Advertise on podcast: It’s Time Live - SkyWest AFA

In this powerful new It’s Time Live podcast episode, SkyWest Flight Attendants Brandon, Kelley, Stephanie, and Galen speak candidly about what’s really happening on the line—and why building our SkyWest AFA union is more urgent than ever. 🔹 Reserves called outside their RAP? It’s happening—Flight Attendants are being pressured to work trips they are not required to take, per company policy. But without a union contract, management can twist or ignore that policy however they want. They say, “We called you,” but won’t show proof—and SIA won’t help. With a union, we’ll finally have the right to access call logs, enforce fair rules, and stop abuse before it costs someone their job. 🔹 Brandon's AFA pin story: Threatened by management for wearing his union pin—but protected by AFA Legal and backed by a strong union network that knows the law and stands up to retaliation. 🔹 Probationary Flight Attendants deserve support too. While our union won’t be able to get involved in individual disciplinary actions during the probationary period, we will be able to hold management accountable for any violations of our contract—regardless of whether the Flight Attendant involved is on probation or not. And we’ll make it a top priority to shorten SkyWest’s unusually long probationary period, so newer Flight Attendants can gain full union protections and benefits as soon as possible. But to have a contract we can hold the company to, with the protections that come with it, we need to sign and mail in our authorization cards. Get yours today at ooitstime.com This episode is a powerful reminder that we deserve more—and together, we can win it. 💬 “Every card gets us closer. If you’ve signed a card—hand out a card!”

In Episode 20 of the *It’s Time Live* podcast, experienced SkyWest Flight Attendants share their vision for what should be prioritized in the first legally binding contract negotiated under a SkyWest AFA union. They discuss the need for a restructured pay scale that rewards Flight Attendants more quickly and consistently, along with regular cost-of-living adjustments to ensure wages keep up with inflation. Addressing these changes would create more stability and fairness in compensation, making it possible for Flight Attendants to achieve their financial goals. The conversation also explores the importance of improving benefits and retirement options, such as expanding healthcare coverage and securing retirement travel privileges on all flying partners. With many Flight Attendants planning for their long-term financial security, a stronger 401(k) matching program is seen as essential. Additionally, quality-of-life improvements are highlighted, including the need for better protections against schedule changes and compensation for long sits between flights that currently go unpaid. Finally, the Flight Attendants call for an increase in uniform upkeep allowances to ensure that maintaining a professional appearance doesn’t become a personal financial burden. Overall, they emphasize the need for a union contract that addresses these key areas and provides the legal protections needed to guarantee that these concerns are prioritized. Listen to the full episode of *It’s Time Live* to hear more about their vision for the first SkyWest AFA union contract and think about what you want to see in our first contract!

We are honored to share our latest episode of “It’s Time Live,” featuring Romero Malone, former SkyWest Flight Attendant and President of the SkyWest Inflight Association (SIA). Romero's journey highlights his strength of character and efforts to change SkyWest's culture. His story underscores the need for an independent union to truly represent and protect SkyWest Flight Attendants. Romero made history as the first Black SIA President, striving to improve the lives of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Unfortunately, his tenure was plagued by racism and a lack of support from management. Despite his advocacy, the SIA Board, in coordination with management, forced him out. In this interview, Romero shares his experiences, from facing viral racist text messages to the lack of separation between SIA and SkyWest management. His story underscores the importance of having a union that genuinely stands up for its members, free from management’s control. Watch Romero's full interview here. The AFA-CWA Constitution and By-Laws enshrine the union’s commitment to fighting racism and bigotry. Key sections include: Mission Statement (Article I): AFA-CWA is dedicated to eliminating discrimination and harassment. Objectives (Article III): The union aims to foster a safe and healthy workplace. AFA-CWA has a proud history of advocating for diversity and inclusion: Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights: Among the first to support LGBTQ flight attendants. Civil Rights Movement Support: Critical role in supporting Black flight attendants. Trailblazers in Leadership: Leaders like Keturah Johnson advancing diversity. Unite for a better future for SkyWest Flight Attendants. Send in your authorization cards and join AFA-CWA. Our SkyWest AFA union will protect anyone facing discrimination, ensuring management addresses these issues fairly. Onward and upward!

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!

