follow the Reserve Reporter for updates on who will assume Shawn's and Thomas' alpha group. And speaking of the Mentor program, please contact us through either cactusreserves@yahoo.com or through you personal Mentor and let us know how things are going, good or bad. We are here for you and want to make your first few months on line a positive experience
I will be meeting with Mike Finn in the very near future to go over scenario's involving the new Lead Pay and Reserves. We are also working on a date in November for another Reserve Roundtable. We will keep you posted on pertinent information.
Thank you all as always for your continued support. More than ever now is the time for us to unify to be a stronger Reserve group.
Marsha Calhoun,
MEC Reserve Chair
Reserve Reporter Update October 20, 2006
Lead Pay Q and A
Q. Why the $1.00/$1.25 now and not the full “A” pay the east gets.
A. The “A” position duties are not yet equal. West “A” duties are not yet as extensive as those on the east, but they will be identical on March 1, 2007 (as currently planned). Initially, the company was refusing to pay any lead pay from November – March and said we would “talk” about it in March. After extensive negotiations last week, the company agreed to a phased in pay process.
Q. How is the “A” pay calculated? Is it by segment or is it applied to the duty or trip rig, if any?
A. It’s for the entire trip, including any rig adjustment. See Section 3, Compensation, B. 2. d. and e. for more information about Duty and Trip rigs.
Q. The agreement says that retroactive Lead Premium Pay may be applied. Why is this?
A. The company expects that the Maestro payroll format can be updated in time to apply the lead pay, but in case it can’t they have to provide you a retro check. The November lead pay will show up first on your exception check on December 20, 2006 and hopefully the payroll program will be accomplished by that time. If not, the company will pay you retroactively as soon as possible.
Q. If I pick-up a trip as the “A” Flight Attendant through DPU or the Trade Board, do I have to give up the “A” position to the most senior Flight Attendant on my crew if they want that position?
A. No. We don’t do that now and won’t do it for the lead pay. If you bid and hold the “A” position or pick-up the “A” position via DPU or Trade Board that is your position unless you voluntarily agree to switch positions at check-in.
Q. Our 1st dropped their trip and the company assigned a Reserve as the “A” on our pairing. Does the “A” position now go to the most senior Flight Attendant on the trip?
A. No. We will continue doing it the way we do today. If a Reserve is assigned as the “A” position, cabin crew positions can change by mutual agreement only. The Reserve cannot be forced out of the “A” position unless they agree.
Q. I’m working “A” or 1st on the 757 to Hawaii cities. Do I still get the International pay?
A. Yes. You would get $1.25 in “A” pay per flight hour plus the $1.25 per hour International pay from November 1, 2006 through February, 2007. On March 2, 2007 the “A” position lead pay for International on the 757 increases to $2.75.
There are other issues surrounding the assignment of the “A” position, mainly related to Reserve assignments that are being worked on by the company and AFA. Information on those scenarios will be forthcoming.
Reserve Committee Update-October 1, 2006
As you all may have heard, lots has been happening at Corporate this week. Vice President of Inflight Services, Ron Cole announced his retirement on Thursday, and a successor has yet to be named. Additionally, the Company announced that Ed Bular has been named Sr. Vice president of Flight Ops and Inflight. We had hoped to continue the Reserve Roundtable in October, and were communicating with Ron on this. We will continue to discuss roundtables with the new VP of Inflight when that person is selected. Stay tuned for future updates.
Bill McGlashen and I met with Ron Cole, Sherri Shamblin, Cindy Simone, Paul Kinsey, Linda Fry and Mike Finn on Wednesday, September 27. It was our sincere hope this meeting would be the cornerstone for some simple, cost effective changes addressing the Reserve issues. Several proposals were reviewed that were discussed at earlier meetings. While there were no agreements at the end of the day, the door has not been closed. We will continue to work closely with both Mike Finn and Inflight Management to ensure that Reserve issues are addressed and resolved.
During the month of September the major issue seemed to be Preferences.
Section 9-C-3 of the Agreement states: 3. A Reserve Flight Attendant may have a standing bid on file with the Company indicating her/his reserve assignment preference (i.e., Reserve Duty A, Reserve Duty B or Reserve Duty C). Preferences for reserve assignments will be honored in seniority order, to the extent possible (e.g., consideration will be given to legalities, days of availability and qualifications).
