It’s Time Live - SkyWest AFA

In Episode 20 of the *It's Time Live* podcast, experienced SkyWest Flight Attendants share their vision for what should be prioritized in the first legally binding contract negotiated under a SkyWest AFA union. They discuss the need for a restructured pay scale that rewards Flight Attendants more quickly and consistently, along with regular cost-of-living adjustments to ensure wages keep up with inflation. Addressing these changes would create more stability and fairness in compensation, making it possible for Flight Attendants to achieve their financial goals. The conversation also explores the importance of improving benefits and retirement options, such as expanding healthcare coverage and securing retirement travel privileges on all flying partners. With many Flight Attendants planning for their long-term financial security, a stronger 401(k) matching program is seen as essential. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements are highlighted, including the need for better protections against schedule changes and compensation for long sits between flights that currently go unpaid. Finally, the Flight Attendants call for an increase in uniform upkeep allowances to ensure that maintaining a professional appearance doesn't become a personal financial burden. Overall, they emphasize the need for a union contract that addresses these key areas and provides the legal protections needed to guarantee that these concerns are prioritized. Listen to the full episode of *It's Time Live* to hear more about their vision for the first SkyWest AFA union contract and think about what you want to see in our first contract!

We are honored to share our latest episode of “It's Time Live,” featuring Romero Malone, former SkyWest Flight Attendant and President of the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA). Romero's journey highlights his strength of character and efforts to change SkyWest's culture. His story underscores the need for an independent union to truly represent and protect SkyWest Flight Attendants. Romero made history as the first Black SIA President, striving to improve the lives of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Unfortunately, his tenure was plagued by racism and a lack of support from management. Despite his advocacy, the SIA Board, in coordination with management, forced him out. In this interview, Romero shares his experiences, from facing viral racist text messages to the lack of separation between SIA and SkyWest management. His story underscores the importance of having a union that genuinely stands up for its members, free from management's control. Watch Romero's full interview here. The AFA-CWA Constitution and By-Laws enshrine the union's commitment to fighting racism and bigotry. Key sections include: Mission Statement (Article I): AFA-CWA is dedicated to eliminating discrimination and harassment. Objectives (Article III): The union aims to foster a safe and healthy workplace. AFA-CWA has a proud history of advocating for diversity and inclusion: Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights: Among the first to support LGBTQ flight attendants. Civil Rights Movement Support: Critical role in supporting Black flight attendants. Trailblazers in Leadership: Leaders like Keturah Johnson advancing diversity. Unite for a better future for SkyWest Flight Attendants. Send in your authorization cards and join AFA-CWA. Our SkyWest AFA union will protect anyone facing discrimination, ensuring management addresses these issues fairly. Onward and upward!

