[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 15[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should members who transfer into management status be required to pay an Agency Fee for the privilege of retaining and accruing F/A seniority?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:  Council 60, May 23, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, members who transfer from active status to management status continue to enjoy the benefit of returning to active status, and this is an important and valuable provision within many collective agreements; and,

WHEREAS, these members in management enjoy this valuable benefit at no cost to themselves; and,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) be tasked with determining the feasibility of establishing a requirement for an Agency Fee for the privilege of retaining and accruing F/A seniority; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the SPC explore possible solutions; report to the Executive Board; and, submit pertinent advanced agenda items to accomplish this.

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  4:38 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              15

Committee                  6

Subject:                      Agency Fee Requirement for Members of Management

The Committee recommends the resolution be adopted as proposed.

Signature:       Heather Coleman                                                     

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice    X            Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

___X__ Adopted                   Date:   5/23/16         Time:  5:16 pm

_______Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn

 

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SUBJECT:    Study by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) be tasked with studying provisions of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) and make recommendations to the next Board of Director’s meeting?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:  International President – April 15, 2015

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

From time to time, representation issues arise which the C&B, as written, either does not address or which could be viewed as cumbersome or inefficient.

The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) could be tasked with reviewing selected constitutional provisions to determine the following: (1) Determine the scope of issues identified as problematic; (2) Explore possible alternative solutions; and, (3) Submit advanced agenda item(s) for consideration by the Board of Directors.

Some provisions that have tentatively been identified that relate to the following topics:

• Minimum number of members to open a Council;
• Minimum number of members to dissolve a Council;
• Provisions for an elected officer to take a leave from her/his union position
• Provisions for when an elected officer is absent from her/his union position
• The number of required officers in transitional councils
• The number of required officers in small councils
• The time line from election until assuming office, including Special Elections

Topics such as these could be identified by the Executive Board and International President for the SPC to study.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) is a living document that can and must be adapted as situations arise or change; and,

WHEREAS, recommendations for such changes should be fully considered and vetted before being presented to the Board of Directors for consideration; and,

WHEREAS, various issues have arisen that are either not addressed by the C&B or that current language proves inefficient to address;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) is tasked with considering specific constitutional provisions as identified by the Executive Board, the International Officers, and the SPC; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the SPC will determine the scope of the issue, explore possible alternative solutions, and submit pertinent advanced agenda items, if warranted; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the SPC will provide interim working reports to the Executive Board at its next in-person meeting in September 2016 and its 1^st Quarterly conference call in 2017, and a final report by March 1, 2017.

 

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  4:06 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              14

Committee                    5

Subject:                      Study by the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC)

The Committee recommends the resolution be adopted as proposed.

Signature:       Michael Blake                                                         

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice     X         Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

___X__ Adopted                Date:   5/23/16            Time:  4:55 pm

_______Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 13[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

SUBJECT:    Never Forget 9/11 Honor Guard

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should a “Never Forget 9/11 Honor Guard” be established?

SOURCE AND DATE SUBMITTED:       International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

As an organization and as individuals we have pledged to Never Forget our Flight Attendant Heroes from September 11. Each year solemn memorials and commemorations take place at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. An official AFA “Never Forget 9/11 Honor Guard” will help to ensure that we honor our pledge and that our Heroes are remembered each year, in perpetuity, with Flight Attendant representatives in uniform.

The 9/11 Honor Guard would be selected by the Executive Board each year from among volunteers in recognition of their service and dedication to projects and events in support of our Never Forget legislative agenda. This is envisioned as a way to recognize service in the cause of our Never Forget initiatives, to attract new activists, to represent our union and our flying partners at these annual memorials, and to educate succeeding generations of Flight Attendants about our 9/11 legacy.

It is anticipated that costs associated with the 9/11 Honor Guard would include a nominal amount of flight pay loss, hotel and travel expenses associated with attending memorial events. The 9/11 Honor Guard would be responsible for placing the flowers already approved by the Board of Directors and for other ceremonial duties in connection with the memorials.