The Committee is working to ensure that management is honoring this provision. We would like to hear from you your thoughts on Preferences. The Reserve Committee is putting a survey together and will have that out in the near future.
The Committee would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the new Reserves who have come on line this year. We met last month and wanted to do something to make your transition here a positive experience. We introduced a "Mentor Program" to give each new Flight Attendant someone to call upon when questions need answers and concerns need to be addressed. Below you will find the Reserve Committee Member along with "their" alpha group. SBS message your Committee member for their phone number/email address. As you always, you can continue to reach anyone one of us at: cactusreserves@yahoo.com OR 480-966-1231, ext.23. If any one of you needs immediate assistance please contact the Union office.
We hope you will find this new program beneficial.
As always, notify us on any irregularities that arise. We will continue to bring your concerns to all management involved
Fly safe and remember we are ALL in this together.
Marsha Calhoun,
MEC Reserve Chair
Reserve Committee Update September 22, 2006
In January when the new Reserve Committee was named, we promised our fellow Reserves that we would work to make Reserve life on the West more tolerable than it had been in the previous 12 to 18 months. There were meetings with Mike Finn, Bid Administration, and Inflight management. The meetings provided, at the time a sliver of hope that we could resolve some of issues plaguing our Reserves.
We fought and won to have 1st of the month assignments begin with the most senior available Reserve on that day (as the Contract states). For the most part, since May 1 Scheduling has honored our agreement. We lost our proposal for trip requests by seniority, during "critically' staffed periods. The loss we feel was really theirs. We see time and time again how Scheduling manages to shoot themselves in the foot by poor staffing choices. By "awarding" trips to Reserves in order of seniority during critical periods, the COT is reduced, therefore relieving a burden for the Schedulers. We saw it as BENEFIT for the Schedulers because it allowed them to focus on filling irregular ops and sick calls. There has been some progress on some scheduling issues.
We saw a positive in the Reserve Round Table discussions this summer. Ron Cole, Anthony Mule, Linda Fry and eventually Doug Parker, Sherri Shamblin and Mike Finn attended 1 or both. We were encouraged by the support Ron Cole had offered to improve the Reserve system. And, even though there were some VERY disappointing statements made by our CEO during the July 20th meeting, we felt a glimmer of hope when Mike Finn stayed an additional 2 hours to speak personally with the Reserves and answer some very difficult questions. A second meeting the next day with our new Reserves from the East offered even greater hope that we had turned a corner.
It was at that second meeting that the emotions of our Reserves were felt by Mike. HE took notes and PROMISED to follow up with me on some potential "agreements" that would allow some structure along with a bit of flexibility for the Reserve ranks. A follow up meeting with Ron Cole secured a PROMISE to work towards a holiday schedule that would satisfied the needs of the company yet benefit the Reserves.
And here we are today, September 22....the same place we were on July 20th.....last in the minds of this company. We come to you now in the hope that you KNOW we continue to try EVERYDAY, no matter that we have had doors slammed, meetings cancelled and promises dashed. There have been at least 5 if not more dates scheduled for the above mentioned meetings. They have all been cancelled. Since the beginning of September, I have repeatedly asked for another date and been IGNORED. ALL THOSE PROMISES... .
YOU are the hardest working group here at the "New US Airways." This company depends on the "West Wing Reserves." Know that this fight is NOT over. We need your continued support and we MUST remain united.
I realize that it is completely impossible to keep each and every one of you happy, but this Committee is committed to make life BETTER so that everyone would fight to be on Reserve. As always, continue to let us know ANYTHING irregular, from preferences, tagging, "short calls", etc. We want to hear from you.
AFA Reserve Committee
Marsha Calhoun-MEC Reserve Chairperson
Questions and Answers-September 5, 2006
Question: As a reserve flight attendant do I have to call scheduling to be released after I have finished my trip assignment or hot reserve shift?
Answer: Yes, you should always call to be released after your trip or hot reserve shift. Section 9-F-4 of the contract states:
Upon completion of a trip or an Airport Ready Reserve shift, and prior to departing from the airport, the Reserve Flight Attendant must contact Crew Resources.
