Negotiations
We have not received a further update from the National Mediation Board regarding new meeting dates since the September negotiations session was canceled due to our assigned mediator being on medical leave. We will update you as soon as we receive more information.
Womens, Young Workers and Human Rights Conference
This week we had 13 IAM flight attendants in attendance at the IAM Womens, Young Workers and Human Rights Conference. Speakers included IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger and other members of the IAM Executive Council members and leadership from the AFL-CIO, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Pride at Work, GetEQUAL, Voto Latino and Impact Strategies.
We focused on the many intersections between the challenges facing working minorities, women and the LGBTQ community and working together to overcome those challenges. Tough issues such as human trafficking, economic justice, and how we can organize for a better world were all discussed.
More than 400 IAM activists were planning to forever change the course of a 127-year-old union that IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger says is ready to “blaze into the future.”
“As IAM members, we’re unapologetic about our demand for dignity and human rights for all workers,” said IAM General Vice President Diane Babineaux.
Varying experiences, traditions and capabilities that are key elements in IAM members’ solidarity were highlighted. Speakers, workshops and panel discussions were related to global human rights issues and all the participants all were able to walk away with a better understanding of how women’s, young workers and human rights issues affect us all.
Stay Healthy: Tips for Avoiding Cold and Flu
The 2015-2016 cold and flu season is upon us and as flight attendants, we are exposed to cold and flu germs every day. We need to take measures to keep ourselves healthy and our co-workers.
Get a flu shot. It’s the No. 1 thing you can do to prevent the flu. It is simple and you can get them at your local pharmacy.
Wash your hands– a lot. If you come in contact with people who are contagious, you have to wash your hands over and over.
It sounds so simple, but soap and water is effective. To completely get rid of viruses from your skin, you need to scrub hard for 20 seconds or more. A good way to time yourself is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. It doesn’t matter if the water’s hot or cold — the very act of scrubbing will physically remove the germs.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you can’t get to soap and water, sanitizer can kill cold and flu germs. Carry some in your tote since it is not always available.
Avoid getting close to people who are sick. For example, don’t shake hands with a person who is obviously sick. Wear gloves when collecting trash. Wipe down with a wipe your work area in the galley. If you sneeze or cough-cover your mouth.
Stay home if you are sick and have the flu. One person can expose so many people and impacts those you come in contact with.
If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact Stephanie Starks at
CRJ
Grievance Update
This week your Grievance Representatives settled several Flight Attendant issues prior to filing grievances. Two grievances are in the first step of the grievance process. Three grievances were settled amicably between the Union and the Company. One grievance has been submitted to Grievance Mediation, which is scheduled for December 1st and 2nd in Atlanta, GA.
ERJ
Grievance Update
This week one grievance was received from ORD for appeal at Step 2 along with 5 more which are currently being forwarded to the District for appeal. The base breakdown for pending Step 2 grievances is as follows:
ORD-8
DFW-1
We have rescheduled grievance mediation for November 12-13 and also made significant progress on the grievances pending arbitration. The following arbitrators have been selected:
General Grievance 40 Et Al (regarding Catering and Cleaning)-Vernon
02124 Long Et Al (regarding false 1/7 violations preventing trip trading)-Helburn
In addition to these Et Al grievances, there is a termination grievance, which has also had an arbitrator selected. We are very close to confirming dates for these arbitrations as well and will update you as soon as we have the dates finalized.
