7.31.21 – APFA LGA Base Brief – Saturday, July 31, 2021

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Flight Attendant Assaults

Your safety is my number one priority. While it seems like incidents on board continue to increase, I want to assure you of my commitment not to stop until we have measures in place that deter anyone from feeling as if assaulting Flight Attendants is in any way acceptable. Flight Attendants are not punching bags; we are first responders in safety onboard our aircraft. Mask non-compliance continues to trend upward, along with verbal abuse and assault. We NEED all Flight Attendants involved in any event to please file a CERS report. Multiple CERS reports on a single event help prove its legitimacy. The law is on our side, but we must do our part in documenting these incidents and cooperating with law enforcement when we are contacted for follow-up. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies may want to get additional information from you; please cooperate, and if necessary, reach out to us for guidance.

COVID-19 and the Delta Variant

The APFA National Health Chair put out a hotline this week addressing important known facts about the current pandemic and looming variant. I encourage our members to please stay informed with as much information as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones now and in the event we face more challenges in the future. Information is lifesaving when we are talking about our health, especially as frontline workers.

We realize that these events can cause trauma. EAP is always available and confidential should you need it.

Contractual Incompetence and Violations

The departments that handle our scheduling and all parts of our contract are no longer hiding their deliberate attempt to violate our agreement to lessen the effects of the poor decisions the company has made. One department has no idea what the other is doing. The few that can make decisions to help address immediate concerns are micromanaged to the point that their purpose is lost in a cloud of incompetence that has become our scheduling operation. The company seems to be assuming that putting out communication that portrays a competent and organized team will stand out more than the reality of the circus that Flight Attendants must deal with when being scheduled. It is incredibly disappointing that over 27,000 Flight Attendants depend on a failed scheduling system and a management team that seems not to understand the bargaining agreement they are bound to.

Peak Summer Means Hot Cabins

We are in the peak summer season, loads factors are high, and no one should have to work or board a hot aircraft cabin. Please ensure you follow protocol when the aircraft cabin is warm/hot, and when you face resistance from anyone, you get an APFA representative on the phone asap.

My Publications > 01/IFM/PAs/COVID19 > Crew Duties > Boarding > Prior to Customer Boarding > Guidelines for Boarding a Warm Aircraft 

Blatant Disregard for Contract Language

We are seeing an increase in Flight Attendants getting to the airport and not being able to report in for their pairings. They are then referred to Crew Scheduling, to find out that they are being rescheduled. This is a clear violation of our JCBA Section 10.J.2.c. RESCHEDULING prior to sequence origination, clearly stating that Crew Schedule SHALL notify the Flight Attendant and tell them of the cancellation/reschedule. The contractual language clearly states,”…that If such change involves an adjustment to the schedule within three (3) days prior to commencement of the affected sequence and prior to report, which results in different city pairs, layover cities, or causes the sequences to not operate on a day(s), the Lineholder shall be notified…”.

If this happens to you, please immediately contact any local rep, and if you cannot get us, contact the APFA Scheduling desk. I am recommending that Flight Attendants make it a habit of keeping a snapshot of their pairings before starting so that you can share this data with anyone helping you on the phone. When you speak to a rep about a possible illegal reschedule, please gather facts, and give the rep only pertinent information to get a clear picture of your situation. Time is of the essence when you are in the operation, and contacts need to be made to rectify issues.

Your Health While Abroad

When you are flying international and experience any health issue that needs attention, you must know the resources available to you, such as MedAire, a 24/7 service to all Flight Attendants. MedAire has a team of nurses, doctors, and communication specialists to assist you with all health issues until you return home. All your interactions and updated medical progress are shared with your union leadership, who handle this information with confidentiality, and we ensure your well-being and safety throughout.

If you need medical help while traveling on duty, please call MedAire at +1-480-333-3801. MedAire will help you with your medical concern, provide medical assistance, coordinate payment, and monitor your care until you feel better or are safely back home.

Skyhop Courtesy Transportation Issues

I have received several reports from Flight Attendants that schedule a ride with Skyhop, only to have a no-show without notice or difficulties in general with interactions with the reps. I have discussed this with the company, and it is being addressed. Please continue to send me your issues with all details so that I can follow up, and if necessary, take action to protect the agreement in place.

Read & Sign Assignment

This week, I filed a notice of dispute on the company’s attempt to add responsibilities to the Purser/FA#1 that have not been agreed to in our contract and is the responsibility of managers. I have made it clear to local management that no meeting will occur until this grievance is heard. If you get a call from your FSM about the Read & Sign assignment, please refer them to me.

Antibody Testing – Tel Aviv, Israel

On July 23, 2021, the company put out information on the Israeli government allowing a voluntary serology test available for crew members who are fully vaccinated and prefer not to self-quarantine in their hotel rooms during their layover. I am in discussions with the company on the cost aspect of this option. Would you please keep any receipts for incurred expenses for this specific test and all information provided to the health ministry of the government of Israel? I will communicate any progress as soon as I have information to the base.

Contact APFA for Assistance

The APFA Contract and Scheduling Desk is available at 817-540-0108, Monday through Friday from 0700 – 1900 (CDT) to answer questions. Our APFA Live Chat online is available from 1500 – 2300 (CDT), Monday through Friday. You may also use APFA Live Chat on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, from 0900 – 1700 (CDT). The live chat link may be found on the home page of APFA.org.

Team New York – Elizabeth Howard

I am excited to welcome Elizabeth Howard to the Team New York- Base Council. Elizabeth will be a familiar name on social media, and everywhere we make a mark. When I ran for office, I heard over and over from junior Flight Attendants serving reserve who wanted to make sure I included them in representation and the makeup of my administration. Elizabeth brings a firsthand perspective to our base council with her seniority, straight reserve history, and strong desire to serve her colleagues. We will have Elizabeth ready with all the things she needs to do what we do best. Please feel free to welcome her; she may be reached at [email protected].

Every day I serve as your base president, I see my work’s effect on your quality of work-life, and it is my commitment to strengthening your collective rights as Flight Attendants, frontline workers, and labor. I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve each of you.

In Solidarity,

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