AFA labor discussion (Work related)

[crazylikefox]

Yes, I was there.
Mike gave us background on the LPPs, and an overview of how we all got to where we are today (no merged agreement). There were more Qs about the PBS and how it would affect reserves. Supposedly, it won't adversely impact reserves but rather give them a break because blockholders won't be adjusting their schedules all the time like now. The idea is that blockholders will be bidding for exactly what they want (all those great trips folks) and won't have the need to go on the AIL because they will be satisfied with what and how much time they got.
There will be an ETB and hopefully the computer programs will all work in conjunction with each other to give us an accurate real time picture of our schedules. We'll be able to trade up until 3 hours before the trip.
There will be a profit sharing check (remember to divide by 2).
Questions I didn't get to ask:
Q:
If the MEC gave away half of our Profit Sharing to the westies in the TA (with considerations for the POR definition of the plan) with the stipulation that several things needed to occur, primarily a merged contract, and the Company has essentially "breached" those provisions, then do we still have to play nice and share or can we take that provision back?
Q:
Will the number of blocks flucuate monthly at random if more FAs build higher time blks creating a larger reserve base?

Q:
Will there still be a need for the AIL due to unforeseen variables such as trip cancellations, inability to build a block to 70 hours or can't build a block to more than 70 hours?

But then again, we have nothing but air, really, until we either move forward with the company in negotiations or flounder for the next few years under our existing one. So, I guess it's a moot point.

 

[Travelpro72]

Most blockholders will be happy with what they get through PBS? Holy smokes is that a crock of bull right out of Mike's mouth. So a f/a with 18-25 years that enjoys a summer full of transatlantic flying will still be able to have a schedule like that with PBS in the future? NOT a chance. As PBS processes your bidding it will go in seniority order so what trips would we most likely expect to see go first? I'm putting my money on t/a trips, high time 1days and extremely commutable trips. The garbage will be left with the exception of a few trips here and there. Oh and I like how he says that "hopefully" the computer systems will work with one another. Again.....Holy Smokes. 🙄

 

[SKY HIGH]

Supposedly, it won't adversely impact reserves but rather give them a break because blockholders won't be adjusting their schedules all the time like now. The idea is that blockholders will be bidding for exactly what they want (all those great trips folks) and won't have the need to go on the AIL because they will be satisfied with what and how much time they got.

Since the majority of the F/A's commute. Those trips, along with great trips will disappear first. So, the top 10 percent of the F/A's get exactly what they want, and the rest of the LINE HOLDERS are forced to trip trade, get commuter pads or hotels. :angry: :angry: :angry:

 

[Travelpro72]

Today most of the airline commutes. Those b/h's today who have an early departure trip or late arrival back into base they drop it on the ETB or trip improve. We use the AIL as a commuting tool so kiss that goodbye. With the proposed reserve section and the ability to fly aggressive (though it stinks) reserves won't be picking up on the ETB like wild today. Good luck with getting rid of your non commutable trip. The new PBS/reserve language stinks.

 

[SparrowHawk]

How bout, changing our MERGER PROTECTIONS are NOT negotiable!!!!!!!

First, EVERYTHING in business is negotiable. My point is/was DO NOT give away the merger protection. IMO the value of that to the company should make you the highest paid in the industry

 

[SKY HIGH]

First, EVERYTHING in business is negotiable. My point is/was DO NOT give away the merger protection. IMO the value of that to the company should make you the highest paid in the industry

What's the value of pay when you're NOT protected in a merger that will most likely renegotiate that anyway?

 

[SparrowHawk]

What's the value of pay when you're NOT protected in a merger that will most likely renegotiate that anyway?

I get that Sky High. Now honestly how many times have you seen AFA roll over and play dead at contract time? If I were king of the Flight Attendents, Doug Parker would get better merger language the very same time he grows another hole in his arse. But that's just me. My personal guess is Flores is dusting off the knee pads as we type.

 

[SKY HIGH]

I get that Sky High. Now honestly how many times have you seen AFA roll over and play dead at contract time? If I were king of the Flight Attendents, Doug Parker would get better merger language the very same time he grows another hole in his arse. But that's just me. My personal guess is Flores is dusting off the knee pads as we type.

A "pay raise" wont and cant replace the numerous BENEFIT cuts already taken. A "pay raise" cant replace that pension that was frozen. Nor the medical benefits in retirement that were terminated. Merger protections are a BENEFIT. Bargain those away with a raise and you've just been back doored by the company for the next merger.

 

[Career Reserve]

Yes, I was there.
There were more Qs about the PBS and how it would affect reserves. Supposedly, it won't adversely impact reserves but rather give them a break because blockholders won't be adjusting their schedules all the time like now. The idea is that blockholders will be bidding for exactly what they want (all those great trips folks) and won't have the need to go on the AIL because they will be satisfied with what and how much time they got.
There will be an ETB and hopefully the computer programs will all work in conjunction with each other to give us an accurate real time picture of our schedules. We'll be able to trade up until 3 hours before the trip.

