4.24.19 – The Weekly Scoop

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

 

Mobilize to Maximize 
Calling ALL Activists! Our Union Needs YOU!

Sign up to be a Union Activist. Help distribute information and materials for important issues and events during this round of bargaining. You’ll be one of the firsts to get accurate and factual information to share on the line. Click here to sign up

-Robin Charbonneau, APFA National Communications Chair, [email protected]

It’s Been a Busy Month at APFA!

Last week alone, our Contract and Scheduling Departments answered over 600 phone calls, and responded to over 450 voicemails and emails, answering many questions about the various pay protections and premium pay offering. With all of the issues with the MAX and Oasis flying, as well as the Holiday Premium Pay and inclement weather cancellations, wait times to speak with a representative have been longer than normal. Thank you for being so patient!

As of this writing, MAX sequence repairs for 02May- 01Jun are well underway, and the Company anticipates having those completed by April 26^th. Please refer to the March 26^th, 2019 hotline for more information on MAX cancellations and JCBA pay protections. Additionally, the hotline on April 20^th, 2019 has more information on MAX cancellations.
May 737 MAX Flight Cancellations

When Will I See the LOA Pay Protections?

As stated in the LOA: Any pay protection as a result of this agreement will be processed as soon as practicable. Since this protection is outside the normal pay protection contractual provisions a manual workaround process will need to be established to accommodate this exception. Pay protection under this letter will not occur on the normal pay cycle and payment will occur as soon as practicable.
Q&A Pay Protections

Do I Need to Answer Crew Schedule’s Call?

Q. My RAP begins at 0700.  It is currently 0645 and Scheduling is calling me to assign me a sequence with an 0845 report.  Am I obligated to answer the call and report at 0845?

A.  You are not obligated to answer your phone until the beginning of your RAP at 0700.  The earliest you are required to report to the airport is 0900 (1000 in a co-terminal).  JCBA Section 12.G.2 states:  A Reserve will not be required to be contactable outside of her/his RAP.  A Reserve will be required to be available to accept a duty assignment during her/his twelve (12) hour RAP.

-Becky Lydecker, APFA National Scheduling Chair, [email protected]
-Paul Hartshorn, Jr., APFA Contract/Scheduling Representative

DOT Drug Testing Change

The Department of Transportation (DOT) added requirements to test for oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone to DOT-regulated drug testing programs. The changes to the Department’s regulation make it necessary to refer to these substances, as well as the previously covered drugs morphine, 6-acetylmorphine, and codeine, by the more inclusive term “opioids,” rather than “opiates.”

This rule amends the term in the FAA, FTA, and PHMSA regulations to ensure that all DOT drug testing rules are consistent with one another and with the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. In addition, this rule makes a conforming amendment to include the term “opioids” in the wording of the Department’s annual information collection requirement and clarifications to section 40.26 and Appendix H regarding the requirement for employers to follow the Department’s instructions for the annual information collection.

Click here for the full details from the DOT

Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 27, 2019

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, to be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. The Take Back Day provides an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

This is a great opportunity for those who missed previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to dispose of those medications easily and safely.

For more information, including a Collection Site Locator, public service announcements, resources and treatment information, click here to visit DEA’s website

-Abby Alconcher, APFA National EAP Coordinator, [email protected]

Unions Win! Illinois Bans Right-to-Work Laws

APFA is proud to see that the new Governor of Illinois has signed a statewide bill that makes local Right-to-Work laws illegal in the state of Illinois. This is a big win for the middle class and for fair wages for workers. The so-called “Right-to-Work” movement has been making headway but organized labor has also been successful in pushing back in New Hampshire and Missouri and stopping the anti-union movement for the time being.

“Despite the constant attack on labor that continues to threaten workers’ rights and the middle class, we are uplifted by this new law that reinforces the value that working people have in our economy and our country. This bill will keep Right-to-Work laws off the table throughout Illinois,” said APFA National President Lori Bassani.

“From the start, Right-to-Work was an idea cooked up to lower wages, slash benefits and hurt our working families,” Governor Pritzker was quoted. “‘Right-to-Work’ has always meant ‘right to work for less money,’ and it’s wrong for Illinois.”

-Allie Malis, APFA National Government Affairs Representative,[email protected]

Don’t Forget to Pay Your Tab

Please ensure all hotel incidentals are paid in full upon departure.  There has been an increase in unpaid hotel incidental bills, which negatively impacts the relationship with desirable layover hotels.

Flight service will be notified when a Flight Attendants bill is left unpaid, which may result in disciplinary action.

Examples of incidentals include, but are not limited to: minibar, snacks, hotel bar and restaurant.

-Julia Simpson, APFA National Hotel Chair, [email protected]

As of today, there have been 5,000 Flight Attendants who have filed uniform reaction reports.

Please continue to utilize the Uniform Reaction Report Form on the APFA website if you experience a suspected reaction to your uniform.