At its September 2015 in-person Meeting, the Executive Board directed that an advanced agenda item be submitted to the 2016 AFA-CWA Board of Directors to establish this Never Forget 9/11 Honor Guard.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, AFA-CWA has pledged to Never Forget our 9/11 Flight Attendant Heroes; and,

WHEREAS, the presence and participation of Flight Attendants in annual 9/11 memorials and ceremonies at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA will ensure the memory of our Flight Attendant Heroes;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the AFA-CWA Executive Board directed that an advance agenda item would be submitted to the 2016 AFA-CWA Board of Directors to establish a 9/11 Honor Guard, which would be selected each year from among volunteers in recognition of their service and dedication to projects and events in support of our Never Forget agenda; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the AFA Government Affairs Department, in consultation with the International Officers, shall establish an application form that may be submitted for consideration as an Honor Guard member after volunteer work of one day on our Never Forget agenda with the understanding that members who volunteer may submit an application after each day of activism; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the AFA-CWA Executive Board, pending approval of the AFA-CWA Board of Directors at its 2016 Meeting, shall review the applications during its July meeting and select the first annual Honor Guard for attendance at remembrance services marking the 15^th years since the events of September 11, 2001; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that adequate funding shall be provided to ensure that the 9/11 Honor Guard may carry out its duties each year; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the 9/11 Honor Guard shall attend 9/11 memorials and commemorations each year at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA to help to represent our Union and to honor the memory of all of our Flight Attendant Heroes.

 

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  3:35 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              13

Committee                    4

Subject:                      Never Forget 9/11 Honor Guard

The Committee recommends the resolution be amended as follows:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, AFA-CWA has pledged to Never Forget our 9/11 Flight Attendant Heroes; and,

WHEREAS, the presence and participation of Flight Attendants in annual 9/11 memorials and ceremonies at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA will ensure the memory of our Flight Attendant Heroes;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the AFA-CWA Executive Board directed that an advance agenda item would be submitted to the 2016 AFA-CWA Board of Directors to establish a 9/11 Honor Guard, which would be selected each year from among volunteers in recognition of their service and dedication to projects and events in support of our Never Forget agenda; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the AFA Government Affairs Department, in consultation with the International Officers, shall establish an application form that may be submitted for consideration as an Honor Guard member after volunteer work of one day on our Never Forget agenda with the understanding that members who volunteer may submit an application after each day of activism; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the AFA-CWA Executive Board, pending approval of the AFA-CWA Board of Directors at its 2016 Meeting, shall review the applications during its July meeting and select the first annual Honor Guard comprised of one or two flight attendants per memorial event for attendance at remembrance services marking the 15^th years since the events of September 11, 2001; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that adequate funding shall be provided to ensure that the 9/11 Honor Guard may carry out its duties each year; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the 9/11 Honor Guard shall attend 9/11 memorials and commemorations each year at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA to help to represent our Union and to honor the memory of all of our Flight Attendant Heroes.

Signature:       Laura Masserant                                                       

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice      X          Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

_______Adopted                               Date:   5/23/16                        Time:  5:01 pm

___X__ Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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SUBJECT:    Negotiations Policy – Preamble & First Contracts (Section VI.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should the AFA-CWA Policy Manual include language in the Contract Negotiations section that supports a focus on timely conclusion of first contract negotiations?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:          International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

There is a need to insert a level of “urgency” to all contract negotiations, but especially to that of negotiating first contracts.  Consideration should be given to creating urgency around deadlines, defined priorities, and membership engagement.

Negotiation of first contracts in a timely manner is a matter of critical importance to AFA-CWA.  Without the protections of a first contract, Flight Attendants will continue to be fired at will with few legal protections.  These same Flight Attendants organized in order to gain job security and improve their working conditions, but employers use delay tactics to withhold the protections and full benefits of unionization.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, our primary purpose as a Union is to provide every measure of job security possible; and,

WHEREAS, the benefits of organizing are only truly realized for the membership upon ratification of the first contract;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Preamble to Section VI. of the AFA-CWA Policy Manual shall be inserted prior to Section VI.A:

The negotiation of industry-leading collective bargaining agreements covering Flight Attendant rates of pay, benefits, work rules and working conditions, and retirement forms the “bedrock” reason for the existence of all labor unions, and is a key aspect of the Mission Statement of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.  To achieve that end, the Union is committed to establishing policies and practices that ensure that its members obtain the greatest benefit possible from the collective bargaining process.  Most significantly, AFA negotiates contracts that reflect the priorities of the membership and raise the standard of living for all Flight Attendants.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the following language be inserted as a new Section VI.B.11. of the AFA-CWA Policy Manual:

11. First Contracts: The following special considerations shall govern the negotiations of first collective bargaining agreements. Negotiations of a first contract shall be the number one priority of the Transitional Master Executive Council.  In order to achieve an effective and expeditious bargaining process, the Transitional MEC President/Negotiating Committee, in consultation with the International President and the Director of Collective Bargaining, will develop a strategic bargaining plan that recognizes both the priorities as identified by our members and the need to achieve the protections of a first contract in the most expeditious manner possible.  The timely negotiation and conclusion of a first contract is necessary to continue the momentum from the representation election, capitalize on the new AFA members’ desire for Union representation, and satisfy the reasons these members chose to become AFA Members.  Benchmarks will be established to identify management stall tactics and ensure negotiations are being conducted in the most expeditious fashion possible.