Thank you for the information.
I have been told by the pilots that they have REJECTED PBS.
If it isn't good enough for them I would venture to say it is not good enough for the F/A's either.

Rumor had it that w/ PBS, we would need less f/a's on the property, was that addressed in MF's Q&A?

 

[SparrowHawk]

A "pay raise" wont and cant replace the numerous BENEFIT cuts already taken. A "pay raise" cant replace that pension that was frozen. Nor the medical benefits in retirement that were terminated. Merger protections are a BENEFIT. Bargain those away with a raise and you've just been back doored by the company for the next merger.

We seem to be in agreement

 

[MUTATIS MUTANDIS]

December 20, 2010 News for the commercial aviation industry


Company Watch

US Airways seeks to make labor contracts more merger-friendly
As US Airways eyes a new contract with flight attendants, negotiations are complicated by separate labor groups left over from the merger with America West and by the belief that yet another merger may be in the offing. "Looking out over four or five years and recognizing that a merger is a possibility, we want to make sure we have the company in an advantageous position," says Steve Johnson, a US Airways executive vice president. Current labor contracts include "snap-back" provisions that would dramatically increase salaries in the event of a merger. Such restrictions "would add significant costs to a merger [and therefore] would prevent or inhibit discussions," Johnson says. TheStreet.com (12/17)

 

[ggiby]

December 20, 2010 News for the commercial aviation industry


Company Watch

US Airways seeks to make labor contracts more merger-friendly
As US Airways eyes a new contract with flight attendants, negotiations are complicated by separate labor groups left over from the merger with America West and by the belief that yet another merger may be in the offing. "Looking out over four or five years and recognizing that a merger is a possibility, we want to make sure we have the company in an advantageous position," says Steve Johnson, a US Airways executive vice president. Current labor contracts include "snap-back" provisions that would dramatically increase salaries in the event of a merger. Such restrictions "would add significant costs to a merger [and therefore] would prevent or inhibit discussions," Johnson says. TheStreet.com (12/17)

What a crock.... The current contract has a wage that was concessionary to us years ago. The current proposal the company has offered us is the wage that is written in the current contract effective on JAN 2011... for 14 year f/a's.... So they are offering us a wage that we are already getting....

 

[Furloughd4now]

MF stated that PBS would increase lines, which in turns allows the the ability for more FAs to hold lines. More RSVs with lines and perhaps a lower percentage ratio. But not "necessarily" reducing headcount. He was pretty confident that would NOT be the case.

He did say he's working on buyout packages.

It really doesn't matter because with the RSV section agreed to (even in Section 6), we're all going to VOTE NO

 

[goodstew]

Not sure if I was allowed to start a new FA topic so I am asking here.

I recently left the FA ranks so I am thankfully not having to deal with holiday sick calls anymore but is anyone getting tortured this year? I still get the e-lines and have seen two this week about sick call issues.

I always had a really good work ethic during my decades with the company but I do remember one christmas eve when I was quick called at 0900 on a christmas eve that I went off duty at 1500 for. It was the first time in 15 years that I could hold the holiday off.

I was in the ER holding MRIs of my back arguing with scheduling while they described all the dire consequences of me not getting in my car. I was on the phone for over an hour having been patched to the FA supervisor who had the awful duty of being on call that day.

I had not taken any sick calls for my back issue. It was sore and resolving but I had been advised by the docs to 'take it easy'. Any other non holiday day I would have sucked it up and gone to work as I was used to having my days taken from me. It was Dec 24th, I had 11 hours into the month after trying to work all month. I decided I was NOT going to give up christmas with my family this year since I could rightly hold it off. I know/I know....it was still my job to cover and I knew I could have my days 'moved at the convenience of the company' but after 15 years of holiday slavery and the bravado provided by Flexeril. I did take a stand.

Bottom line - 3 meetings with supervisors while the matter was dealt with, lots of phone calls to AFA. 6 weeks of PAID 'suspension'. Company never requested medical information or asked me to see a doctor. I was 'cleared' of any wrong doing and was back on the line as if nothing happened. I was quick called on Easter that year at 1330 when I went off duty at 1500. I of course got up from the brunch table with my family and enjoyed the rest of the day with cranky passengers until retiring to a 10+15 overnight at ROC.

Reserve system is inhumane....didn't realize just how bad (Stockholm syndrome?) until I was out of it. The pain is not shared equally at USAirways. The company has soooo many options to avoid holiday staffing 'unpleasantness'. They continue to choose to ignore the problem. Any operational issued are entirely on the shoulders of management.

Time is coming to wake some folks up in Tempe....hope the FAs actually come together for the common good and send some messages around the system. We/You have been abused for too many years.

Good luck, God speed and may you all still have a job doing the thing you love and are so good at for many years to come.

 

[USCREW]

GoodStew,

Which number sick call were you on during that Christmas sick call?