Air Transport District Lodge 142400 N. E. 32nd St.Kansas City, MO 64116-2983

Spring 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

I am writing to you in an environment of fear and uncertainty.Many of our members in the U.S. and Canada have already beenimpacted by the fallout from the coronavirus, or COVID-19,

pandemic. Undoubtedly, more effects will be felt by our membership, byour two countries and globally as this crisis unfolds.

I want to first assure you that the IAM — at every level — is fightingto ensure that employers respond tothis pandemic in a way that providesfor the safety and health of their em-ployees and the communities in whichour members live and work.

I also recognize that the pandemicposes a significant threat to our econ-omy and to the economic security andlivelihood of our membership. On thisfront we are working with employersto ensure that they are not using thisnational emergency to advance theireconomic interests. I am pleased to re-port that, at least anecdotally, manyemployers are responding in a reason-able and thoughtful matter.

We are also working on CapitolHill and on Parliament Hill to ensurethat all economic relief packages af-ford appropriate protections for our members who actually do the work.We are closely monitoring legislative activity in Washington, D.C. and inOttawa to ensure that working people are protected both financially as wellas with appropriate safety and health provisions.

I am also writing to you as a husband, father and grandfather. I sharethe deep concern you have for your families. In this time of uncertainty,taking care of our loved ones is of the utmost importance. I encourageyou to follow guidelines and recommendations from public health offi-cials at the federal, state, provincial and local levels.

We can, by our collective actions, reduce the risk of transmission and

infection of the coronavirus. I also recognize that this current emergency is a source of additional

stress for our members and their families. Fortunately, we have within theIAM our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Addiction ServicesPrograms ready to assist and support members and their families strugglingto cope with this situation. I encourage you to use these resources shouldyou experience stress that is overwhelming or paralyzing.

In closing, I want to reiterate thatthe IAM is working very hard everyday to address the economic, finan-cial and public health impacts of thiscrisis. We are listening to you andwill be providing updates and re-sources on a daily basis until we arethrough this pandemic.

There has and will be changes tothe way our union operates as wemove forward, and we pledge tokeep you informed throughout thisentire process.

Please check the IAM Coron-avirus Resource Center frequentlyfor updates and announcements.Members should also subscribe toour email newsletter, iMail, and fol-low the Machinists Union on Face-

book and Twitter for continuous information.Our two countries, our union and our families have confronted and over-

come many difficult and challenging times. I am confident that we willget through the challenge that is now before us. I would ask that you takecare of yourself, your coworkers, your family, and your community. To-gether, in solidarity, we shall overcome.

Fraternally,

Robert Martinez Jr.IAM International President

Together, in solidarity, we shall overcomeA MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Robert Martinez Jr.

COVID-19: Stay informed!This issue of the 142 Observer includes informationthat was current as we went to press. For up-to-the-

minute information on the COVID-19 pandemic, visit

www.cdc.gov. For current information on the IAM’sresponse, visit IAMDL142.org.

Page 2 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Spring 2020

With everything in turmoil— both in the air trans-portation industry andAmerica at large — this is

no time for business as usual.Fortunately, workers in our industry

have a strong advocate in the Interna-tional Association of Machinists andAerospace Workers.

Together with our allies in the LaborMovement, our union lobbied hard toshape the recently enacted $2 trillionstimulus bill to include provisions ben-eficial to workers and their families.

As a result, the new law isn’t just a“bailout” for wealthy corporations andtheir CEOs, as we saw during the finan-cial crisis in 2007 and 2008. In additionto assistance for the transportation in-dustry, it includes valuable protectionsfor our members and provides the entirecountry with much-needed financial re-lief.

In his column on page 3, District 142President Dave Supplee covers thebroader outlines of the package and ex-plains its potential beneficial effects onthe economy at large. In this column,I’ll address the parts that have specificrelevance to the airline industry.

• First off, the legislation provides$25 billion in grants and $25 billion inloans or loan guarantees to our industry.Before Labor’s input in writing the law,it was only a loan program.

• The grant funds are exclusively forcontinuation of payment of employeewages, salaries and benefits. Before

Labor’s input, this provision did notexist.

• The law contains no provisions foropening collective bargaining agree-ments for concessionary negotiations asa condition for receiving grant funds,loans or loan guarantees. BeforeLabor’s input, the treasury secretaryhad the power to demand unlimitedconditions on receiving federal funds.

