1.14.25 – APFA LGA Base Brief – Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Tuesday, January 14, 2025
A Strong 2024 & Ready for a Stronger 2025

In 2024, we achieved remarkable milestones for all APFA members and the labor movement. Here in New York, we united with our APFA colleagues across the system alongside a diverse coalition of labor unions who joined our fight for a long-overdue contract. We are deeply grateful for the crucial support of this coalition and the dedication of public officials who joined us in their commitment to workers’ rights. Their role was instrumental in our success, and we appreciate their efforts. The strength and determination of each APFA member who contributed to our solidarity in any way played the most significant part. A special thank you goes to the entire APFA LGA Base Council and the LGA CAT Ambassador, Jenna Lloyd, who maintained our momentum during busy and challenging times while keeping fully abreast of all developments through my busy schedule.

Communication for the LGA Base

One area I recognize I need to improve as an officer is providing more consistent official communication to the base to ensure I effectively reach all of you. While this is not an excuse, the current process within APFA policy requires officers to approve any communication I send to the base. The timeline can be challenging if what I need to communicate is critically urgent, as the policy manual provides up to 48 hours for a base brief to get approved. An example would be an urgent matter I need to send out, such as essential details of IROPS in the operation or anticipating the needs of LGA specifically given any developing information I have received; none of these situations are any I could put together and depend on a swift approval. The frustration is not because of the officers who approve them; they are simply following policy; it is the process, and at times, denial of information I want to communicate to the base that does not conform to the policy.

Transparency is essential, and I encourage the members I represent at LGA to always provide me feedback on anything I need to change or adjust. Moving forward, I will provide a monthly official briefing summarizing our activities and actions on your behalf to ensure shorter and consistent delivery of base briefs.

POLICY MANUAL – Base Briefs

I take full responsibility for any communications I send out. However, I believe all Union officers and representatives should feel free to express their opinions and dissent when necessary to effectively represent their members. I am not suggesting that the policy manual aims to suppress freedom of expression; rather, I want to highlight the communication challenges that may arise, which do not always align with the policy manual but are instead tailored to the specific audience they are meant for. I am continually in favor of protecting the Association and its members.

No Union officer is the sole guardian of the policy manual or the Constitution; I consider the members to be the true guardians. Even when I vote on matters that do not require membership approval, my decisions are always made in the interest of, and on behalf of, the members I represent.

Below, I have listed some policies that govern the official APFA base briefs process. 12.G.10. (Style and subject matters will be at the discretion of the Base President or his / her designee) does not align with leaving communication approval at the mercy of officers who are not at the base or have any concept of what members need at any individual base. While the policy, on the one hand, gives the Base President right to Style and subject matter at their discretion, on the other, it leaves so much room for interpretation by someone far from the author’s reality.

Lastly, some would argue that the entity cannot just let any officer at a base put out information that could be harmful simply because they have freedom of expression and dissent. While that is absolutely the responsible way to run any organization, it also does not mean limiting an officer to a 48-hour process, and the challenges are often based on one or two officers’ perceptions of what is okay or not. Most definitely, responsible practice is important.

12.G.2. Base Briefs are the responsibility of the Base President or his / her designee.
12.G.10. Style and subject matters will be at the discretion of the Base President or his / her designee.
12.G.9. The approval process for the Base Brief is intended to ensure that all information is factual, in compliance with APFA Policy and procedures, and reflects the official position of the APFA Board of Directors.

Copies of the 2024 CBA

Copies of the new contract have already been sent to the base, and you should be able to pick up a copy from the MOD. While we cannot guarantee 100% distribution, I will continue to monitor demand. If necessary, I will contact APFA Headquarters to ensure that every member who wants a paper copy of the CBA can receive one. One reason for limiting the number of printed copies is the large number of contract binders stored in boxes throughout the system. If you fly out of a specific airport and cannot find a copy, please email us at [email protected].

Staffing & Allocations Forecast – Tailored to New York

The allocations forecast has been very well received. Although the amount of work involved has made it challenging to provide it consistently, I am committed to delivering the forecast starting with the MAR 2025 bid month. I am finalizing a format that makes it less time-consuming and allows me to create the project without sacrificing significant time on other matters. The allocations forecast aims not simply to reiterate the same data you will receive in a few days from Inflight but to provide a project tailored for New York with thoughtful effort and personalization. We appreciate your feedback.

APFA Affairs

I understand that there are several unresolved issues within our Union. I want to assure every LGA member that, as your base president, I am deeply committed to representing the best interests of our Association and its members—nothing else. Your concerns and questions are important to me. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly via email or phone.

Catering Reps No Longer Ramping Flights

As many of you may have seen in the recent communication from the Inflight Dining and Service team, starting this month, catering coordinators will no longer be present at all international (IPD) and transcontinental (AFS) departures. During my recent visit to the Sky Chefs kitchen, I discussed the new premium service changes with team members. I raised concerns about how ongoing demands from flight attendants will be managed, especially regarding catering discrepancies.

This decision is based on the terms of the agreement between the parties, highlighting the importance of quality assurance. The APFA does not influence decisions involving third-party vendors. I am advocating for an alternative support system to help us maintain service quality, as I expect to see an increase in customer complaints due to this change.

