OUR WINTER 2019 - SIA - SKYWEST INFLIGHT ASSOCIATION
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OUR
CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
FROM YOUR SIA VICE PRESIDENT
UPCOMING EVENTS
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
SIA’S YEAR IN REVIEW
by MARIE WELCH | SIA PRESIDENT
Your SIA Board remains committed to each of our SIA Members which has resulted in 2019 being another stellar year for enhancements,
changes and improvements for our SkyWest Flight Attendants. By far, our biggest enjoyment of 2019 was sharing our 25-year anniversary
with each of our members through gifts, prizes and giveaways!
This year, we brought a new look to many of our SIA publications, as well as the Flight Attendant Policy Manual (FAPM). The conversion to the
Sky Book format has made the FAPM much more user friendly with our electronic devices. With the Sky Book format, changes and revisions
are automatically uploaded as they become effective, greatly improving timely availability of the information for our flight attendants.
SIA’s unique process allows us to continually negotiate improvements and enhancements on your behalf. Some of those enhancements
in 2019 were increased bereavement leave and adding additional qualifying family members, Sick–Call Automation and PBS Bid Window
change from seven days to five days. We have also been working with InFlight Leadership to find better solutions in regards to replacement
costs for the new eFAD and cashless sales device and early implementation of the 10 Hour Rest rule and Fatigue Risk Management Program.
Below is a list of the policy improvements and enhancements that were negotiated and approved in 2019:
Policy Updates/Enhancements Brief Overview
SP 2308.6 Compensation Enhancements to 401K Contribution
SkedPlus+ User Guide (SPUG) Adding multiple changes to displays, etc.
Company SP 103.5 Bereavement Increased Bereavement leave from 14 to 30 days and added additional qualifying
family members
SkedPlus+ User Guide (SPUG) Pg. 39 Clarification of originally awarded pairing that has been incentivized
SP 2317.17 Scheduling Upgrade preference added
SP 2317.6 Scheduling Adding asterisks to Military Leave
SP 2317.13 Scheduling SIP enhancements
SP 2326 Jumpseat Policy now reflects current procedure and is now titled “Cabin Seat Agreement”
SP 2307.7 Reliability Update to submission methods for excused absence documentation
SP 2309.5 Compensated Time Off Update submission methods for Jury Duty documentation
Temporary Agreement for SP 2317 Scheduling Bid Period change for Aug. & Sept. 2019 only
SP 2325 Corrective Action Review Updated policy and removed outdated procedure
SkedPlus+ User Guide (SPUG) Pg. 31 & 48 Bid Window changes
SP 2317.9 .10 & .11 Scheduling Bid Window changes
SP 2318.7 Reserve Bid Window changes
SP 2307.6 Reliability Updates and clarification added to policy
SkedPlus+ User Guide (SPUG) Pg. 10, 18, 22 & 23 Absence Call procedure added
SP 2307.2 Sick Call Automation – Flight Attendants can notify Crew Support via phone call or
SkedPlus+ automation
SO 2319.1 Transferring to Non-Flying or Removing good standing
Supervisory Duty
SP 2313.9 Leave of Absence, On-the-job Injury & Removing good standing
Workers Compensation
2 | Winter 2019 | Our SIA Connection Newsletter
UPDATES ON ITEMS THAT SIA HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN:
• FAA Reauthorization Bill – 10-Hour Rest and Fatigue Risk Management Updates - The implementation date for the 10-hour
rest rule and Fatigue Risk Management Plan is planned for January 31, 2020! This will provide flight attendants with 10 hours
of rest and a non-punitive approach to reporting fatigue events in the operation. SIA and InFlight Management have been
working together to finalize procedures and policies prior to the agreed upon implementation date.
• PBS Upgrade Update – The PBS Graphic User Interface (GUI) upgrade is coming! We are anticipating that it to be live in the
second quarter next year. PBS Helpline representatives will receive differences training so they will be ready to assist our
crewmembers when the upgrade goes live. A differences video is being developed for crewmembers to reference, and a new
and improved video library is being created. All current informational videos will be updated to match the new GUI. Once
completed, a final roll-out date is determined, they will be available on the PBS Homepage.
