December 2024 Newsletter
Dear Crew,
Apologies in the delay of getting this newsletter out to you. This newsletter includes a variety of important topics, reminders and updates including:
- November 27 Zoom Meeting Minutes
- Negotiations Survey Results
- December 2024 Althing
- Charter Scheduling
- Ensuring the Safety & Security of Passengers and Crew
- Security Searches
- Meetings With Management
- Medicals in Norway
- Utilizing EAP Resources
- Recent Articles on the Website
November 27 Zoom Meeting Minutes
Thank you to everyone who attended our Zoom meeting on November 27. Please see the minutes from that meeting HERE.
Negotiations Survey Results
Thank you to all responded to our negotiations survey. As we explained in the Zoom meeting, this is just one of many surveys and communications you will receive about our Negotiations.
Please see some highlights from the results here:
December 2024 Althing
In the Althing on December 4th, it was formally revealed by management that there has been a reduction in staff and consultants in Norway but that there would be no reduction in flying or technical staff. They also will be investing more in technology for smooth operations and hope to increase crew utilization and increase flying hours for the crew.
They have made several adjustments to the route network including announcing a new flight from ARN-BKK in the winter, and FCO-LAX in the summer. They also intend to fly FCO year round and ATH mostly year round. Several routes have been cancelled or adjusted but this is all for the benefit of the company and the passengers.
They expect significant growth in the US market and have indicated that JFK and LGW are their major hubs at the moment.
Due to negotiations about additional charter agreements, the full summer schedule is currently not available, but will be updated as soon as things are finalised.
While the many changes taking place can cause a great deal of uneasiness or uncertainty, we hope this means that there will be more flying for our crew and better opportunities for growth.
Charter Scheduling
We have spoken to crew scheduling to discuss some of the issues put forward by crew about charter scheduling.
They have assured us that all crew who bid for charters have been assigned them for the month of January. If you bid for January and were not assigned a charter, please send an email with a copy of your roster to [email protected] and cc [email protected] so that we may look into this for you.
We are aware that there are crew who did NOT bid for charters who have been assigned them at this time as well. Due to the increase in charter flying, it was necessary for the company to assign crew who did not bid to cover this surplus. This is usually scheduled in reverse seniority order.
Due to some of these charters requiring deadhead flights on other airlines, it can be very difficult for the scheduling to grant swaps if the flights have already been booked on other carriers. It is very important that all attempted swaps for charters occur as close to roster release as possible for increased success in granting them.
Ensuring the Safety & Security of Passengers and Crew
As you all may or may not yet be aware, a passenger was recently able to bypass multiple layers of security and board Delta flight DL264 from JFK to CDG. The passenger hid as a stowaway on the plane moving from lavatory to lavatory and was not discovered until nearly the end of the 7 hour voyage.
This is a reminder that it is extremely important to follow our procedures of checking all boarding passes at the door, checking lavatories prior to departure and periodically throughout the flight.
These things may seem tedious for passengers and crew at times, but it is of the utmost importance for the safety and security of the aircraft and everyone onboard.
Security Searches
We have a sideline agreement with management about doing Security Searches on flights. You can find a copy of this agreement HERE.
We are being credited 2.5hrs per flight for flights that require security searches - 2hrs prior to departure and 30 mins after arrival at our destination - and this is paid towards our 60hrs guarantee. This applies to all charter flights, flights from OSL-BKK and all flights from BER-USA. There are no security searches currently required for any other destinations or routes.
Please ensure that your roster has SSRCH on it for the destinations specified above, and have the Purser send an email to Gine with the list of crew who performed them to ensure you are being paid properly.
We are currently working on a new agreement with management about security searches and will update you when it is signed and also post it on the website.
Meetings with Management
If you are called in for a meeting with management, it is important to ask for union representation ASAP.
Be sure to communicate by email to management that you would like union representation and immediately contact the union at [email protected] to let them know the situation and the details of the meeting.
Medicals in Norway
Though the company has sent crew to Toronto or other locations for medical renewal, the company can also send us for medical renewals to Oslo. In Oslo, Aeromedical Examiners have the right to administer variety of tests which includes a PETH test that will show habitual use of substances that Norse has a limited or zero tolerance for employees.
If you fail this test, you will be subjected to counselling and additional testing for a long period of time before your license can be renewed; or you could be terminated if you don’t comply and pass them.
As a reminder, If you are struggling with substance abuse or frequent use and you ask for help by contacting our EAP reps before you’re subject to random testing or periodic tests, you will not be terminated but will be given help and opportunity to recover safely.
All these resources are there to prevent us all from being subject to disciplinary actions or or termination or be for issues that could be mitigated.
Utilizing EAP Resources
Our US Based EAP representatives, Vanessa Morales, Vanessa Harrigan and Sylvie Wubbena are here NOT only to provide information and help with substance abuse but any problems that show up and pose a challenge to deal with; family, friends, coworkers, grief, depression, finances, stress, etc
They have access to resources that can help us deal with problems.
There is no need to feel ashamed, guilty, embarrassed or fearful about reaching out for help! Please reach out to EAP if you need support!
Phone: 1-800-424-2406 or 202-434-0560
Phone or Text or Whatsapp: 301-437-0390
Email: [email protected]
Recent Articles on the Norse AFA Website
Happy Holidays from all of us! Wishing you a safe and happy new year!
Reminder:
You can find all our recent newsletters and information about the union and what we are working on at the Norse AFA website.
Visit the website today at norseafa.org
Sign up to receive important text alerts from your Norse AFA MEC by texting afanaa to 49484 or by clicking THIS LINK to register.
In Solidarity,
Kat & Ted
