AFA labor discussion (Work related)

[DVolpe]

While I appreciate Deborah's brass balls for coming on here and putting her name to a post I doubt we'll hear much more from her. You see, I'd bet my first born that Daddy Flores put a hurtin' on her after finding out she posted here and relinquished information to the peons and trouble starters . Couple that with the fact that she basically got a spanking from a few posters here for the rubbish she posted. If her posts aren't a clear indication of the JNC's disconnect we need to clean the glasses. Like I said in an earlier post, "starting on the local level the change demanded WILL come." 😉

I assure you, I don't have brass balls.....more like brass ovaries and the type of so called bashing (if that's what it is) is nothing more that anger and frustration for having to wait 5+ years, post 2 bankruptcies for a decent contract. I get that more than any of you could possibly know. What I don't do, is get involved in the political back and forth of another MEC. It does nothing improve an already bad situation.

And let me make this perfectly clear, I work "with" Mike Flores, I don't for him. He doesn't ride rough shot over me or Lisa, nor do we ride rough shot over him and Carol. They are representing (what they believe) are the East interests and Lisa and I are representing what we believe are the interests of the West. If that is not done in a manner the membership can agree on, then I would expect they will voice their concerns by how they vote. I assure you we don't always see eye to eye on things.

What is completely unnecessary is the rants and attacks on a public forum......I've never understood that mind set. I've never understood why people feel the need to use a screen name rather than their real name. If you can't put your name to your opinion or (what you believe to be) a statement of fact, than why bother posting at all? I just don't get it.

Now to answer an earlier question about my experience. For what it's worth (which I'm sure on this site, not much), I began flying for AWA in 1987. Got involved in the organizing of AFA and it was voted in 1994. Appointed and then elected as the first MEC President and served from 1994 until my resignation in 1998 From the time AFA was voted in, I worked on setting up a new MEC (along with the new committees), and was an active member of the Negotiations Committee. My resignation occured under the threat of a recall post the first TA presented to the AWA FAs who voted it down by 88%. I joined the JNC in June 2010. The Reserve section and about 98% of Scheduling was completed.

So what experience do I have? Probably not enough in the eyes of many, but enough to know how negotiations works. Enough experience to be able to "tell it like it is" regardless of the fall out. And no, I don't get unnerved by petty personal slams or elines written to "put the West in their place"....in fact I find that very "amateurish".

We have our detractors on the West as well. However; what we have learned is not one recall campaign that was fueled by personal attacks and attacks on one's spirit, has ever produced positive results. Why would any potential new leader come forward when they see how nasty and toxic people can get. I guess I come for the old school....which is use the power of the ballot.

It's like I was trying to say before...what is all the yelling about? If this TA is not good then the power is in your ability to cast a ballot saying so.

For those who say just walk away.....with all due respect, that is not how it's done. You walk away over pay, insurance and scope. Will there be a time for that......possibly.

The only thing we (Lisa and I) concern ourselves with is putting out as much information to the work force as possible and being upfront about issues so that when a TA is presented, our members have all of the information. How they decide to vote is their decision. Have we taken flack for it? Yes, we have. Currently on our private web board, we have posted all of the PBS language as negotiated. In the past we have held PBS info sessions in our MEC office and will (hopefully) hold more in the next few months. Again, we want our members to have as much info as possible when it comes time to vote. I don't see how arming our members with as much information as possible is a detriment.

I stay away from getting in the fray on an open board for obvious reasons. The other reason is I've been out sick this week with a very nasty upper resp. infection which I'm trying to get a handle on before we go back to negotiations tomorrow.

Deborah Volpe

 

[Travelpro72]

I appreciate the fact that you came on this board and spoke your piece. I'll give you that. I also appreciate and respect the fact that you have been around since 87 at America West and have negotiating experience. What I'll say it THIS! ! ! ! Many or should I dare say MOST are not happy with what we have seen thus far with this contract. The sections made public and discussed in various informational sessions are bad enough that there is NO POINT....NO POINT AT ALL in continuing negotiating. NOTHING you four bring us will make us accept the language already agreed upon by both parties. It's as simple as that. So with that being said, that is why a recall is now in the works to recall on the local level in PHL. Regardless of the voices shouting in PHL John has continued to stay silent while still voting for Mike. Cathy who's soon to replace Anne in CLT will NOT vote for Mike. She will most likely be on the band wagon to recall him along with Carol. With that only leaving Alin in DC Mike will be gone. Mike has no ability to say, "ok I hear you and I'll go back and fight tooth and nail for what you want". NOPE! ! ! Not Mike. Don't let me misguide in thinking we care for Lisa's ideas either. The whole process has become a joke and we're not happy about it. The flight attendants through all the concessions and bankruptcies have had it and contrary to popular belief among management and the JNC are ready to TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR UNION! ! ! Again, just wait and see.

