HEADLINE NEWS
PBS SERVER OUTAGE
The PBS system is unavailable while the PBS computer servers are physically relocated from Memphis to Minneapolis. The company expects to have the server back up by late Tuesday, May 28th. No pilots or flight attendants will be able to access the Crew Interface during this time. Please note that other website functions such as the FlyPinnacle.com and CrewTrac will be unaffected by this service outage. No data (standing bids, schedules, reports, etc) will be lost during the transfer.
The PBS system is unavailable while the PBS computer servers are physically relocated from Memphis to Minneapolis. The company expects to have the server back up by late Tuesday, May 28th. No pilots or flight attendants will be able to access the Crew Interface during this time. Please note that other website functions such as the FlyPinnacle.com and CrewTrac will be unaffected by this service outage. No data (standing bids, schedules, reports, etc) will be lost during the transfer.
LIKE our News Feed on Facebook!
JOIN our Galley Chat group on Facebook!
FOLLOW us on Twitter!
SIGN UP for E-lines!
Need an AFA representative?
855-4-PCL-AFA
(855-472-5232)
Toll Free
AFA LEC ELECTIONS NOMINATIONS RESULTS
The nomination process is complete and the results are posted here for DTW Council 46 and here for MSP Council 48.
Election Schedule
Mail date: 6-17-2013 (Voting Instructions and Activation Code mailed)
Polls open: 6-19-2013 (Voting begins online and by telephone)
Polls close: 7-10-2013 (Election ballots are tallied)
Only those who are active members in good standing can actually cast a vote. If you have not yet joined AFA, you can still join and then become an eligible voter by filling out a membership application and keeping dues payments current. You can find the application here.
The nomination process is complete and the results are posted here for DTW Council 46 and here for MSP Council 48.
Election Schedule
Mail date: 6-17-2013 (Voting Instructions and Activation Code mailed)
Polls open: 6-19-2013 (Voting begins online and by telephone)
Polls close: 7-10-2013 (Election ballots are tallied)
Only those who are active members in good standing can actually cast a vote. If you have not yet joined AFA, you can still join and then become an eligible voter by filling out a membership application and keeping dues payments current. You can find the application here.
JFK FLIGHT ATTENDANTS
We would like to see a JFK local council established if there is enough support from the JFK based Flight Attendants to do so. The AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws outlines very specific requirements that need to be met before a new local council can be established. We are planning to conduct crew room sits (in April or May with dates to be determined) to answer questions and assess support for a JFK council. For this election cycle, JFK will be part of Council 46, but if a JFK council is established, there would be another JFK-only election soon afterwards.
We would like to see a JFK local council established if there is enough support from the JFK based Flight Attendants to do so. The AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws outlines very specific requirements that need to be met before a new local council can be established. We are planning to conduct crew room sits (in April or May with dates to be determined) to answer questions and assess support for a JFK council. For this election cycle, JFK will be part of Council 46, but if a JFK council is established, there would be another JFK-only election soon afterwards.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HARD AT WORK
On Monday, the TSA announced that it would delay the beginning of Knives on Planes on April 25th due to the work of AFA and the Flight Attendant Coalition. Pinnacle AFA Government Affairs has been very involved in the fight to keep knives off planes.
Last week, members of the Pinnacle AFA Government Affairs committee met with members of Congress in Washington, DC to discuss the TSA proposal to allow small knives and other currently banned items on the plane and to get support for House Resolution 156 which does not support the new initiative for Knives in planes and House Resolution 1093 which keeps the TSA from changing banned items. The team comprised of four Pinnacle Flight Attendants: Ralph Trejo, AFA Council 481 LECVP; Paula Jacobson, MEC Government Affairs Co-Chair; Trina Bach-Johnson, Council 481 Government Affairs Committee member, and Kaela Berg, AFA Council 481 LECP.
On Monday, the TSA announced that it would delay the beginning of Knives on Planes on April 25th due to the work of AFA and the Flight Attendant Coalition. Pinnacle AFA Government Affairs has been very involved in the fight to keep knives off planes.
