1.14.11 – (LAA) – Negotiations Update, WTS, Safety, Scheduling, Government Affairs, Office Closure, In Memoriam – Martha ORourke

APFA Weekly Hotline Update for the week ending Friday, January 14, 2011

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
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Working All the Angles – A Juggling Act

Whether it’s walking the halls of Congress, briefing industry analysts on Wall Street or teaming with fellow Flight Attendant unions, APFA is working hard to make sure no stone is left unturned in fighting for the interests of our Flight Attendants.

Take, for example, our frustrating struggle for a contract that has been stalled at the National Mediation Board. In order to apply pressure with AA investors, we took our case to Wall Street where a team from APFA delivered and briefed airline industry analysts on an APFA white paper, “What’s Wrong With American Airlines? Part Two,” attacking AA’s overblown labor cost claim, executive bonuses, and management of the airline. In conjunction, we held a media conference call attended by key reporters from across the country.

It’s also working with Washington to help turn the airline industry around. APFA President Laura Glading played a key role in the Department of Transportation’s creation of the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC). Comprised of labor, management, financial advisors, academics and others, FAAC met throughout 2010 and then developed recommendations that would help stabilize the industry. Laura Glading and APFA Government Affairs Representative Julie Frederick attended the meetings making sure the voice of our Flight Attendants was heard by the Committee. The full recommendations of the FAAC can be found here.

APFA President Laura Glading stated, “It can be a juggling act, but as we all know well from our history, nothing worth fighting for can be achieved without a struggle. We’ve proven many times that our hard work and perseverance can and will pay off.”

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Don’t miss APFA’s document MORE TAALL TAALES FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES. Announced in a special hotline yesterday, the document debunks the claims AA makes about their latest proposals. Print copies for your coworkers and forward to your Facebook friends.
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WTS

The Willingness To Serve Notification for Ad Hoc Members of the Executive Committee Places #1 and #2 is now posted on the Elections and Balloting page of APFA.org.

If you are interested in further serving your union, the forms must be received in the designated PO Box by 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Thursday, February 17, 2011.

Click here to download the form.

SAFETY
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As the New Year begins and the proposal of a CrewPass Program is addressed and discussed between the TSA and the Airline Companies regarding Crew Member exemptions, APFA continues to be very proactive regarding the inclusion of Flight Attendants in any proposed CrewPass Program that will allow for uniformed Crew Member exemptions from the regular airport security screening process. We are communicating with the TSA and working with the company on a proposal that would include all Crew Members, Pilots and Flight Attendants, and would allow uniformed Crew Members to use expedited procedures at airport security screening checkpoints. We will continue to update the Membership as progress is made and any timeline that is agreed upon by both the airlines and the TSA for implementation of the TSA approved CrewPass Program.

Currently, there are only three stations that have a “CrewPass” system in place for Pilots only – BWI, PIT and CAE. These three stations were used in a testing program known as CrewPass and continue to be available for uniformed Pilots. The data base system used for this testing program utilizes a Cockpit Authorization Security System ~ CASS, and since Flight Attendants are not listed in this data base, only Pilots are able to participate in the CrewPass at theses stations. To date, there are no other stations in the system that is currently using any CrewPass system.

If you have any questions or concerns about airport security screening please contact the APFA Safety & Security Department at 817-540-0108 extension #8302 or email at [email protected].

SCHEDULING
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The Scheduling Department would like to remind all Flight Attendants to make a note when speaking with either Crew Tracking or Crew Planning. Include the date, time and the person(s) to whom you speak. This information is extremely helpful should an issue need research in the future.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
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We continue our efforts to allow all crewmembers to participate in any program that may be used to expedite security procedures for those traveling in uniform, reporting for work. APFA was able to have Flight Attendants included in the bypass option that was made available to pilots by TSA after a request was made to allow cockpit crew the option to bypass the new Advanced Imaging Scanners (AIT) scanners.

APFA is also working jointly on this issue with the Flight Attendant Union Coalition, representing over 100,000 Flight Attendants, to ensure that all crewmembers are included in future screening programs.