POLICY ENHANCEMENTS WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON:
• Parking Pass improvement options for all flight attendants
• Probationary flight attendant changes
• Proffering for reserve flight attendants
As you can see, SIA is continually working for our SkyWest Flight Attendants. We diligently explore every opportunity and strive to
improve quality of life for each of you. On behalf of your SIA Board – Our Job is You!!
SIA’S MISSION STATEMENT
We are the SkyWest InFlight Association.
We are the voice of the SkyWest Airlines Flight Attendants. We support, guide, assist and mentor our Flight Attendants to seek solutions for problems
within our work environment. What we do…
We Listen: We listen to Flight Attendant concerns and speak on their behalf.
We Stand: We process grievances and propose solutions to Management on behalf of the individual Flight Attendant and the entire population.
We Believe: We believe in promoting strong relationships with Management to achieve a positive, fulfilling workplace and fair compensation for all.
SIA PRESENCE
SIA wants to remind our flight attendants
needing SIA Presence for a meeting with
management that they should put in
a request at least 24 hours prior to the
meeting.
If SIA is not available, the meeting can
be postponed. You can request SIA
Presence by going to www.oursia.org
and selecting the “Talk to SIA” tab. In the
dropdown option, you will see Presence
Request.
For questions, you can call 855-2-OURSIA.
Our SIA Connection Newsletter | Winter 2019 | 3
OUR 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IS COMING TO AN END.
WE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL OF OUR WINNERS!
Base Winners of $10 Starbucks Gift Card:
TUS – Dottie Brown, Linda Lucz, Christina Howe
COS – Jeanne Waneka, Robert Miranda, Rochelle Mackenzie
PSP – Lennea Deyo, Stephanie McIntosh, Patricia Marion
ATL – Elizabeth Kirk, Ann Marie King-Austin, Julia Taylor
SEA – Caylee Calvert, Kaye Almgren, Lydia Wilson
SAN – Judy Sanders, Marla Ketti, Maureen Buchanan Overall Winners:
ORD – Christina Soto, Bill Bettner, Lisa Roppola, Andrew Taylor
DTW – Jessi Cumins, Andrea Powell, Wendy Zuhlsdor DEN – Theresa Leydens | Lolli & Pops Gourmet Popcorn
PDX – Matthew Nackos, Katie Hart, Marx Penalba LAX – Christina White | 1 Free Night at the Nashville Cambria Hotel
DFW – Lois Marie Greer, Carolyn Turner, Vixana Vincent ORD – Patricia Heidorn | 1 Free Night at The Cliffs Hotel & Spa in SBP
LGA – Lina Liu, Grace Kane, Dareyna Swann PDX – Rebecca Sanders | Beehive Cheese Gift Box
SLC – Diane Malone, April Durso, Margie Baca, Beth Sukowaty SAN – Daniel Pena | $25 Starbucks Gift Card & Goodies
FAT – Jessica Vasquez, Candace Fraser, Ann Reinherz DFW – Araceli Rodrigues | $250 Travelliance Gift Card
IAH – Kerri Ann Reardon, Carla Nazario, Laura Ruple
SFO – Leana Petri, Adriana Jimenez Flores, Shannon McEwon
PHX – Sally Oja-Fenster, Suzy Hudak, Clara Peck
BOI – Jessica Squires, Israel Lugo, Taylor Lybbert
LAX – Kelly Riley, Christina Blandin, Jennifer Lee
DEN – Alexis Portea, Melanie Gimbel, Lauren Dutterer
PHX – Sally Oja-Fenster, Suzy Hudak, Clara Peck
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FLIGHT ATTENDANTS FOR MAKING OUR CELEBRATION FANTASTIC!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Scheduling Meeting | SGU Scheduling Meeting | SGU SAN Base Visit
December 26th – 27th & 30th – 31st January 28th – 31st February 11th
8:00am – 4:00pm 8:00am – 4:00pm
SIA Board Meeting | SGU
January 7th – 8th ATL Base Visit SIA Board Meeting | SAN
SkyWest Headquarters January 29th February 12th – 13th
444 S. River Rd. 8:00am – 4:00pm TBD
St. George, UT 84790
ORD Base Visit IAH Base Visit
PBS/SkedPlus+ Meeting | SGU January 30th February 26th
January 13th 8:00am – 4:00pm 8:00am – 4:00pm
4 | Winter 2019 | Our SIA Connection Newsletter
FROM YOUR SIA
VICE PRESIDENT
CHANGING YOUR NAME AND SIMPLIFYING
THE PROCESS
by LARENA BEAL | SIA VICE PRESIDENT, PBS/SKEDPLUS+
We recently had a flight attendant reach out attendant from the pairing which resulted 2. Employee Standards will have a new
to us through a grievance submission. The in an occurrence on this flight attendant’s badge created and overnight it to your
flight attendant, a newlywed, decided to reliability. domicile. Your admin/supervisor should let
start the name-changing process. The first you know when it is received.
