AFA Labor Relations Thread 10/6---

[beachboy]

AIL? They wouldn't have the gumption to bring that to my door. Well yeah...I guess they would.

 

[flyus2]

In one of the Elines that dealt with the base closures the union mentioned that they would pursue a buyout. I hope that they are hard at work and in the trenches for a decent one WITH healthcare.

I actually think that GEN-X article is spot on. I have long said that US is the worst case scenario in demographics. A forty-four year old GEN-X, which by the way we do have a lot of, won't move up in seniority for another 5-10 years, and then they'll have at max ten years to have even minimal seniority. The promised payoff isn't going to arrive.

I just flew with a woman who has had Christmas off for the last thirty years. She's been at all of her kids events, taken them traveling and managed to make a lot of money in the 90's. Her kids were old enough then that it wasn't a big deal to fly so much. Basically she's had a demographic dream during her career at US> She got in at the right time and she'll be retiring at about 68 years old if there's no attractive buyout to move her along. That's another 8-10 years from now. Why? Healthcare and because she CAN. She was probably 19 when she started flying. Forty years later she's only 59.

That my darlings, is the demographic armageddon that is US, because there's a lot of this woman out there. Guess what? It gets worse. This contingent will start having grandchildren that they want to spoil and be with EVERY holiday. There is no end in sight.

I don't blame them. They're smart, hanging onto a good thing. I do blame our management for not seeing the fallout from not buying them out, and while not all would go, a significant number would go for the right money and for healthcare coverage.

This is the issue that the reserves should be clamoring about. Nothing can be done with LTO outside a new agreement, but here and now is the time for a buyout and the reserves and those of us about to fall over the abyss need to start yelling now:

GIVE THEM HEALTHCARE AND MONEY!!!!

That is the only real solution to the stagnation.

Why does everyone think the company has to buy the senior people out and provide them healthcare and money? If you are junior and unfortunately had to be a reserve for many years, if it is that painful, then leave and do something that makes you happy. When will everyone realize that the company doesn't owe us anything but a paycheck two times a month. The days of the "family run" business are gone. I have neighbors losing jobs left and right and no one is offering them a voluntary furlough or a buyout. They're handed their walking papers and that's that. What makes this any different? Get real

 

[N965VJ]

I'm a Gen X'er

I'm an ex-US Gen X'er 😎

 

[SSDA]

Beachboy, unfortunately too much of what you hear on the East is rumor. I applaud those who voted against the recall of Lisa and Jeff. And it is unfortunate that Jeff's loss was over 2 votes. On the other hand, just shows how important it is for everyone to vote and have their voice heard. So what happens now is this, Lisa stays in office. She will delegate the duties of the 3 officers as necessary until an election is held for those positions around February. Jeff was asked to stay and help in the office. And if any of the "old" crowd tries to run for positions they will certainly not get my vote. Their actions were despicable at best.

 

[HP2USFA]

I'm curious how one stuffs an electronic ballot. Internet or Phone only. Perhaps you meant to imply International is in on some larger plot to keep Lisa in office?

In any case, congrats to Lisa. We should all be happy we're not having to deal with Gene or Bill or Gary.

Now. On to the contract! 🙂

 

[beachboy]

Yes on to one contract. Can't wait to see Lisa face the COMBINE Flight Attendant group in the roadshows for a new contract. Can someone say Pinata but I doubt any sense or decent prizes will fall out.

 

[BMIBABYgirl737]

Yes on to one contract. Can't wait to see Lisa face the COMBINE Flight Attendant group in the roadshows for a new contract. Can someone say Pinata but I doubt any sense or decent prizes will fall out.

A bid sheet and a quick call to TLV at 0230 will fall out of the pinata.....

 

[Travelpro72]

Dear Member,

Letter from MEC President Lisa LeCarre




November 19, 2009

Dear Flight Attendants of Council 66,

Yesterday, members of AFA Council 66 voted their support for the current MEC President Lisa LeCarre. The democratic process within AFA was utilized to its full intent in this recall election. Both sides have had their say and the members have made their decision accordingly. Now, it is time for both sides to accept the vote and move forward toward putting dedicated individuals, committed to this membership, into this office. When the membership speaks, we all have the responsibility not just to listen to those voices but to accept their words.



During this process, I have listened to the concerns of those who started the recall and I have been as open and candid as possible in addressing and resolving their issues. While I will never be able to satisfy everyone, I have done my best to address the majority. In the past year, more than enough time has been spent on the vocal minority. With their questions answered and their accusations addressed, it is now their turn to set politics aside, accept the outcome of the recall, agree to disagree and move forward.



The important issues of our flight attendant group are paramount at this time and require our Council’s complete concentration and attention.



It is imperative that the dedicated Committee Chairs and active AFA union members attend to the needs of the entire group. It is integral to the pace and progress of merged contract negotiations that we retain consistency and avoid any slowdown at this critical juncture. To that end, I intend to keep Jeff Albers in his position on the Joint Negotiating Committee. We will resume our focus on the negotiation of a merged contract that allows Reserve flight attendants flexibility and choices in a scheduling system that works for the long-term, that retains lifestyle flexibility and pay protections for lineholders and that provides economic relief and improvements for all flight attendants.



The current Council 66 office has been working without two officers since April. While Jeff's authority in office has been recalled, he refuses to leave his elected position as he came into it – with no transition. While the new officer nomination and election processes are held during the upcoming weeks, I intend to continue with a practical approach, on an interim basis, of assigning some of the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer to Jeff and some of the duties of the Secretary-Treasurer to other full time union members within the office. After the election process is complete, Jeff will work alongside the newly elected Secretary-Treasurer to assure a smooth and proper transition into office.