To request catering items or a representative, please use ConnectMe Teams to document your request with a timestamp. Email your Crew Manager about any catering challenges during flight operations and include your FA Report number. Documentation is crucial for supporting flight attendants.

The base council is aware of these changes, and we will address any representation meetings that arise. Your concerns matter to us, so please use your FA Reports to report any catering discrepancies. While it’s important to maintain cordial relationships with catering representatives, avoid discussing corporate matters unrelated to the APFA. For assistance, please email us at [email protected].

Highlights of some of the Efforts in progress for New York in 2025

• Maternity Resources for Members in New York

I am pleased to announce that, through mutual collaboration with the team at Skyview, we have resolved some key points that will enhance the existing support for Flight Attendants who are expecting while flying. While this collaboration does not alter any policies, it adds essential support for members during a very important time.

The spirit of a maternity program must be present at every base and in any work environment beyond just policies or processes. Here in New York, the goal of the base council is to ensure a supportive and easily accessible process is in place, including during interactions between the flight attendant any department within APFA and management. I want to express my gratitude to the Skyview team for their collaboration and supportive discussions throughout this process, as well as Haley Brewer in the APFA health department, who was available to provide any support we needed.

• NEW HIRES

We are excited to welcome new hires in 2025! These new team members will bring energy and perspectives to our Union and workforce, enhancing our work environment and contributing to our collective success. We are creating a more compact and simplified presentation to ensure that all policies are transparent and manageable for each of them.

• GETTING AROUND THREE AIRPORTS AS COSTS RISE

We recognize that the probationary period can be challenging, especially in a three-airport city like ours, which is the most expensive in the world. To continue our efforts to improve the quality of work lives of all members, I am discussing improvements to our Courtesy-On-Demand shuttle service. These improvements include additional shuttle times and more pick-up/drop-off points. The goal is to make transportation between the three airports more convenient and less stressful, especially during late nights and early mornings.

Some ideas are Adding two round trips to the Kew Gardens area, a mid-day round trip between LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports, and a much-needed evening service from Newark Liberty (EWR) to New York City and then onward to LGA. While aimed at the entire base, these enhancements are designed to improve the quality of work life for new hires. Management would significantly benefit from these improvements as they will reduce absenteeism, prevent probationary releases, and minimize the need for rescheduling at the base, especially during IROPS.

• OUR HEALTH AS WE TRAVEL TO WORK

Additionally, I have reached out to secure some time for discussion with the Port Authority JFK Project Manager and a public official (whose name I prefer not to disclose) to advocate for reduced fares for Flight Attendants on the Air-Train and NYC Mass Transit. This discussion aims to make affordable transportation options more accessible for flight attendants in New York.

I also plan to address health concerns related to air quality during construction at JFK. My goal is to obtain valuable data that Flight Attendants can use to make important health decisions, such as wearing masks or qualifying for state exemptions for their attendance matters. I will keep the base updated on these initiatives. Please be ready to support us when we issue a call to action, as your support is crucial in our efforts.

What We Do as the LGA Base Council

The LGA Base Council, with its unwavering dedication, manages all matters that affect our members daily, including nights and weekends. We strive to address only urgent issues and emergencies as they arise, regardless of the time of day, to ensure your safety and well-being.

• We monitor safety alerts provided by APFA safety and various departments within management. Additionally, we check the base admin email at [email protected] for requests for representation and any other issues members bring to our attention.

• During business hours, we usually hold 5 to 10 meetings daily with management, during which we represent flight attendants regarding attendance, performance, Human Resources, and even preliminary legal matters.

• We receive numerous members’ texts but encourage everyone to communicate through the LGA admin email. While we understand that urgent situations may require texting, we kindly ask that members either call us and leave a message or email us at [email protected] for all Union-related matters.

• We participate in significant local meetings with Catering and other departments, such as the Airport Operational Conference, which provide us with vital data about what you may experience and the information we need for representation meetings to advocate on your behalf.

• We also address non-routine Drug and Alcohol testing matters, collaborating with the EAP team, who support and guide members undergoing testing. Our team hosts several meetings with local management to resolve disputes, address base issues, and highlight trends that require attention.

• Additionally, we file and schedule hearings to represent members in disputes. This process involves gathering evidence, preparing arguments, and coordinating with legal representatives. We meet weekly as a base council to discuss cases, current issues, and ways to improve our services for members.

• These tasks encompass most of our responsibilities. We are always mindful of any urgent matters, such as natural disasters or crises, that members may face while traveling, whether abroad or domestically. We remain vigilant and responsive to anything that comes to our attention, ensuring your security and confidence in our services.

As the LGA base president, I want each of you to know that our commitment on the base council will remain unwavering. Even when we face budget constraints or other challenges that limit the number of representatives available to support the membership, we will always strive to do our best, often on a volunteer basis, when necessary.

** I will send a brief on Union Representation in New York in the next few days. I am finalizing some critical details, including information for the new hires, emphasizing the significance of understanding their rights while on probation.

Important Timelines to Remember:

• JAN 15: SUNSETTING OF FA MAILBOXES IN THE AIRPORT OPS AREAS
• JAN 30: LGA BASE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL – CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

In Unity,

Christian M. Santana
LGA Base President
[email protected]

Nathanael Reynoso-Jimenez
LGA Base Vice President
[email protected]

APFA LGA Base Council
[email protected]