Last week, members of the Pinnacle AFA Government Affairs committee met with members of Congress in Washington, DC to discuss the TSA proposal to allow small knives and other currently banned items on the plane and to get support for House Resolution 156 which does not support the new initiative for Knives in planes and House Resolution 1093 which keeps the TSA from changing banned items. The team comprised of four Pinnacle Flight Attendants: Ralph Trejo, AFA Council 481 LECVP; Paula Jacobson, MEC Government Affairs Co-Chair; Trina Bach-Johnson, Council 481 Government Affairs Committee member, and Kaela Berg, AFA Council 481 LECP.
The team met with Representatives Tim Walz, MN-D; Betty McCollum, MN-D(Co-Sponsor of H.R. 1093); Michele Bachmann, MN-R; Collin Peterson, MN-D; John Kline, MN-R; Erik Paulsen, MN-R; Sen. Al Franken, MN-D,; and revisited Representatives Keith Ellison, MN-D and Rick Nolan, MN-D seeking support of H.R. 156. Kaela had a 10-minute meeting with Rick Nolan to discuss H.R.156 and H.R. 1093. Kaela met with staff of Michele Bachmann’s office, who committed to the resolution. Senator Franken committed to the resolution and sent a letter to Administrator Pistole urging him to reconsider his decision.
Kaela Berg, LECP
Overall the MSP AFA Legislative(Government Affairs) team did a fantastic job and I am extremely proud of each and every one of them. AFA has some serious new (Congressional) assets to call upon….Minnesota’s congressional representatives and senators are now aware that AFA-CWA is operating with many new members… in the State of Minnesota…and that we appreciate their concern for the safety and security of their constituents - both cabin crew and passengers - while in flight.
The Pinnacle AFA Government Affairs Committee is hard at work holding face-to-face meetings with members of Congress to help keep knives out of the cabin. Even though the TSA has issued a reprieve on this outrageous policy change, we still need all Pinnacle Flight Attendants to call their representatives and tell them that we don’t want knives in the cabin. We need to continue to apply pressure to Congress to act and support H.R. 1093 which prohibits knives in planes. You can find your Representative by entering your zip code. A script to use can be found here. Please help make a difference and stop this insane policy.
Pictured: R-L Paula Jacobson, Trina Bach-Johnson, Kaela Berg (Ralph Trejo taking picture)
48 HOUR TRIP TRADE VIOLATIONS
If you are not receiving a decision on your trip trade submissions within 48 hours, we need to know about it! The company continues to violate the CBA in this regard and it is unacceptable. Be included in the list of affected flight attendants.
Use this form to report the specific details of your case.
If you are not receiving a decision on your trip trade submissions within 48 hours, we need to know about it! The company continues to violate the CBA in this regard and it is unacceptable. Be included in the list of affected flight attendants.
Use this form to report the specific details of your case.
What does Employee Assistance Program and Professional Standards mean to you?
Your EAP/ProStan Representatives are trained to confidentially assist you with managing the life emergencies we encounter from time to time. From lending an un-judging ear to facilitating counseling needs or simply directing you through the process of paperwork for a leave of absence, your EAP/ProStan Committee is your support team. We are also available to assist with workstyle issues within the flight attendant group.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Manage Conflicts with the assistance of your AFA Professional Standards Committee
Don’t write your co-worker up!
Your Union’s Professional Standards Program is designed to empower you to address workplace conflicts either directly or through an AFA Professional Standards Representative. It is also designed to provide you with an avenue of resolution that is completely separate from the reporting and investigative process that occurs when conflicts are reported to management. The EAP Pro-Stan Committee can help in facilitating conflict resolution between co-workers without the threat of company discipline. Our goal is to address issues before a flight attendant is in job jeopardy.
When you use the company “Hot Line” as a source for co-worker resolution you activate the company’s disciplinary and investigative process. You expose yourself to undesirable pressure from management and peer scrutiny. Most importantly – You may subject your co-worker to unnecessary discipline up to and including potential job jeopardy. When Crew Resource Management tools are not working, Don’t write it up! Contact your Professional Standards Committee for a win-win resolution.