 

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/24/16

Time:  12:26 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              12

Committee                    3

Subject:                      Negotiations Policy – Preamble & First Contracts

(Section VI.)

The Committee recommends the resolution be amended as proposed.

Signature:       Chris Black                                                   

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice      X           Division of the House              Roll Call____

____X_ Adopted                 Date:   5/24/16             Time:  3:36 pm

_______Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn

Note:  The Agenda Committee recommended the words “International President” be removed from the proposed agenda item language; that recommendation was ruled Out of Order; the agenda item was then adopted by the Board as originally proposed.
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[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 11[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

SUBJECT:    Negotiations Policy – Tips from Onboard Sales (Section VI.C.35.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should Section VI.C.35. be amended to include the practice of tipping for onboard sales?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:          Frontier MEC – March 11, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In the fall of 2015, Frontier Airlines introduced to new credit card sales device for the purpose of maintaining a cashless cabin for all on-board sales.  The device includes the ability for passengers to add a tip on top of their purchase.  The tips are shared by all Flight Attendants working that leg of the flight, and each Flight Attendant’s accumulated tips for the month will be paid in their paychecks approximately 50 days later.

Although performing on-board sales is a required duty, there is no ability (at this time) for a flight attendant to opt out of receiving tips.  No other airline in the United States provides a means for passengers to add a tip to their on-board purchase using a credit card device.  Frontier is the first, and will most likely not be the last.

There is no language in the Constitution and By-Laws that gives the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA a position on this issue.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, receipt of “tips” from sales of onboard products or services is a new factor within the airline industry that could provide additional income to members; and,

WHEREAS, AFA-CWA would adamantly oppose a management approach that lowers hourly wages by imposing a compensation package based upon tips;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Section VI.C.35. of the AFA-CWA Policy Manual be amended as follows:

35. AFA-CWA shall adamantly oppose any management effort to lower hourly wage rates by imposing a compensation package requiring a flight attendant to make up for lost wages through income earned by commission or tipsfrom sales of on board products and services.  AFA-CWA shall also oppose any management attempt to propose future pay raises based exclusively on commission or tip-based sales of on board products and services.  AFA-CWA shall further adamantly oppose any management effort to require sales quotas for on board sales as a means of punitive action toward a flight attendant. Commission and tip income that is earned in addition to contractual hourly wages and which benefit our members is acceptable.

 

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  4:11 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              11

Committee                    2

Subject:                      Negotiations Policy – Tips from Onboard Sales

(Section VI.C.35.)

The Committee recommends the resolution be adopted as proposed.

Signature:       Tim Hopkins                                                          

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice     X           Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

___X __Adopted                Date:   5/23/16           Time:  4:45 pm

_______Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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SUBJECT:    Flight Pay Loss (FPL) Accountability

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should existing policies be further refined to ensure compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws and Federal Regulations?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:          International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Article XV.A. of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) states the following:

Every AFA-CWA officer and representative, whether elected or appointed, has a high fiduciary duty and sacred trust to serve the best interests of the members honestly and faithfully.

It is recognized that union work is voluntary in nature, and that for the most part, Officers and Representatives contribute much of their time voluntarily.  In reality, it is also recognized that there is a need to reimburse individuals for flight hours lost due to performing union work.  Finally, it is well understood that FPL is typically the highest cost incurred in any budget.

A high priority for AFA is that the use of FPL is beyond ethical reproach, and done so in a manner fully compliant with our C&B.  Further, DOL requirements highlight the need to keep real-time records of FPL expenditures.  To guide us, there are various Articles and Sections of the C&B that contain provisions related to reimbursements of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) and Expenses.  These include the following:

Articles

I.R.         There shall be no salary for any Officer, except per Article IV.H.

IV.H.      Salary provisions for International Officers

Sections

IV.B.      No Salaries for MEC Officers

IV.D.      FPL Reimbursement Procedures

IV.D.4.   Return of Lost Vacations

IV.E       Time Limitations for Submissions

These constitutional provisions and other policies and procedures are designed to ensure accountability and transparency.

