Flight Atendants used as free marketing reps...

PITbull

Veteran
Dec 29, 2002
7,784
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www.usaviation.com
The below is taken from the AFA East MEC E-line, put together by the MECP, Mike.

I can't believe the flight attendants stand for this kind of marketing humiliation. Since when did the f/as become Corporate Marketers for other companies in the U.S.? How is USAirways being compensated and why is this not trickling down to the employees? If this is permissable by the unions, there will be no end to it, and the passengers will be bombarded with ads during their entire trip and no way to "shut it off".

I haven't seen any movement from management reported by any MEC (East or West) to increase the wages or compensation for the f/as at U. Read below...

MEC E-line

COLD STONE CREAMERY PROMOTION

The airplane has become a marketer's dream - a captive audience with uncompensated pitchmen. Welcome to the new US Airways. US Airways, along with one of its corporate partners, Cold Stone Creamery, have decided to use FAA certified Safety Professionals to distribute "$1.00 Off Coupons" for the Phoenix-based ice cream vendor. For those of you on the East who don't know, Cold Stone Creamery is a chain of upscale (and over-priced) ice cream parlors.

I have no issue with the business concerns US Airways chooses to affiliate with. I also recognize in today's competitive industry, partners and relationships are important to the airline.

I have a very large problem with the marketing department's seemingly endless use of what they may think is "free" labor to do their bidding. Our primary job is to be onboard as Safety Professionals. Secondarily, our job is to promote US AIRWAYS by offering the finest in-flight service in the industry. That does not include hawking other Company's goods and services. There are plenty of other creative ways to market our partners' promotions. The Union has suggested several other avenues to accomplish the marketing department's goals. Instead, they have chosen the path of least resistance - prey on the captive audience - and use our Flight Attendants to do their work.

Managing Director of Inflight Services, Sheri Shamblin, has sent the following letter to all Flight Attendants:

Dear Valued Flight Attendant:

We've heard from a few of you, and acknowledge your concerns regarding US Airways InFlight marketing promotions and in particular the Cold Stone Creamery promotion. Keep in mind that these marketing promotions generate revenue for both the company and in many cases, you, the flight attendant. They certainly are not meant to be demeaning or degrading. We have agreed to meeting with your union leadership in the near future to discuss all of the marketing promotions and seek their input and feedback on these programs. However, we have already committed to the holiday promotion in partnership with Cold Stone Creamery, which will launch on November 13th and continue through November 21st.

Your dedication and professionalism are essential to the success of US Airways.
Sincerely,



This letter has left a bad taste in my mouth - one that even a $1.00 off (our reward for doing this) ice cream cone can not erase. The Union has reluctantly gone along with the BofA credit card program, which put real money into the hands of some of our members and does add revenue to the airline. Duty free sales are a negotiated contractual provision that do the same.

The Union will most definitely be meeting with Company concerning the use of Flight Attendants in any further marketing campaigns. We are tired of it, and more importantly, our passengers are tired of being subjected to ads and sales pitches.

Furthermore I ask that you contact Sherri Shamblin and VP of Flight Operations, ED Bular to express your concerns:

Sherri Shamblin - [email protected]

Ed Bular - [email protected]

Thank you,

Mike Flores, President
US Airways MEC
AFA-CWA
 
The below, is taken from Council 66 PHX West MEC E-line giving an update of an Local meeting they held this week, including the motion that passed unanimously by the members in attendance on directing their LECP to take ALL ACTIONs against the company opposing using f/as at Corporate industry marketers.

For those of you on the East who did not get the Advanced Agenda Items being presented at your local meetings, below are the Advanced Agenda Items being discussed and voted on by your elected LECPs as the voting delegates of the AFA BOD meeting commencing in Portland, Oregan mid month:

The following items were discussed at the November 8th LEC Meeting by the West MEC Officers who do very well in providing all inforamtion to their membership on the West

:
Council Business
Negotiations Update
2006 AFA BOD Advance Agenda Items
International Officer Elections

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Council Business
A motion was made, seconded, and adopted regarding AFA's opposition to US Airways current and future marketing schemes that requires and mandates flight attendants participation.
Motion: Should the council endorse & support the efforts of the LEC President in taking all necessary action to oppose US Airways current and future joint marketing campaigns with outside companies and vendors, which force and require mandatory flight attendant participation?
Passed- Unanimously by members and officers attending the Local Executive Council meeting November 8. 2006


Negotiation Review:
MEC Vice President Bill McGlashen and MEC President Gary Richardson reviewed the status of single contract negotiations that took place in October. Tomorrow’s hotline will include this recap.

Advance Agenda Items: (Advance Agenda Items are available for review and comment at the AFA office)

Item #1 Question: Should Union dollars be used to reimburse cell phone charges to a company that actively promotes an anti-labor agenda?
Item #2 Question: Should AFA CWA implement a process to elect our Delegates to the annual Communications Workers of America Convention (CWA)?
Item #3 Question: Should Section IV.2 of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws by amended to allow for councils located outside the US the ability to join and or participate in Trade Union organizations, include their respective affiliation and or coalitions.
Item #4 Question: Should AFA-CWA contribute and participate in the recently established Strategic Industry Fund?
Item #5 Question: Should the AFA-CWA Board of Directors endorse the proposed resolution to ensure satisfactory level of service for Dues Processing?
Item #6 Question: Should we discontinue sending copies of Standing 3 Letters to the delinquent member's LEC and MEC President?
Item #7 Question: Should the mailing of monthly dues notices/invoices be replaced by an annual "Coupon Booklet" for those not choosing payroll deduction (i.e., Dues Check Off, DCO) or annual Payment?
Item #8 Question: Should the Board of Directors adopt a policy for each Local to have one delegate participate at CWA District meetings similar to the expense policy that CWA now provides for delegates to attend the CWA Convention?
Item #9 Question: Should the AFA-CWA Board of Directors endorse the agreed Dispute Resolution Procedure? (Between AFA and CWA)
Item #10 Question: Should Section XIV.B.1 of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws be amended to expand the size of the Continuing Committees?

International Officer Elections
Elections will take place this year for International Officers at the 2006 AFA Board of Directors Meeting.
Current announced candidates:
International Presidential Candidate
Pat Friend-UAL

International Vice Presidential Candidate(s)
Alin Boswell-USA
John Cornelius- Alaska
Ida Mays- PSA
Veda Shook- Alaska
Dianne Tamuk-UAL

International Secretary/Treasurer Candidate(s)
Kevin Creighan- UAL
Betsy Tettelbach- Peidmont
 
At PSA we dont have the US logo beverage napkins we have P.F Changs( a restaurant chain) beverage napkins. I thought it was a mistake but we have had them for over a month. Its so getto the look you get from the passengers. Its like white rice or fried rice.