FRH – 6.10.16
FACT Rep Update –
Flight Attendant Communications Team
Friday, June 10, 2016
Hi All,
As I’m finally settling into the new position here at HDQ, I would like to take some time to introduce my vision for the Communications Department and outline the plans for the Fact Rep Program so we can all be on the same page. I believe it is necessary for the program to continue so that we can offer a cohesive message to our membership that is inclusive of the mission statement I have crafted for our department:
“To actively re-engage, reunify, and regain the ultimate trust of the entire membership by communicating more effectively as well as providing more transparency by giving members the tools and resources they need to stay informed and feel as though they are a vital functioning part of the organization. The motivating force behind every decision we make will be respect and accountability while always being cognizant of membership expectation and perception.”
In order to achieve our goal, we will be making a few changes within the Department that I think will better serve you and our members. Currently, Fact Rep Coordinator Steven Chen has been distributing a bi-monthly Fact Rep Hotline with pertinent information and Q & A’s dealing with many of the contractual and implementation issues we face on a week to week basis. I would like to continue that format for the time being along with some additional objectives designed to motivate, engage, and empower the membership to feel more connected with their leadership.
To that end, I have decided to appoint LGA Based Flight Attendant Megan Blanchard as our next Fact Rep Coordinator effective July 1, 2016. Megan is a wealth of knowledge on many of the issues we face, both contractually and from a general operational perspective. She is currently a BCR at LGA and administers the NYC Base Page on FaceBook. She will also be joining us here at HDQ as a Contract Scheduling Rep in July. I believe that her vast knowledge of social media based communication coupled with her daily contact with the Contract/Scheduling departments will position her to be an effective communicator of trending issues that will only be increasing as we head toward FOI. I hope you will join me in welcoming her to the team. I would also like to thank Steve for his past service as the Fact Rep Coordinator.
As you all know, the Q & A page will be ending on June 30th as we have determined that the number of people we are reaching does not justify the costs associated with the page. We have decided to focus more of our resources on expanding our Contract Scheduling Department to include a Live Chat option and the ability to make our services available during non-business hours to a broader section of our membership who may not be engaged on Social Media. We are excited about the advantages this offers to our members and the reps are equally excited about the prospects of the ability to work from home once they are trained and proficient enough to do so. This will save us tremendously on pay loss associated with hotel costs and per diem expenses while giving reps a bit more flexibility in their schedules. The regular 9 to 5 staffing at HDQ will continue and we are actively seeking and training new reps. Please, put the word out to the membership and encourage anyone who might be interested to contact the Contract or Scheduling Department to be put on the list for an upcoming class.
I’m sure you are all aware of the current policy concerning C & S training, but as a reminder, the initial 2 day class is voluntary (no trip removal) however, a hotel and lunch will be provided. Any candidates interested after the initial training can sign up for a 4 day shadow with a rep on the actual desk. That is also on their own time with a hotel provided. We offer both LAA based classes as well as Redbook. Please have members indicate which class they prefer. Emails can be sent to Chuck Ransdale at [email protected] or Daniel Koukes at [email protected]. Once enough members have expressed an interest, classes will be scheduled and announced in time for the following months bid run. It is important to let our members know that the current administration welcomes ALL members who express an interest in getting involved.
Going forward, I will occasionally be using these Fact Rep Hotlines as a way to personally communicate with you about issues I think we need to pass along to our members and keep you abreast of what is going on here at HDQ. Please feel free to email or call me if you have anything you would like to discuss, suggest, or clarify. Transparency to our members and reps is paramount and I want you all to know that this administration values the work you do every day and we have an open door policy.
I would highly suggest that if you are ever in Euless that you come over to HDQ and meet the team. The energy here is great and as Fact Reps you are in a perfect position to promote that to our members. Thanks again for your service and dedication. Together we can re-unify APFA and recapture the hearts and minds of a membership hungry for change.
In Unity,
Shane Staples
APFA National Communications Chair
[email protected]