AFA Debrief - June 20, 2024
- Irregular Operations and Inclement Weather
- Summer CBT Reminder- Due June 23 | New Training/CQ Cycle Starts August 1st 2024
- Inflight Safety Action Program (ISAP) & Reporting Reminders
- AFA Welcomes Class 2413!
Irregular Operations and Inclement Weather
Over the last few weeks of this summer season, multiple regions across our system have experienced severe and inclement weather conditions. When we face these situations, it can be difficult to quickly contact scheduling or the appropriate department for unforeseen changes to our scheduled work assignments. Whether a cancellation has occurred, a hotel in a new city is required, a scheduled van does not show up, or you have lost a portion of your trip away from the base, knowing your contract and irregular operations guide is crucial.
The United AFA MEC has created an IRROP Survival Guide to help you in all possible scenarios when irregular operations occur. Using and sharing this guide with your flying partners can help alleviate long hold times with scheduling, self-help guidelines, and much more you might face. After using this guide and advocating for yourself, you can contact your local AFA council office if you need further assistance.
Summer CBT Is Due June 23rd | New Training/CQ Cycle Starts August 1, 2024
The Summer CBT must be completed in its entirety by the due date of June 23rd at 2359 Central Time. Flight Attendants based in the state of California or Illinois who do not complete the CBT by the due date are at risk of being withheld from service due to completion deadlines associated with some content contained in the CBT, which is required due to several local ordinances.
Additionally, the next training/CQ cycle starts on August 1, 2024. All CQ CBTs must be completed by 1159 CT on July 8, 2024 to remain compliant. Flight attendants will become not qualified (NQ) for flight status on 0001 CT, August 1, 2024, if any CQ CBT is incomplete by the July 8, 2024, deadline.
Inflight Safety Action Program (ISAP) & Reporting Reminders
The Inflight Safety Action Program (ISAP) is a non-punitive and confidential voluntary safety reporting program intended to identify safety concerns and hazards. This program offers a just-culture environment to report inadvertent violations of FAA regulations and company safety policies (SOP).
Examples: Flying with a non-compliant Link device, incorrect placarding, failing to complete an exit row briefing before pushback, missing or incorrect safety equipment, forgetting to disarm a door after arrival that is corrected by another flight attendant (i.e., near miss), etc.
Our reporting is defined by the support or action we are seeking. ISAP reporting should be communicating a safety hazard, safety concern, or to report an inadvertent violation of FAA regulations or company safety policies (SOPs).
ISAP is not intended for reporting events that belong in another reporting system or program. Examples include:
- Fatigue-related concerns should be reported through the Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Program (FA-FRMP).
- Issues not related to safety or security, such as catering or service-related concerns go to United Voices.
- Use IOR to document a safety or security issue that may require follow-up from the company or the FAA such as medical emergencies, issues related to alcohol or incidents of non-compliance onboard.
- Use the AFA Union First EAP/Professional Standards Committee to address concerns over, or a conflict with, another crewmember. Any interpersonal issues, different workstyles, or a concern related to another crewmember’s performance should be handled through the AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee.
Please keep in mind when filing an ISAP these reports may take time to process. Concerns that happen in the moment should be addressed in the moment using CRM and SOPs. Remember that ISAP reports are de-identified thus concerns of an individual either passenger or co-worker may not be resolved via this reporting. Similarly, IORs with passenger concerns are handed off to the FAA for disposition.
At the end of the day, the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft depends on how well we adhere to our safety responsibilities and processes. For this reason, we want to close by expressing the importance of not only reporting but communication. In the moment, communication with each other may resolve your concerns. Always try to communicate first.
If you ever have a question, comment, or concern related to any safety concern, and do not know what the best way would be to report, please reach out to your local LEC Safety, Health & Security Committee for help.
As always thank you for your continuing support of the ISAP program! We can make our voices heard and safety changes made, through the data you report!
AFA Welcomes Class 2413!
Every time a new Flight Attendant joins our career, they bring with them their unique talents and abilities, further strengthening our profession and our Union. On behalf of United AFA, we would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest Members of our Flight Attendant family, Class 2413!!
Our newest Flight Attendants will be based at our domiciles in EWR, SFO, and IAD. We look forward to helping them as they begin this incredible career.
As you meet new Flight Attendants on the line, please remember that they are on probation. Connect them with the most accurate information to support them as they begin their careers by directing them to their AFA Local Council for assistance on Contractual issues.
If you are interested in supporting our newest Members, reach out to your local council to see how you can be a part of shaping their early careers as an AFA volunteer!
Reminders:
JUNE- Pride Month
JUNE 23 - Quarterly CBT’s Due
JULY 1–7 - Holiday Absence Certificate Required
JULY 4 – Independence Day
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