August 16, 2006-Update- Contract Clarification
Section 9-G-2 & 3 Reserve Picking up Trips on Golden Days (DPU or Personal)
Question: On the 13th of this month, I picked up a trip through DPU that carried over into the next month. The trip pick-up was awarded via Maestro, but later that day Scheduling removed the trip. Can scheduling remove my trip? Is this allowed?
Answer: Yes. While Reserve lineholders are allowed to pick up trips on their Golden days, your next month’s schedule must be established first, and the trip that you are requesting to pick up falls on known Golden Day(s) in the current month - and the new month.
Due to a Maestro programming bug, a small percentage of Reserve Lineholders have been able to pick up a carry over trip prior to the next month’s bid being finalized. Crew Resources will manual remove the picked-up trip if your next month’s schedule has not been awarded with Golden Days that correspond with the trip pick-up request. Additionally, while Crew Resources and SBS attempts to correct this programming "bug", Reserve Lineholders may see a temporary "DO" placed on the first day of the month. Once your new month's bid has been awarded that temporary "DO" will be removed. This temporary "DO" is nothing more than a placeholder and is there to prevent an inadvertent trip pickup without the corresponding GD's know yet.
You can pick up a month-to-month carry-over trip as soon as your next month’s schedule is known, and the picked up trip falls on a golden day(s).
Question: I held a Regular (Relief) Line on August but will fall back to Reserve in September. I have a trip that carries over into the new month. How will the trip pay/credit be applied for my carry over trip? If my trip falls on a Golden Day (GD), can I get my GD’s replaced?
Answer: If your carry over trip falls on a Golden Day(s) you will have two options:
- You can do nothing and the pay and credit for the portion of the trip that falls on your golden day(s) will be paid and credited above your minimum guarantee. (This is the default option.)
- You can call Bid Administration or Daily Ops and request to move your Golden Day(s) outside of this trip conflict. If you choose this option, the pay and credit for the portion of your new month’s trip that carries in will be applied towards your minimum guarantee. Calls to Bid Administration or Daily Ops must be made prior to 1800 on the 28th of each month.
Remember: If you do not call Bid Administration or Daily Ops to have your GD’s replaced prior to 1800 on the 28th- the default option is applied
If the carry over trip falls on a scheduled RV day(s), the pay and credit will be applied towards your minimum guarantee.
July 20 Reserve Town Hall Meeting With Doug Parker
A Meeting Review
AFA MEC Reserve Committee Chair Marsha Calhoun arranged for US Airways CEO Doug Parker to address PHX-based Reserves on July 20, 2006 regarding their issues and concerns. A special thanks for Reserve Committee member Thomas Gunther for taking detailed notes during the meeting.
The meeting took place in the Inflight Services office with Doug first speaking about the status of the company and then conducting a Q and A with Reserves. The following is a recap of this important meeting:
Parker’s comments on the status of the company were as follows:
- Despite skeptics, the company is doing well, realizing about $200 million in technology, real estate and overhead savings. Revenue exceeded expectations and the reduction in industry capacity (less seats for sale) has helped with supply and demand balance and contributed to increased revenues. (Note: This meeting took place prior to the profit announcement in late July.)
- Passengers have access to cities previously not available, for instance the “west” SNA customers can now get to Charlotte in easier fashion than before and Parker indicated that this was just one example with many examples like the SNA-CLT example.
- Indicated that the summer operation was below expectations and that we had fallen out of #1 in terms of On-Time-Performance, with weather playing a role. Website and reservations systems were taxed because of integration problems that should be repaired.
- Parker commented on labor negotiations, indicating that AFA and ALPA (pilots union) want improvements over current contracts (he’s right), however the company wants us to stay within our current costs.
Reserve Committee Chair Marsha Calhoun led off the Q and A segment of the meeting by asking Parker the following questions (Parker’s answers are in italics) and Mike Finn, Director of Crew Resources assisted Doug in parts of his answers:
- Will right-sizing of bases occur before integration? (Right-sizing is the process of allocating Flight Attendant staffing levels at each domicile, based on the number of flights there – the Reserve Committee is concerned that right-sizing on the east should occur before we integrate, not after because this may affect PHX Reserves)
- I don’t know. AFA’s Transition Agreement states that nobody that comes off a furlough can displace an active employee. You won’t have anyone move from active status to furlough status. There has been right-sizing in PIT, for example as we’ve adjusted that based to reflect the reduced flying there and it’s now the right size.
