After numerous reports across the system, there is some confusion regarding the understanding of reassignments under section 7.Q.1 in our Contract.
What is 7.Q.1?
As provided for in our JCBA (Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement), section 7.Q.1 applies to Flight Attendants who require a same-day reassignment for a trip they can no longer work for any reason outside their own unavailability. After being notified they have lost their trip or any portion thereof, scheduling has four hours to either reassign the Flight Attendant or be relieved of all duties with pay and be “released.”
How will I be reassigned according to 7.Q.1?
A Flight Attendant who loses their trip on the same calendar day will be in contact with crew scheduling once the reassignment is known. When a Flight Attendant receives the reassignment as part of the process in 7.Q.1, the ENTIRE reassignment for all affected days must be provided at that time. Flight attendants are not required to call back before each subsequent RX (reassignment) day to ascertain another assignment; all trips must be assigned together at once.
As a reminder, reassignments may be single or multiple pairings to cover the original working days you lost. If assigned multiple pairings, they must all be assigned during the reassignment notification.
For Example:
Flight Attendant Danielle went illegal for her 3-day pairing because her first flight was canceled on her trip. She has 3 days on her schedule that say “RX PROT.” Danielle calls scheduling for reassignment per 7.Q.1 and only only receives a 2-day pairing leaving the same day. Scheduling must now place the code “RLSE PROT” on Danielle’s calendar for the last day of her original 3-day pairing. Danielle does not need to call scheduling again before her last RX day for another reassignment.
What if scheduling forgets to place an RLSE code on my line?
When a shorter reassignment period is assigned than the original working trip lost, the subsequent days should receive the RLSE code as required. Your reassignment pay will not display correctly when the RLSE code is not placed on a schedule when necessary.
When speaking with scheduling and receiving a reassignment, checking for an RLSE code immediately on your calendar will alleviate pay errors in the future and save you a call to scheduling and crew pay for a remedy.
After my original reassignment, what if scheduling tries to assign more trips?
When calling scheduling for a missing RLSE code, or if contacted after your initial reassignment, you should never be receiving a second reassignment. When a Flight Attendant calls to obtain an RLSE code they did not initially receive, scheduling has taken that contact as a chance to assign a second reassignment. This is incorrect and should be escalated immediately to a scheduling supervisor and manager.
AFA has strongly advocated for basic training on the reassignment process for the scheduling department so it is standardized across the department and all bases. Should you encounter a situation you believe is an illegal reassignment, contact your local AFA immediately for assistance.
I got my reassignment; what happens if we cancel or misconnect later?
You have received a reassignment per 7.Q.1 provisions, and unfortunately, your first flight has now been canceled. You may be reassigned to a different working segment or receive a change to the pairing that follows all language in 7.Q.
This is the current process the company is using. Our position is that this should be a single occurrence; the company only gets one bite of the apple. We have an active Grievance on file, and we are waiting for a decision from the System Board of Adjustment. We will be able to provide more information on this decision when it becomes available.