How Do Unions Help with IROPS?

Contracts are the key! In the airline industry, irregular operations (IROPS) such as flight delays, cancellations, and reassignments can significantly disrupt the lives of Flight Attendants. During these times, union representation plays a crucial role in ensuring that Flight Attendants are protected, compensated, and supported. Union contracts at various AFA-represented carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Envoy, and PSA Airlines, provide comprehensive protections and compensations for Flight Attendants during these operational disruptions. These contracts clearly outline the entitlements for Flight Attendants and ensure these provisions are enforceable. This article explores the specific benefits and protections offered by some of these union contracts and how the unions assist their members in receiving the compensation and support they deserve, especially when responses to operational meltdowns are inadequate. For more information on other agreements, please visit the AFA-CWA website.

Alaska Airlines

Compensation and Reassignment:
Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines benefit from extended duty compensation for each hour worked beyond their scheduled duty time during IROPS, at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay. They also receive a premium of $75 per day for each day of reassignment, ensuring fair compensation for the disruption. Holding pay is provided at a rate of $10 per hour for extended duty periods caused by delays or cancellations. Compliance is closely monitored, and discrepancies are addressed to ensure compensation is delivered promptly.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
The contract guarantees hotel accommodations for stranded Flight Attendants. If the airline fails to secure accommodations, Flight Attendants can arrange their own and be reimbursed up to $200 per night. Meal allowances of $50 per day are also provided to cover additional expenses incurred during operational disruptions.

Rest Periods:
Alaska Airlines guarantees minimum rest periods of 10 hours between duty periods, even during IROPS. This ensures that Flight Attendants have sufficient rest to perform their duties safely and effectively. Rights to adequate rest are advocated for, and compliance issues are addressed promptly.

United Airlines

Pay Protection and Reassignment:
United Airlines Flight Attendants receive additional pay for extended holding times at a rate of $15 per hour and a disruption allowance of $100 per day for major operational disruptions. Reassignment pay compensates for additional duty time and schedule changes due to IROPS, ensuring they receive their entitled compensation. For trips that are extended, Flight Attendants receive additional pay at their hourly rate plus 50% for every hour beyond the scheduled time. If trips are rescheduled, a premium of $75 is provided for each rescheduled day, and for canceled trips, Flight Attendants receive trip cancellation pay at their average hourly rate.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
United Airlines provides hotel accommodations for stranded Flight Attendants, with reimbursement up to $250 per night if they arrange their own accommodations. Meal allowances cover additional expenses up to $60 per day during extended duty periods.

Rest Periods:
The contract specifies guaranteed minimum rest periods of 12 hours between duty periods. This ensures that Flight Attendants have enough downtime to recover before their next assignment, and compliance is monitored to safeguard these rest periods.

Additional Provisions: United Airlines contracts also include stipulations for "sit pay," which compensates Flight Attendants for extended waiting times between flights. This pay is calculated at a rate of $7 per hour for every hour beyond two hours of waiting. Additionally, for any involuntary reassignments that significantly alter the Flight Attendant's schedule, a premium of $100 per reassignment is provided. Deadhead pay, which compensates for time spent traveling as a passenger to position for duty, is also included at a rate of 50% of the regular hourly pay.

Envoy

Compensation and Reassignment:
Flight Attendants at Envoy receive reassignment pay of $50 per day for additional duty time and schedule changes due to IROPS. Extended duty compensation is provided at 1.5 times their regular hourly pay.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
Envoy guarantees hotel accommodations for stranded Flight Attendants and meal allowances of $45 per day during extended duty periods.

Rest Periods:
Envoy’s contract includes provisions for minimum rest periods of 10 hours between duty periods to ensure Flight Attendants are not overworked. Rest periods are enforced to protect the health and well-being of Flight Attendants.

PSA Airlines

Compensation and Reassignment:
PSA Airlines Flight Attendants receive overtime pay for duty periods extending beyond their scheduled hours at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay due to IROPS. Reassignment pay of $75 per day compensates for additional duty time and schedule changes.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
PSA Airlines provides hotel accommodations for stranded Flight Attendants and meal allowances of $50 per day during extended duty periods. Reimbursements are handled efficiently, and the union steps in when responses are inadequate to ensure members' needs are met.

Rest Periods:
The contract guarantees minimum rest periods of 11 hours between duty periods, ensuring Flight Attendants are well-rested.

Frontier Airlines

Compensation and Reassignment:
Frontier Airlines provides pay protection for Flight Attendants during extended duty periods at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly pay. Reassignment pay of $80 per day is given for additional duty time and changes in schedules.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
The contract guarantees hotel accommodations for Flight Attendants who are stranded during IROPS, with reimbursement up to $220 per night if they arrange their own accommodations. Meal allowances of $55 per day are provided to cover additional expenses.

Rest Periods:
Flight Attendants are guaranteed minimum rest periods of 10 hours between duty periods, even during IROPS. Compliance is ensured to safeguard the well-being of Flight Attendants, intervening when needed to address any issues.

Piedmont Airlines

Compensation and Reassignment:
Piedmont Airlines ensures that Flight Attendants receive overtime pay for extended duty periods at 1.5 times their regular hourly pay. Reassignment pay of $70 per day compensates for additional duty time and schedule changes. Any compensation issues are addressed promptly through the union to ensure members receive what they are owed.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
Flight Attendants are guaranteed hotel accommodations if stranded due to IROPS, with reimbursement up to $210 per night. Meal allowances of $50 per day are also provided.

Rest Periods:
Minimum rest periods of 10 hours between duty periods are guaranteed. These rest periods are enforced to maintain the health of Flight Attendants,

Spirit Airlines

Compensation and Reassignment:
Spirit Airlines provides extended duty compensation at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly pay and reassignment pay of $85 per day for additional duty time and schedule changes during IROPS. The contract specifies compensation for the increased time on duty during such events.

Hotel Accommodations and Meals:
Spirit Airlines guarantees hotel accommodations and meal allowances of $60 per day for stranded Flight Attendants during IROPS.

Rest Periods:
Flight Attendants are guaranteed minimum rest periods of 11 hours between duty periods. Compliance with these rest periods is monitored to maintain members' well-being.

Other Examples

Horizon Air:
Flight Attendants at Horizon Air receive compensation for reassignment and extended duty hours during IROPS, with reassignment pay of $65 per day and extended duty compensation at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. Timely reimbursements for hotel accommodations up to $200 per night and meal allowances of $45 per day are ensured, supporting members in securing these benefits when responses are insufficient.

Omni Air International:
The union contract includes provisions for compensation during extended duty periods at 1.5 times the regular hourly pay and guarantees hotel accommodations for stranded Flight Attendants with reimbursement up to $220 per night. Meal allowances of $50 per day are also provided.

It’s Better in Writing

These examples from union contracts at Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Envoy, PSA Airlines, and other carriers illustrate the comprehensive protections and compensations provided for Flight Attendants during IROPS. These protections highlight the benefits of union representation, ensuring fair compensation and care during operational disruptions. This underscores the importance of collective bargaining agreements in securing the rights and well-being of Flight Attendants during unforeseen disruptions.

For more information on other agreements, please visit the AFA-CWA website. SkyWest Flight Attendants can push for similar protections that best suit their needs. Join us in the effort to form our own SkyWest AFA-CWA union and secure the protections and benefits we deserve.