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Using Self-Help for Hotel and Transportation

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Source: Media Article

Date: Jan 03, 2018

Source: Elines

When is it appropriate to use self-help for hotel and transportation issues? Under Section 5.D.4.c. of our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) requires layover hotel-operated transportation to pick-up Flight Attendants within 35 minutes of block arrival. It also states that if transportation is contracted independently (“public limousine service” - in other words not the hotel van), the cut-off time is 45 minutes after block arrival.

There are certainly other times you may also use Self-Help such as: no hot or cold water, no power, no heat or air conditioning, broken door locks, bugs or vermin of any kind in your room, no food availability whatsoever, noise that prohibits legal rest or any situation that threatens your safety or well-being. In addition, if you arrive, as a result of irregular operations, in a city where a hotel was not planned but becomes necessary, you may find yourself needing to use these procedures to secure accommodations should the hotel desk be unable to do so.

If you encounter any of these issues, take the following action to correct your experience:

1.  Calmly attempt to resolve the issue with the vendor providing the services - the hotel or transportation company. Always ask to speak to a manager on duty.

2.  If this fails to fix the problem, call the Hotel Desk and request their assistance.

a.  pm-CAL - (800) 338-CREW, Option 2, then Option 4

b.  pm-CMI - (671) 645-8310, Option 2

c.  pm-UAL - (800) FLT-LINE, Option 2

3.  If you do not get resolution to your situation through these two avenues, go to another hotel and take a taxi if necessary.  Ensure that you have the names of hotel and company representatives with whom you’ve spoken. Get receipts for all your expenses and submit a company expense report for reimbursement.

4.  Once settled into a different hotel, call Crew Scheduling and let them know where you are and provide contact information. Be aware that the Hotel Desk is not the Crew Desk. In some cases the Hotel Desk may be able to send a voucher or cover the cost of the room/s.

Don’t be afraid to act in your best interests. United is responsible for our safety on layovers. If they do not respond, take care of yourself. If one of your flying partners is in trouble and doesn’t have the expendable cash or a credit card to take care of it, help them out if you can.

When you return from your trip ask your supervisor for United’s Employee Expense Report form. In addition to filling out an expense report with receipts attached, complete a Hotel and Transportation Report (pm-CAL/CMI Hotel Report or pm-UAL write aTVLLOG) detailing the names of the persons with whom you’ve spoken at both the hotel and the Hotel Desk. Make copies for yourself of the Hotel and Transportation report, expense report, and receipts. If you are not reimbursed promptly, file a Local Council Worksheet and call your Local Council Office for assistance.

Self-help is not only allowable per our Collective Bargaining Agreement; it is strongly recommended you seek self-help to ensure adequate rest. The AFA MEC Hotel and Transportation Committee meets with United Crew Accommodations monthly, to address problems and seek positive resolution. Our advocacy is strengthened when problems are documented and trended through your Hotel and Transportation reports.  Help us to help you: use only AFA Hotel and Transportation Reports every time you experience a problem or conversely, a positive experience.

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