Welcome to Episode 18 of "It's Time Live," where we delve into everything new SkyWest flight attendants need to know about joining the airline and how union representation can enhance their careers. Hosted by Gailen David from the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and Salt Lake City-based SkyWest Flight Attendant Jacque Crossley, this episode provides valuable insights for new hires, those in training, or anyone considering a career with SkyWest Airlines. Introduction to SkyWest Airlines SkyWest Airlines operates Delta, United, Alaska, and American Airlines flights. This setup offers flight attendants excellent flight benefits across these major airlines but requires them to adapt to different announcements, service guidelines, and partner procedures. While demanding, this variety ensures the work is never monotonous. For those who master the PBS (Preferential Bidding System), significant scheduling flexibility is possible once you become a line holder. Tools and Tips for New Flight Attendants Commuting: Crash Pads: Essential for those on reserve to be in base on your on-days. Flight Aware App:Track flights to ease commuting. Airline Apps: Download Alaska, American, Delta, United, and other airline apps.  Spirit Airlines Non-Rev Listing: Use teamtravel.spirit.com/EmployeeTravel.aspx. Check with a coworker or contact LifeLines. Bidding: Bid Transparency Report on SWOL: Familiarize yourself with this to improve your bidding strategy. Access it on the Inflight page under scheduling, then PBS bid transparency. Lifestyle Tips for Flight Attendants Being a flight attendant offers opportunities to travel and meet diverse people, but it can also be lonely during long layovers. Here are some tips to make the most of it: Engage in Hobbies: Bring books or explore new cities during layovers. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family. Take Photos: Capture memories of the places you visit. Absences and Calling Out Understanding the company's policy on absences is crucial. SkyWest allows five excused absences during probation, but management has terminated Flight Attendants for less. Follow these steps: Policy Familiarity: Review SP2307 in the FA Policy Manual and the "Standards, Expectations & Requirements" on the New Hire Support page on SWOL. Emergency Procedures: Know what qualifies as an emergency and follow the proper submission process through the excused occurrence submission page on SWOL. LifeLine Support Group: Use this peer support resource for help with calling out, bidding, policy questions, and more. SkyWest Culture and Union Advocacy SkyWest has evolved. While it once prioritized employee care, its focus has shifted more toward cost-saving measures and shareholder profits. This change has fueled the need for a real union, like SkyWest AFA, to ensure that flight attendants have a voice and are protected through a negotiated contract. Union Benefits: Improved Working Conditions: Single-occupancy hotel rooms, better pay, benefits, and working hours. Safety Regulations: Successfully fought to keep knives off planes, ban smoking, and establish regulations for extreme temperatures and poor air quality on aircraft. Representation: AFA-run unions, led by fellow flight attendants, ensure that industry standards are upheld and that the company remains accountable. Training and Probation SkyWest's training program is one of the most rigorous in the industry. Be prepared, read everything thoroughly, and adhere to all guidelines. Probation starts after completing your inflight operating experience (IOE) and can be extended by the company for various reasons. A union can help standardize these policies and protect new hires from arbitrary changes. We Are Better Together! The SkyWest AFA campaign aims to give flight attendants the representation and protection they deserve. Signing an Authorization Card supports establishing a real union at SkyWest, which can negotiate better working conditions, pay, and benefits for all flight attendants. Engaging with union efforts is your legal right, and management will never see your signed Authorization Card. For more information and support, visit ooitstime.com. Share this information with your classmates and colleagues to empower everyone with the knowledge needed to succeed and thrive at SkyWest Airlines. Fly safe!

In Episode 16 of “It’s Time Live,” Gailen David and Jacque Crossley address misinformation about unionization spread by SkyWest management. They debunk myths and clarify the benefits and processes of forming a SkyWest AFA Union. Jacque clarifies confusion surrounding Authorization Cards and the importance of sending them in to ensure a vote for union representation. The episode also covers how SkyWest management's misinformation campaigns and "union avoidance" efforts are designed to prevent flight attendants from gaining union power. Additionally, the discussion highlights that there are ZERO DUES until an initial contract is approved, refuting management's scare tactics about dues. They also discuss management’s motivation to prevent Flight Attendants from gaining the power their SkyWest AFA will bring to their workgroup. The episode closes by encouraging flight attendants to seek accurate information and participate in the SkyWest AFA campaign to improve their working conditions and rights. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

In this "More in 2024" Town Hall, Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA Int'l President, and John Morse, AFA-CWA Associate General Counsel, take questions from a panel of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Learn about the job protections and support available to members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA that SkyWest Flight Attendants currently don't have. With our SkyWest AFA Union, we gain a true voice at SkyWest that management doesn't control. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

 On this episode of the "Its Time Live" podcast, we discuss the recent ten days of action for the SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union campaign. We recapped the events at our different bases across the US and highlighted the importance of growing the campaign and getting more Flight Attendants involved. We also discussed how to get more of our coworkers connected to the campaign and sign authorization cards to get us to a vote this year to establish our SkyWest AFA Union. Our Union will be run by us, for us! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

