AFA Detroit Local Executive Council 94 | 01 October 2008

 

get the 'BIG PICTURE'

THE UNION MEETING YOU NEED TO ATTEND . . .

How will the Delta merger affect you, your family, and your quality of life? 

What’s it really like to work for Delta Airlines? Is it true things are so good they don’t need a union?  Or is the “new” Delta management team just a bunch of recycled NWA managers?

Where does your Flight Attendant career fit in a declining middle class?  Why should you care?  Is there anything you can do about it? 

Don’t miss this very special opportunity to get a glimpse of ‘The Big Picture’ as presented by Local 94’s unique slate of Union Leader and Flight Attendant Activist keynote speakers.

INFORMAL TOWN HALL MEETING

Monday, October 6th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 7, 9:00 –11:30 a.m.  and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Westin Detroit Airport - Sky Ballroom

Pat Friend – Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, International President

"Under Pat Friend's leadership, AFA-CWA has fought for and won whistleblower protections for aviation employees, increased penalties for passengers who interfere with crewmember duties, a smoking ban on international flights, and opened the door for occupational safety and health protections for all flight attendants.  Frequently called upon to present key Flight Attendant issues before Congress, she recently testified before a house sub-committee scrutinizing conduct of the National Mediation Board and its anti-worker policies." 

*Pat will address the state of the industry with an update on the NWA/DAL merger.

Larry Cohen – Communications Workers of America (CWA), President

"Widely recognized as one of the most visionary and effective leaders in the labor movement.  Larry cuts to the chase, speaks to the heart and inspires members to get involved.  He has the gift of drawing the Labor Movement's bigger picture into bite-sized chunks.  Every flight attendant needs to hear Larry's powerful message first-hand and recognize their place in restoring bargaining rights to rebuild the country's middle class--starting with our own battle to retain representation at the soon-to-be largest airline in the world!"

Special Guests, Marianne Bicksler and Angela Winningham – Delta Flight Attendant Union Activists

Do their work rules work for them? What happens if you speak up to question authority?  What's the story about pay raises, pay cuts, and the ever-changing policy manual? What is this "Delta culture" we keep hearing about?  Get the real deal right from the source.  Passionate activists, Marianne and Angela share their quest for Flight Attendant union representation at Delta Air Lines.

Never been to a union meeting?  Don't normally bother to go?  It's okay to bring questions.  Bring a friend.  Get motivated.  Get involved.

 

ATTENTION DETROIT COMMUTERS! (and locals, too)

Please join AFA Council 94 President Diana Mitcham and Member Engagement Chairperson Greg Frattini this Thursday, October 2, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Comfort Inn, 31800 Wick Rd., Romulus, MI, for an informational, interactive discussion with FREE PIZZA!  Topics will include: 

  • Understanding your right to representation
  • Right of recall under our contract
  • Your right to a system seniority list
  • Benefits of union representation and much more!

This is your chance to get out of that dreary commuter room and enjoy a little pizza and soda along with some engaging dialogue.  Please join us!  Bring a friend? Bring several!  We'll see you there!

If you are in need of transportation from your commuter hotel, please contact Greg Frattini at gfrattini@nwaafa.org 

 

YOUR NEXT COUNCIL MEETING:

Delta Flight Attendants Answer Your Questions

Staff Attorney Addresses Merger-related Health Insurance and Pension Issues

Local 94 is thrilled to welcome Delta Flight Attendants, Marianne Bicksler and Angela Winningham to our next Council Meeting, Wednesday, October 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. to share their stories and answer your questions.  Discover why a growing team of Delta activists work tirelessly to gain union rights and representation.

AFA Legal Benefits Attorney, Mary Lou Savage, will also be a featured guest at Wednesday's meeting.  Mary Lou will explain the differences between Northwest and Delta's employee health plan costs and coverage, contrast/compare the NWA and DAL frozen defined benefit pension plan, and explain the differences in each current defined contribution plan.  Additionally, she will be available to answer questions in a more informal setting from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the ALPA conference room across the hall from your Local 94 office.  If you'd like to ask a question in advance, e-mail mlsavage@afanet.org.

 

BAG SEARCH.  FACT OR RUMOR?

There are a lot of rumors concerning random bag searches being conducted by the company.  We'd like to take a moment to address those rumors, and deal with any misconceptions that are being created by jumpseat talk.

First, let's talk about what's true.  It is a fact that two people have recently been terminated because of the results of bag searches.   In fact, at many workplaces, employees are subject to daily or weekly searches of personal belongings such as lunchboxes or lockers.  Many union contracts address personal property searches.  If you are subject to a bag search, you have the right to a witness, and private consultation with your union representative (via phone if necessary).   ALWAYS insist on a union representation. 

Flight attendants mistakenly believe that our personal bags, those which are not company issue, are off limits to bag searches.  This is NOT true.  The company, under certain circumstances, has the right to request a search of all your bags, not just those issued by the company. 

Random bag searches of  Flight Attendant luggage calls to mind the oft-repeated advice that is sometimes dismissed as a rumor.  Much as we like to be prepared, please remember to always empty apron pockets, purses and bags of any Northwest property, even if it is of no value, before stepping off the aircraft.  If you have any concerns or questions about this issue, please feel free to contact one of your Local Executive Council Officers.  (some material provided by MEC Grievance chair Greg Riffle)

 

SMALL PIN, BIG MESSAGE . . .

Local 94 Officers want to remind you to wear your Union pin.  Flight attendants fought for the right to wear their union pins on our uniforms, and for the benefits that come with it.  If you plan on attending one of the upcoming "style clinics" for your new Delta uniform, please wear your union pin.  When you try on your new uniform, be sure to ask where to display your contractually-allowed union pin.

There are reports that company representatives have directed flight attendants to remove union pins for promotional videos and photographs.  If you are directed to remove union pins for any reason, please report it immediately to your local executive council.  You are encouraged to wear your union pin to all company events and to training - including the Northwest Experience (or "Delta Experience," as it is increasingly referred to, following the recent overhaul.)  If you need a union pin, please contact your local office. 

 

GET INVOLVED.  DESTINATION:  REPRESENTATION

The "New Delta" will be the world's largest carrier.  The combined work force will not just follow industry standard, it will be  the industry standard.  A representational election for flight attendants at Delta will be held after the company satisfies government formalities for mergers.  Perhaps more than any election in our careers, this will stand alone as the most important.  Now, more than ever, your union needs your participation to help secure a future of representation. 

Click on the official campaign logo to go to the "Join the Campaign" page of the new Northwest / Delta organizing campaign Web site.  This Web site will show you the appropriate chairperson for your state.  We're currently looking for state chairs, and activists at all levels.  Make sure there is a union pin on your uniform, and an AFA tag on your suitcase.  Stop by the union offices under gate A8 for any of those items, and for information on how you can help in our effort to keep representation.    

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Wear your Union Pin!  FLY SAFE, AND FLY THE CONTRACT!