• As a condition to receive federalgrant funds, a carrier must refrain fromconducting involuntary furloughs untilSept. 30, 2020. Before Labor’s input,this important provision did not exist.

• The law prohibits stock buybacksand dividend payments until Sept. 30,2021. It also imposes limits on execu-tive compensation and “golden para-chutes.” Before Labor’s input, theseprovisions did not exist.

“If not for unions, this legislationwould not be centered on workers as itis,” says Sito Pantoja, the IAM’s inter-

national vice president for the trans-portation industry.

“It would have been a giveaway tocorporations and Wall Street.”

He continued: “What we accom-plished was substantial, but now is notthe time to celebrate. Workers are un-employed, businesses are closed andpeople are dying every day in our com-munities from the COVID-19 pan-demic.

“We still have an unprecedented cri-sis in front of us, so our work is farfrom being done.”

Hopefully, in three or four years wewill return to where we were before theCOVID-19 crisis, when our airlinesmade record profits.

In the meantime, our union willnever stop fighting for the people likeyou — people who work hard everyday to serve the public and put food ontheir families’ tables.

We stand with you and for you.

Secretary-Treasurer’s ReportBy Ian Scott-Anderman

Stimulus bill includes vital protectionsfor workers in the airline industry

Official publication of the

International Association

of Machinists and

Aerospace Workers,

District Lodge 142

AFL-CIO

Editor-in-ChiefDave Supplee

Headquarters400 N. E. 32nd St.

Kansas City, MO 64116

(816) 452-6646Fax: (816) 455-4793www.iamdl142.org

Dan Suafoa, District Lodge 142’s new specialrepresentative for Alaska Airlines, knowshow to communicate with people.He joined Alaska Airlines in 2002 at a call

center and soon became a customer service agent. “For two years, those experiences thrilled me,” he

said. “I got to travel a lot, which I love doing.”All seemed fine until he ruptured his Achilles heel

in a gym accident in 2004 and was unable perform hisjob duties normally. In response, Alaska Airlinesstarted a process of discipline that Suafoa did not agreewith.

Not satisfied with the help his steward was provid-ing, he took the initiative to educate himself about hisunion contract and the company’s policies, and even-tually he become a steward himself.

“I feel that if I’m paying dues, I should have the bestpossible advocate on the job,” he said.

Dedicated to going the extra mileOnce he became a steward, Suafoa dedicated him-

self to going the extra mile for his fellow union mem-bers.

He recalls a time when a member was targeted bymanagement because of his attendance record.

“Management didn’t believe this member’s ail-ments were preventing him from fulfilling his job du-ties,” Suafoa said. “I researched the member’s diseaseand convinced the management crew to view his at-tendance differently.”

Suafoa’s willingness to work hard for his co-work-ers earned him the role of chief steward and later Dis-trict Lodge educator (2015-2020) and secretary-treasurer of Local Lodge 2202 in Seattle (2017-2020).He served in those capacities until this year, when hebecame special representative for Alaska.

“In my new role, I do whatever the District asks meto do, as well as report to the U.S. Department ofLabor,” he said. “I also pay attention more closely towhat’s going on in the airline industry to see howchanges at other airlines might affect us at Alaska.”

Most recently, Suafoa has been nominated to re-place General Chair Jackie Fay, who plans to retire inAugust.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to servethe members of District Lodge 142,” Suafoa said. “Ilook forward to serving them in any capacity for manymore years.”

Meet Dan Suafoa, DL 142’s new specialrepresentative for Alaska Airlines

Dan Suafoa

‘If not for unions,this legislation wouldnot be centered onworkers as it is.’

Spring 2020 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Page 3

President’s ReportBy Dave Supplee

In these turbulent times, your unionstands strong for you and your loved ones

Everything seems to be up in the air inthis time of crisis — except for the air-planes many of our members fly in,maintain and load.

The situation appears to change every dayand every hour. The companies change policiesand then change them again. Meanwhile, ourmembers and the general public are doing theirbest to keep up.

It’s fortunate that the federal government isstepping forward to bring some calm to the tur-bulence. Time will tell whether it will be enoughto do the trick, but our union is prepared to re-spond to whatever comes our way.