In this “It’s Time Live” episode, we discuss our January 10 Days of Action! Of course, the action items we discuss can be done anytime, but we break them, down by day in January to make getting started easier. Plus, you’ll probably find an action item that you’re really good at. Do what comes naturally to you and help make this happen! Before you know it, these action items will become second nature and help make our SkyWest AFA Union a reality faster than we ever imagined! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

The most recent episode of “It’s Time Live” offered a fascinating exploration into the critical roles and challenges faced by Flight Attendants, mainly focusing on the ongoing contract negotiations within the industry. Guests from American and Southwest Airlines provided a window into their experiences, highlighting the crucial nature of this time for Flight Attendants at all airlines. A United Front Against Corporate Dominance At the heart of these negotiations lies a significant struggle against corporate greed. Unions from Alaska, American, Southwest, and United are fighting not only for fair wages and conditions but also for respect and dignity within the workplace. This battle symbolizes a greater movement within the industry, transcending individual needs and focusing on collective rights. The Ripple Effect Across the Industry What makes these negotiations noteworthy is their impact beyond individual airlines. Decisions made at one carrier often set trends for others, including non-unionized companies. Therefore, the implications of these negotiations extend across the entire sector, making them a pivotal point for the future of aviation professionals. Insights from the Frontline SkyWest Flight Attendant Jacque Crossley joined the conversation, bringing firsthand experience and deep insight into the ongoing challenges. Crossley's perspective was instrumental in shedding light on the broader implications of these negotiations for Flight Attendants everywhere. Solidarity as the Key A central theme that emerged from the discussion was the importance of solidarity among Flight Attendants. In facing these challenging times, standing together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another is crucial. This solidarity is essential not only for navigating current difficulties but also for forging a better future for those in the profession. Conclusion The episode concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. The road ahead for Flight Attendants and their unions is undoubtedly filled with hurdles, but it also promises positive change. These negotiations are more than contractual discussions; they represent a step toward a fairer and more respectful industry. The journey is ongoing, but with unity and determination, a better future for all in the aviation sector is within reach. SkyWest Flight Attendants deserve to have their voices heard and a contract worthy of their contributions to SkyWest and the mainline carriers they serve. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

On this episode, we chat with the author of "The Great Stewardess Rebellion,” Nell McShane Wulfhart! Her book is a captivating narrative set in the 1960s and 1970s. It chronicles the journey of stewardesses, who utilized the momentum of the feminist and labor movements to transform what was considered one of America's most sexist workplaces. The story focuses on their fight against discriminatory practices in the airline industry, such as age and marriage restrictions, and their struggle for respect and equality. This rebellion marked a significant step in the fight for women's rights. It reshaped the airline industry, turning a short-term job into a potential career and propelling a predominantly female union into a formidable force against discrimination and sexism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

You've probably heard about the increase in terminations of SkyWest Flight Attendants, many for frivolous reasons. We are talking about people's lives. Each of us sacrifices to earn our wings, and we shouldn't be treated as disposable. Terminations require justification, and when we have our SkyWest AFA Union, we will have the grievance process to protect those disciplined and terminated unjustly. But the grievance process is about more than protecting those who are fired or disciplined unfairly; it also protects us when the company violates our work rules. When we have a contract, we can hold the company accountable and enforce our contract through the grievance process. Tune into this episode to learn more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