Through AFA’s Professional Standards Services, you can contact your local Professional Standards Representative and confidentially share a problem or concern about your co-worker. Together, you and your local Professional Standards Representative will come up with an action plan that makes best sense for you and your concerns. Your identity and information will remain confidential, unless of course you give your AFA Professional Standards Committee permission to share it.
So if you’d like someone to listen to your concerns and to help you develop an action plan that makes sense and is managed by you, give us a call. Don’t write your co-worker up! Remember, we’ll always be exposed to conflicts. How we choose to manage conflict is one of the truest measures of our character.
Confidentially Assisting co-workers and their families with today’s issues…
Your EAP/ProStan Representatives are trained to confidentially assist you with managing the life emergencies we encounter from time to time. From lending an un-judging ear to facilitating counseling needs or simply directing you through the process of paperwork for a leave of absence, your EAP/ProStan Committee is your support team. We are also available to assist with workstyle issues within the flight attendant group.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Manage Conflicts with the assistance of your AFA Professional Standards Committee
Don’t write your co-worker up!
Your Union’s Professional Standards Program is designed to empower you to address workplace conflicts either directly or through an AFA Professional Standards Representative. It is also designed to provide you with an avenue of resolution that is completely separate from the reporting and investigative process that occurs when conflicts are reported to management. The EAP Pro-Stan Committee can help in facilitating conflict resolution between co-workers without the threat of company discipline. Our goal is to address issues before a flight attendant is in job jeopardy.
When you use the company “Hot Line” as a source for co-worker resolution you activate the company’s disciplinary and investigative process. You expose yourself to undesirable pressure from management and peer scrutiny. Most importantly – You may subject your co-worker to unnecessary discipline up to and including potential job jeopardy. When Crew Resource Management tools are not working, Don’t write it up! Contact your Professional Standards Committee for a win-win resolution.
Through AFA’s Professional Standards Services, you can contact your local Professional Standards Representative and confidentially share a problem or concern about your co-worker. Together, you and your local Professional Standards Representative will come up with an action plan that makes best sense for you and your concerns. Your identity and information will remain confidential, unless of course you give your AFA Professional Standards Committee permission to share it.
So if you’d like someone to listen to your concerns and to help you develop an action plan that makes sense and is managed by you, give us a call. Don’t write your co-worker up! Remember, we’ll always be exposed to conflicts. How we choose to manage conflict is one of the truest measures of our character.
Confidentially Assisting co-workers and their families with today’s issues…
|
**Kt Jacobs, MEC Chair**
EAP and Professional Standards Committee
kjacobs@pclafa.org
612-810-0512
|
|
|
Cindy King, LEC Chair, MSP/MEM 612-554-3324 |
Jay Cox, LEC Chair, DTW/JFK/ATL 513-283-3507 |
A complete list of EAP reps and their contact information can be found here.
Carry Contract Changes With You!
A new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement or Contract) will be printed that will encompass the changes from the recent concessionary agreement. In the meantime you might want to refer to our website that lists the work rule changes that are in effect. There is also a [ printer-friendly pdf version ]you can print yourself and carry with you if you like. The proofreading process is important and consists of the company and AFA sharing the document back and forth until all typos or language inconsistencies are resolved to mutual agreement. AFA has completed its check and the document is with the company’s legal department. We know you are anxious to get your new updated copy - once the proofreading process is complete, it will be immediately sent to the printer.
All this and more can be found by clicking on the "Contract / Ratified Agreement" link on the menu on the left side of this page.
Here are some items that have recently changed due to concessions:
A new CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement or Contract) will be printed that will encompass the changes from the recent concessionary agreement. In the meantime you might want to refer to our website that lists the work rule changes that are in effect. There is also a [ printer-friendly pdf version ]you can print yourself and carry with you if you like. The proofreading process is important and consists of the company and AFA sharing the document back and forth until all typos or language inconsistencies are resolved to mutual agreement. AFA has completed its check and the document is with the company’s legal department. We know you are anxious to get your new updated copy - once the proofreading process is complete, it will be immediately sent to the printer.