In the meantime, all negotiations with the em-ployers are on hold until we better understandthe economic conditions in the air transportationindustry.

Help from CongressAs I write this message, Congress is approv-

ing an unprecedented $2 trillion relief packagethat includes desperately needed support for ourindustry, as well as guarantees and direct supportfor working Americans of all stripes.

It’s too early to tell exactly how this bill willaffect our union’s membership, but we do knowit includes these provisions:

• A $500 billion fund to help shore up compa-nies that are hit hard by the COVID-19 pan-demic — including those in the transportationindustry.

• More than $377 billion to help small busi-nesses survive the crisis.

• $150 billion for state and local governments.• $130 billion for hospitals desperately in

needed of test kits, protective masks, ventilatorsand beds.

• Direct payments of $1,200 or less to adults,depending on the income they reported while fil-

ing their 2018 tax returns, as well as $500 perchild.

• Greatly expanded employment insurance sothat it now protects gig workers, freelancers andfurloughed workers. Payments are increased by$600 a week over four months.

• Appointment of an independent inspectorgeneral, as well as a five-person congressional

panel, to supervise distribution of funds.• Provisions barring government officials, in-

cluding those in the White House, from benefit-ting financially from the package.

All of this adds to previous measures passedby Congress that mandate sick pay, paid leave,food support and access to COVID-19 testingfor millions of Americans.

The new bill addresses crucial segments of theeconomy — not just corporations, but regularpeople. After all, it’s the regular people who willbe buying tickets and traveling as passengers onthe planes that keep our District Lodge 142members employed.

One sure thing remains unchangedAs I said, it’s too soon to say how, exactly, our

members will be affected by these develop-ments. But one sure thing remains, no matterwhat happens:

Your union cares for you, defends you, andfights for you.

We will continue to work tirelessly to ensureyou and your family are financially secure andhave access to the health care and EAP servicesyou need.

We will continue to represent your interests— and only your interests — whether it’s in theworkplace, at the corporate level, or in the hallsof power in Washington, D.C.

Together, we are strong. Together, we willprevail.

Thank you for your continuing solidarity inthese turbulent times.

We will continueto represent your interests — and only

your interests — whetherit’s in the workplace,at the corporate

level, or in the halls ofpower in Washington, D.C.

Our business of fighting for union members continuesBy Sito PantojaGeneral Vice President, IAMAW

Dear sisters and brothers: As theCOVID-19 virus outbreak evolves andexpands in the United States andaround the globe, our industry has

been especially vulnerable.It is our business to transport passengers and

goods around the world. Unfortunately, this virususes our workplace to jump from point to point,and that has made some people nervous aboutusing the transportation services we provide.

Our daily routine has been and most likelywill continue to be altered until this pandemic isunder control. For example, President Trump re-cently issued travel restrictions from more thantwo dozen European countries. Air and rail car-riers have also cut service to meet the temporarydrop in demand for passenger travel.

These changes create a natural apprehension foremployees. We are in constant discussion with ourcarriers to ensure our members do not bear thebrunt of the economic effects during this period.

Together, we have been through terrorist at-tacks, bankruptcies and other health-related

threats to our industry. Transportation workershave unparalleled resilience, and we only needto compare our collective bargaining agreementstoday to what they looked like in the aftermathof 9/11 and subsequent industry restructuring asproof of our enduring strength.

The business of the Machinists Union fightingfor and protecting our members will continue.

It is the job of management to ensure we havea healthy industry. It is your union’s job to makesure that any temporary impact to a carrier does

not result in permanent negative changes for ourmembers.

Jointly, union and management have a responsi-bility to make sure our members, their employees,are safe. The health of the industry cannot come atthe expense of your and your family’s health.

I urge every IAM member to follow the Cen-ters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)guidelines for the most effective preventionmeasures. We will continue to monitor theseguidelines and pass on to you as much informa-tion as possible. Please visit www.cdc.gov/coro-navirus/2019-ncov/index for more information.

If you have concerns about potential exposurein the workplace, contact your District LodgeGeneral Chair with your concerns.

The COVID-19 virus is extremely contagiousand is especially dangerous, even potentially lifethreatening, for people over 60 years old and/orthose individuals with underlying health condi-tions, particularly heart and lung conditions, diabetes and immunity-suppressing conditions.

