Note: Please check the latest notes for this podcast on the OO It's Time website
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!