All this and more can be found by clicking on the "Contract / Ratified Agreement" link on the menu on the left side of this page.
Here are some items that have recently changed due to concessions:
- Ability to drop to 50 hours, provided trip is picked up by another FA and not dropped into open time.
- Extensions and junior manning (premium pay) 150%
- Per diem $1.40
- FAA required remote training at 50% pay
- Elimination of customs pay
- Deadheads at 50% pay and credit
- 45 minute report
- Recurrent Training paid but no credit toward guarantee
- Deadheads at 50% pay and credit
- Part Time lines 8 days
- Wage rate freeze for one year
- Grandfathered Part Time lose health insurance, unless they moved to Full Time
- ALL Insurance changes
- ESL (extended sick leave) elimination
- Uniform allowance reduced by $100
- Contractually required meal break
- FAA required remote training at 50% pay
- New 401K rates
- Month balancing (length of bid period might not be 30 or 31 days)
USW PRESIDENT GERARD SUPPORTS FLIGHT ATTENDANT UNION COALITION
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard has pledged the USW’s full support for the Flight Attendants Union Coalition, a group representing nearly 90,000 flight attendants campaigning to reverse the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision to allow knives in aircraft cabins for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001.
“The decision to allow knives on planes flies in the face of logic and puts our dedicated flight attendants, as well as countless innocent passengers, needlessly in harm’s way,” Gerard said. “There is simply no good reason to do this, and there are a million reasons not to do it.”
The TSA announced last week that air passengers would be allowed to carry knives with blades up to 2.36 inches. The decision is scheduled to go into effect on April 25. The flight attendants coalition is planning a series of actions to increase pressure on the TSA to reverse the decision, beginning with an online petition to the White House at www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com.
“One of the most important jobs our leaders have is to stand up for the safety and health of the people in our workplaces and our communities,” Gerard said. “We fully support our hard-working brothers and sisters whose workplaces are in our aircraft, and we join them in urging the TSA to put a stop to this ridiculous and unsafe plan.”
The USW represents about 850,000 workers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean in a wide variety of industries, ranging from glassmaking to mining, steel, oil, paper, tire and rubber to the public sector, service and health care industries.
United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard has pledged the USW’s full support for the Flight Attendants Union Coalition, a group representing nearly 90,000 flight attendants campaigning to reverse the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decision to allow knives in aircraft cabins for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001.
“The decision to allow knives on planes flies in the face of logic and puts our dedicated flight attendants, as well as countless innocent passengers, needlessly in harm’s way,” Gerard said. “There is simply no good reason to do this, and there are a million reasons not to do it.”
The TSA announced last week that air passengers would be allowed to carry knives with blades up to 2.36 inches. The decision is scheduled to go into effect on April 25. The flight attendants coalition is planning a series of actions to increase pressure on the TSA to reverse the decision, beginning with an online petition to the White House at www.NoKnivesOnPlanes.com.
“One of the most important jobs our leaders have is to stand up for the safety and health of the people in our workplaces and our communities,” Gerard said. “We fully support our hard-working brothers and sisters whose workplaces are in our aircraft, and we join them in urging the TSA to put a stop to this ridiculous and unsafe plan.”
The USW represents about 850,000 workers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean in a wide variety of industries, ranging from glassmaking to mining, steel, oil, paper, tire and rubber to the public sector, service and health care industries.
TAKE ACTION: TELL THE TSA TO KEEP KNIVES OUT OF THE CABIN
Flight Attendants Union Coalition Launches Nationwide Opposition To Knives In Cabin
Washington, DC – The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers across the country, is coordinating a nationwide legislative and public campaign to reverse yesterday’s announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that effective April 25, knives would be allowed in the aircraft cabin for the first time since 9/11. The Coalition will utilize a series of tactics to apply pressure, starting with a petition to the White House. Sign The Petition>>
“Flight Attendants are outraged. We are the last line of defense in aviation security and time does not change the fact that we were among the first to die in a war we didn’t know we were fighting on September 11, 2001. At great cost, we know better today. There is no excuse for this.