Oh PS....the bashings spoke of were just that. If you speak of language we don't care for you will hear our voices. As for hiding behind a screen name I'd venture to say that hundreds if not thousands post away on different groups or right out in the open on Facebook under their OWN name. With a picture to so what's your point? We've taken part of various surveys and I'm sorry but the contract just isn't cutting it.

 

[CV580ETOPS]

Nice to see the east F/A's are just as big a group of blowhards as their east pilot boyfriends.

CV

 

[Travelpro72]

Nice to see the east F/A's are just as big a group of blowhards as their east pilot boyfriends.

CV

Not sure what warrants that comment but nice try. You can try and divide the members but many are on the same page. We both work for a management team that wants your first born. They are out to gain the cheapest contract in the industry with horrid work rules. Top it off with a JNC that does not have the ability to bring something better for all. Blowhards? Whatever makes you feel better. I haven't heard ONE flight attendant say anything bad about our f/a brothers and sisters out west. Hell if anything with many senior f/a's here ready to stand and vote NO they are looking out for the more junior f/a which is quite honestly the PHX base. We will hammer out a contract that is suitable for ALL MEMBERS, not a few. This 'blowhard' is gonna go cook breakfast. 🙄

 

[DVolpe]

I appreciate the fact that you came on this board and spoke your piece. I'll give you that. I also appreciate and respect the fact that you have been around since 87 at America West and have negotiating experience. What I'll say it THIS! ! ! ! Many or should I dare say MOST are not happy with what we have seen thus far with this contract. The sections made public and discussed in various informational sessions are bad enough that there is NO POINT....NO POINT AT ALL in continuing negotiating. NOTHING you four bring us will make us accept the language already agreed upon by both parties. It's as simple as that. So with that being said, that is why a recall is now in the works to recall on the local level in PHL. Regardless of the voices shouting in PHL John has continued to stay silent while still voting for Mike. Cathy who's soon to replace Anne in CLT will NOT vote for Mike. She will most likely be on the band wagon to recall him along with Carol. With that only leaving Alin in DC Mike will be gone. Mike has no ability to say, "ok I hear you and I'll go back and fight tooth and nail for what you want". NOPE! ! ! Not Mike. Don't let me misguide in thinking we care for Lisa's ideas either. The whole process has become a joke and we're not happy about it. The flight attendants through all the concessions and bankruptcies have had it and contrary to popular belief among management and the JNC are ready to TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR UNION! ! ! Again, just wait and see.

Oh PS....the bashings spoke of were just that. If you speak of language we don't care for you will hear our voices. As for hiding behind a screen name I'd venture to say that hundreds if not thousands post away on different groups or right out in the open on Facebook under their OWN name. With a picture to so what's your point? We've taken part of various surveys and I'm sorry but the contract just isn't cutting it.

Why continue? Because the process calls for it to continue and to bring it to a conclusion in order to have the members officiallly vote on it. By walking out today, we are no further in the process than let's say 2 yrs ago. We have to bring this thing to a conclusion. If it's voted in then we implement. If it's voted down then we have to go back to renegotiated what "the problem" areas are in the failed TA.

The other thing is I have to detach my personal feelings about certain issues in order to get the job done. Remember, I joined this thing in June 2010. I'm not separating myself from the issues I don't agree with that were already negotiated. There is a process in place.

I still hold my opinion about posting under your real name on all discussion sites..we will have to agree to disagree.

As far as the politics of the East, well, I can't and won't comment on it. That is something that has to be dealt with on the East by the East membership.

Okay, off to sit in the steam to clear up this nasty resp infection.

