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HafaAdai Flyers,
Welcome to the initial Test Blast of the Salsa System.
"Salsa" is a new communication tool that AFA wants us to use in order to help keep everyone up to date and informed on the issues as we go through these challenging times. So here's the latest....
First, a note from Kathleen:
I'd like to send out a huge THANK YOU to Juanita for all of her time and effort on the legislative hearing. It was a rousing success and a testament to all her hard work. To see the incredible support of our co-workers, the legislature, and the community was truly inspirational. Juanita, you rule!!!!
And, many thanks to Sara Nelson, International Vice President of AFA, for her short, action packed visit to our island. Sara worked non-stop on our behalf as she met with local politicians, media and business leaders. She made certain that our concerns, carefully outlined by Juanita, Ron and other local activists, were clearly expressed, as she gathered support. And it all had some impact. Sara writes: "The company has already contacted us to set up a meeting regarding the flying - and other grievance issues... We'll get the discussions moving now - much thanks to the solidarity displayed in Guam."
And solidarity there was!
The Public Hearing on the Territorial Legislature's Resolution for Air Mike was a most impressive gathering. There were at least 80 flight attendants in attendance. Most were in uniform, all were polite and positive. We knew, as we went into this meeting, that it was VERY unlikely that anything could be said that would cause the company to change plans about taking away our BigBird. And we were right.... Although the Company is insisting that this change is "temporary," we can't know what that means.
The last 767 trip to HNL will be on October 30th. That crew will deadhead home on the new UAL flight. Other changes will take place as Halloween approaches: We will have layovers in Singapore, Saigon and Hong Kong as well as turns to Beijing. Sue is still working on schedules. She is trying to put trips tightly together for commuters and those who treasure blocks of time off.
The Manager and Supervisor who decided to return to flying - and were awarded lines for September - have now returned to "Company Business." Their trips went into open time. This was an impressive first score for AFA. The union acted quickly, and got results - not just another grievance to "pend" for a number of months or years. Our contract, and seniority system have been preserved.
United announced Expedited Mediation on September 2nd. The Union and the Company have agreed to this step in hopes of speeding up contract negotiations for UALs 15,000 F/As. Once that, long overdue, UAL contract has been approved, the next step of bringing us all together under one book, and one seniority system, will be much closer.
Meanwhile, back at the pass... Sara made note of our concerns about travel during the interim period. Commuters and holiday travelers are bound to have some challenges during the next months until the new pass system in place. Unfortunately, United's contract specifically prohibits any non-UAL F/As from using the jump seat. (But we are UAL, says my badge!) AFA understands the problem and promises to work on our behalf.
That's it for this first round of local Salsa. Next time - someone please bring the guacamole and chips!
We are still in the process of putting together a complete, and correct email list. So - if you didn't get this message - please let me know! (Huh....?)
I greatly appreciate your feedback, questions, comments or complaints. Please email me at my new e-dress: shendricks@cmiafa.org
In Solidarity, Suzanne |
