7.02.21 – APFA LGA Base Brief – July 2, 2021

Friday, July 2, 2021

Greg Hildreth

I was so sorry to hear of Greg’s death, and on behalf of New York-LGA, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Greg’s family & loved ones. When I began doing base work and interacted with reps throughout the system, Greg’s name always came up as an exemplary representative who truly defined advocacy and distinct humanity in all his work for us, the APFA membership.

UNICEF

As most of you know, the pandemic has the world trying to return to an average level of everything we knew as usual. That includes charities and organizations that do phenomenally humane work, such as UNICEF. Unfortunately, due to the reduction in flights and as we slowly increase frequencies, UNICEF donations are also significantly less than they were, which means the children and families that receive help also feel this impact. I have had discussions with our Champions for Children advocates locally in NYC. I have offered them my support in helping communication reach all Flight Attendants so that those who want to help in any way can get more information and know where the resources are to help.

Update on Tel Aviv, Israel

In my discussions with the Company, I have been notified that the government of Israel is in the process of requiring flight crews to test for COVID-19 upon arrival, possibly, just like customers do today. Specifics have not been finalized. I wanted to get this information out to you sooner rather than later for planning purposes. Please do not start chatter or rumors based on this information, as there is yet nothing public or comms from the Company on what exactly this means for Flight Attendants flying the TLV route. I know many questions will come with this information, and the company has assured me that they will roll out a complete Q&A, in addition to the final decisions. As the decision of strict self-quarantine in Israel, this is NOT a company decision; it is that of the Israeli government that has complete control over what it requires air carriers to abide by to fly into their country. We do not yet know what this means regarding current restrictions, and we will once the Company gives us that information, passed on from the Israeli government. If you have questions or concerns, please email me directly at [email protected], as, unfortunately, I cannot discuss certain aspects of this topic in a social media setting. As your Base President, I must respect and protect confidentiality with the Company as I expect the same from them concerning Union matters.

Flight Attendant Assaults by Customers

Any assault on Flight Attendants by anyone is of great concern to me. I am pleased that our National Leadership team has already begun collaborating with other Labor Unions to find solutions to protect us when we come to work. One of the most important tools we have is the CERS reports. It is critical that when you write up these reports, you are as explicit as you can be. Please give the company verbatim the details of your interaction with a customer. Unfortunately, we are talking about life-threatening situations, so if it means quoting a vulgarity or even a painful term used to abuse you verbally, get that in your report. Please remember that EAP is always available for your assistance at any time, not just during these circumstances.

Click Here for EAP Information and Assistance:

July Critical Period

Under the Company’s attendance policy which APFA continues to disagree with in many parts, it is noted that July 1-7 is considered a critical period. During this period, one (1) point is added if you call in sick during a critical period (unless the sick is a result of a medical leave of absence (LP/LU) approved before the bidding period for the critical period month). Please remember that non-point generating POs are also exempt from this additional critical period point. Familiarize yourself with the attendance policy and reach out if you have any questions. As a reminder, if you have scheduled flying during the critical period or are assigned flying or any duty on reserve and work your trips and/or assignment including RAPs, you will get an incentive point to use to offset a future attendance point. More information can be found in your CCI messages.

COVID-19 Procedures

As we move closer to a post-pandemic level of operation, the risks remain a possible setback, especially with a new variant that may affect destinations we fly to. The destination-specific section of Comply 365 is an essential resource for you to stay up-to-date with new procedures. The latest updated seven countries: Dominican Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Canada, and Mexico. This information is essential due to restrictions and allows you to plan your schedule and decide where you want to fly, and perhaps avoid if necessary. If you have questions on how to access this information, please feel free to ask a rep.

Federal Legislation – Nursing Mothers – Flight Attendants

APFA is trying to build data to show that Flight Attendants need to be included in federal legislation that would require employers to accommodate nursing mothers. It would be beneficial if APFA Flight Attendants who currently or have had to pump on trips would share their experience, either anonymously or with attribution. You may participate in a short survey to illustrate the challenges of being both a nursing mom and a Flight Attendant. The survey is hosted within the APFA website, and the responses may be shared with lawmakers anonymously (unless the Flight Attendant indicates that they would be comfortable discussing their experience with lawmakers.) I fully support this and thank APFA Government Affairs Representatives Allie Malis and Lori Glattly. You may reach Allie and Lori at [email protected].

Alcohol Testing in the European Union (EU)

On Friday, June 11th, our very own Sharon Dunn, APFA EAP Representative, put out a hotline about Alcohol testing in the EU. Please read this hotline and reach out to Sharon if you have any questions on the subject. This information is critical to understand. It is not always a matter of whether one has or hasn’t, sometimes there are dietary elements that can trigger a positive test, and knowledge is power. Sharon can be reached at [email protected].

Update from Eric Hodgson, NYC Grievance Representative

Rescheduling Issues

I continue to get reports from lineholders being rescheduled when the Company has reserves available at a base. If you experience this, please make sure you contact a base rep or the APFA live chat to speak to someone who can verify the Company’s claim. We no longer have reassignments, and although at times there may be a legitimate need to reschedule a lineholder, the Company does not get to ignore our contract and use lineholders to save Reserves. Our contract team in HDQ is aggressively addressing this issue, and we need your help by notifying us with as many details as possible when it happens. If this happens and circumstances do not allow you to address it immediately, please follow up with Penelope or me via email, and we will follow up with HDQ. The only way we will ensure our contract is respected is with your detailed reports on infractions. The Contract & Scheduling team in HDQ does an excellent job of consistently explaining rescheduling issues and examples of how the Company should treat rescheduled Flight Attendants. Please remember that there are “Prior to Report”, “After Report, but prior to sequence origination,” and “After Origination (Departure of First Flight).” I know it is a lot of information to keep, but please, when in doubt, use the resources available to you via APFA hotlines, APFA Live Chat, and local APFA reps. Please see the recent APFA ‘Rescheduling Reminders’ hotline here.

Before me taking office on April 1, 2021, I knew that the task of being base president came with little prediction. We are facing a mountain of issues as a Union, but I am honored to represent New York-LGA Flight Attendants and assure you that I will always make every decision I make with each of you in mind. Please fly safe, and have a wonderful holiday weekend, whether on a layover or at home with family. Please remember that Live Chat is available, including holidays, to answer most of your contracts and scheduling questions and issues.

-Christian M. Santana

Please fly and stay safe,

Christian M. Santana
APFA LGA Base President
[email protected]
(347) 546-0703

Penelope King
APFA LGA Base Vice President
[email protected]
(718) 350-7043

Proud to Represent New York-LGA

7.02.21 – APFA LGA Base Brief – July 2, 2021

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