- In the future, if there are openings – or vacancies – in PHX, are the senior east Flight Attendants going to move to PHX and cause us to be on reserve eternally?
- Integration will occurred based on date-of-hire and there will be attrition so it might equal out. There are 300 US East Flight Attendants who live in California, Arizona and Nevada who commute to east coast bases, but they are very senior ex-PSA Flight Attendants who hold higher paying International flights out of PHL and CLT (Charlotte). If we didn’t conduct this merger, America West would have been out of money by this winter and would be down-sizing, so this merger makes sense for everyone.
- What if BOS closes, will those Flight Attendants bump us out in PHX after integration?
A. No intention to close any base in our system unless we dramatically cut flying. Even if we closed BOS, those Flight Attendants would be needed in DCA, LGA or other east coast bases. The good thing about this merger is that we plan to grow. We have no plans for BOS, or any base, to close at this point.
Q. We are the lowest paid Reserves in the industry! We are the lowest paid for a legacy/larger carrier! How can we get better pay and working conditions?
A. This is about being competitive. We wouldn’t put two companies together if it didn’t make sense financially. The reason the merger has worked is because the labor costs went down on the east side and from management’s perspective, we don’t want to raise our costs. We want to have contracts that attract the best people in the industry. We don’t have a problem attracting people or keeping people at these pay rates. Contract negotiations will have to address your working conditions. Life as a reserve is not great. Negotiations typically have been for pay/work rules for the top end (senior). It’s part of the culture for any Flight Attendant group. We’ll work it out in negotiations. Our contracts are not the lowest paid as other airlines are cutting wages to remain competitive.
Q. Attrition and scheduling issues?
At this point, Parker fielded questions from Reserves who attended the meeting. Mike Finn supplied much of the answers to these questions as well.
- Attrition and scheduling issues. What’s the company’s position on fatigue, reserve preference and can we work something out that can improve the Reserves life right now, such as negotiating side-letters, etc.
- The east attrition is much lower than the west attrition. Approximately 7 Flight Attendants are leaving the east seniority list. About 25 leave on the west side. We had planned for higher attrition on the east side, but that did not occur. We don’t want to lose people, as we take that seriously. As far as changing reserve work life issues, we came to an agreement regarding first-of-the-month assignment. We need specifics to fix the problem.
- How do we implement something to make life for Reserves better now?
- Two options here. Letter of Agreement, which legally changes the contract right now, sort of an amendment to the contract and it alters the contract. Letter of Understanding, which is used to clarify the contract, these are two areas that we can address specific issues
- Can we talk about the cost-effectiveness of the LAS-base? Why not expand LAS? We deadhead and displace paying customers on trips that could be worked by LAS-base Flight Attendants. And why are we “saving” LAS RV’s for irregular ops?
- We’ve gone back-and-fort about expanding LAS. LAS RSV’s sit hot almost every day and do work and they sit at the airport and are an insurance policy against canceling a flight. When we pay crews their full minimum but they don’t fly, that’s not productive and we try to minimize it.
- We about respectful treatment from schedulers?
- If you provide me with specific information, I will pursue it.
- How come AUTO’s are not granted for Reserves? Reserves end up flying the AUTO turns and trips that are dropped by lineholders and PL’s (personal leaves) are not available to Reserves.
- AUTO’s are awarded in seniority order. We tag a lot because it has to do with utilization and we are trying to grant senior people to AUTO out of their trips if staffing permits.
- We are always critically staffed, why?
- It depends on how many trips are in open time as opposed to available Reserves. We put off some hiring earlier, but have hired recently and September and October should be better.
- Why is our Reserve headcount so high? We staff with 20 percent reserves whereas other airlines staff at 12 percent?
- Our Reserve headcount percentage in PHX is 17.1%. We carry a higher number because we provide more flexibility for the senior people. If we were less flexible, we would staff at 12%. We take the previous history of how many Reserves we’ve used and we figure out what we need on a daily basis.
