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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 |