Please be safe and use common sense at workand at home so we can put this latest threat be-hind us.

Sito Pantoja

Page 4 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Spring 2020

By now, you have heard the news about the flu-like disease called COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus.This dangerous virus originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in

December 2019 and since then has affected more than 100,000 and killedmore than 3,500 people around the world.

As workers in the airline industry, we have a front-row view of how dangerousexposure to this virus has been. Flights are being canceled or postponed to limitexposure, and yet the virus continues to spread.

Protecting yourselfIt is completely normal to be fearful of the coronavirus, but just because you

or someone you know may come in contact with it, it does not mean it will bedeadly. Taking a few precautions can go a long way toward defeating the virus.

First and foremost, if you feel sick, do yourself and others a favor and stayhome. This includes symptoms of the common cold and/or flu. If you have a per-sistent cough, a fever or a sinus infection, call your doctor to see if you should betested. Do not go to your doctor unless you are called in, because you may putothers at risk of exposure.

If you are not sick, encourage others around you to practice good hygiene bycoughing or sneezing into the bend of the elbow. Wash hands frequently for atleast 20 seconds under warm water or use hand sanitizer after each time youcough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If you are on a layover in a country or state with a known coronavirus outbreak,

you are advised to remain in your hotel room as much as possible and practicethe hygiene recommendations above.

Protecting passengersIf you notice a passenger exhibiting symptoms of illness, ask the passenger

where he or she has traveled in the past 21 days and, if possible, try to isolate theill traveler. Provide ill passengers with tissues and hand sanitizers and encouragethem to cough or sneeze into the bends of their elbows. If your airline has a des-ignated lavatory for ill passengers, be sure to let passengers know this and do notallow healthy passengers to use it.

All soiled items (tissues, masks, blankets, etc.) should be stored in a biohazardbag, if available, and sealed.

If you are unsure about how to handle situations with ill travelers or co-workers,contact your GC or steward for more information.

Protecting yourself from coronavirus exposure

Symptoms of COVID-19/coronavirus

Fever Cough

Shortness of breath

It may take 2-14 daysafter exposure to feelany of these symptoms.Some people may carrythe virus and could in-fect others while havingno symptoms at all, sohygiene should alwaysbe a priority.

Spring 2020 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Page 5

EAP ReportBy Paul Shultz, EAP Chair

EAP can help you through the COVID-19 crisis

We are living in unprece-dented times due to theCOVID-19 (coronavirus)pandemic.

Our lives are being disrupted incountless ways. It doesn’t help that weare receiving information that is some-times incorrect or contradictory from

social media and friends and family. Itall can be confusing and overwhelming.

Your IAM Employee AssistanceProfessional (EAP) team can help. Weare available to you and your family toprovide resources and support, even ifyou just need someone to speak with.You do not have to go through thisalone!

We recommend several strategies tohelp you get through the next fewweeks:

• Depend on reliable sources of in-formation. Limit your sources to alertsfrom District Lodge 142, the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention(CDC.gov), your state and countyhealth departments, and well-estab-lished journalism outlets.

• Adhere to the “social distancing”mandate. You don’t need to completelyisolate, but it is important to maintain asix-foot distance from others. Whennecessary, communicate with lovedones and friends by phone, text, videochats and social media.

• Monitor alcohol and prescriptiondrug use. You’re indoors more and itcan be easy to consume more alcohol orprescription drugs to curb feelings ofanxiety or depression. These can actu-ally make your mental health worse, solimit your consumption. Speak withyour EAP team and/or a loved one orfriend to talk through your feelings.

• Take good care of yourself. Reachout to your IAM EAP representativewhen you feel stressed, fearful or over-

whelmed. We can help work throughwhatever issue you may be experienc-ing and find resources specific to yoursituation. We will stay with youthroughout any issue until you feel it isresolved.

Our members are resilient andstrong. We can weather these difficultcircumstances when we rely on eachother.

For assistance, you can contact oneof your 17 Local Lodge Coordinatorswho are there to help you, or contact meat (704) 907-3563 (cell) orpm.shultz@att.net.

I want to thank District Lodge 141’sBryan Hutchinson and District Lodge19’s Daniel Tavares in formulating thisarticle. We’re all in this together.