- Why don’t we get rid of preferences (A, B or C) since we don’t ever grant them? What about the inequality of hours worked between those on different preferences?
- We agree that we want all Reserves to work in equal work loads. We have to look at what causes this issue. We don’t want to have one crewmember working 110 hours and some LAS crews working only 40 hours. The bottom line is though that we don’t want to cancel flights because of lack of crews. There are always going to be people that don’t work to their minimum guarantee.
Q. When am I getting off Reserve?
A. By the time we integrate, we would like everybody off the east furlough list. There has been some concern from west Flight Attendants that the east furloughees will come back and go above their seniority. We believe strongly that most of the east furloughs won’t want to come back since it was obvious that they didn’t want to come back with the latest hiring in PHX. The acceptance rate was very low among east Furloughs taking west jobs that were offered earlier this year. (NOTE: About 45 east furloughs took west positions. Originally, over 70 signed up from a furlough list of approximately 1,690!)
Q. How can the company give a red-eye trip to an A preference?
A. We’re making sure we don’t have flight cancellations, but give me specifics and I can research it.
Q. Why do we have so many pairings with 5 leg days?
A. We try to build up trips so that they are worth more credit and it’s hard to control that. The Optimizer (a computer program that builds pairings) builds trips in order to maximize yield.
Q. How about extending rest periods on trips?
A. Rest is a contractual issue and rest contract rules are put into the optimizer when the pairings are created. If you make a 9-hour layover longer, you may end up with a longer layover and not fly as many hours as you could have. We look to build trips with shorter layovers and high yields (more credit).
Q. Personal Leaves (PL’s) and Emergency Leaves (EL’s), how does the company grant them?
A. Inflight Services supervisors must grant personal leaves and not Crew Scheduling. We are hoping that our new crew management computer system will have automation for PL’s/EL’s once we are under one certificate in 2007.
On behalf of your MEC Reserve Committee, thank you for taking time to read this report and recap of our meeting with Doug Parker. We are planning more open forum meetings in the future with Inflight Services management and Crew Scheduling. Look for future meeting times and dates on www.afa66.org or in our hotline updates that are e-mailed to your homes.
Meanwhile, your committee has been active in several areas. First, prior to the Parker meeting, we hosted a open forum meeting in the Hot Reserve Room with Ron Cole, PHX Inflight Services Director Linda Fry and Julie Runk from Crew Scheduling. I also attended the Uniform Open House with Designer Stan Herman and the AFA Uniform Committee and I met with Ron Cole for several hours last week to go over several concerns and problems that Reserves face.
We also reviewed the latest staffing projection numbers from Crew Scheduling and some of that information was placed in the Tuesday, August 1 MEC Update e-mail hotline and Reserve Committee members continue to monitor assignments and other Reserve information.
Remember to e-mail your Reserve Committee at:
Cactusreserves@yahoo.com.
The Roundtable with Doug was another success! In our 1st Roundtable with Management issues regarding fatigue and preferences were discussed at length. On Thursday the focus was on flexibility, accountability and financial responsibility. After the meeting "wrapped up" a group of Reserves moved back into the HOT Room where Mike Finn, Director of Crew Resources stayed for almost 2 more hours answering Scheduling questions. Thanks Mike!!
In the next couple of days a detailed review will be published on the Reserve Reporter and copies will be in the HOT Room and posted on the Reserve Bulletin Board in the Business office. We will also have the Meeting on tape to be played on the TV
On behalf of the Committee I want to tank all of those Reserves who took time from their day off to attend. Our goal is to make both Management and our co-workers aware of the conditions Reserves work under. We all signed on knowing life as a Reserve is not always pretty. None of us ever imagined just HOW ugly it could be.
As always keep the faith, know we are working on your behalf and support each other every day out there!
RESERVE REPORTER FYI
Did you know.......when you are on Standby you may call Scheduling to request to be released for a 2 hour window. This is helpful when you have appointments, business or just need to do the laundry. It doesn't solve all our issues, but it is available.
Read the Reserve Section, over and over again. Questions, confused? Contact the Committee and will gladly walk you through it.
ONE LAST THOUGHT.......