step they took was changing their name on SIA was able to help this flight attendant
their social security card and submitting the with a positive resolution for the occurrence; 3. Update passport on file with the
new card to Payroll. Makes sense, right? Well however, we wanted all of our flight Company.
not necessarily. attendants to be aware of the process and
the importance of following the checklist NOTE: Please carry your divorce decree/
Normally the badge is overnighted to provided by the ISC. Also, remember once marriage certificate with you while at work
the flight attendants domicile. So when the social security information and name just in case there is a problem and until
this flight attendant had not received change information has been received everything is changed over.
a notification the next day and their by Payroll, the process for creating a new
information had not been updated on badge begins. That portion does not require NOTE: Once you submit your passport for
SkyWest Online, they decided they had Nos. 2, 3, or 4 from the Step One checklist. renewal, be sure to bid avoid international
missed a step. After reaching out to the trips, and notify your pilots, crew support,
InFlight Support Center (ISC) to double Thank you ISC for providing this step-by- and the company to avoid any reflow,
check, the flight attendant was provided a step guide and to our flight attendant for international trips: SkyWest Online >
very helpful checklist that we have included allowing us to share this situation! Operations > Passport Renewal Notification
in this article. From this checklist, the flight
attendant thought their name would not STEP ONE: UPDATE OFFICIAL FAA CERTIFICATE INSTRUCTIONS
be changed and they would not receive a DOCUMENTS
new badge until all of the items in Step One A name change cannot be requested online,
had been completed. This seemed simple 1. Change social security card you are required to send your request via
enough, so they immediately made an 2. Change driver’s license mail directly to:
appointment with the passport agency and 3. Get new passport (SkyWest Online
mailed in the request for the FAA certificate. > Documents > Bulletins > IF Bulletins Federal Aviation Administration Airmen
Despite having all the “I’s” dotted and the > Passport Renewal Quick Reference > Certification Branch AFS-760
“T’s” crossed, the name change was still not Passport Changes QR) P.O. Box 25082
updated. 4. Get a new FAA certificate (Instructions Oklahoma City, OK 73125
below)
A few days later, and after reporting for a The following three items are required to
shift, clearing security and proceeding to
check in, the flight attendant noticed their STEP TWO: UPDATE SKYWEST mail along with your request, so they can
update, process and reissue you a new
last name had been changed and they OFFICIALLY OF NAME CHANGE certificate:
had received a message from the domicile
admin which let them know that their Once your passport has been updated, 1. Signed letter stating the reason for name
new badge had arrived. Unfortunately, the change everything at once. change. If your letter is not signed, it will not
pairing was a stand up and nobody was in be accepted and processed.
the office to give the flight attendant their 1. Complete Name Change form on SkyWest
new badge. They hurried to pull up the Online > Info Center > Documents > 2. Copy of Marriage License, Birth Certificate,
release for their flight and sure enough it *Company *Forms > Payroll Forms > Name or Divorce Decree (whichever applies).
showed their married name! Because the Change and email it to mainpayroll@
ID badge they were wearing did not match skywest.com. The form still tells you to 3. $2.00 check payable to the Airmen Branch.
their new name on the release, and after fax it and that is still an option, but email is
several phone calls, it was apparent that preferable.
the only solution was to remove the flight
Our SIA Connection Newsletter | Winter 2019 | 5
CANNIBIDIOL (CBD) USE
by MARIE WELCH | SIA PRESIDENT & SAFETY/ASAP REPRESENTATIVE
I recently attended the InfoShare Safety Conference and one of the positive for marijuana (THC) are recorded as a positive drug test.
”Hot Topics” was regarding cannabidiol (CBD) oil and the warnings It doesn’t matter if the THC is from CBD oil, state-approved medical
of drug tests coming back positive from its use. marijuana, or recreational marijuana. Thus, the unexpected “side
effect” could be failing a drug test and even losing your job.
