10.26.23 – APFA ORD Base Brief – October 26, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Save the Date!  Systemwide Picketing!
Thursday, November 16th, 2023
ORD: 1100 am- 100pm CT
RSVP here!

Thursday, November 16th will be our next systemwide picketing event! Now more than ever, we need everyone to turn out to show management, the traveling public, and the media that We Are Ready for a contract, and we will do what it takes to secure the contract we’ve earned.

Chicago always has a great show of support. Thank you! Justin and I and the CAT (Contract ACTION Team) look forward to seeing you there.

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I have been asked if I think a strike will happen over the holidays. My answer is still: I just do not know. Anyone who has bought a car knows that one party starts high, and the other party starts low. The key to a successful outcome is when both parties negotiate in good faith and when both parties walk away feeling that they got a good deal. The latest Negotiations Hotline addresses the Company attempt to delay by showing up with no responses to Union proposals. It also addresses the strategy behind the request for a release from the National Mediation Board.

I know this is a long process. Please remain fired up! Continue to wear your red WAR pins and red lanyards. Our base has a limited supply of Ready to Strike stickers to be placed on the back of our bag tags. Let us know if you would like one. Visit the APFA Membership Store for bag tags, pins, etc. If an item is sold out, keep checking back as stock is replenished!

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Union Representation

As a reminder, EVERY Flight Attendant is entitled to union representation during meetings with the Company. That includes Flight Attendants who are on probation. JCBA 35.R.1 states:

In meetings for the purpose of investigation of any matter which eventuate in the application of discipline or dismissal or when written statements are taken relating to such matters, or in meetings of sufficient importance for the Company to have witnesses, or more than one Company Supervisor present, the Flight Attendant, if (s)he requests, shall have an APFA representative present. 

Coach and counsels are documented conversations that you can see in MyView. The Attendance and Performance policy is a progressive disciplinary policy. This means that future events may lead to the issuance of a performance advisory. A list of performance infractions can be found in the Attendance Performance Policy on the FA Service Center page. Remember, the Company has 10 days after receipt of a passenger letter to place it in your file (JCBA 37.Q.3.a). If you feel an event is unwarranted, reach out to a Base Rep, in a timely manner to discuss options. Our Base phone number is: 773-645-0809. Attendance continues to be a hot topic. If you receive an LR (Late Report), TM (Missed Trip) or LC (Late Notification of Sick), that you feel is unwarranted, reach out to a base rep as soon as possible. Document with screenshots, pictures, call logs, etc. When you must have a meeting with your AFSM, please copy us in on the email with them so that we can coordinate.

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EFB Updates

The Company is able to remotely watch our EFBs and out-of-date EFBs will generate an event in MyView. Two weeks ago, an error occurred on the EFB list. The Company will re-run that list next Monday. There are a few days left to check your EFBs for the current iOS update, Comply365 update and sync. It’s a good idea to double check all three when you update one. Once you confirm all 3, screenshot. Documentation is key! Check out this hotline for help updating your EFB.

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London Hotel Update

Next month, some crews will layover at the Hotel Riu London Victoria. December may see more crews moving. I have heard good things about this property, but I would love to hear from you. The goal is to reduce the room count at the Holiday Inn High Street. News has it that the High Street will undergo a ‘refresh’. We will wait to see what that means. Thank you for your reports and feedback on the APFA Hotel Feedback form.

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2023 Operations Support Recognition Award

You may have heard that some Flight Attendants received $200 for great attendance and for working at least 110 paid hours for LH and 85 paid hours for reserves during June, July, and August. To those of you who received that, I commend you. If you know me, you know my saying: “I don’t let anybody come between me and my coins.” This is in no way directed towards you. The Company should have more recognition programs. I am angry that the Company did not notify ALL of us so that we could ALL participate. You may not have been able to meet the criteria, but you would have at least known that there was an opportunity to participate and to make some extra cash. Out of a base of almost 2,600 Flight Attendants, only 26 received the bonus. I see that as problematic.

In closing, this was a longer base brief than Justin and I usually like, but sometimes there is a lot to say. We want to thank you Chicago because you are a base that continues to remain involved, informed, and enlightened. You make your voices heard. We are a base with a culture and a reputation to be proud of. Justin and I proudly represent you.

In Solidarity,

Dray Howard
APFA ORD Base President
(630) 215-8410
[email protected]

Justin Patterson
APFA ORD Base Vice President
(509) 720-0067
[email protected]