In Episode 16 of “It’s Time Live,” Gailen David and Jacque Crossley address misinformation about unionization spread by SkyWest management. They debunk myths and clarify the benefits and processes of forming a SkyWest AFA Union. Jacque clarifies confusion surrounding Authorization Cards and the importance of sending them in to ensure a vote for union representation. The episode also covers how SkyWest management's misinformation campaigns and "union avoidance" efforts are designed to prevent flight attendants from gaining union power. Additionally, the discussion highlights that there are ZERO DUES until an initial contract is approved, refuting management's scare tactics about dues. They also discuss management’s motivation to prevent Flight Attendants from gaining the power their SkyWest AFA will bring to their workgroup. The episode closes by encouraging flight attendants to seek accurate information and participate in the SkyWest AFA campaign to improve their working conditions and rights.

In this "More in 2024" Town Hall, Sara Nelson, AFA-CWA Int'l President, and John Morse, AFA-CWA Associate General Counsel, take questions from a panel of SkyWest Flight Attendants. Learn about the job protections and support available to members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA that SkyWest Flight Attendants currently don't have. With our SkyWest AFA Union, we gain a true voice at SkyWest that management doesn't control.

 On this episode of the "Its Time Live" podcast, we discuss the recent ten days of action for the SkyWest AFA Flight Attendant Union campaign. We recapped the events at our different bases across the US and highlighted the importance of growing the campaign and getting more Flight Attendants involved. We also discussed how to get more of our coworkers connected to the campaign and sign authorization cards to get us to a vote this year to establish our SkyWest AFA Union. Our Union will be run by us, for us!

In this “It’s Time Live” episode, we discuss our January 10 Days of Action! Of course, the action items we discuss can be done anytime, but we break them, down by day in January to make getting started easier. Plus, you’ll probably find an action item that you’re really good at. Do what comes naturally to you and help make this happen!  Before you know it, these action items will become second nature and help make our SkyWest AFA Union a reality faster than we ever imagined!

The most recent episode of “It’s Time Live” offered a fascinating exploration into the critical roles and challenges faced by Flight Attendants, mainly focusing on the ongoing contract negotiations within the industry. Guests from American and Southwest Airlines provided a window into their experiences, highlighting the crucial nature of this time for Flight Attendants at all airlines. A United Front Against Corporate Dominance At the heart of these negotiations lies a significant struggle against corporate greed. Unions from Alaska, American, Southwest, and United are fighting not only for fair wages and conditions but also for respect and dignity within the workplace. This battle symbolizes a greater movement within the industry, transcending individual needs and focusing on collective rights. The Ripple Effect Across the Industry What makes these negotiations noteworthy is their impact beyond individual airlines. Decisions made at one carrier often set trends for others, including non-unionized companies. Therefore, the implications of these negotiations extend across the entire sector, making them a pivotal point for the future of aviation professionals. Insights from the Frontline SkyWest Flight Attendant Jacque Crossley joined the conversation, bringing firsthand experience and deep insight into the ongoing challenges. Crossley's perspective was instrumental in shedding light on the broader implications of these negotiations for Flight Attendants everywhere. Solidarity as the Key A central theme that emerged from the discussion was the importance of solidarity among Flight Attendants. In facing these challenging times, standing together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another is crucial. This solidarity is essential not only for navigating current difficulties but also for forging a better future for those in the profession. Conclusion The episode concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. The road ahead for Flight Attendants and their unions is undoubtedly filled with hurdles, but it also promises positive change. These negotiations are more than contractual discussions; they represent a step toward a fairer and more respectful industry. The journey is ongoing, but with unity and determination, a better future for all in the aviation sector is within reach. SkyWest Flight Attendants deserve to have their voices heard and a contract worthy of their contributions to SkyWest and the mainline carriers they serve.

On this episode, we chat with the author of "The Great Stewardess Rebellion,” Nell McShane Wulfhart! Her book is a captivating narrative set in the 1960s and 1970s. It chronicles the journey of stewardesses, who utilized the momentum of the feminist and labor movements to transform what was considered one of America's most sexist workplaces. The story focuses on their fight against discriminatory practices in the airline industry, such as age and marriage restrictions, and their struggle for respect and equality. This rebellion marked a significant step in the fight for women's rights. It reshaped the airline industry, turning a short-term job into a potential career and propelling a predominantly female union into a formidable force against discrimination and sexism.