Due to some potential problems brought to the attention of the International Officers, it may be desirable to further delineate some procedures related to FPL administration.  These would ensure the following:

• Must ensure compliance that Flight Attendants doing union work are not salaried employees of the Union
  • FPL must relate to normal earnings of the F/A member
  • There must be a connection between FPL hours and normal flight hours lost
  • If hours are not “lost” in sense of trips released, FPL hours must relate to schedule that could have been held given seniority in base to ensure reasonableness
  • There must be a balance between FPL Hours; Flight Hours Lost; and Hours Worked on behalf of the membership

• Must ensure budgetary compliance
  • FPL should be charged to the budget under which work is performed
  • FPL must be moderated and monitored to ensure over budget conditions are not created

• Must ensure transparency
  • This enables members to hold leaders accountable

• Must ensure proper documentation
  • This is necessary to ensure compliance with C&B and budgetary limitations
  • This provides the basis for reporting to the DOL
  • DOL would expect certain procedures to document that FPL is used in accordance with C&B and for the benefit of the membership
  • This enables transparency so members can hold leaders accountable
  • Activity Reports will document that union work was performed

(An online portal could be developed to facilitate and simplify the record-keeping process to document FPL hours, hours worked, and project that was worked.)

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, maintaining a high fiduciary duty and sacred trust to serve the best interests of the members honestly and faithfully is principle of utmost priority; and,

WHEREAS, Flight Pay Loss (FPL) is not only one of the highest costs encountered by the Union, but a necessity to ensure that union Officers and Activists recoup the pay associated with flight hours lost due to performance of union work; and,

WHEREAS, various Articles and Sections of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) as well as the Department of Labor (DOL) regulations both provide guidance on acceptable practices and procedures; and,

WHEREAS, compliance with C&B provisions and DOL regulations would be further assisted by more detailed guidance within the AFA-CWA Policy Manual;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Section IV.D.1. be amended as follows:

D.  Reimbursement Procedure

1. Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement Procedure

a. Reimbursement for Flight Pay Loss (FPL) directly from the Union is accomplished by submitting a record of trips lost on a Union Report of Flight Pay Loss form which may be obtained from the Local Council President or the Accounting Department at the International Office. Such Report of Flight Pay Loss shall be submitted by the member at the time of trip(s) dropped and s/he shall be immediately reimbursed. Company pay vouchers for the month during which a trip(s) were lost must be submitted when received by the flight attendant.

b. Authorizing a number of hours of FPL for an individual must recognize that per Article I.R., FPL should not be considered a salary from the Union. Instead, FPL is a reimbursement for flight hours lost due to work performed for the Union on behalf of the membership,  FPL hours must not only relate to flight hours lost, but must relate to hours of work performed and any applicable budgetary limitations.

c. Approved FPL hours must be charged to a budget that would normally be associated with the work performed.

d.  Documentation of FPL hours is the responsibility of the person receiving the FPL, as overseen by LEC President, MEC President, or other individual responsible for the applicable budget. Documentation should be sufficient to substantiate that work on behalf of the membership was performed, and should be collected on a monthly basis through activity reports to correlate to the FPL billing period.

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(Office-2016)

Date    5/24/16

Time:  9:20 a.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              10

Committee                    1

Subject:                      Flight Pay Loss (FPL) Accountability (Section IV.D.1.)

The Committee recommends the resolution be amended as follows:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, maintaining a high fiduciary duty and sacred trust to serve the best interests of the members honestly and faithfully is principle of utmost priority; and,

WHEREAS, Flight Pay Loss (FPL) is not only one of the highest costs encountered by the Union, but a necessity to ensure that union Officers and Activists recoup the pay associated with flight hours lost due to performance of union work; and,

WHEREAS, various Articles and Sections of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) as well as the Department of Labor (DOL) regulations both provide guidance on acceptable practices and procedures; and,

WHEREAS, compliance with C&B provisions and DOL regulations would be further assisted by more detailed guidance within the AFA-CWA Policy Manual;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Section IV.D.1. be amended as follows:

D. Reimbursement and Recording Procedures

1. Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement Procedure Union business–related Compensation Procedures

a. Reimbursement for Flight Pay Loss (FPL) directly from the Union is accomplished by submitting a record of trips lost on a Union Report of Flight Pay Loss form which may be obtained from the Local Council President or the Accounting Department at the International Office. Such Report of Flight Pay Loss shall be submitted by the member at the time of trip(s) dropped and s/he shall be immediately reimbursed. Company pay vouchers for the month during which a trip(s) were lost must be submitted when received by the flight attendant.

