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Dear Members,
Spring Edition
First, if you will indulge me a moment, I would like to talk to you
about my co-worker, co-chair and friend Candi Covelli. Candi's
passing was a shock to all of us to say the least, but I want to
tell you about the chameleon that was my friend. Candi served on
several committees for AFA including grievance, safety and for the
last six years with me on uniform. Candi was a social butterfly
always ready with a smile, the perfect Talbots outfit, a glass of
red wine (for me), and the most perfect strawberry blonde bob
hairstyle, I have ever seen, that I would tease her about when it
would go flat in the inferno known as Phoenix. Candi was a person
with strong convictions and she fought hard for what she thought was
the right thing on behalf of our profession and of course our style.
Saying goodbye to Candi was so hard for me, her beautiful daughter
Ashley who remains in my thoughts daily, her family and friends, but
I feel I can do so knowing Candi is wearing the ultimate in
accessories . . . Halo and wings. They never go out of style. Candi,
you are in my heart and thoughts and I miss you. Love you.
Let's talk uniform issues . . .
Payroll Deductions
The company has started their payroll deduction for flight
attendants who requested this option when ordering items during
2008. However, we are finding an increasing number of flight
attendants being charged under the payroll deduction for items that
they returned and had replaced due to size problems or other.
Documentation will be necessary to verify any disputed claims.
If this has happened to you please follow these three easy steps:
1) Contact US Airways Payroll Department to have the
deductions stopped.
2) Contact TwinHill customer service at 866 - 429 - 1026 and
notify them of the mistake and have them make the correction with a
reimbursement through payroll.
3) If you do not get results from the above two steps please
follow up with by contacting
uniforms@usairways.com. If you do not receive a response from
uniforms@usairways.com
with-in a timely manner contact Todd Vigil directly at
todd.vigil@usairways.com
All Weather Coat
Do I really need to say anything. AFA has filed a grievance citing
the failure of the company to follow the current "east " uniform
language in our contract. We hope to have this subject resolved
sooner than later.
Wear and Tear
The wear and tear policy for this uniform follows the same policy as
the old one. If your uniform is torn, discolored from a spill, or is
on it's last leg (all uniform items have a wear length expiration)
notify your supervisor that you need to replace the item. Fill out
the appropriate paperwork and have your supervisor sign it and
submit it. As before you may need to bring the item in for your
supervisor to review. Upon receiving the new uniform piece you must
relinquish the damaged item to your supervisor, if you haven't done
so already, with in 30 days or you will be charged via payroll
deduction for the new item.
Please note that should a supervisor ask you to take a damaged item
to a tailor to have the problem fixed and then just file for
reimbursement your answer will be NO. You are not responsible to
mend damaged uniform pieces at your expense. With the exception of
missing buttons or broken hems.
Example: Nicole brings in her Blazer/Zip Jacket/Zip Vest to her
supervisor and shows her the lining in all three garments is "spider
webbing" (aka: fraying/tearing) and asks to have them replaced. Her
supervisor says that she can take them to the tailor and have them
easily repaired. Nicole, after reading my highly informative eline,
answers NO. I would like them to be replaced because OUR CONTRACT
says that we are not responsible for or will pay for the mending of
damaged uniform items. The supervisor realizes their obvious faux
pas and assists Nicole in filling out her uniform replacement form.
The End
Items that have been stolen from the airplane or sadly the crew room
(i.e.: coat, sweater, etc) can be replaced via company expense. A
report must be filed with your supervisor as soon as possible.
Documentation can be requested such as a police report if the item
or items where removed from the airplane, but do not cause a delay
of flight for this document. You should however get this
documentation should the item/s stolen have your wings or i.d. badge
on it.
Uniform Balances
Many of you have asked if your uniform balances have been eliminated
or will be eliminated soon. The answer to that is NO. A grievance
was filed in October 2007 that AFA won securing your balances until
you use them. In general the grievance stated that any balance of
$1.00 or more would remain for the future until the flight attendant
used it. Be advised that you can use your balance in conjunction
with your credit card or payroll deduction when buying new items.
