12.12.14 – (LAA/LUS) JCBA Arb Update, FML Policy Change, MIC Reminder, Voice Calls on A/C, Cromnibus

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December 12, 2014

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LAA and LUS
JCBA Update
As mentioned in Monday’s Hotline, the arbitration panel is in the process of reviewing the exhibits and testimony of the union and company’s witnesses. Tomorrow, December 13th, the entire panel (3 neutral arbitrators, 2 company representatives and 2 APFA representatives) will meet for an executive session to discuss a resolution of the issues raised at the hearing. As soon as a decision is reached, APFA will post it via this hotline.
 
LAA and LUS
Family Leave Company Policy Changes – Update 
Yesterday, after meeting with the company, APFA was informed that management will delay the newly-announced Family Leave changes for Flight Attendants set to take effect on January 1, 2015. APFA will continue to meet with the company after the first of the year in order to make recommendations to management regarding the proposed changes for Flight Attendants.
 
LAA 
MIC Procedures – [email protected]
With the inclement weather around the system this week, it’s important to be familiar with the current Misconnect Illegality Cancellation (MIC) procedures. Flight Attendants will be protected for the original line guarantee or adjusted guarantee if the language is followed. If a MIC happens mid-sequence, her/his applicable guarantee is protected. Make sure to be on the MU list and to participate in the HISEND round prior to each day of cancellation or illegality. If there are no specific trips s/he is interested in, simply state, “Plot to protect guarantee,” if you wish to be protected. Assignments resulting from a MIC cannot conflict with duty free periods or future assignments but do not have to fit within the original “footprint” of the trip. 
 
Please refer to the On Duty Contract Guide https://www.www.apfa.org/images/contract/ODCG-121713.pdf and the flow charts on the scheduling page at www.apfa.org https://www.www.apfa.org/departmentsmenu/scheduling for a more detailed explanation.
 
LAA and LUS
NO VOICE CALLS ON AIRPLANES! – [email protected]
APFA Government Affairs Representative Julie Frederick represented Flight Attendants in Washington, D.C., on a radio program that discussed lifting the ban on voice calls. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Communication Commission have received over 3,000 public comments, 98% in opposition to allowing voice calls. APFA will continue to urge Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to make this ban permanent.  In addition, we support legislation in both the House and the Senate that would prohibit the voice calls.  
 
CROMNIBUS – [email protected]
APFA applauds Congress for including language in the upcoming FY 2015 spending bill that protects aviation jobs from outsourcing. The “Cromnibus” bill – a term that has been coined combining the terms “continuing resolution” (CR) and “omnibus” – contains measures Congress has for keeping the government funded. Although the spending bill is far from perfect, the amendment ensures that applications from foreign air carriers, like Norwegian Air International, can only be approved if they are in full accordance with U.S. law and the US-EU Open Skies agreement. Article 17 bis of the Agreement prohibits the “flag of convenience” strategy NAI is attempting to employ.
 
The bill is now up for consideration in the Senate. There is opposition on both sides of the aisle with several outstanding issues up for debate. Should it not pass, the bill may very well come back without this important U.S. labor protection. APFA has worked hard to ensure that competition remains fair and that international labor laws are enforced. We thank our APFA members who have written to Secretary Foxx asking him to deny NAI’s application. President Laura Glading stated, “We believe protecting U.S. aviation jobs is paramount. We will continue to fight to make sure this important provision is included should the bill fail to pass this week.”

Leslie Mayo
APFA National Communications Chair