b. Authorizing a number of hours of FPL for an individual must recognize that per Article I.R., FPL should not be considered a salary from the Union. Instead, FPL is a reimbursement for flight hours lost due to work performed for the Union on behalf of the membership,  FPL hours must not only relate to flight hours lost, but must relate to hours of work performed and any applicable budgetary limitations.

c. Approved FPL hours must be charged to a budget that would normally be associated with the work performed.

d. Documentation of FPL hours, including company paid flight pay loss, is Documentation of all compensation received from all sources while in the conduct of Union business is necessary. Whether processed as lost flight time, a Flight Pay Loss (FPL) reimbursement or paid directly by the company, these hours are to be documented and recorded in Union records. This is the responsibility of the person receiving the FPL compensation, as overseen by LEC President, MEC President, or other individual responsible for the applicable budget.  Documentation should be sufficient to substantiate that work on behalf of the membership was performed, and should be collected on a monthly basis through activity reports to correlate to the FPL billing period.

Signature:      Jeffrey Heisey                                                             

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice    X           Division of the House              Roll Call____

_______Adopted               Date:   5/24/16             Time:  10:46 am

___X __Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 9[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

SUBJECT:    Authority to Establish Local Councils (Articles III.A.3. & VI.B.1.i.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should Articles III.A.3. and VI.B.1.i. be amended to allow a Master Executive Council be the sole authority on establishment of a new council?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:          Council 60, 63, 64, 36, 37 – March 17, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Each MEC knows the needs and circumstances of their own union business. As long as the minimum provisions are met in Section 1.I. of the Policy Manual, a MEC vote should suffice in determining opening new Local Councils in new bases.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Article III.A.3.a. and b. shall be amended as follows:

3. Authority to Establish Councils

a. The Executive Board Master Executive Council shall have the authority to establish Local Councils and create new Councils for the purpose of representation, and. The Executive Board will make assignments to election categories.

b. The number and location of Local Councils, as well as the Local Council number shall be recommended by the Master Executive Council and final determination shall be made by the Executive Board.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Article VI.B.1.i. shall be deleted, and subsequent subsections re-numbered accordingly.

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  5:36 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              9

Committee                  8

Subject:                      Authority to Establish Local Councils

(Articles III.A.3. & VI.B.1.i.)

The Committee recommends the following substitute referral:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Article III.A.3.a. and b. shall be amended as follows:

3. Authority to Establish Councils

a. The Executive Board Master Executive Council shall have the authority to establish Local Councils and create new Councils for the purpose of representation, and. The Executive Board will make assignments to election categories.

b. The number and location of Local Councils, as well as the Local Council number shall be recommended by the Master Executive Council and final determination shall be made by the Executive Board.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Article VI.B.1.i. shall be deleted, and subsequent subsections re-numbered accordingly.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) be tasked with reviewing Article III.A. and bring forth any recommendations to the 45^th Board of Directors meeting.  These recommendations should address all necessary criteria and structure needed to establish a new local council.

Signature:      Robert Barrow                                                       

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice      X          Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

_______Adopted               Date:   5/24/16             Time:  9:06 am

___X__ Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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SUBJECT:    Dues – Prepayment of Annual Dues (Article XI.B.4.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should the 10% discount for prepayment of annual dues be reinstated?

SOURCE AND DATE SUBMITTED:       International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

This discount for annual dues was introduced at a time when interest rates were high and it made fiscal sense for the Union to collect dues on an annual basis.  The 10% discount far exceeds the financial benefit to the Union and results in reduced resources available to provide representation to members.

Initially, this provision was inserted into the Constitution because it was fiscally advantageous to the Union to receive the dues moneys earlier.  Given the current very low interest rates, it is no longer fiscally prudent to retain this provision.

The 2015 Board of Directors eliminated the 10% reduction with the proviso that the concept be reintroduced and voted upon as an advanced agenda item in 2016.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS, as a result of action of the 2015 Board of Directors, a significant savings was achieved by eliminating the 10% discount for prepayment of annual dues; and,

WHEREAS, the resolution in 2015 required that this provision be re-introduced as an advanced agenda item;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Article XI.B.4. be reinstated as follows:

4. Prepayment of Annual DuesAny member may pay dues annually in advance prior to July 1 of any year, instead of quarterly and a ten percent (10%) discount will be granted to such member on such annual prepaid amount.