To those who have supported the work of this administration, and the many Chairs, and active members of our office, I thank you. You have risen to the call to defend what is right and you have done it for the right reason – for the benefit of our entire membership. Thank you for your efforts during countless hours on your off days, in between trips and on your layovers and for your endless showing of support and appreciation for the work that we do.



To those who worked toward a recall, I challenge you, now, to the task of creating the solidarity and strength against this management that we will need to reach a merged contract in the next few months. I challenge you to take the step toward solving flight attendant problems instead of being a part of the problem. Creating further obstruction and diversion will be a detriment to the entire flight attendant group and will benefit no one. We can be a stronger and more unified group as a result of us all coming together for the benefit of our future and our careers. No member should expect anything less of myself and the future leaders of this Council.



Let us set aside the past and the negative, look toward the positive and work forward to what we can all accomplish together in the future.



With respect and solidarity,



Lisa LeCarre

Council 66 MEC President

IT'S NO WONDER WHY MANY DON'T LIKE UNIONS. HAVE YOU EVER READ SOMETHING SO INSANE? JEFF STAYS IN OFFICE PER LISA? 🙄

 

[beachboy]

Oh wow. I am stunned. This is just a gross display of unacceptable procedures. After recall, Jeff constitutionally can not be doing the duties of the Secretary/Treasurer. Also, the man was convicted (although without any consequence) of stealing documents during negotiations. Lisa keeps Jeff in that role after the members voted to oust him? It's time AFA International cut losses and step in on this one. This is getting out of hand fast.

 

[BajaBabe]

In all my years I have rarely witnessed such a abhorrent vulgar and downright reprehensible abuse of the members trust. how very shameful. :down:

 

[Itestwell]

Oh wow. I am stunned. This is just a gross display of unacceptable procedures. After recall, Jeff constitutionally can not be doing the duties of the Secretary/Treasurer. Also, the man was convicted (although without any consequence) of stealing documents during negotiations. Lisa keeps Jeff in that role after the members voted to oust him? It's time AFA International cut losses and step in on this one. This is getting out of hand fast.

Nowhere in her letter does she say that she is keeping Jeff working in the role of Secretary/ Treasurer; she says she is keeping him in his position on the JNC. She says that Jeff will work to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming Secretary- Treasurer. What is the reason that AFA National needs to step in?

I am sorry, but I am over this bull****. Lisa was not recalled, and we now must move on. She and Jeff are both "up to speed" with the current contract negotiations; why should we waste even more time waiting for new JNC nominees to be brought up to speed on the state of negotiations? Let them continue the process, and get a tentative hammered out. They are finally making some progress with the Company, and kicking Jeff off of the JNC serves no purpose.

I don't like the results of the election either, I think the 66 LECP behaved like a child, but the fact is she is still in there. Now, let's move on and get a livable contract for our members. In my opinion, the only thing that is "getting out of hand" now is the fact that we are now 4+ years without a merged contract.

 

[Itestwell]

In all my years I have rarely witnessed such a abhorrent vulgar and downright reprehensible abuse of the members trust. how very shameful. :down:

Yup, and those very members are the ones that kept her in office.

 

[beachboy]

Itestwell- if you think for one instant this is an acceptable course of action by Lisa then well you deserve to be representative by a person convicted of ethics violations DURING NEGOTIATIONS. I hope Jeff really fights for everything you want and brings you a contract that much faster. Really, some people will step all over what is right vs wrong just to get to the end faster. That is what you are saying yes? Bottom line here ITest, the East AFA Team doesn't want and doesn't feel comfortable with Jeff at the table. A good team requires some level of trust. You want a contract NOW...hell or high water be damn!
I'm done. It's absurd.

 

[Itestwell]

Itestwell- if you think for one instant this is an acceptable course of action by Lisa then well you deserve to be representative by a person convicted of ethics violations DURING NEGOTIATIONS.

Simmer down. Re-read my post. The membership voted her in, period. You and I did not have a vote. I already agreed with you with regards to the violations. Now, what would you suggest we do, HALT the negotiations for yet another year or so while AFA National and Pat Friend sort this blunder out? GET REAL, reserves are starving. Besides, I don't have the utmost confidence in AFA national, anyway, and judging by your past posts, neither do you.

I hope Jeff really fights for everything you want and brings you a contract that much faster. Really, some people will step all over what is right vs wrong just to get to the end faster.

I damn well hope the JNC brings me everything I want in a contract, and you can leave out the "that much faster"; it's been 4+ years. Please tell me the info you have on Jeff's negotiating skills or lack thereof.

What are you saying? You are okay with the pace of negotiations? You're fine waiting another year? Please, in your past posts, you have no respect for anyone at US AFA, so what should we do, halt negotiations and overthrow the whole lot of them? Again, the membership voted Lisa in yet again, and she has the right to let Albers stay on the JNC. You don't like it. I don't like it. Like I said, let's move on.

That is what you are saying yes? Bottom line here ITest, the East AFA Team doesn't want and doesn't feel comfortable with Jeff at the table. A good team requires some level of trust.

Ok, so tell me exactly what the East AFA team can do about Jeff being at the table. How can they get rid of him? Should we storm out of Negotiations and tell the Company that we want to wait until he is no longer at the table? These people are adults; start acting like it and negotiate the contract. These are peoples livelihoods they have in their hands. The circus that is AFA will just have to buck up and make do.

You want a contract NOW...hell or high water be damn!
I'm done. It's absurd.

You're damn right. How absurd of me to want a livable contract after 4+ years of heel dragging.

 

[beachboy]

We agree to disagree.