Inside this issue:
- Trash Issue Update!
- CHAOS Strike Fund
- Reminders
- Volunteer Thanks!
Trash Issue Update:
Through the advocacy of several DEN Flight Attendants and the support of your local elected AFA Officers, as well as with the help of our Denver Domicile Manager and his Team of Supervisors, we have worked to address what all believe is an over-stepping of job SCOPE regarding Flight Attendants being directed to remove trash from aircraft trash containers.
This has happened in only a limited number of stations, but regardless, it is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to become Standard Operating Procedure. The issue involves the safety of the Flight Attendants who are directed to lift heavy liquid-filled trash bags from over-stuffed trash bins onboard the aircraft and move them off the airplane to the jetbridge! For those Flight Attendants who believe they are ‘supposed’ to perform this ‘duty’ previously assigned to contract cabin cleaners, and want to ‘help’ the operation…. stop, unless you are given a Direct Order to do this.
Unless you want this to become a duty after EVERY leg of EVERY flight you do….stop! The mess that accumulates in those trash bags and containers is just that …. a MESS. We are not prepared, nor are we given the supplies, to do such a trash removal. Dragging those large, liquid-filled bags through the aircraft is unsanitary. If the bag rips, are you willing to clean the carpet? If the bag rips, are you willing to be covered in whatever was in that trash container? (And we all know just what goes in there….soda, coffee, food, the diaper that a passenger put in there without you seeing it, etc etc etc) There is an equally valid safety concern in that lifting those large and heavy items can cause back, knee, and shoulder injuries….leading to an Occupational Injury claim, for which United believes it appropriate to levy disciplinary points.
This is your call. We have made a difference in advocating the issue. And I anticipate the problem will be finally resolved, if it hasn’t been already…but we need the reports if you continue to be faced with this trash issue! If you don’t report it then that signals you are willing to allow the issue to continue…. If you don’t advise your AFA Representatives then it will continue.
My thanks to our DEN Domicile Manager and the DCA Domicile Manager for listening to our concerns, as well as advocating against this new ‘duty’. If the issue continues, let us know. If the issue arises at any station downline, let us know.
Thank you to those who have led the fight by submitting reports to date.
Our United MEC CHAOS Strike Fund is open for voluntary contributions to support our strikers, in the event we have to strike to convince management to address the issues important to Flight Attendants.
Send contributions to:
United MEC CHAOS™ Strike Fund
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
6250 North River Road -- Suite 4020
Rosemont, IL 60018
We are working to put in place the ability to give contributions through an on-line form. We expect this option to be in place soon.
Please watch the CHAOS video to remind ourselves of what is possible to achieve. The link below is valuable viewing:
http://www.unitedafa.org/contract/negotiations/videos/right-to-strike/default.aspx
Reminders:
Safety Video – considering the frequent afternoon weather-related flight diversions we have experienced at DIA this year, it is important to remember that “a live or video safety demonstration must be presented before each takeoff, including through flights and diversions when no new customers board”. [FAOM 2.210.3] (emphasis added)
Crew desk – when speaking with Schedulers (or any UA representatives for that matter), it is important to note the name of the person to whom you are speaking. If there is follow-up necessary, either by yourself or AFA, it is much easier to track the issue if we can track the specific individuals involved.
Crew meals – if you are to be provided with a crew meal per the contract (CBA 6.A.2), “meals appropriate to the time of day will be boarded….” If the meal has been labeled a ‘snack’, that is not a ‘meal’, and should be reported not only via DIS*123 but as importantly to your local Council AFA office. I have been informed that ‘snacks’ continue to be provided in lieu of ‘meals’, but unless I receive corroborating reports from Flight Attendants it is difficult to determine if this is an isolated occurrence or if there is a larger issue needing to be addressed. (Please remember that a ‘meal’ refers to the quantity of food presented and the composition of the protein/carb/fat combination, not the issue as to whether it is a hot or cold meal. A ‘meal’ can be either hot or cold, and if the choice provided is not to your satisfaction, that sort of feedback would best be offered via DIS*123.) Thank you in advance as we try to determine how widespread this issue is among the membership.