RESPECT....We continue to hear BAD things out there! Look, it doesn't matter if you're from the East, West, North, South or Siberia!!!! We are all here trying to do the same job. It's not where you come from, it is how you treat people. Personalities are a funny, and sometimes not so funny thing! It would be so wonderful if we all loved and understood each other. I am a realist, that's an impossible task. BUT....respect each others feelings and know that we are ALL here by choice. Let's work to make our days more enjoyable working together while we work on making the working conditions the same. Thanks for listening!
The Reserve Committee
Marsha Calhoun, Chair
AFA Reserve Committee hosts a RESERVE ROUNDTABLE-With Special Guest US Airways CEO Doug Parker!
DATE: THURSDAY - JULY 20
TIME: 11:00AM
PLACE: Reserve "HOT" Room
PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD. WE WELCOME CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, CARES, CONCERNS TO THE FORUM. PLEASE CONTACT THE AFA RESERVE COMMITTEE AT: cactusreserves@yahoo.com OR 480-966-1231, ext.23 WITH YOUR RSVP AND/OR QUESTIONS FOR MR. PARKER.
June 18, 2006
It was a very productive week for the Reserve Committee. Word around the Airport indicated that the Reserve Roundtable Lunch on June 13 was an overwhelming success. Thank you to all the Reserves who attended and especially those who took time from what little free time we have to be there.
We are pleased to report that our efforts have begun to pay off! Little changes, while perhaps not very noticeable right now are occurring. Over the last few days we have received calls from Reserves that they are FINALLY being assigned their preference, Yeah!! Scheduling is working very hard to group turns together so we won't be called out for less time than it takes us to get to the Airport. There is also an indication that every effort will be made to utilize the HOT Reserves only during their window of assignment.
Please be patient, in the realities of life we generally have to take 2 steps backward for every step forward. Know that we will continue to press on the issues that concern you most. Continue to read the Hotline and Reserve Reporter for more details about upcoming Roundtable events.
The Reserve Committee.
Issues Discussed at the Roundtable:
*Preference/Fatigue - HOT topic!! Concerns were presented especially safety when call outs occur very late in the shift resulting in a Reserve feasibly being up for 24 hours.
*Tagging - More prevalent recently, multiple days.
*Trip assignments - "Out of order"/breaking trips up and multiple positions during particular assignment (hot topic!).
*Preferential Treatment - A huge topic that got the ear of upper level Management. Ron Cole and Linda Fry will follow up. Open for ongoing discussion.
*Percentage of Reserves - Reduction of percentage currently on RSV by adding more Relief lines.
*Under/Over 90 hours - concerns regarding manipulation of hours. We will continue to press on this issue.
*Conversations with Scheduling - Be advised, ALL conversations are taped so if there are ANY issues that arise, please contact your supervisor or call the Reserve Committee at 480-966-1231, ext 23. Linda Fry assured the Reserves a Supervisor is on call 24/7. Please DO NOT debate with the Schedulers, this may place you in a more precarious position. We cannot stress this enough. Be respectful even if you don't feel the "love" on the other end! This will benefit you in the long run! Rude behavior will not be tolerated on either side.
*Carry-in Trips - Another "Hot" topic. This has been an issue over the years. The system "glitch" is being worked on, eventually no Reserve will be able to pick up a Carry-in trip. In the mean time as Schedulers notice, Carry-in Trips will be removed from your line. We will continue to monitor.
Some unfavorable reports out there regarding professionalism. The "Committee" is not synonymous with "Parents" BUT - please when in uniform on the plane, in the airport, on the bus or Hotel lobby use discretion. People hear much more than you think and they (and I mean the general public, not management) watch us! We know it is not just the RESERVES!
We always welcome your questions, cares, comments and concerns. Please be specific when you email us and be sure to leave a contact number!
Fly safe - have fun and guess what, there is a real life just around the corner!!!! Be patient, the brass ring is within your reach, just ask Shawn, Betsy and me!!
Marsha Calhoun, Reserve Chair
June 10, 2006
RESERVE LUNCH WITH MANAGEMENT SCHEDULED
On Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 11:00am, Ron Cole and Anthony Mule will be in the Reserve HOT Room to talk with the Reserves and answer your questions. We encourage ALL RESERVES to attend and make your concerns known. Thanks to the efforts of the Committee and Doug Parker this meeting has been made possible. Unfortunately Doug cannot attend (commitments in NYC) but has enthusiastically agreed to set up another "TOWN HALL" in the Reserve HOT Room in the very near future.