A new FAA Reauthorization Bill is expected to be introduced in the 112th Congress. Committee Hearings are scheduled for late January. The Committee will receive comments on the new bill. APFA President Laura Glading has submitted a request to testify before the Aviation Subcommittee on safety and security issues that APFA feels are important to both working cabin crew and the travelling public. The Subcommittee on Aviation has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, and international issues. This jurisdiction covers all Federal Aviation Administration programs. Since 2001, the Subcommittee has exercised jurisdiction over transportation security, including programs administered by the TSA, which is within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Subcommittee will continue to exercise oversight jurisdiction, in cooperation with the Committee on Homeland Security, over TSAís aviation security programs, and the impact that such security measures may have on the aviation industry. APFA Government Affairs will continue to monitor the progress of this new legislation.

OFFICE CLOSURE

APFA Headquarters will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2011 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 09:00 CT.

IN MEMORIAM

On Saturday January 8, 2011 we suffered the loss of longtime union advocate Martha “Marti” O’Rourke. APFA extends heart-felt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Martiís union involvement has spanned the past four decades. Starting from the mid 1960ís to sitting on the Board of an ongoing arbitration currently making its way through the System Board of Adjustments. Laura Glading is joined by past APFA President’s who together mark the many contributions Marti has made to our organization.

“Marti was a long-term union activist and champion of fairness in the workplace. Dedication should have been her middle name.”
Patt Gibbs

“Marti worked diligently throughout her career. She had the ability of maintaining a calm demeanor and always seemed to operate without ego. When called upon by Officers or members she remained ready and willing to assist.”
Kathy Knoop

“Marti rose to the position of Senior Statesperson of the Flight Attendant Union serving in numerous positions providing reliable knowledge and expertise to benefit the position and status of the Flight Attendant core. She continually rose above politics, regardless of her personal position on issues, to assist in achieving the best possible outcomes for the membership. We, the Flight Attendants, APFA and American Airlines have benefited greatly from all of the contributions and sacrifices she so willingly made to create a safer, more professional work environment for us all.”
Joann Donovan

“Marti gladly participated when called on to assist whether with contract negotiations, System Board cases or in the resolution of issues which arose throughout her career. She willingly provided advice and candid assessments in circumstances involving American Airlines management, the Federal Government, other Unions and fellow members.”
Michael Kelliher

“If there is an outstanding attribute above all else that I could use to personify Marti, it would be to say she was the epitome of team spirit. She energetically participated in many events involving leaders, negotiators and past leaders and thoughtfully shared her opinion without bias or political agenda. No greater trait can be attributed to one of our past leaders. Martiís friendship and leadership will be truly missed.”
Denise Hedges

“Martha O’Rourke was a very special human being who had the incredible skill of being able to focus both on her family and personal life, while also being committed to challenging professional leadership responsibilities. I will always remember Marti’s bright spirit – that was quite infectious to those around her – even during stressful times. Marti was a strong role model who’s ‘life work’ clearly showed that one person can make a difference in many different ways!”
Tommie L. Hutto-Blake

“I can’t even begin to summarize the many outstanding attributes of Marti O’Rourke, an outstanding union advocate and friend to all. She is one of those unique individuals that steps forward for no gain other than for those she champions. Her willingness to put her life on hold to advance labor’s cause, in any capacity, has been a true gift to which not just APFA but other organizations have benefited. Any issue with which she has collaborated was inevitably made better because of her expertise and commitment.”
Laura Glading

Beginning with the Air Line Steward and Stewardesses Association (ALSSA), Local 550 Transport Workers Union, Air Transport Division (TWU-ATD), which represented the Flight Attendant groups of American, TWA, Eastern, Southern, CaribAir, and Northwest, Marti sat on the LGA council from 1967-1968, was elected BUF Chairperson 1968-1972, elected SAN Chairperson 1972-1973, and ALSSA President from 1973-1974.

When TWU chartered Local 552 to represent American Airlines Flight Attendants in 1974, Marti sat as the interim President through the transition. She then went on to serve in several capacities within Local 552 including the International Executive council of TWU from 1973-1977.

Marti negotiated the first International agreement with AAL in 1970, the Basic Agreement with AAL in 1971 and in 1974. Then in 1980 she was elected Vice President of APFA for a two-year term.

Marti had a quiet understanding of the issues with the ability to tap into any argument with a strong voice that championed the labor movement. She was always available for the membership regardless of political views – a truly selfless advocate. She will be sorely missed.

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Please remember there are currently 796 members on furlough and awaiting recall. This number includes all recalls as of April 2, 2011.