CBD is going mainstream and its availability is increasing in
stores such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. With CBD products The only way to ensure that your CBD will not trigger a positive test
unregulated and becoming widely available, one of the concerns is result for marijuana is to stop or skip using CBD products. This
that CBD products can have more THC than what the labels claim. includes the use of topical CBD oils, lotions, and cosmetic products.
Another concern is that over time, small amounts of THC allowed Even if you have stopped using the products, the metabolites may
in CBD products can build up to detectable levels in the body. remain in your system for several weeks.
As the popularity of CBD oil increases, the number of people testing The bottom line - the use of CBD could affect drug testing
positive for marijuana (THC) has also increased. While you may feel results and employment status.
that CBD oil is safe to use, keep in mind that drug tests that are
SPREADSHEETS, VISITS TO ST. GEORGE AND A
WHOLE LOT OF COMPROMISE
by ERIKA ROBERTSON | SIA SCHEDULING REPRESENTATIVE
“What would you say you do here?” – Bob (Office Space). I get asked compared to how much flying that base actually services, as well
that question quite often and used to ask it myself, before I was as a myriad of other statistics. After four days of coordinating and
elected to this position. My month typically involves a four-day visit extensive discussion, the SAPA RSR Liaison and the Crew Planners
to headquarters in St. George and I’m also responsible for making do what’s best for the entire workforce and we leave with the best
an equitable schedule across four carriers and 20 domiciles. As solution that can be created with the flying we are given.
part of the SIA team, I spend hours looking over spreadsheets and
data trying to find a way to add a few extra minutes to everyone’s But it doesn’t end there.
paychecks, or improving on last month’s schedule. It’s always a hard
month when we can’t make every base satisfied, but we still press on After leaving St. George, it is not uncommon to have any schedule/
and work to squeeze extra minutes into the schedule because “Our fleet/route changes made by our mainline partners. Even a
job is YOU.” 10-minute schedule change can throw off an entire pairing mix for
multiple bases since they are all entwined together. About a week
Before arriving at headquarters, Kristina Siemens, the Scheduling after leaving headquarters, we are given the final stats/schedules
Liaison, and I make sure we’ve already gone over the preliminary that will be uploaded into PBS on the 10th for bidding. Kristina and
schedule runs and standup candidates through email with Crew I then put out a Scheduling-Liaison Update the following day that
Planners. Once we arrive in St. George, we meticulously go over typically covers the items that we feel will have a major impact on a
spreadsheets — base-by-base — that show month-over-month base or fleet. Two days later, everything starts over again and we get
pairing types along with average credit, estimated lines for each base back to work on the next month’s schedule.
6 | Winter 2019 | Our SIA Connection Newsletter
EARN REWARDS IN 2020!
by STEVE BARTELS | BENEFITS & HOTEL REPRESENTATIVE
With so many travel/hotel credit card reward programs in the • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – cardholder
marketplace, it is challenging to know where you should focus and up to two guests to Priority Pass per year
your dollar spent! That’s why I would like to share some recent
advice from a travel industry expert: WANT HOTEL ELITE STATUS (ROOM UPGRADES, FREE
BREAKFAST) JUST FOR SIGNING UP?
CHASE SAPPHIRE RESERVE IS RANKED AS THE BEST
TRAVEL CREDIT CARD • IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
• World of Hyatt Credit Card
Although the card has a $450 annual fee, the benefits and
rewards more than cover the cost in the long run: WANT TO GAIN HOTEL POINTS? USE A HOTEL CREDIT
• $100 credit towards Global Entry and/or TSA Pre-Check,
CARD!
plus an annual $300 credit for travel related expenses
The hotel landscape has changed dramatically in the past few
• Priority Pass card for free entry in over 1,000 airport lounges
years. As a result, co-branded hotel credit cards have evolved
• Sign-up bonus of 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 on the
too! Major chains have overhauled their associated credit cards
card in the first three months
to stay competitive – plus, you can convert to airline miles for
• Three points per dollar on travel and dining expenses –
travel.
this includes anything from a hotel booking and airline
reservation to an Uber ride and Airbnb stay.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• One point per dollar on all other expenses
• World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Insurance for primary rental car, trip cancellation, and re-
• IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
imbursement for lost luggage
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is currently offering
• Redeeming points – book travel directly with an airline
100,000 points for spending $5,000 in the first three
or hotel group or through Chase Ultimate Awards. When
months – enough to cover at least one night at most of the
points are redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Awards
chain’s Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels and multiple nights
portal, the value is 50 percent more which equates to the
at mid-range Westin and Marriott properties.
sign-up bonus of 50,000 points being worth $750 in travel.