Keep in mind that if you use your balance the dollar value of the
item purchased will first be deducted from that balance until it has
been used at which point you will be asked for your credit card
information or to click the payroll deduction option for the
remaining money owed.
Heavy Gauge Cardigan
At this time we are in a holding pattern over no where. The company
has spoken with AFA regarding this issue and have told us that they
are actively trying to comply with the contractually agreed upon
item. However, they do not want to have to go through the design and
construction process. So to that end they are working with TwinHill
to obtain one that complies from "off the shelf." The cardigan, once
available, will be able to purchased through the TwinHill/US Airways
website that you ordered your uniforms from by using a credit card,
payroll deduction or money you may have left in your account
balance. Should there be no difference in price you can also choose
this item as a replacement to your current cardigan when replacing
under the wear and tear policy.
Q & A
Q1: I have seen you talking to flight attendants who are
obviously out of compliance. Isn't it your job to correct that?
A1: No, Thank you for your question. To add to that...Candi and I
are AFA MEC UNION Chairs. There are three key words there. We work
to protect you and your interest. We do not work for the company as
fashion police. NO flight attendant outside of the in-flight
supervisory department has the authority to discipline another
co-worker on uniform compliance. Again thank you for your question.
Q2: I want to bring sexy back. So I would like to wear my
leather heeled boots with my dress or skirt. Is this allowed?
A2: Well get you Justina Timberlake. Although the look is in fashion
at the moment the answer is no. Boots are not allowed to be worn
with your skirt or dress in that fashion. The P&P from the company
says that you can only wear boots to and from the aircraft at which
point you must change into your heels or appropriate serving flats.
The exception to this rule is if you are wearing your pants. Thank
you for your question
Q3: I have seen men wearing clogs on board. I thought guys
were not aloud to wear them.
A3: Both men and women are allowed to wear clogs with the
appropriate uniform items. When wearing clogs be certain you meet
the P&P defined description of clogs. In fact, if you go on the US
Airways Store website you can purchase the Dansko clogs at a
discount. Disclaimer: AFA in no way promotes the Dansko shoe line.
Thank you for your question.
Q4: I am coming back from my maternity leave and need to order
my uniforms. Where do I do that and how do I go about it?
A4: Well, first let me say congratulations on the baby. I hope
she/he is healthy and happy. Now, lets get you some clothes. First,
you will need to contact your supervisor to find out where your
uniform fit line is located in your base. Second, Make an
appointment with one of the in-flight members in the Crew Service
Center to try on uniform items. Third, after you have tried on the
items and decided what you want you just need to get the order
information/website address from the Crew Service Center go home and
place your order. If I may make a suggestion. Since you are ordering
for the first time do not spend your entire $850.00 allotment at
once. I suggest you just get a few pieces to tide you over. As you
lose the baby weight and drop a few sizes you can go back on the web
site and order more items with you allotment that fits your new
size. Keep in mind should you need to return an item that you don't
like or does not fit correctly you only have 30 days and the item
must have the tags still on them. Follow the return instructions
provided with your packing slip. The customer service number if you
need help is 866 - 429 - 1026. Thanks for your question.
Q5: I ordered two ties, tall size, so I could chop off some of
the length and make a pocket square. I was recently told by a
supervisor that although they liked it I could not wear it. My
question is why? It looks good and the supervisor liked it so what's
the problem?
A5: The reason you can't wear the pocket square Coco Chanel is that
it is not a company issued uniform item. Nowhere in the uniform
program is a pocket square listed. The company chose to present a
"corporate casual" uniform and a pocket square does not fit in with
that program. Even though it matches and I am sure looks nice it
boils down to the fact that it is not a uniform item. So, no pocket
square. Thanks for your email.
Well, we come to another close of From the Hanger. Thanks for taking
the time to be informed. As always if you have questions please
contact one of your LEC Uniform Chairs or Myself.
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