IAMAW Employee Assistance Program

National Contact Information

Paul Shultz, DirectorlAM EAP Services

Air Transport District 142(704) 907-3563pm.shultz@att.net

When you hear, read orwatch news about an out-break of an infectious dis-ease such as ebola, you

may feel anxious and show signs ofstress — even when the outbreak af-fects people far from where you liveand you are at low or no risk of gettingsick.

These signs of stress are normal andmay be more likely or pronounced inpeople with loved ones in parts of theworld affected by the outbreak. In thewake of an infectious disease outbreak,monitor your own physical and mentalhealth.

Know the signs of stress in yourselfand your loved ones. Know how to re-lieve stress and know when to get help.

Know the signs of stressWhat follows are behavioral, physi-

cal, emotional, and cognitive responsesthat are all common signs of anxietyand stress. You may notice some ofthem after you learn about an infectiousdisease outbreak.

YOUR BEHAVIOR:• An increase or decrease in your en-

ergy and activity levels• An increase in your use of alcohol

or tobacco, or use of illegal drugs• An increase in irritability, with out-

bursts of anger and frequent arguing• Having trouble relaxing or sleeping• Crying frequently• Worrying excessively• Wanting to be alone most of the

time• Blaming other people for every-

thing• Having difficulty communicating

or listening• Having difficulty giving or accept-

ing help• Inability to feel pleasure or have

fun

Know how to relieve stressYou can manage and alleviate your

stress by taking time to take care ofyourself.

KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE:Set limits on how much time you

spend reading or watching news aboutthe outbreak. You will want to stay upto date on news of the outbreak, partic-ularly if you have loved ones in placeswhere many people have gotten sick.But make sure to take time away fromthe news to focus on things in your lifethat are going well and that you cancontrol.

GET THE FACTS:Find people and resources you can

depend on for accurate health informa-tion. Learn from them about the out-break and how you can protect yourselfagainst illness. You may turn to yourfamily doctor, a state or local health de-partment, U.S. government agencies, oran international organization. Find reli-able links to good sources of informa-tion about infectious disease outbreaks.

Take good care ofyourself to be ableto take care of othersKEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY:

• Eat healthy foods, and drink water.• Avoid excessive amounts of caf-

feine and alcohol.• Do not use tobacco or illegal drugs.• Get enough sleep and rest.• Get physical exercise.

USE PRACTICAL WAYS TO RELAX:• Relax your body often by doing

things that work for you—take deepbreaths, stretch, meditate, wash yourface and hands, or engage in pleasura-ble hobbies.

• Pace yourself between stressful ac-tivities and do a fun thing after a hardtask.

• Use time off to relax—eat a goodmeal, read, listen to music, take a bath,or talk to family.

• Talk about your feelings to lovedones and friends often.

The heart and soul of the District 141Employee Assistance Program is thelocal lodge EAP peer coordinator.

These dedicated men and womenvolunteer their personal time to assistother union members and their familieswho are experiencing personal difficul-ties.

EAP peer coordinators do not makeclinical diagnoses or clinical evalua-tions, however, they are trained to make

a basic assessment of your situation andrefer you to an appropriate resource fora more detailed evaluation.

EAP peer coordinators will followup to ensure you have been able to ac-cess services that addressed the diffi-culty you were experiencing.

Sources for credible information

Centers for Disease Controland Prevention(800) 232-4636www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization(202) 974-3000www.who.int/en

Source:SAMSHSA.gov

Coping with stress during infectious disease outbreaks

Page 6 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Spring 2020

By Lisa B. FermGrievance Representative/Recording Secretary, Commutair

Two of our Flight Attendants experienced unexpected and unrelated eventsrecently at CommutAir (dba United Express).

The first incident was on a recent flight departing from Columbus, Ohio.The Flight Attendant took the FA jump seat when notified by the flight

deck after push-back. Prior to takeoff, he sheared off the top of his ring fingerwhile simultaneously sitting and reaching for the harness restraint and seatbeltbuckle.

The aircraft this occurred on is an Embraer 145. Since its inception, this aircrafthas had more than 28 million hours of service with no other known incidents ofthis nature at any other carrier.