AFA International VP Sara Nelson on the Today Show
Flight Attendants Union Coalition Launches Nationwide Opposition To Knives In Cabin
Washington, DC – The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants at carriers across the country, is coordinating a nationwide legislative and public campaign to reverse yesterday’s announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that effective April 25, knives would be allowed in the aircraft cabin for the first time since 9/11. The Coalition will utilize a series of tactics to apply pressure, starting with a petition to the White House. Sign The Petition>>
“Flight Attendants are outraged. We are the last line of defense in aviation security and time does not change the fact that we were among the first to die in a war we didn’t know we were fighting on September 11, 2001. At great cost, we know better today. There is no excuse for this.
AFA International VP Sara Nelson on the Today Show
“Since yesterday’s announcement, our unions have received an overwhelming response of outrage from members and passengers across the country. This policy reversal is against the best interest of the security of crew and passengers in the aircraft cabin and we will stop at nothing to fight it.
“Our nation’s aviation system is the safest in the world thanks to multi-layered security measures that include prohibition on many items that could pose a threat to the integrity of the aircraft cabin. The continued ban on dangerous objects is an integral layer in aviation security and must remain in place.
“We will continue to oppose this dangerous approach to aviation security until the TSA reverses the decision and keeps knives and other dangerous objects out of the aircraft cabin and on the ground where they belong,” said leaders from the five unions.
Sign AFA's White House Petition and help keep knives and other dangerous objects out of the aircraft cabin and on the ground where they belong. Sign The Petition>>
“Our nation’s aviation system is the safest in the world thanks to multi-layered security measures that include prohibition on many items that could pose a threat to the integrity of the aircraft cabin. The continued ban on dangerous objects is an integral layer in aviation security and must remain in place.
“We will continue to oppose this dangerous approach to aviation security until the TSA reverses the decision and keeps knives and other dangerous objects out of the aircraft cabin and on the ground where they belong,” said leaders from the five unions.
Sign AFA's White House Petition and help keep knives and other dangerous objects out of the aircraft cabin and on the ground where they belong. Sign The Petition>>
CONCESSIONARY AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION DATES
Below is a list of the implementation dates that have been determined.
Implemented on 12/1/12:
Implemented on 1/16/13:
Beginning with the February Bid Period:
Beginning on 2/1/13:
Beginning with March Bid Period:
Beginning on 4/1/13:
Beginning on 6/1/13:
Month balancing (length of bid period might not be 30 or 31 days)
Deadline to designate which week of 2013 vacation to be unpaid:
As more implementation dates are determined, we will pass them on to you.
Below is a list of the implementation dates that have been determined.
Implemented on 12/1/12:
- Ability to drop to 50 hours, provided trip is picked up by another FA and not dropped into open time.
Implemented on 1/16/13:
- Uniform allowance reduced by $100
- Extensions and junior manning (premium pay) 150%
- Per diem $1.40
- No contractual meal breaks
- Wage rate freeze for one year
Beginning with the February Bid Period:
- FAA required remote training at 50% pay
- Elimination of customs pay
Beginning on 2/1/13:
- New 401K rates
Beginning with March Bid Period:
- 45 minute report
- Recurrent Training paid but no credit toward guarantee
- Deadheads at 50% pay and credit
Beginning on 4/1/13:
- Part Time lines 8 days
- Grandfathered Part Time lose health insurance, unless they moved to Full Time
- ALL Insurance changes
- ESL (extended sick leave) elimination
Beginning on 6/1/13:
Month balancing (length of bid period might not be 30 or 31 days)
Deadline to designate which week of 2013 vacation to be unpaid:
- Jan. 30, 2013. The form is now available online at flypinnacle>inflight>forms>FA Vacation Non-Pay election. If you have 14 days or more accrued vacation and you do not designate which week is to be unpaid, it will default to the latest week of your vacation.
As more implementation dates are determined, we will pass them on to you.