Again you are all strongly encouraged to attend. If you're on Stand-by that day bring your uniform. If you have a HOT assignment for that day, come early, stay late. If you have a DO/GD please consider this as an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions and be heard! If you are unable to attend we would like to ask you to e-mail your questions, cares, comments, concerns and we will present them for discussion.
Please know the Committee continues to work for YOU to make Reserve life better.
The Committee has set up a new e-mail address so we can work more efficiently to answer your questions. That address is: www.cactusreserves@yahoo.com
Look for more updates in the coming weeks and as soon as we set a "Date with Doug" we will get the info to you immediately.
April 18, 2006 First of Month Assignment
Reserve Committee Announcement
The MEC Reserve Committee and Crew Resources reached an agreement on the assignment of trips and HR and SB (Stand By) shifts that occur on the first day of each month in a new bid period.
This agreement does not alter, change or diminish any contract language in Section 9,Reserve or Section 7, Scheduling. It’s simply a way to begin assignments at the beginning of the month so that all Reserves know how trips and HR and SB shifts are assigned – and to whom – at the beginning of each month.
Therefore, on May 1, 2006 the following assignment process will be in place.
1. Trips that are in Company Open Time which begin on the first-day-of-the-month are assigned to Reserve Lineholders in seniority order by 1600 on the day prior to the first day of the month. Therefore, if you are among the most senior Reserve Lineholders on the first day of the month, you will get a trip.
2. Ready Reserve shifts – or Hot Reserve shifts – are assigned by inverse seniority order for the first day of the month by 1600 on the day prior. If you are among the most junior Reserve Lineholders on the first day of the month, it’s highly likely you will get a HR shift.
3. Remaining available Reserve Lineholders will be assigned Standby A, B or C shifts If you are in the middle range seniority among Reserve Lineholders on the first day of the month, you will likely receive a Standby A, B or C assignment.
Why this assignment process? The Reserve Committee wanted a start-of-the-month assignment process to bring some order tothe way Crew Resources assigns shifts at the beginning of the month. This same process was in place before and provided some structure to how assignments were made at the start of the month and it worked well.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Via Facsimile/Electronic Mail/Facsimile
Michael Finn
Director of Crew Resources
US Airways
4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Re: Memorandum of Understanding/Reserve Lineholder Assignments
Dear Mr. Finn:
On Monday, April 10, 2006 members of the AFA MEC Reserve Committee approved a Crew Resources proposal on assigning trips to Reserve Lineholders at the beginning of the month.
The proposal does not alter – in any manner – Section 7, Scheduling, I or Section 9, Reserve, of the 1999 AFA-AWA Agreement, rather, the proposal utilizes the assignment benchmarks in the contract and preserves contractual elements such as seniority-based assignments where applicable, equitable distribution of Airport Ready Reserve assignments and least-credit assignment language.
Below is our understanding of the proposal and how it will be applied.
- Trips or pairings that are in Company Open Time which initiate on the first-day-of-the-month, are assigned to Reserve Lineholders in seniority order by 1600 the day prior to the first-day-of-the-month.
- Airport Ready Reserves shifts, commonly called Hot Reserve shifts or HR shifts are assigned to Reserve Lineholders by 1600 the day prior to the first-day-of-the-month in inverse seniority order.
- Remaining Stand-by A,B and C shifts are assigned to Reserve Lineholders who are not assigned a trip/pairing or a HR shift.
Please review proposal elements as listed above and correspond with your understanding or if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Gary T. Richardson
President, Master Executive Council
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Council 66
Marsha Calhoun
Chair, MEC Reserve Committee
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Council 66
MEC Reserve Committee Chair
Marsha Calhoun
www.cactusreserves@yahoo.com
Representatives
Betsy Hooks
Johnny Valesquez
Shawn Garcia
Deb Breazeale
Teri Brock
Thomas Gunther
Joann Hoffertt
Special Consultant - Susan Rivera
LAS Vegas Council Representative
Julie Miller
Hot Room Rumor Control
August 18,2006
Since being appointed Reserve Chair in January and forming a Committee a lot has gone on, some good, some bad, some unnoticeable to you. Over the last 8 months this Committee has worked tirelessly to improve Reserve life. To clarify a "controversy" of sorts with respect to some of our accomplishments:
FICTION: I did not have any authorative "power" over Scheduling in "over turning" the trip request "rule".