On this episode of "It's Time Live,"we're diving into the world of contract negotiations with a senior staff negotiator from AFA-CWA, someone who collaborates closely with the negotiating teams at AFA-represented carriers. Once SkyWest AFA is certified as your collective bargaining representative, your negotiating team will swing into action at the bargaining table. It's essential to note that negotiations will be conducted under the Railway Labor Act, not under management's control. Furthermore, SkyWest Flight Attendants will determine the priorities of these negotiations, resulting in a tentative agreement that SkyWest Flight Attendants can vote to approve. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than being a flight attendant on probation, and SkyWest notoriously has one of the hardest and longest probations in the industry. The company loves to say that our probation is no different than anywhere else and that no airline has any protections for probationary flight attendants. But is that true? What can and can’t a union do to protect probationary flight attendants? We did a deep dive into the contracts and probationary policies of nine regional airlines: Envoy, Horizon, Piedmont, Endeavor, PSA, Mesa, Air Wisconsin, GoJet, and SkyWest. Flight attendants at all these airlines except SkyWest are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). Here’s how they stack up. Read more on OOITSTIME.COM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

Tune in as SkyWest Flight Attendants Brandon, Jacque, and Kelly demystify everything you need to know about the SkyWest AFA campaign. Wondering how to make the SkyWest Flight Attendant Union a reality? It's simple: Sign your SkyWest AFA Authorization Card, mail it in, and spread the word by sharing extra cards with coworkers. When we're unionized, we'll be in a strong position to negotiate a binding contract with management that delivers the enhanced pay, improved work conditions, and crucial job safeguards that SkyWest Flight Attendants deserve. In this episode, we break down the nuts and bolts of the organizing process. You'll learn about the pivotal role played by the National Mediation Board (NMB) and discover how legal protections are in place to prevent any retaliatory actions from management against pro-union employees. So sign that card, and wear your AFA pin with pride! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

“On this episode of It's Time Live, AFA is vigorously defending two publicly pro-union SkyWest flight attendants, Shane Price and Tresa Grange, who were wrongfully terminated by SkyWest management on baseless grounds. It's blatant retaliation right out of the union-busting playbook. We'll chat with Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, along with John Morse, associate general counsel of the Association of Flight Attendants. First, a little background. SkyWest flight attendants have been working to establish their SkyWest AFA Union, which will be certified by the National Mediation Board and part of AFA-CWA, the largest flight attendant union with councils at 19 airlines. For years, the lines have been blurry between SkyWest management and SIA, SkyWest Inflight Association, which management refers to as an in-house union. But here's the thing -- it's not a real union. Although many SkyWest flight attendants have become involved with SIA through the years to make a positive difference for their coworkers, it's become clear to most that management controls SIA and uses it to fool flight attendants into thinking they have representation. After years of concerns being swept under the rug, two flight attendants bravely exposed how unsecure and manipulatable the voting system is at SIA. For example, this voting system was used for flight attendants to choose between a 3% raise and a new winter coat. To the amazement of most, the winter coat won. How many would ask? This is just one of several events confirming that management calls all the shots at SkyWest right now, and the only way to change that is to make SkyWest a better workplace by establishing a real flight attendant union. Something to remember — at AFA carriers, coworkers are often called “Flying Partners,” which could be confused with “mainline partners,” a widely used term at SkyWest. So, please keep that in mind during the podcast.” Be sure to sign the petition to demand that Tresa and Shane’s terminations be reversed. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

In this episode of "It's Time Live," we are joined by Melissa Osborne, an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant who also serves as the Alaska AFA Local Council 11 President (SFO Base President). With a rich background that includes roles at Aloha Airlines and Virgin America, Melissa provides deep insights into the substantial benefits that union support and contracts offer flight attendants, ensuring stability and an elevated quality of life. While at Virgin, Melissa experienced firsthand what it was like when management could unilaterally change work rules. Eventually, Virgin America Flight Attendants unionized, and the company later merged with Alaska Airlines.  This episode sheds light on the efforts of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, who utilize powerful tools available to them as a unionized workforce to pressure management during contract negotiations. Moreover, we will discuss dynamic strategies such as CHAOS, an approach designed to significantly impact the company by potentially initiating targeted flight strikes and organizing informational picketing events that exemplify the unity and strength of the union. We also delve into the proactive involvement of Flight Attendants in these negotiations, highlighting their contributions through surveys and a "wish list," which compiles individual feedback, signifying the collaborative and democratic ethos fostered by AFA-CWA. This podcast was recorded on the day that the union for American Airlines Flight Attendants, APFA, announced a 99.4% strike vote by Flight Attendants at AA. In other words, AA Flight Attendants are standing together and willing to strike for their fair share!  Note: Aloha Airlines ceased operations following a well-publicized fare war with low-cost upstart Go! Airlines, which was owned by Mesa, during a period of soaring jet-fuel prices. Eventually, Go! also declared bankruptcy and ceased operations. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