Dispute Resolution (Point System) – you are highly encouraged to re-familiarize (or familiarize) yourself with the ‘new’ point system for Attendance and levels of Performance tracking for disciplinary issues which arise. The system has now been in place for 2 years, and while at first it may not have been of immediate interest because most were starting out with 0 points Attendance and zero Performance levels, we now are faced with several cases of Flight Attendants who find themselves further down the disciplinary track than they (or we) would prefer.
If you have any questions after reviewing the Dispute Resolution Guide, please feel free to contact an AFA Representative and we will be happy to help.
The Guide and other relevant information can be found on the AFA UAL MEC website at the following link: http://www.unitedafa.org/contract/dispute/default.aspx
Serving garment name tag – United has chosen to focus on the issue of having a consistent name tag policy for InFlight serving garments worn by our Flight Attendants. If you have a serving apron with a sewn-on name tag, that is acceptable. Also appropriate if one wears the tailored vest is a metal name tag provided by UAL with several options for your name display.
While the name options include: Initial and last name… first and last name… approved nickname and last name… Mr./Mrs./Miss and last name… first name… approved nickname (approved by your supervisor and registered) – it is here offered in consideration of personal safety and security that you not include your last name on the InFlight garment. These days it is not that difficult for anyone to obtain personal information about you via the internet. Knowing your real name only makes it that much easier, or if it becomes known where the layover hotel accommodations are found, that may also present personal safety concerns.
Local Council elections for your DEN Council #09 AFA Officers – the nominations have been submitted and in the coming weeks you will be asked to participate in our democratic process of electing the Council #09 AFA Officers you wish to have represent you and us during the next 3-year term beginning January 1, 2011 – December 31, 2013. Those nominated who have also acknowledged a willingness to serve will be listed on an election ballot mailed to your address on file. The ballot process will be open from September 10, 2010 – October 18, 2010 during which time you will be able to cast your vote. More information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
Volunteer Thanks:
If you would like to offer some time to help, your Local Council Officers will take you up on the offer. We are seeking any and all who are willing to volunteer“One DAY per YEAR” to help in the Denver Local Council AFA office. It may not seem like much, but it is a HUGE help to us. If you would like more information, please contact Council #09 Secretary Zac Peirce (
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). Thanking you in advance…. we look forward to hearing from you.
We would also like to welcome Denver Flight Attendant Anne Elferdink to theMembership Engagement Committee! During a recent FANN Day in the domicile break-room, we had the opportunity to speak with Anne and in discussing the many issues facing our membership, Anne decided that she wanted to add her best efforts to the fight for a better contract. It is up to each of us to make that decision of being willing to work not only for the ‘greater good’, but also recognize that the ‘greater good’ includes making life better for you! Thanks to Anne and the other Council#09 volunteers that show up to rallies, have signed up for the F.A.N.N., discourage rumors, help in the AFA office, engage others over the issues...thank YOU.
Your elected AFA Leadership welcomes ANY help that you want to offer. We fully recognize the other aspects of your life that need attention, but your career…as little or as much as you depend on being a Flight Attendant to earn your living…deserves ‘some’ attention and interaction in the fight for better pay, better workrules, better benefits, better ‘quality of life’. United has never been a Company to ‘give’ without being forced to do so…and while that is unfortunate, it is the sad reality that we are faced with. United Flight Attendants demand the ‘shared rewards’ that were promised oh so many years ago….and have only been ‘shared’ with others in Management.
It is a long uphill battle, and one that you already know all too well. Your Elected Union Leadership is here to focus the issues and the energy, but the fight cannot be won without the support and participation of the total membership. In whatever way you are able, please help. Whatever time you can offer, we will find a way to use your help.
Contract BEFORE Merger!!!
Respectfully,
Ken
