Mediation Session 1

• This week was our first Mediation session with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board.
• The bulk of this session was taken up with introductions, explaining the status of negotiations to the mediator, and setting expectations for mediation.
• We agreed to several provisions, including 10.X. Deadhead, and discussed others that should be relatively easy to resolve.

Mediation Session 1

This week, our Negotiating Committee and Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative met with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board (NMB) for Mediation Session 1. *Our Negotiating Committee is supported during this process by AFA International Collective Bargaining and Legal departments.

The bulk of this first session was taken up with introductions, explaining the status of negotiations to the mediator, and setting an agenda and expectations. We divided remaining provisions into categories based on how difficult they will be to resolve.

We discussed the easier provisions and made progress. Tentative agreements was reached on Section 10.X: Deadhead – all DHDs will be considered “scheduled” (no more bait and switch!). A minor addition to Section 4: Status of Agreement was also agreed upon, as well as a clarification of pay applications for drug and alcohol tests. We also discussed Crew Scheduling’s ability to pick up posted trips, clearing customs and international pay, contactability during the debrief period, increased sick leave bank cap, and retiree pass privileges.

As a reminder, the Negotiations Dashboard is an up-to-date snapshot on progress so far, including agreed upon sections and provisions still in discussion.

Watch the video recap from Mediation Session 1 –>

Our next mediation session is scheduled for February 6-8.

Tentatively Agreed

Section 4: Status of Agreement (addition to previous agreement):

• Company will provide reasonable advance notice of proposed Successorship, Merger, or Acquisition Transaction
• Company will meet to discuss impact of proposed Transaction upon Flight Attendants
• Company will disclose details related to such Transaction to AFA in a timely manner

Section 10.X. Deadhead:

• All DHDs converted to working will be paid 1.5x pay rate (previously only “scheduled” DHDs)
  • Senior Flight Attendant DHDing may choose conversion and receive premium
    • Otherwise, conversion assigned in reverse seniority order
  • Reserve DHD conversion credited 1.0X, 0.5X paid over guarantee
• All DHDs require non-bumpable seat (previously only “scheduled” DHDs)
  • DHDs less than 4 hours
    • May be required to sit in jumpseat to get revenue passenger on due to oversell
    • If required to sit in jumpseat, paid 1.5x for the DHD segment (previously only “scheduled” DHDs)
    • Offered in seniority order, assigned in reverse seniority order
  • DHDs longer than 4 hours
    • Guaranteed seat in cabin (see below)
    • May volunteer to sit in jumpseat to get revenue passenger on due to oversell
    • If Flight Attendant volunteers (processed in seniority order), paid 1.5X for the DHD segment (previously not allowed to volunteer for premium pay)
• DHD seating assigned as follows (based on availability at time DHD seat is booked) (previously no seat preferences):
  • Non-premium aisle/window seat FWD of wing
  • Most FWD non-premium aisle/window seat in main cabin
  • Most FWD non-premium seat in main cabin
• DHD seat upgraded to F/C, aisle/window exit row, or premium aisle/window if available during boarding (previously no upgrade provision)
• DHD returning to domicile at end of sequence must be on next available departure (previously no requirement)
• Internet provided free of charge (previously not provided)

Strike Vote

Our Strike Authorization Vote is currently open and closes February 13 at 12 PM PT. Please vote FOR the Strike Authorization. Participation is currently 78.0% – our goal is 100% participation and 100% FOR CHAOS™! Voting information can be found on the Contract 2022 website.

Voting FOR the Strike Authorization is the best way to show management we are unified in our fight for the contract we have earned.