OSHA and Embraer were notified of the incident and a full investigation tookplace. Corrective actions included an augmentation of the training content deliv-

ered to all Flight Attendants, both new-hire and current. These changes included video footage showing the factors that resulted in the

injury, with focus on the area now identified as the “pinch point.” Sequential stepswere disseminated on how to occupy the Flight Attendant crew jump seat whileremaining clear of the pinch point.

In addition, a departmental memo was distributed immediately to all FlightAttendants notifying them of the incident. It included instruction on how to safelydeploy the Flight Attendant jump seat, along with a graphic depiction of the pinchpoint.

The second incident occurred when a passenger assaulted a Flight Attendantin flight and attempted to breach the flight deck.

The Flight Attendant did exactly what she was trained to do almost 13 yearsago and every year since in FAA-mandated Recurrent Training. In this training,we learn there are four stages of escalating behavior: disruptive, physically abu-sive, life threatening, and the actual act of breaching the flight deck. This pas-senger exhibited all four stages.

The Flight Attendant said her main concern was “not to get other passengersinjured.” Although she sustained some physical injury, she handled herself as shewas taught. A passenger and a union brother from another carrier stepped in toassist.

This incident ended with far less physical injury than could have occurred be-cause the Flight Attendant acted swiftly and was not complacent in her job.

Each time an event of this caliber occurs, it reminds us why Recurrent Trainingis just as important as Initial Training.

Recurrent Training is the best way to fight against job complacency, which ul-timately is the gateway to occurrences that not only lead to on-the-job injury, butalso unwarranted social exposure and even termination if the employee is foundto be at fault.

The IAMAW immediately reached out to provide the resources needed to pro-vide guidance and care to our brother and sister through EAP and other services.In addition, the ASAP/Incident Program enhanced the proper measures that takeplace when such events occur.

A report is either submitted as a voluntary ASAP report or as an Incident Re-port. In an ASAP report, the focus is on protecting the crew member who unwill-fully may have broken a CFR and on shielding him or her from potentialdiscipline. An Incident Report involves an event that has no bearing on the crewmember in regards to not abiding by the CFR.

In the airline industry, the ASAP program is our way of detecting problemsoccurring in flight operations before they cause an accident that might lead to anemployee’s personal injury, the injury of passengers or, in a worst-case scenario,an air disaster.

Both crew members are recuperating.

Two incidents involve Flight Attendants at CommutAir

By Debby TuckerIAM FSC-Coordinator/ERJ-ERC Primary Rep/IAM Fatigue Rep

The courage of our Flight Attendants shines through in these dark timesfor our industry. Every day, they show who they really are as a groupand as individuals.

To protect them as best we can, we urge all crew members to followthe guidelines issued by the CDC and our respective companies as we fightthrough the COVID-19 pandemic.

These brave and dedicated individuals can be assured their union stands withthem to address their very real concerns about their safety, health and well-being.

With these concerns in mind, we insist that the crew rooms are stocked withsupplies to help our members do their jobs safely.

ExpressJet has implemented “turn cleans” of our fleet at hubs, including dis-infecting. Management is looking to have all outstations perform sterilizationcleans after every flight in the near future (there are challenges with resources).A more thorough clean is being done on RON aircraft at the hubs.

Your union values all of your concerns. Please use all of your resources andreach out to your Safety, EAP and Grievance representatives. Other resources in-clude your General Chair and Special Rep.

You can also reference the CDC, World Health Organization and IAM websites,as well as the company’s XJT “My Messages” and Local Lodge 2339’s website,IAM2339n.org.

Safety: iamdebbytucker@gmail.com/iamkarihebert@gmail.com

EAP: eapestonamiddlebrooks@gmail.com

Grievance Reps: iam2339n.org/grievance

General Chair: SGonzales@iamdl142.org

Special Rep: MJohnson-cooper@iamDL142.org

CDC: www.cdc.gov

World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int

If you have an immediate safety concern, contact your ERC/ASAP represen-tatives (myself and Kari Hebert). We will guide you through the process of filingan ASAP.

Washing of the hands often will be one of our best defenses as we navigatethrough the weeks to come.

If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms, please do not come to work!Also, if you are on a layover and display symptoms of COVID-19, contactMedAire, the company’s medical care provider while traveling: (480) 333-3885or (877) 967-2286 (U.S.A. or Canada); 01-800-681-9221 (Mexico).

Fly safe. These are trying times for us all, but we will prevail!