Deborah Volpe

 

[nick]

Nice to see the east F/A's are just as big a group of blowhards as their east pilot boyfriends.

CV

Nasty and uncalled for! I will be signing the recall petition again and I assure you I AM a member in good standing. As I have said before, I will definitely vote "No!" I don't believe everyone will get everything they want but I continue to want the best for all f/a, East and West. I just find it despicable that we have to worry that thiings are not on the up and up. We have been railroaded too many times. I just want the process to be fair and let the cards (or votes) fall as they may.

 

[ggiby]

Nice to see the east F/A's are just as big a group of blowhards as their east pilot boyfriends.

CV

Why don't you go back to your own discussion board and spew your nastiness there. You sound like
an angry pilot that needs to quit.

 

[Onestep2flt]

Why continue? Because the process calls for it to continue and to bring it to a conclusion in order to have the members officiallly vote on it. By walking out today, we are no further in the process than let's say 2 yrs ago. We have to bring this thing to a conclusion. If it's voted in then we implement. If it's voted down then we have to go back to renegotiated what "the problem" areas are in the failed TA.

The other thing is I have to detach my personal feelings about certain issues in order to get the job done. Remember, I joined this thing in June 2010. I'm not separating myself from the issues I don't agree with that were already negotiated.

You say the process calls for you to continue to bring it to a conclusion. I believe the process also calls for you to represent ALL flight attendants interests as well. That is what they are trying to tell you. What you say is political wrangling is actually flight attendants fighting back because it appears their voices have been silenced. I think this is the problem with you guys having two sets of leaders. I understand that you are representing the needs of YOUR (east/west) flight attendants. However, this contract going forward is supposed to represent the needs of ALL flight attendants! To me, it makes no since to have two sets of leaders after five years. I would think that you guys would have been smart and held some sort of elections for a combined leadership group. One that might actually not work against each other. While true that the vision of what will make a good contract may look different to the perspective members from east/west. The reality is you must have one voice with improvements for ALL your flight attendants. There is a major break down in your communication about the dealings of the contract. It has been pointed out here many, many times that the west gets different info than the east. Mr. Flores chooses to keep everything a closely guarded secret because "the company will see your cards". While at the same time from all reports indicate the west was like Wikileaks releasing informative info that to Mr. Flores was super top secret. If you are releasing info to the west and not the east there is some explanation needed. No matter what you guys have convinced yourselves of, you have an obligation to represent ALL US Airways flight attendants fairly. That includes the sharing of information. Having two sets of leaders is another convenient way to not have to take responsibility. I am not trying to put you down, but you are saying some things that sound so typical in the POLITICS. " Remember, I joined this thing in June 2010. I'm not separating myself from the issues I don't agree with that were already negotiated." That may be very well true. However, one of the largest complaints is the reserve language from which YOU were there according to the date you give before this section was closed. I would think you would have spoken up and said it seems that there are some issues we should visit here before this gets closed out. You were a fresh set of eyes and would have been a perfect opportunity to turn things around. This might be where having separate leadership was a downfall. Only speculating, but I assume you were looking at the reserve section through the eyes of only a west reserve would see it. I don't know for sure but what has been said here is that this would be a huge improvement to the west reserve. I think you should have been thinking about how to improve this section for ALL flight attendants.


" By walking out today, we are no further in the process than let's say 2 yrs ago. We have to bring this thing to a conclusion. If it's voted in then we implement. If it's voted down then we have to go back to renegotiated what "the problem" areas are in the failed TA."

It sounds as if your only concern is to bring it to a conclusion. This is all fine and dandy, but why put yourself in a position to have to go back to renegotiate problem sections. Who cares where you are in the process if the conclusion is a piece of garbage that you have to go back and fix. Why not actually take the time to listen to your members and fix them before your conclusion. What you seem to be saying is, we have negotiated just enough to make this thing pass. What did you save in the process if it does indeed fail? There are always going to be a few people that don't like what is in any contract. The thing is there seems to be a lot More than a few people telling you that this is not what they want. This is not just a few trouble makers that Mr. Flores would have you believe.