• Transfer points directly to Chase’s partner airlines (British
There’s certainly a lot of options in the travel/hotel points credit
Airways, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest, United,
card world and I’ve tried to touch on just some of the most
Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, and Iberia) and hotel rewards
reasonable/affordable programs. As a reminder, promotional
programs (Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott Bonvoy)
deadlines may apply for some of the previously mentioned
programs. Travel should bring great rewards to you in 2020!
WANT ACCESS TO AIRPORT LOUNGES?
May your Holidays be filled with grand celebrations!
• American Express Platinum Card – you can enroll in Priority
Pass Select which allows entrance with two free guests to
over 1,200 participating airport lounges
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card – 10 free
Priority Passes per year
Our SIA Connection Newsletter | Winter 2019 | 7
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS (PS)
by TRESA GRANGE | PRO STANDARDS/CIRP REPRESENTATIVE
Professional Standards is in full swing and ready to start our on past conflicts, or hear say from others, your ability to see
fourth year as a resource available to every SkyWest Flight the reality of the current situation will be impaired. Rather
Attendant! We are excited and extremely proud to welcome than looking to the past or letting others influence your
our newest facilitators to this incredible crewmember support perspective and assigning blame, focus on what you can do
team. Thank you for your willingness to volunteer your time, in the here-and-now to solve the problem.
energy, and knowledge to your fellow peers.
Pick your battles. Conflicts can be draining, so it is important
WELCOME to consider whether the issue is really worth your time and
energy. Maybe you do not want to assist outside of your
Please join us in welcoming our newest facilitators: Marla required tasks, however remember you are part of a team,
Bailey, Brook Brian, Trey Harpole, Terry Keehl Krei, Meghan and the priority is safety and the passengers.
Odonnell, Tim Parker and Nestor Vier.
Be willing to forgive. Resolving conflict is impossible if you
CONFLICT RESOLUTION are unwilling or unable to forgive others. Resolution lies in
releasing the urge to punish, which can serve only to deplete
and drain you of positive energy.
Our program continues to grow with more than 4,300
flight attendants. Conflict in the workplace is unavoidable
Know when to let something go. If you cannot come to an
and rarely resolves itself, In fact, conflict usually escalates if
agreement, agree to disagree. It takes two people to keep
not dealt with proactively. It is not at all uncommon to see
an argument going. If a conflict is going nowhere, you can
what might have been a non–event manifest itself into a
choose to disengage and move on.
monumental problem if the problem is not resolved early on.
While conflict is a normal part of any work organization, the
PS TIPS FOR MANAGING AND RESOLVING challenge of conflict lies in how one chooses to deal with it.
CONFLICT Concealed, avoided or otherwise ignored, conflict will likely
fester only to grow into resentment, create withdrawal or
You can ensure that the process of managing and resolving cause factional infighting within an organization.
conflict is as positive as possible by sticking to the following
guidelines: LET US GO A BIT FURTHER INTO RESOLVING
Listen for what is felt as well as said. When you really listen,
CONFLICT
you connect more deeply with others and to your own needs
Communication: If you reflect back upon conflicts you have
and emotions. Listening also strengthens, informs, and makes
encountered over the years, you will quickly recognize many
it easier for others to hear you when it’s your turn to speak.
of them resulted from a lack of information, poor information,
no information, or misinformation. Let us assume for a
Make conflict resolution the priority rather than winning
moment that you were lucky enough to have received good
or “being right.” Maintaining and strengthening the working
information, but did not know what to do with it…that is
relationship, rather than “winning” the argument, should
still a communication problem, which in turn can lead to
always be your first priority. Be respectful of the other person
conflict. Clear, concise, accurate, and timely communication
and their viewpoint.
of information will help to ease both the number and severity
of conflicts.