FACT: Nothing in the contract addresses trip requests for Reserves, nor was there ever any "unwritten/handshake" rule addressing the same.
Our responsibility is to ALL of the Reserves, and there were many complaints of favoritism regarding this issue. Many were told, " they just didn't know HOW to ask...". We met with Scheduling management and discussed the possibilities of a FAIR and EQUITABLE way for ALL Reserves to request trips on a daily basis. It just is not possible, therefore in the interest of ALL the Reserves, the Union and Scheduling Management agreed to not accept requests for trips.
FACT: We offered alternate proposals for trip requests and they were denied. But, we have not given up on that idea yet!
FACT: Honestly, if I DID have the "power" to change trip requests, believe me, I would use that power to revamp the whole system.
I have addressed this "old business" because some out there will not let it go! I am sorry for the few that feel we have spoiled things for them, but I am not sorry for working on the contractual notion that trips be distributed in a fair and equitable nature. The contract calls for credit balancing and that's what we fight for. Look guys, we have bigger fish to fry.
FACT: Management is listening! The Round Tables are more of a success than you may see at the moment. I met with Ron Cole recently and we are in the process of working on proposals to make POSITIVE modifications in the current Reserve system. Stay tuned, in the next few weeks we will offer and seek ideas to benefit all of us.
*******************************************
The Committee needs to receive documentation on any and all Scheduling issues, no matter how small it may seem. Please forward specific information as quickly as possible. Make sure we have pertinent and factual details along with contact information. We will be presenting the many, many emails received over the last 8 months so get us your info quickly to "Cacutsreserves@yahoo.com.
We continually look for your comments, questions, cares and concerns, but mostly you support.
Fly Safe
Marsha Calhoun, Reserve Chair
The first new-hire class of 2006 has graduated and will come on line this weekend. This new-hire class contains several Flight Attendants who are on the US Airways "East" system seniority list and who were furloughed at US Airways. Questions and rumors about their seniority and pay have come up in the Ready Reserve Room at T-4.
Here are the facts:
Seniority
These furloughed "east" Flight Attendants are junior to all "west" Flight Attendants until we merge the operations, have a Single Contract and a merged seniority list and no sooner.
Rumor had it that they would get their seniority immediately. Not true.
Further, they also had to have been offered a recall to the East after the merged operation in order for them to have their seniority ranking honored, as per a combined seniority list. Until that occurs, which is more than a year away, they remain junior to all PHX and LAS-based flight attendants.
Pay
A furloughed "east" Flight Attendant, who accepts a new-hire job at AWA or "west" is paid on the America West contract scale, but based on any longevity they accrued at US Airways east prior to their furlough. Rumors were that they are paid based on the current US Airways scale. Not true.
Longevity is different from Seniority in that it reflects the time a Flight Attendant is active at the airline. Most types of Leaves of Absence and transfers to other non-Inflight jobs affect Longevity.
As an example you could be a five-year Flight Attendant - seniority wise - but have only two-years Longevity because of a Leave of Absence. In this example, you are paid at the two-year pay scale rather than the five-year pay scale.
East Recalls, An Update
Last month, the company announced the recall of approximately 600 furloughed “east” Flight Attendants to the east operation. That figure has been revised downward to approximately 450, with over 200 recalls for June, approximately 80 for August and the balance for December. Those recalls, base-transfers, and filling of vacancies have no impact on our PHX-base because of the separate operations and protections contained in the Transition Agreement. These figures are based on current Company information and the numbers of recalls are subject to change.
Until we merge operations, merge the FAA certificate and have a single contract, furlough recalls on the east will have no impact on vacancies or openings in the PHX/LAS bases. East Flight Attendants cannot transfer into PHX/LAS during the period of separate operations and any transfers in the future would be governed by negotiated transfer and/or filling of vacancies language in the single contract.
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