I do commend you on taking the time to try to explain your position. You did throw yourself on a fire here. My suggestion to you would be to be proactive and share with your committee that there are some major concerns out there that need to be addressed. I think that proceeding just to bring the process to conclusion is reckless at best. I don't think there is anything wrong with taking time to regroup and to get back on the right track. That is to negotiate a fair contract for ALL flight attendants.

Have a Happy Holiday.

 

[DVolpe]

You say the process calls for you to continue to bring it to a conclusion. I believe the process also calls for you to represent ALL flight attendants interests as well. That is what they are trying to tell you. What you say is political wrangling is actually flight attendants fighting back because it appears their voices have been silenced. I think this is the problem with you guys having two sets of leaders. I understand that you are representing the needs of YOUR (east/west) flight attendants. However, this contract going forward is supposed to represent the needs of ALL flight attendants! To me, it makes no since to have two sets of leaders after five years. I would think that you guys would have been smart and held some sort of elections for a combined leadership group. One that might actually not work against each other. While true that the vision of what will make a good contract may look different to the perspective members from east/west. The reality is you must have one voice with improvements for ALL your flight attendants. There is a major break down in your communication about the dealings of the contract. It has been pointed out here many, many times that the west gets different info than the east. Mr. Flores chooses to keep everything a closely guarded secret because "the company will see your cards". While at the same time from all reports indicate the west was like Wikileaks releasing informative info that to Mr. Flores was super top secret. If you are releasing info to the west and not the east there is some explanation needed. No matter what you guys have convinced yourselves of, you have an obligation to represent ALL US Airways flight attendants fairly. That includes the sharing of information. Having two sets of leaders is another convenient way to not have to take responsibility. I am not trying to put you down, but you are saying some things that sound so typical in the POLITICS. " Remember, I joined this thing in June 2010. I'm not separating myself from the issues I don't agree with that were already negotiated." That may be very well true. However, one of the largest complaints is the reserve language from which YOU were there according to the date you give before this section was closed. I would think you would have spoken up and said it seems that there are some issues we should visit here before this gets closed out. You were a fresh set of eyes and would have been a perfect opportunity to turn things around. This might be where having separate leadership was a downfall. Only speculating, but I assume you were looking at the reserve section through the eyes of only a west reserve would see it. I don't know for sure but what has been said here is that this would be a huge improvement to the west reserve. I think you should have been thinking about how to improve this section for ALL flight attendants.


" By walking out today, we are no further in the process than let's say 2 yrs ago. We have to bring this thing to a conclusion. If it's voted in then we implement. If it's voted down then we have to go back to renegotiated what "the problem" areas are in the failed TA."

It sounds as if your only concern is to bring it to a conclusion. This is all fine and dandy, but why put yourself in a position to have to go back to renegotiate problem sections. Who cares where you are in the process if the conclusion is a piece of garbage that you have to go back and fix. Why not actually take the time to listen to your members and fix them before your conclusion. What you seem to be saying is, we have negotiated just enough to make this thing pass. What did you save in the process if it does indeed fail? There are always going to be a few people that don't like what is in any contract. The thing is there seems to be a lot More than a few people telling you that this is not what they want. This is not just a few trouble makers that Mr. Flores would have you believe.

I do commend you on taking the time to try to explain your position. You did throw yourself on a fire here. My suggestion to you would be to be proactive and share with your committee that there are some major concerns out there that need to be addressed. I think that proceeding just to bring the process to conclusion is reckless at best. I don't think there is anything wrong with taking time to regroup and to get back on the right track. That is to negotiate a fair contract for ALL flight attendants.

Have a Happy Holiday.

I appreciate your position, truly I do. The Reserve Section was done except for the number of DOs which was moved to the Scheduling section.

Yes, we are charged to represent all members fully, regardless of domicile and seniority.....I couldn't agree more...in fact that statement can't be made enough....represent all members fully and without prejudice!!!!!

Bringing it to a conclusion simplly means just that. It's not a "wink and nod" statement regarding my opinion on the contract.

Certainly there are things about the process or the content of language that have given me pause...and those concerns have been voiced and voiced in the strongest terms. Again, I'm not asking anyone to "trust me". In fact when someone tells you to trust them, all they are really saying is not to question them. That's not my style. If anyone in a leadership position gives you information, it is up to the members to "test" that info. If it proven wrong then go ahead an waive the BS flag and waive it high. A good leader will acknowledge when proven wrong or has made an error in judgement. There is no shame in saying, "I'm sorry or I was wrong."