Focus on the present. If you are holding on to grudges based
8 | Winter 2019 | Our SIA Connection Newsletter
POSITIVE START TO A SUCCESSFUL WORK RESPECT REVOLUTION
ENVIRONMENT
Respect is a two-way street. In order to gain respect, you
have to give respect as well. PS would like to start a RESPECT
Flight Attendant to Flight Attendant Briefing: As flight
REVOLUTUION. Respect is a very powerful ingredient in how
attendants, we are required to have a briefing whenever our
people – even total strangers – treat each other. If we could
trip involves the CRJ700, 900, or ERJ. PS suggests using “Clear,
spread enough of it around, acts of respect could, in fact,
concise, accurate, and timely communication of information”
change the world.
as stated above during your briefing. You can find the
required briefing reference in your IOM Chapter 01 Section 06
“Not armies, not nations, have advanced the race;
Crewmember Briefings. PS would like to suggest addressing
but here and there, in the course of the ages, an individual
additional topics that you feel would make your flight/trip
has stood up and cast his shadow over the world.”
enjoyable and successful.
Edwin D. Chapin
Bottom line…we believe resolution can normally be found
What if YOU got out in front and lead us all on this important
with conflicts where there is a sincere desire to do so. Turning
road of the RESPECT REVOLUTION? Not only will it change
the other cheek, compromise, forgiveness, compassion,
others’ lives, it will reward your live in incredible ways!
empathy, finding common ground, being an active listener,
service above self, and numerous other approaches will always
If the need arises, you can reach Professional Standards via our
allow one to be successful in building rapport if the underlying
SIA website www.oursia.org or calling 855.2.OURSIA.
desire is strong enough.
OUR JOB IS YOU – IN PERSON, OVER THE
PHONE AND ONLINE!
by DEEANN WOODS | BASE VISIT/SOS REPRESENTATIVE
All of our flight attendants and domiciles are valued! Each year, we make
it a priority to visit every base. From the small bases (TUS, PSP, and FAT) to
some of our largest bases (ORD, SLC, DEN), every base deserves a voice.
Every month I personally visit two domiciles for Base Visits. I set up an area
down in the crew room for flight attendants to stop by and ask questions,
vent, or talk about whatever is on their mind. If nobody comes down to
the crew room, you can find me roaming the terminals. Base visits are
important and just one way to make your voice heard.
Have you ever visited our website www.oursia.org? It’s full of great
information that you may otherwise not come across on SWOL. This
includes our Calendar of Events, where you can see what SIA is doing. On
oursia.org, you will find a number of links that will help you connect with
us regarding concerns. Your choices are: Talk to SIA, Presence Request,
File a Grievance, Crew Support Concern, or Policy Proposal. Those can all
be submitted online if that is easiest for you. Of course, we also can be
contacted by phone at 855-2-OURSIA.
855.2.OURSIA
Our job is YOU – and we take that commitment very seriously! The next
time you see me or one of your other SIA Representatives in the crew room
or out and about in the system, please don’t hesitate to come on over.
Our SIA Connection Newsletter | Winter 2019 | 9
“YOU HAVE TO PERFORM AT A CONSISTENTLY
HIGHER LEVEL THAN OTHERS. THAT’S THE
MARK OF A TRUE PROFESSIONAL.
PROFESSIONALISM HAS NOTHING TO DO
WITH GETTING PAID FOR YOUR SERVICES”
PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS
by STACY LEWIS | SIA SECRETARY
I recently read something on the Diamond Rule – “Treat others the way that they want to be treated.” It is an interesting concept
that I am still pondering. It got me thinking about something I tried when I was a teacher. It was my last year and instead of having
a long list of classroom rules, I had one rule – be respectful.
Nearly everything falls under that one rule. Were you respectful of your classmates? Were you respectful of your teacher? Were you
respectful of yourself? Were you respectful of the supplies, the furniture, the building, etc.? That one rule led to many beneficial
conversations about acceptable behavior and how we treat and are perceived by those around us.
This is a relevant topic at SkyWest right now as there has been an increase in the number of peer-to-peer issues and passenger
complaints. SP2306.2.C.11 in the FAPM states: Flight attendants must be courteous and professional at all times. Although we
have more policies than I care to count, this one certainly applies to most situations we encounter.
