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Know Your Rights
WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS?
KNOW THE BASICS
As an ASA flight attendant, you are entitled to contractual rights under your Flight Attendant Agreement. It is important to familiarize yourself with your rights. Take the time to read this information to know the basics.
– Fly now, Grieve Later - This is the cardinal rule of labor law. If anyone in management, scheduling or any other ASA department violates your contract, calmly inform them of the violation and make a note of the date, time and location. DO NOT argue or refuse to perform your duties. This may result in your discipline. Contact your local union representative if you experience a violation of the contract.
• Alcohol/Drug Testing – The FAA requires airlines to randomly test airline employees for illegal drugs and alcohol use while on duty. Be aware of the time parameters of consuming alcohol before duty and while on a layover. In addition, the airline is allowed to authorize a drug/alcohol test based on ‘reasonable suspicion’. If a passenger, crew member or another employee suspects alcohol or drug abuse, they can report it to the company. An inflight supervisor, trained in this type of evaluation, must meet your flight and make the determination whether to order a drug/alcohol test. If this happens to you, proceed with the test. Refusal to test is ground for termination.
• Bag Search – It is important to remember that your rights as an employee are not the same as your rights as an American citizen. You have a constitutional right to illegal search and seizure under the 4th Amendment but that relates to police activity, not your employer. ASA has the right to search your bag while you are on duty. Make sure you do not have items from the plane; no liquor, no soda, not even water. This can be interpreted as stealing and is a terminable offense. Also, do not refuse to have your bag searched. If you believe the company is being unreasonable or has violated your contract, make a note and contact your local grievance representative.
• Notice of Hearing – If you receive a notice to meet with the company, you should IMMEDIATELY contact your local grievance representative. You should NEVER go into a disciplinary meeting alone. Your grievance representative can assist you if you need to reschedule the meeting, advise you of what documentation you may need and argue specific contract sections on your behalf. These meetings can set the stage for further disciplinary decisions and may affect your career at ASA. Take the time to protect yourself. Make sure you always carry the numbers of your grievance representatives with you at work at all times. AFA is designed to help you navigate this issues; this is what your dues money pays for.
• Save Your Information – If you’ve experienced a contract or disciplinary violation, start a file and save any and all data. Make a phone log and record any conversation you had with the company, other employees, doctors, etc. If you’ve experienced a pay violation, save all of your pay stubs, audit notices, etc. You are your own best advocate and the grievance representative will need proof to adequately represent you.
• Know Your Scheduling Section – The majority of grievances are generated from the scheduling section. Reroutes, reschedules, etc are common when there are irregular operations. Read and understand your rights. If you do not understand something, contact your grievance representative for explanation. Be responsible for the knowledge.
The Association of Flight Attendants at ASA is committed to the protection and representation of its flight attendants. Ask questions, be knowledgeable, be prepared.
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