- We continued discussing Section 10.R-S: Scheduling and MPRs/RIGs this session, but progress has slowed considerably since June.
- We have been assigned a Mediator, who we anticipate joining our negotiation sessions starting in November.
- We are planning additional Mobilization activities in the coming months and expect to share additional details next week.
Negotiations Update
This week, our Negotiating Committee and Mobilization Committee Chairperson met with management for Negotiation Session 19. *Our Negotiating Committee is supported during this process by AFA International Collective Bargaining and Legal departments.
Management has been considerably slower at responding to our proposals since the aggressive bargaining schedule failed in June. Everything is in the company’s court, and thus far they have only passed us 10.R-S: Scheduling. They have not formally responded to our comprehensive economic proposal from June 21st.
We did not make a lot of movement this session other than discussing Section 10.R-S: Scheduling, addressing issues with Reassignments and Precancellations. We also reviewed various proposals on MPRs/RIGs (Minimum Pay Rules/Ratios in Guarantee). Our focus remains on ensuring Flight Attendants are adequately compensated for every minute worked and for schedule changes.
Management remains focused on being “economically feasible”.
Negotiation Session 20 is scheduled for October 17-19.
Mediation
Both parties filed jointly for mediation at the end of August. We were assigned Michael Kelliher from the National Mediation Board (NMB). Mediator Kelliher has been with the NMB since 2010, and his work experience includes a term as the President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA). We anticipate his presence during the November session and his continued participation for the foreseeable future. More information about Mediator Kelliher can be found on the NMB website.
Per the NMB, the purpose of mediation is “to foster the prompt and orderly resolution of collective bargaining disputes in the railroad and airline industries.” Additional information on the mediation process can be found in this update, as well as on the Contract 2022 website and the NMB website.
Mobilization
As we approach the holiday season, we are planning additional mobilization opportunities. We will finalize dates for November and anticipate publishing information next week, prior to November bidding.
We also had an incredibly successful Pop-Up Picket in Marina Del Rey, CA, during a swanky reception at a Marina Del Rey luxury hotel for company executives, elite frequent flyers, and Los Angeles area civic leaders on September 13. Our Mobilization Volunteers crashed the party to ensure CEO Ben Minicucci and others attending the event heard our message. This example of corporate greed is a slap in the face to hard-working Flight Attendants who are long overdue for pay and work rule improvements that we have earned!
Open Sections
5: Definitions
9: Junior Available and Premium Open Time
10.R-S: Scheduling
12: Exchange of Sequences
14: Vacations
21: Compensation
Stay Connected
Watch the Session 19 Recap Video
Listen to the Session 19 Recap Podcast
Make sure you and your flying partners are signed up for AFA emails. Review the Contract 2022 Website for additional resources, including the Negotiations Dashboard with a summary of progress to date.