You've probably heard about the increase in terminations of SkyWest Flight Attendants, many for frivolous reasons. We are talking about people's lives. Each of us sacrifices to earn our wings, and we shouldn't be treated as disposable. Terminations require justification, and when we have our SkyWest AFA Union, we will have the grievance process to protect those disciplined and terminated unjustly. But the grievance process is about more than protecting those who are fired or disciplined unfairly; it also protects us when the company violates our work rules. When we have a contract, we can hold the company accountable and enforce our contract through the grievance process. Tune into this episode to learn more!

On this episode of "It's Time Live,"we're diving into the world of contract negotiations with a senior staff negotiator from AFA-CWA, someone who collaborates closely with the negotiating teams at AFA-represented carriers. Once SkyWest AFA is certified as your collective bargaining representative, your negotiating team will swing into action at the bargaining table. It's essential to note that negotiations will be conducted under the Railway Labor Act, not under management's control. Furthermore, SkyWest Flight Attendants will determine the priorities of these negotiations, resulting in a tentative agreement that SkyWest Flight Attendants can vote to approve.

Nothing is more nerve-wracking than being a flight attendant on probation, and SkyWest notoriously has one of the hardest and longest probations in the industry.  The company loves to say that our probation is no different than anywhere else and that no airline has any protections for probationary flight attendants.  But is that true?  What can and can’t a union do to protect probationary flight attendants?  We did a deep dive into the contracts and probationary policies of nine regional airlines: Envoy, Horizon, Piedmont, Endeavor, PSA, Mesa, Air Wisconsin, GoJet, and SkyWest.  Flight attendants at all these airlines except SkyWest are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA).  Here’s how they stack up. Read more on OOITSTIME.COM

Tune in as SkyWest Flight Attendants Brandon, Jacque, and Kelly demystify everything you need to know about the SkyWest AFA campaign. Wondering how to make the SkyWest Flight Attendant Union a reality? It's simple: Sign your SkyWest AFA Authorization Card, mail it in, and spread the word by sharing extra cards with coworkers.   When we're unionized, we'll be in a strong position to negotiate a binding contract with management that delivers the enhanced pay, improved work conditions, and crucial job safeguards that SkyWest Flight Attendants deserve.    In this episode, we break down the nuts and bolts of the organizing process. You'll learn about the pivotal role played by the National Mediation Board (NMB) and discover how legal protections are in place to prevent any retaliatory actions from management against pro-union employees.   So sign that card, and wear your AFA pin with pride!  

“On this episode of It's Time Live, AFA is vigorously defending two publicly pro-union SkyWest flight attendants, Shane Price and Tresa Grange, who were wrongfully terminated by SkyWest management on baseless grounds. It's blatant retaliation right out of the union-busting playbook. We'll chat with Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants, along with John Morse, associate general counsel of the Association of Flight Attendants. First, a little background. SkyWest flight attendants have been working to establish their SkyWest AFA Union, which will be certified by the National Mediation Board and part of AFA-CWA, the largest flight attendant union with councils at 19 airlines. For years, the lines have been blurry between SkyWest management and SIA, SkyWest Inflight Association, which management refers to as an in-house union. But here's the thing -- it's not a real union. Although many SkyWest flight attendants have become involved with SIA through the years to make a positive difference for their coworkers, it's become clear to most that management controls SIA and uses it to fool flight attendants into thinking they have representation. After years of concerns being swept under the rug, two flight attendants bravely exposed how unsecure and manipulatable the voting system is at SIA. For example, this voting system was used for flight attendants to choose between a 3% raise and a new winter coat. To the amazement of most, the winter coat won. How many would ask? This is just one of several events confirming that management calls all the shots at SkyWest right now, and the only way to change that is to make SkyWest a better workplace by establishing a real flight attendant union.  Something to remember — at AFA carriers, coworkers are often called “Flying Partners,” which could be confused with “mainline partners,” a widely used term at SkyWest. So, please keep that in mind during the podcast.” Be sure to sign the petition to demand that Tresa and Shane’s terminations be reversed.