REPORT GROOMING FAILURES
We are collecting documentation of grooming issues, to inform the company that grooming of aircraft is not consistent, and these inconsistencies are widespread around our system. In order for us to make this argument, we need data, and we need your help. We have created an online form for you to submit information to us. It’s important that you also follow the company’s instructions and send a report to cleancabin@flypinnacle.com, so that they cannot claim that we are skipping the procedures that the company has established in such cases. We do our part, and we deserve to expect in return that the situation will be addressed. Please report all grooming deficiencies, whether they be in hubs or outstations.
Grooming Form
*Save the page to your bookmarks in your smartphone!*
We are collecting documentation of grooming issues, to inform the company that grooming of aircraft is not consistent, and these inconsistencies are widespread around our system. In order for us to make this argument, we need data, and we need your help. We have created an online form for you to submit information to us. It’s important that you also follow the company’s instructions and send a report to cleancabin@flypinnacle.com, so that they cannot claim that we are skipping the procedures that the company has established in such cases. We do our part, and we deserve to expect in return that the situation will be addressed. Please report all grooming deficiencies, whether they be in hubs or outstations.
Grooming Form
*Save the page to your bookmarks in your smartphone!*
ALL COMMITTEES RECRUITING MEMBERS!
All local councils are recruiting committee members! Please contact your LEC President if you are interested in serving on a committee:
[ More info on each committee ]
All local councils are recruiting committee members! Please contact your LEC President if you are interested in serving on a committee:
[ More info on each committee ]
- Grievance
- Scheduling
- Air Safety, Health, & Security
- Hotel
- Jumpseat
- Uniform
- Communications
- EAP / Pro-Stan
TOLL FREE PHONE LINE FOR AFA REPRESENTATION
There is one number to call when you need a union rep. No matter where you are based, whether you are Pinnacle, pre-merger Mesaba, or Colgan, there is one number you need to put in your phone! You will have the opportunity to leave a message detailing what your situation is and what your needs are, and your case will be routed to the appropriate party, who will return your call.
Call 855-4-PCL-AFA
(855-472-5232)
There is one number to call when you need a union rep. No matter where you are based, whether you are Pinnacle, pre-merger Mesaba, or Colgan, there is one number you need to put in your phone! You will have the opportunity to leave a message detailing what your situation is and what your needs are, and your case will be routed to the appropriate party, who will return your call.
Call 855-4-PCL-AFA
(855-472-5232)
PAYROLL ISSUES
We’ve seen the repeated complaints about payroll problems and we know this is an issue that needs immediate attention. We need to document these issues and track them in order to seek resolution. You shouldn’t have to wonder every month if your pay will be right – or spend hours trying to fix it. We will move to address this issue with details and our legal team needs your reports. While we collect specific details on the issue and analyze the problem, it will still be necessary to address individual payroll issues using the company’s current procedures. Only now, you are not alone in this. Your union stands with you. Follow these steps if you have an issue with your paycheck:
Armed with the data we receive, we will be better positioned to fight – not only for you in the short term – but also to address the more global issue of the monumental scope of the repeated occurrences. We will not allow management to disperse this issue throughout the system by pawning off the issue with each manager. AFA will track, trend and seek universal solutions.
We’ve seen the repeated complaints about payroll problems and we know this is an issue that needs immediate attention. We need to document these issues and track them in order to seek resolution. You shouldn’t have to wonder every month if your pay will be right – or spend hours trying to fix it. We will move to address this issue with details and our legal team needs your reports. While we collect specific details on the issue and analyze the problem, it will still be necessary to address individual payroll issues using the company’s current procedures. Only now, you are not alone in this. Your union stands with you. Follow these steps if you have an issue with your paycheck:
- The company’s process is that you first fill out an online payroll discrepancy report.
- At the same time, provide AFA with the details related to your payroll discrepancies. Please send all details regarding your case to info@pclafa.org. Please include the word "payroll" in the subject line of the email.
- Keep us advised until the problem is fixed and let us know if you need an officer to step in and assist you with getting resolution.
Armed with the data we receive, we will be better positioned to fight – not only for you in the short term – but also to address the more global issue of the monumental scope of the repeated occurrences. We will not allow management to disperse this issue throughout the system by pawning off the issue with each manager. AFA will track, trend and seek universal solutions.