 

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(Office-2016)

Date: 5/23/16

Time: 5:16 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              8

Committee                  7

Subject:                      Dues – Prepayment of Annual Dues (Article XI.B.4.)

The Committee recommends this resolution not be adopted.

Signature:      Anthony King                                                             

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice     X           Division of the House              Roll Call____

 

_______Adopted                 Date:   5/23/16         Time:  6:02 pm

_______Adopted as Amended

___X__ Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 7[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

SUBJECT:    Dues – Obligation at Two Months and Elimination of the Initiation Fee (Articles II.C.3. and XI.C.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Should Members be required to pay dues upon reaching two months of active service and the Initiation Fee be eliminated?

SOURCE AN DATE SUBMITTED:          International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The arrival of new-hire Flight Attendants is always a good sign at any airline.  The addition of new members becoming active in the Local Council makes the Council stronger and more vibrant.

These newest members, from the first day they arrive on the line, are covered by the collective agreement and enjoy the vast majority of contractual protections and benefits.  However, Local Councils have long realized that the arrival of new F/A’s significantly increases the representational activity with these newest members.

The concept behind this agenda item is merely to relate the payment of dues to the services rendered, rather than align dues payments to an arbitrary end date of probation.

While not the prime motivating factor, this change is consistent with Board direction to explore revenue ideas.

This change is also consistent with Department of Labor standards.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

WHEREAS the Department of Labor (DOL) recognizes normal payment of dues from the second month of employment; and,

WHEREAS, AFA has always ensured that new members receive all contractual benefits associated with scope, pay, benefits, and working conditions; and,

WHEREAS, all Flight Attendants reap the benefits of the vast majority of contractual provisions from the first day of employment; and,

WHEREAS, payment of dues should relate to receipt of contractual protections rather than an arbitrary duration of probation that is determined by management; and,

WHEREAS, elimination of the existing Initiation Fee will provide some financial relief to these same new members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Article II.C.3. be amended as follows:

3. Apprentice MembersAn apprentice member is a flight attendant who possesses all the requirements for active membership with the exception of having completed the required company probationary period stipulated in that member’s employment agreement two month union apprenticeship, or who need not be represented by the Union under that member’s employment agreement, and whose application for such status has been approved in accordance with Sections of this Article. Such member will not be required to assume any financial obligation until becoming eligible for active membership. An apprentice member is excluded from the rights and privileges of the Union until that member meets the full requirements for active membership. However, an apprentice member shall be allowed full privileges of the floor at any Local Council meeting or portion thereof which has not been specifically declared closed to apprentice members.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Article XI.C. (Initiation Fee) be deleted and subsequent subsections be re-numbered accordingly.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these changes will be effective for Flight Attendants hired on or after January 1, 2017; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall make other necessary changes as needed to ensure consistency with the changes described above.

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  5:46 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              7

Committee                  7

Subject:          Dues – Obligation at Two Months and Elimination of the Initiation Fee

(Articles II.C.3. and XI.C., Section IV, B.12. & C.1.b.)

The Committee recommends the following substitute resolution:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Constitution & Bylaws will be amended as follows:

ARTICLE II.

C. Description of Classes

1. Active Members

a. An active member is a flight attendant employed by an airline for whom the Union is the bargaining representative who has met the qualifications of Section A. of this Article and has been approved for such status in accordance with Section D. of this Article. A Flight Attendant shall be eligible to become an active member following four full calendar months of service as a Flight Attendant following the completion of training.  An active member in good standing shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the Union, including the right to vote and hold elected and appointed office. A member shall remain active until:   [This amended provision effective January 1, 2017.]

 

ARTICLE II.

C.3. Apprentice Members

An apprentice member is a Flight Attendant who possesses all the requirements for active membership with the exception of having completed the required company probationary period stipulated in that member’s employment agreement, or who need not be represented by the Union under that member’s employment agreement, and whose application for such status has been approved in accordance with Sections of this Article. Such member will not be required to assume any financial obligation until becoming eligible for active membership. An apprentice member is excluded from the rights and privileges of the Union until that member meets the full requirements for active membership. However, an apprentice member shall be allowed full privileges on the floor at any Local Council meeting or portion thereof which has not been specifically declared closed to apprentice members.  [This provision will be replaced with the below paragraph effective January 1, 2017.]

ARTICLE II.