Before I sign off (I will be off his site once our negotiations begin tomorrow), some of our West members are in dire need. Our MEC has a food bank called, "The Pantry of Love". It feeds many of our members who are struggling. The pantry is supported by those co-workers who literally walk groceries into the MEC office and fund raisers. The Pantry stocks non parishable food and house hold items. In addition we have an "Angel Tree" in the MEC office. This was set up by suggestion of a West FA who wanted to help those who can't afford to give their children gifts during the holiday season. I'm not trying to tug on anyone's heart strings, just advising that if we have FAs in need in PHX, then certainly there are FAs in need at our other bases (DCA, CLT & PHL). Information on the "Pantry of Love" and "Angel Tree" can be found at: www.afa66.org

(Yes, I guess this will sound preachy.....so forgive the sermon) Please take some time to listen to your co-workers during this time of the year. It's a very difficult season for many of co-workers and sometimes, all they want is an ear to listen. If know someone or work with someone who is in need or in a "bad place" emotionally, please reach out to them. A year ago, we lost a beloved FA, who sadly felt she had no other options.

A peaceful holiday season to all....be kind and be safe!

Deborah
mec66vp@aol.com

 

[Onestep2flt]

I appreciate your position, truly I do. The Reserve Section was done except for the number of DOs which was moved to the Scheduling section.

Yes, we are charged to represent all members fully, regardless of domicile and seniority.....I couldn't agree more...in fact that statement can't be made enough....represent all members fully and without prejudice!!!!!

Bringing it to a conclusion simplly means just that. It's not a "wink and nod" statement regarding my opinion on the contract.

Certainly there are things about the process or the content of language that have given me pause...and those concerns have been voiced and voiced in the strongest terms. Again, I'm not asking anyone to "trust me". In fact when someone tells you to trust them, all they are really saying is not to question them. That's not my style. If anyone in a leadership position gives you information, it is up to the members to "test" that info. If it proven wrong then go ahead an waive the BS flag and waive it high. A good leader will acknowledge when proven wrong or has made an error in judgement. There is no shame in saying, "I'm sorry or I was wrong."

Before I sign off (I will be off his site once our negotiations begin tomorrow), some of our West members are in dire need. Our MEC has a food bank called, "The Pantry of Love". It feeds many of our members who are struggling. The pantry is supported by those co-workers who literally walk groceries into the MEC office and fund raisers. The Pantry stocks non parishable food and house hold items. In addition we have an "Angel Tree" in the MEC office. This was set up by suggestion of a West FA who wanted to help those who can't afford to give their children gifts during the holiday season. I'm not trying to tug on anyone's heart strings, just advising that if we have FAs in need in PHX, then certainly there are FAs in need at our other bases (DCA, CLT & PHL). Information on the "Pantry of Love" and "Angel Tree" can be found at: www.afa66.org

(Yes, I guess this will sound preachy.....so forgive the sermon) Please take some time to listen to your co-workers during this time of the year. It's a very difficult season for many of co-workers and sometimes, all they want is an ear to listen. If know someone or work with someone who is in need or in a "bad place" emotionally, please reach out to them. A year ago, we lost a beloved FA, who sadly felt she had no other options.

A peaceful holiday season to all....be kind and be safe!

Deborah
mec66vp@aol.com

I think the BS flag is flying pretty high right now! I am sorry for the plight of the west going to the food pantry and all. They are however, under a contract that has been ratified by the members. You may not have been negotiating when it happened. They may have been sold a bill of goods and did not have good info to go on when they voted on it. I do feel for them. However that is the point that is being made now. You seem to be advocating the very same thing here. Are you trying to pass a piece of crap on the backs of half of your group to help the other half out of the pantry. This baffles me. Again, you are suppose to be negotiating for ALL flight attendants. You even made the point very eloquently with your own words.

"Again, I'm not asking anyone to "trust me". In fact when someone tells you to trust them, all they are really saying is not to question them."