Protecting our ExpressJet Flight Attendants

Spring 2020 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Page 7

Flight Safety ReportBy John Hall, Flight Safety Director

Follow guidelines, update your address,and if you see something, say something!

Brothers and sisters, I don’thave to tell you what a diffi-cult time this is.

Coronavirus has enteredevery part of our lives. Our EAP Com-mittee is out there working hard on themental aspects of this pandemic, ourIAM leadership is working hard on theeconomic aspects, and your SafetyCommittee is working hard on thehealth aspects.

I, along with District 142 PresidentDave Supplee and your GCs, have beenworking with governmental authoritiesand your respective companies to en-sure that CDC guidelines are being met.

Enhanced aircraft disinfection,break/work area disinfection, and hy-giene are among the many subjects weare involved with.

None of that will matter if we don’tfollow the CDC guidelines together.Please visit CDC.gov, WHO.int,NIH.gov and Coronavirus.gov for up-dates and info.

It is imperative that we depend on

each other now more than ever to stayhealthy for the sake of our loved ones,our brothers and sisters, and our com-munities. If you are not headed to, orfrom essential shopping or work, pleasestay home. Please maintain a properdistance and don’t crowd together.

Unless your job requires it, don’twait on the jetways while the aircraft isboarding or passengers are leaving. Trynot to eat in the terminal. Please bemindful of items you are sharing suchas pens, phones and computer key-boards. Practice social distancing wherepossible. Visit the websites mentionedabove for more info.

I couldn’t be more proud of the hardwork your local Safety Committeemembers are doing. I wish I had thespace in this article to name them all.

I know there is much uncertainty, butI am certain of one thing: We will getthrough this together. I have seen someincredible examples of solidarity duringmany crises we have been through.

I am proud to be your brother, and in

this most trying of times I know we willcome out of this together.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay a

safe distance from others. Practice goodhygiene and above all take care of eachother.

Ground Safety ReportBy Brian Szolodko, Ground Safety Director

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay united

While our world has changed, some thingsstay the same. As we practice social dis-tancing and do our best to get through thisCOVID-19 pandemic, we also need to

keep our core protocols in mind.

Protecting against COVID-19and other infectious diseases

Follow CDC guidelines while performing mainte-nance. Wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, try notto touch your face and eyes, cover your cough orsneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue away.

Follow the aircraft maintenance manuals and com-pany safety procedures. Use gloves and face masks,especially when working on aircraft air conditioningsystems or replacing air filters.

This virus is primarily transferred by droplets, usu-ally from coughing or sneezing. These droplets canlast up to three hours in the air. The virus on hard sur-faces like metal or plastic in the cabin interiors canlast up to nine days untreated. Keep a six-feet distancebetween yourself and others and avoid touching sur-faces in public.

Use gloves whenever doing cabin work. Over theyears the IAM has negotiated and fought for PersonalProtective Equipment (PPE) for our members. The air-lines have paid for this and other safety equipment and

they expect you to use them. Work smart and stay safe!

FAA license updatesOver the last couple of years there has been a huge hir-

ing spree of mechanics in the industry. That means therehas been a lot of movement between the regional andmainline airlines. What often gets overlooked is keepingthe FAA notified of your current mailing address.

The FAA knows this, and during ramp inspectionsit will ask to see your license. You are required to haveyour license with you at work. It does not have to beon your person but it has to be readily available, suchas in your locker. It must also be up to date and haveyour current address on file.

To get a change of address, go to www.faa.gov/li-censes_certificates/. Under “Airmen,” select “UpdateYour Address” and you can fill out the form online.This will only change your address with the FAA. Ifyou want your license to have your current address,select “Replace an Airmen Certificate (License).”This can also be filled out online, but it will cost you$2 for a new one.

American maintenance ASAPThere has been a significant increase in logbook

entry errors. The FAA considers Non-Essential Fur-nishings (NEFs) as part of the Minimum EquipmentList (MEL) program. You MUST enter all NEF clear-

ances in the logbook. Again, ALL NEF entries mustbe documented in the logbook. If in doubt, you needto refer to the General Procedures Manual, Chapter 5,for specifics on required logbook entries.