C.3. Apprentice Members

An apprentice member is a Flight Attendant who possesses all the requirements for active membership except for the requirement of four full calendar months of service as defined in Paragraph C.1 above with the exception of having completed the required company probationary period stipulated in that member’s employment agreement, or who need not be represented by the Union under that member’s employment agreement, and whose application for such status has been approved in accordance with Sections of this Article. Such member will not be required to assume any financial obligation until becoming eligible for active membership. An apprentice member is excluded from the rights and privileges of the Union until that member meets the full requirements for active membership. However, an apprentice member shall be allowed full privileges on the floor at any Local Council meeting or portion thereof which has not been specifically declared closed to apprentice members.  [This amended provision effective January 1, 2017.]

ARTICLE XI

DUES, INITIATION FEE AND ASSESSMENTS

C. Initiation Fee

1. Each applicant accepted by the Union for active membership on or after October 31, 2005 shall be required to pay an initiation fee of sixty dollars ($60.00), paid either at one time on approval of active membership or on a monthly basis for six (6) months at ten dollars ($10.00) per month. Individuals who were members of AFA-CWA carriers at the time AFA-CWA’s representation rights terminated at their carrier shall not be required to pay an initiation fee upon rejoining AFA-CWA. Payment of initiation fees for members on newly organized carriers without prior Union representation and a collective bargaining agreement shall be deferred until after an initial contract is ratified.

2. The International President may ballot the Executive Board for the purpose of waiving initiation fees in connection with organizing activities. Majority vote shall prevail.  [This provision deleted effective January 1, 2017.]

Section IV

B.12.  Upon receipt, thirty-five (35%) percent of the initiation fee collected from members on each airline will be credited to the Master Executive Council budget on that airline.  [This provision deleted effective January 1, 2017.]

Section IV

C.1.b.   Upon receipt sixty-five (65%) percent of the initiation fee collected from members in each Local Council will be credited to the Local Executive Council budget for that council.  [This provision deleted effective January 1, 2017.]

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the International Secretary-Treasurer shall make other necessary changes, including any references to the initiation fee, to ensure consistency with the changes described above.

 

Signature:      Anthony King                                                              

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice     X           Division of the House              Roll Call____

_______Adopted                    Date:   5/24/16           Time:  3:15 pm

___X__ Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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[tabs slidertype=”top tabs” fx=”slide”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext]Agenda Item 6[/tabtext] [tabtext]Final Action[/tabtext][/tabcontainer] [tabcontent][tab]

SUBJECT:    Continuing Committees – Elections (Section XIV.)

STATEMENT OF QUESTION:

Who will be appointed to fill the positions available on the Continuing Committees?

SOURCE AND DATE SUBMITTED:       International President – April 15, 2016

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Filling positions on the Continuing committees of the Board of Directors is governed by Article V.L. and Section XIV.B.1.  Members of the Board made recommendations to the International President, and these were discussed on the Executive Board conference call on April 1, 2016.

The Executive Board directed that a list of nominated names be finalized and provided to the Board of Directors for consideration and final approval.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

A.     Finance – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Finance Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and, two members from any carrier regardless of size;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Heather Coleman        HZN 16 LECP

501-2,999 members     Justin Phillips              MSA 56 Member

Sherrie Thompson       FA9 MEC S-T

over 3,000 members    Terry Taylor                ALA 19 Member

Dante Harris                UAL 12 LECP

Jeff Heisey                  UAL MEC S-T

 

B.    Negotiations Policy – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Negotiations Policy Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Kelly Wells                             ALA 19 Member

John Grace                              AMR 52 MEC VP

Charlie Hromjah-Black           CAL 62 Member

Greg Davidowitch                  UAL 21 Member

C.    International Affairs – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the International Affairs Committee consist of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Natasha Glasper          MIA MECP

Steve Brooks               CAL 62 Member

Jorge Buchelli             SPR MEC P

Rick Gonzalez             UAL 38 LECP

D.    Leadership Development – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Leadership Development Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Laura Masserant          ALA 19 LECP

Krystle Cook               ALA 19 Member

Jaci-Ann Chung          HAL 43 LECP

Anita Jwanouskos       PED MECP

E.   Political / Legislative – 1/1/2017-12/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Political / Legislative Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Beverly Bullock          ALA MEC Gov’t Affairs Chair

Mary Oswald              AMR MEC Gov’t Affairs Chair

Ginny McDavit           CAL 64 Gov’t Affairs Chair

Mary Garton               UAL 12 Member

Diane Tucker               UAL 11 Member (Alt)

F.    Strategic Planning – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Strategic Planning Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and, two members from any carrier regardless of size;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Heather Coleman        HZN 16 LECP