I applaud you for your words. Until you act they are just words. Those exact words seem to be exactly what Mr. Flores wants the east folks to believe. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. If you truly believe in being there for all flight attendants it is time you started making some noise with the negotiating committee. Ethics seems to have been misplaced somewhere. You should help to find them! Your union at this time is in no position to be negotiating a contract until you have decided to speak with one voice and represent all US flight attendants. You said that is what you believed, yet pass it over with a grain of salt. The east flight attendants are actually asking for your help. The west flight attendants may be standing in line at a pantry, but I think the east flight attendants are drowning in that BS you were talking about. Smells pretty bad from where they are standing.

I don't believe you intended to insinuate that your east brothers and sisters were having a picnic while you stand in the food bank line. However, I think your timing to throw that little fact out was not wisely chosen. I think your post was well thought out up to that little point. I do find it sad though that your MEC had to start a food bank to support its members.

 

[Career Reserve]

I think the BS flag is flying pretty high right now! I am sorry for the plight of the west it I don't believe you intended to insinuate that your east brothers and sisters were having a picnic while you stand in the food bank line. However, I think your timing to throw that little fact out was not wisely chosen. I think your post was well thought out up to that little point. I do find it sad though that your MEC had to start a food bank to support its members.

SINCE the subject was brought up-

Many east f/a's are eligible for food stamps & assistance too.
Sad reality.

Sandcastle cont. to give themselves bonuses while negotiating a concessionary contract w/ JNC.
Now that is REALLY sad.

(In this post I am directly it strictly at the East representatives of the JNC who clearly aren't representing the interests of the f/a's).

 

[FlyGuyBWI]

If and when the T/A comes out, if you don't like it, VOTE NO ....

 

[beachboy]

If and when the T/A comes out, if you don't like it, VOTE NO ....

If and when this comes out, I plan on doing just that. ONE BIG NO. I would really like to STOP-PAUSE, replace the JNC and hammer it out from there. It seems we are destined to vote on this steaming pile of CRAP. Fine, I have seen enough so put the show on the road and lets crap or get off the pot! Where is my ballot so we can start over, get a new Wilson Survey and root through what will please the most amount of members, improve our life and ratify. This "contract" is trying to please everyone but pleasing NO ONE. Wait- it may please the top 15% but they know enough to say what is going on for the remaining 85% is TRASH. We are not all going to like everything but this is just off the rocker unacceptable.

On the subject of recall as ugly as it is, AFA Philadelphia members have now passed the "magic" 30% per the bylaws. Right now they are getting even more signatures to ensure AFA International is not going to play games. I know people are now asking where to sign and how to get their name on the list. The next 7-10 days will see those signatures handed over to Washington HQ for verification. I hope when this happens, the Council officers will spare us further $$$$ and step down letting us get temporary officers until the new term in July. I also hope they will refrain from using AFA time, databases and resources to contact those members on the list to harass and ask why they signed it like they did last month. Truly unethical and unprofessional.

 

[legacy-to-LCC]

I appreciate your position, truly I do. The Reserve Section was done except for the number of DOs which was moved to the Scheduling section.

Yes, we are charged to represent all members fully, regardless of domicile and seniority.....I couldn't agree more...in fact that statement can't be made enough....represent all members fully and without prejudice!!!!!

Bringing it to a conclusion simplly means just that. It's not a "wink and nod" statement regarding my opinion on the contract.

Certainly there are things about the process or the content of language that have given me pause...and those concerns have been voiced and voiced in the strongest terms. Again, I'm not asking anyone to "trust me". In fact when someone tells you to trust them, all they are really saying is not to question them. That's not my style. If anyone in a leadership position gives you information, it is up to the members to "test" that info. If it proven wrong then go ahead an waive the BS flag and waive it high. A good leader will acknowledge when proven wrong or has made an error in judgement. There is no shame in saying, "I'm sorry or I was wrong."