Below are some examples of missed or incorrectlogbook required entries that have been reported:

• MELs, including initial, updates, follow-up ac-tions and closures

• CDLs (Configuration Deviation List), includinginitial, updates, follow-up actions and closures

• NEFs, opening AND closings• Required Inspection Items (RII) and Confirma-

tion Checks• Maintenance Checks, including Pre-Departure,

Daily, Transit and higher Henry Ford is quoted as saying: “When everything

seems to be going against you, remember that the air-craft takes off against the wind, not with it.”

Through hard work and positive attitudes, espe-cially under these extreme circumstances, this, too,shall pass.

Reach out to your Flight Safety Committee repre-sentative or shop steward if you have any safety con-cerns. Use your company’s ASAP to report safetyissues. Update your address with the FAA, and by allmeans, if you see something, say something!

Work smart and stay safe.

Page 8 District Lodge 142 OBSERVER Spring 2020

The Workers Memorial on the grounds of the IAMAW’s William W. Winpisinger training centerin Maryland stands in tribute to all workers who died while working at their jobs. The memorialis one of many ways the union stands in solidarity with working people everywhere. The IAMjoins the world in observing Workers’ Memorial Day each year on April 28.

A moment of silence onWorkers’ Memorial DayM

emorial Day means many things to different people. For many school-children it marks the beginning of summer vacation. For most work-ers, it is a welcome day off to travel or spend with family. And foreveryone, it is a time for solemn reflection in memory of men and

women who gave their lives in defense of the United States.But many people don’t know there are two memorial days in America. There

is the national holiday for our war dead that is observed on May 25 this year andanother day set aside for working people who have lost their lives on the job.

April 28 was first recognized as International Workers’ Memorial Day by theCanadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) as a time to remember those of allnationalities who gave their lives in the pursuit of better industrial working con-ditions, as well as and those who died in preventable workplace incidents.

On that day in 1914, Canada’s parliament passed the country’s Workers’ Com-pensation Act.

The official slogan of Workers Memorial Day comes from Mary Harris“Mother” Jones: “Pray for the dead and fight

like hell for the living.” In this spirit, the day has become aday of demonstrations for labor or-ganizations worldwide.

Workers’ Memorial Day isrecognized by the InternationalLabor Organization and is ob-served by 16 nations in NorthAmerica, Central and SouthAmerica, Europe and Asia. Or-ganizations in nine other nations

are pursuing national recognitionof the holiday.The United Nations recognizes

April 28 as the World Day for Safetyand Health at Work.

“On April 28, we pause to remember the workers who did not come home safeand healthy, and recommit ourselves to empowering employers and workers tocreate safe and healthy workplaces through research,” said John Howard, M.D.,director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Most people who have caught the virus have not died, just like with the flu. Doctors are working really hard tokeep an eye on anyone who is feeling sick. They want to make sure everyone gets the help they need and tokeep the virus from spreading.What is important is to not let worries about the virus boss you around. If you’re practicing healthy behaviorslike sneezing into your elbow and washing your hands after you go to the bathroom, then you’re showing thevirus and the worries who is boss instead!

Common questions your child might ask aboutCOVID-19 and suggested responsesBefore you start talking about what’s going on in the world with the pandemic, ask what your child knows so far in case you need to clarify anything, and find out whatquestions your child has. Below are common questions your child might ask and suggested responses.

Source: HMC Healthworks

WHAT IS THE NEW CORONAVIRUS? The new coronavirus is a kind of germ that can make people feel sick. Remember how the flu made (you/yourclassmate/anyone your child knows) feel? It can be a lot like getting the flu. Some people feel just a little bit sick.Some people get a fever and a cough. Sometimes, the cough can make it hard to breathe easily.

HOW DO YOU CATCH THIS CORONAVIRUS?

WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE WEARING MASKS?

The virus spreads like the flu, or a cold or cough. If a person who has the coronavirus sneezes orcoughs, germs that are inside the body come outside of the body. That’s because sneezes and coughscan send tiny drops carrying germs into the air. A healthy person would need to touch those germsthat came out of the sneezes and coughs, and then touch their mouth, eyes, or inside their nose.

CAN YOU DIE FROM THE NEW CORONAVIRUS?

Masks are for people who are sick to wear so that they don’t share germs. The masks also are formedical staff, like doctors and nurses, to wear so they can help people who have the virus. You do notneed to wear a mask.