In this episode, we chat with two AFA-represented regional airline Flight Attendants, Katiauna Dates from Envoy and Wendy Kaihara from Horizon. Katiauna and Wendy have gotten more involved with their unions at the LEC* level to support their coworkers. Here are some of the topics we discuss during this podcast: Reserve Policies - Definitive contractual provisions in place improve the quality of life of reserve Flight Attendants. Management Accountability - Contractual language that holds management accountable and compensates Flight Attendants when violations occur. Commuter Policies - The latest improvements to commuter policies and how they provide Flight Attendants with more flexibility in planning commutes and protection from discipline when commutes don’t work out as planned Contractual Attendance Policies - When attendance is addressed in the contract, it eclipses company policy. We discuss how attendance policies protect AFA-represented Flight Attendants, including those on probation. New Hire Retention - Mentorship programs have increased new hire retention. AFA-run programs such as EAP and Professional Standards help Flight Attendants resolve issues without involving or alerting the company and remain completely confidential. * Definitions: Master Executive Council (MEC) - All Local Council Presidents from the same airline form a Master Executive Council (MEC). The MEC elects a President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer for three-year terms and handles negotiations and other business affecting Members at that airline. Local Executive Council (LEC) - All flight attendants assigned to the same domicile form the Local AFA Council. Each base and satellite base throughout our system is represented by a Local Executive Council (LEC). Every LEC has three elected Local Council officers: President, Vice-President, and Secretary, as well as elected council Representatives. Any Member in good standing has the ability to run for an elected position, each of which has a three-year term. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

In this episode, we are rejoined by three former SkyWest Flight Attendants, Brian, Candice, and Rob, now flying for unionized airlines. They share how they came to see through the union-busting narrative that SkyWest management has weaved into every aspect of our airline's corporate culture. Introduced during training and consistently reinforced at every touchpoint, anti-union messaging is impossible to avoid at SkyWest, and management is determined to maintain 100% of the power over every aspect of our SkyWest Flight Attendant careers. It doesn't have to be this way. Our guests share how empowered they feel as members of Flight Attendant unions and offer wisdom to SkyWest Flight Attendants as they work to form their own SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

This episode is the first half of our chat with three former SkyWest Flight Attendants, Brian, Candice, and Rob, who left to fly for unionized airlines, Alaska and Southwest. We get into the details to see how having a contract makes all the difference when it comes to everything from pay, to work rules, even how unionized Flight Attendants are compensated when the company violates the contract. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

Our SkyWest crew describes how the SkyWest AFA campaign got started and why they know it's time for SkyWest Flight Attendants to have a real voice at SkyWest. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or another "favorite beverage" and learn more about your SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

Sara Nelson, Int'l President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and Keturah Johnson, Int'l VP of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, join us to answer your questions and share more information about how a SkyWest Flight Attendant Union will work for SkyWest Flight Attendants! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message

Meet three amazing Flight Attendant leaders from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA who share how SkyWest Flight Attendants will benefit by establishing their own Flight Attendant Union and joining other Flight Attendants throughout the industry to gain the improvements to pay, and work rules, plus the job protections they deserve. Guest: Katurah Johnson - International Vice President, AFA-CWA Panel: Jan Wyatt - Air Safety and Health Chair, Envoy - AFA-CWA Katiauna Dates - Grievance Representative, Envoy - AFA-CWA --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ooitstime/message