Before I sign off (I will be off his site once our negotiations begin tomorrow), some of our West members are in dire need. Our MEC has a food bank called, "The Pantry of Love". It feeds many of our members who are struggling. The pantry is supported by those co-workers who literally walk groceries into the MEC office and fund raisers. The Pantry stocks non parishable food and house hold items. In addition we have an "Angel Tree" in the MEC office. This was set up by suggestion of a West FA who wanted to help those who can't afford to give their children gifts during the holiday season. I'm not trying to tug on anyone's heart strings, just advising that if we have FAs in need in PHX, then certainly there are FAs in need at our other bases (DCA, CLT & PHL). Information on the "Pantry of Love" and "Angel Tree" can be found at: www.afa66.org

(Yes, I guess this will sound preachy.....so forgive the sermon) Please take some time to listen to your co-workers during this time of the year. It's a very difficult season for many of co-workers and sometimes, all they want is an ear to listen. If know someone or work with someone who is in need or in a "bad place" emotionally, please reach out to them. A year ago, we lost a beloved FA, who sadly felt she had no other options.

A peaceful holiday season to all....be kind and be safe!

Deborah
mec66vp@aol.com

dear ms. volpe:

i, too, applaud your transparency here, and perhaps, more importantly, the values that inform that transparency. moreover, the palpable absence of arrogance which is generally attached to anything and everything mr. flores spouts is refreshing. he knows everything; we know nothing.

i do have to ask myself why somebody so seemingly qualified to be in the position of a negotiator would not voluntarily recuse themselves from a process that is so fundamentally disordered, as reflected in the reserve ta. as a negotiator—a position funded by the membership—you should have a comparative understanding of competing reserve systems within the comparable industry. what you have attached your name to, regardless of your sentimental work values or when you became a part of the negotiation process, is neither comparable or acceptable. remember, as you well should considering your capacity, you are dealing with a management team that prides themselves on a no-growth business strategy for the foreseeable future. translation: no reprieve for the reserve flight attendants living, quite realistically, in the ditches.

ultimately, however, and because, admittedly, it pulls at my heartstrings, i have to acknowledge your mentioning of an active food bank and seasonal angel tree for, presumably reserve, flight attendants on the west. why isn’t this being reported to local and national news outlets? really? this is the “stuff” media holidays are made of! one of the most profitable airlines/companies (recording a historic third quarter profit) relegates poverty status to a segment of its workforce? the marketplace will respond to such coverage, i assure you! are you all scared of doug? scott? robert? hector? one side letter (as we on the east well know) could replace these indentured wages for our west colleagues. if you are as outraged by the necessity of a food bank as you depict yourself to be, why not attempt to familiarize the rest of America with this unnecessary reality? to be sure, you do have the power!

again, i appreciate your honesty on this forum. and, with all due respect, i will do whatever I must to dismantle this negotiating team. while your intention and desire to facilitate improvement to all of your customers appear significant, you are (collectively) failing...and, apparently, you don't even know why...


debbie
captain, argentina soccer team

 

[Career Reserve]

If and when this comes out, I plan on doing just that. ONE BIG NO. I would really like to STOP-PAUSE, replace the JNC and hammer it out from there. It seems we are destined to vote on this steaming pile of CRAP. Fine, I have seen enough so put the show on the road and lets crap or get off the pot! Where is my ballot so we can start over, get a new Wilson Survey and root through what will please the most amount of members, improve our life and ratify. This "contract" is trying to please everyone but pleasing NO ONE. Wait- it may please the top 15% but they know enough to say what is going on for the remaining 85% is TRASH. We are not all going to like everything but this is just off the rocker unacceptable.

On the subject of recall as ugly as it is, AFA Philadelphia members have now passed the "magic" 30% per the bylaws. Right now they are getting even more signatures to ensure AFA International is not going to play games. I know people are now asking where to sign and how to get their name on the list. The next 7-10 days will see those signatures handed over to Washington HQ for verification. I hope when this happens, the Council officers will spare us further $$$$ and step down letting us get temporary officers until the new term in July. I also hope they will refrain from using AFA time, databases and resources to contact those members on the list to harass and ask why they signed it like they did last month. Truly unethical and unprofessional.

Beachboy,
do you think the same folks at international will "verify" the signatures again?

How many are they going to disqualify this time?

I have been told they (international) are using signatures from when we were first hired. How many of our f/a's signatures have changed slightly after 10, 20 even 30yrs?
I know mine doesn't look identical to when I was hired.

Who at International is qualified in hand writing analysis?

So are the signatures open to the interpretation of those looking at the signatures?
If they say no then it's no based on their OPINION?

Pretty important decisions are made based on the above don't you think?