Courteous is defined as: Respect for and consideration of others. One of the definitions of respect includes, due regard for the
feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others. Defining professionalism is a bit harder. It might be easier to look at it as avoiding
being unprofessional. We may not be able to easily define professional or unprofessional, but we certainly know it when we see it.
Whether it be on the aircraft, in the airport, on a shuttle or in a meeting, being professional and courteous is the way to go.
“Professional is not a label you give yourself–it’s a description you hope others will apply to you.”
David Master
Throughout history, people have had numerous ways of stating the ethic of reciprocity. It doesn’t matter if you prefer “Treat people
the way you want to be treated,” or “Treat people the way they want to be treated,” or any other version. It is certainly a basic idea
that can be useful in remaining courteous and professional at all times.
10 | Winter 2019 | Our SIA Connection NewsletterSITTING READY? NOW WHAT?
by VALERIE COOK | RESERVE/POLICY REPRESENTATIVE
I have been called to sit Ready Reserve. What do I need to this and didn’t look closely enough at my schedule. I quickly
know? became aware that I should have already been at my gate. I
learned a valuable lesson — be sure you know what time your
Flight attendants sit ready based on operational needs. Larger flight is actually leaving and NOT when the ready ends. The
bases will have more flight attendants sitting ready at one time good news for ready on the end of your scheduled pairing, is
than smaller bases. In Salt Lake City (SLC), where I am based, that it cannot end any later than your originally scheduled RAP
there are two flight attendants sitting ready starting at 5:30 (reserve availability period).
a.m. Fresno (FAT) would not need two flight attendants, but
may schedule one for the early flights and one for the later Other important bits to know: A flight attendant cannot
flights. be scheduled beyond 8 hours of ready. The Company must
provide a suitable lounge facility to reserve Flight Attendants
How are they chosen? Sitting ready is decided the same way while awaiting an assignment. Flight attendants have 20
as a flight that needs to be covered. First, by seniority order — minutes to report to the aircraft when assigned a pairing.
those on call and then from the most junior to the most senior.
However, ready can be added to any pairings that are placed In my experience, I haven’t minded sitting ready reserve. Yes,
on a Reserve Flight Attendants schedule. it can be tiring to have to be at the airport really early, but I
made it work to my advantage. I slept for a while upon reaching
A four-day pairing that I worked with another Reserve Flight the lounge. I brought my Kindle to watch Netflix or read books,
Attendant had us both sitting ready at the end. My ready ended and delicious food to enjoy. I can honestly say that I only have
one hour earlier than my counterpart. I have experienced ready worked a flight maybe 30% of the time that I sat ready at the
at the end of standups as well as all other pairings. I have even airport.
experienced it in the middle of the day during a long sit in a
domicile airport. I know it appears to have no rhyme or reason, For me, the biggest win is the four credit hours that go
but it is only added if it is necessary. towards breaking guarantee. It may be more fun to hang out
in the house, but sitting at home doesn’t go towards breaking
I learned from experience to closely look at your schedule. I was guarantee.
assigned a pairing with a few hours of ready in the middle and
then another pairing. SP2318.4.A.2.a states: A ready reserve Sitting ready can be a winning situation as long as you know
period preceding flying or a deadhead will be scheduled 15 how it should work. To continue your pursuit of knowledge,
minutes before the scheduled departure time and may be visit FAPM SP2318.6.
modified to reflect actual departure time. I was unaware of
Our SIA Connection Newsletter | Winter 2019 | 11Talk to SIA at 855.2.OURSIA
SIA wants to remind our Flight Attendants needing SIA Presence for a meeting with management that they should
put in a request at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. If SIA is not available, the meeting can be postponed. You can
request SIA Presence by going to www.oursia.org and click the “Talk to SIA” tab. In the dropdown option you will see
Presence Request. For questions, call 855-2-OURSIA.
Happy Holidays from
YOUR SIA BOARD
Marie Welch SIA President
Larena Beal SIA Vice President
Stacy Lewis SIA Secretary
DeeAnn Woods Base Visit/SOS Crisis Representative
Tresa Grange CIRP/Professional Standards Representative
Steve Bartels Hotel/Benefits Representative
Valerie Cook Reserve/Policy Representative
Erika Robertson Scheduling Representative
Social Media Outreach
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Don’t forget to stop by www.oursia.org and use the valuable resources available to you!You can also read