501-2,999 members     Brian Palmer               ALA MEC VP

Robert Barrow            AMR 52 LECP

Angie Piller                 FA9 71 LECP

over 3,000 members   Denny Wheeling         CAL 64 LECP

Dante Harris                UAL 12 LECP

G.   Crew Accommodation and Transportation Policy Committee – 6/1/2016 –  5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Crew Accommodation and Transportation Policy Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and at least one from a charter carrier;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Franz Decordova        MIA MEC S-T

Jaime Martinez            ARW 03 Member

501-2,999 members     Matt Mitchell              HAL MEC Hotel Chair

over 3,000 members    VACANCY

Marian Drabosenik     UAL MEC Hotel Committee

 

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(Office-2016)

Date:   5/23/16

Time:  5:10 p.m.

2016 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION FORM

Agenda Item              6

Committee                  6

Subject:                      Continuing Committees – Elections (Section XIV.)

The Committee recommends the resolution be amended as follows:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION:

A. Finance – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Finance Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and, two members from any carrier regardless of size;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Heather Coleman        HZN 16 LECP           

Ed Hawes                   HZN MEC VP

501-2,999 members     Justin Phillips              MSA 56 LECP (ALT)

Sherrie Thompson       FA9 MEC S-T

over 3,000 members    Terry Taylor                ALA 19 Member

Dante Harris                UAL 12 LECP

Jeff Heisey                  UAL MEC S-T

B. Negotiations Policy – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Negotiations Policy Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Kelle Porter Wells                   ALA 19 Member

John Grace                              AMR 52 MEC VP

Charlie Hromjah-Black           CAL 62 Member

Greg Davidowitch                  UAL 21 06 Member

 

C. International Affairs – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the International Affairs Committee consist of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Natasha Glasper          MIA MECP

Steve Brooks               CAL 62 Member

Jorge Buchelli             SPR MECP

Rick Gonzalez             UAL 38 LECP

 

D. Leadership Development – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Leadership Development Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Laura Masserant          ALA 19 LECP

Krystle Cook               ALA 19 Member

Jaci-Ann Chung          HAL 43 LECP

Anita Jwanouskos       PED MECP

Thomas Burton         EDV MEC S-T  (ALT)

                                    Todd Failla                UAL 21 LECP (ALT)

E. Political / Legislative – 1/1/2017-12/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Political / Legislative Committee consists of four members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions:

Beverly Bullock          ALA MEC Gov’t Affairs Chair

Mary Oswald              AMR MEC Gov’t Affairs Chair

Ginny McDavid          CAL 64 Gov’t Affairs Chair

Mary Garton               UAL 11 Member

Diane Tucker               UAL 11 Member (Alt)

Andrew Fahy             UAL 27 LECP (ALT)

 

F. Strategic Planning – 6/1/2016 – 5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Strategic Planning Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and, two members from any carrier regardless of size;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Heather Coleman        HZN 16 LECP

501-2,999 members     Brian Palmer               ALA MEC VP

Robert Barrow            AMR 52 LECP

Angie Piller                 FA9 71 LECP

over 3,000 members    Denny Wheeling         CAL 64 LECP

Dante Harris                UAL 12 LECP

Brian Palmer             ALA MEC VP

G. Crew Accommodation and Transportation Policy Committee –

            6/1/2016 –  5/31/2018

WHEREAS, the Crew Accommodation and Transportation Policy Committee consists of five members with at least one from each of the following groups of carriers: under 500 members; over 500 but under 3,000 members; over 3,000 members; and at least one from a charter carrier;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following members have been nominated to fill the positions in each airline group:

under 500 members     Franz Decordova        MIA MEC S-T

Jaime Martinez            ARW 03 Member

501-2,999 members     Matt Mitchell              HAL MEC Hotel Chair

over 3,000 members    VACANCY

Marian Drabosenik     UAL MEC Hotel Committee Chair

Jodi Snow                  ALA 19 Hotel Chair

                                     Tim Hopkins              SPR 74 LECP (ALT)

                                     Julie Miller                 UAL 9 Member (ALT)

 

Signature:      Heather Coleman                                                       

Committee Chairperson

Action Taken by the Board:      Voice      X          Division of the House              Roll Call____

_______Adopted          Date:   5/24/16       Time:  9:01 am

___X__ Adopted as Amended

_______Not Adopted

_______Tabled

_______Recommitted to Agenda Committee

_______Withdrawn
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