3.04.20 – The Scoop

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

2020 Martha W. Griffiths Award Recipients

Steve Watson, DFW; John Nikides, LAX; Randy Trautman, MIA; & Patrick Hancock, DFW

APFA proudly bestowed its highest honor, The Martha W. Griffiths Award, at its annual Board of Directors Convention in Los Angeles this week. The award is reserved for Flight Attendants who have made an extraordinary contribution to APFA and its members.

On March 14, 1995, the APFA Board of Directors proclaimed that APFA’s highest honor, the “Union Contribution Award,” would be renamed the “APFA Martha W. Griffiths Award.”

Martha W. Griffiths was instrumental in the legislative fight against the discrimination of Flight Attendants that married or reached the age of 32. Martha’s fight didn’t stop there, as she was pivotal in the prohibition against sex discrimination that was included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

APFA extends its heartiest congratulations to:

• Steve Watson, Ad Hoc/Executive Committee
• John Nikides, LAX Base President
• Randy Trautman, MIA Base President
• Patrick Hancock, Ad Hoc/Executive Committee

 

Ballots for National Officer Run-off Election Due 10:00 am CT, Monday!

All members in good standing (no more than 60 days in dues arrears) are invited to attend the ballot count located at:
Aloft Hotel
1301 Chisholm Trail
Euless, TX 76039
(817) 571-4211

Social Media: Is it Causing Social Anxiety?

According to a study released by non-profit Anxiety UK, over half of the social media users polled stated that Facebook, Twitter and other networking sites had changed their lives — and 51 percent of those said it’s not been for the better.

Social Media is causing anxiety. In other words, it’s not being on social networks that makes people anxious. It’s being away from them. These findings suggest that some may need to re-establish control over the technology they use, rather than being controlled by it.

Day 1 in our new uniform. What do we do? We post our photos. On Facebook, on Instagram, on Twitter, or maybe Snapchat it with a funny filter.

So why did Emma receive 92 likes and Rachel only got 10? They are both in the same uniform combination. They’ve “tagged” the same location, searches, and Instagram “algorithms”. So, Emma leaves for work feeling like a Rockstar and Rachel is feeling just “okay”.  Before we have even left the door, we experience social media anxiety.  This generally relates to social anxiety and is acquired when the participation of social media affects the mental and physical well-being of an individual.  So, are social media users anxious because of social media, or do more anxious people gravitate toward digital interactions?  Fingers flying, incessant texting, phones held to your ear as secondary fingers gives the illusion, we are all “well connected.”  We are chatting and snapping and “selfie-ing” (is that a word?) all the live long day!

For some that struggle with social anxiety, some therapists see social media as a means of allowing individuals to have a medium for social communication or engagement.  It can be like a blessing, just what you need. After all, no one can see you blushing, perspiring, or even confused when you’re posting on Facebook.  It’s easy to hide behind the curtain of social media, being an “armchair advocate”.

But, for others with social anxiety, where every interaction is scrutinized, the challenge of social media as either a benefit or a detriment, becomes even more acute.  Individuals can often misuse social media in substituting online connections for poor face-to-face relationships.

So, if you truly want to overcome your social anxiety, you’ll want to honestly evaluate how you’re using social media and whether it is benefiting or hurting your efforts to get over this life-limiting disorder.

Whether you are currently hiding behind the veil of social media, not posting at all – or a little of both, you can use social media to your advantage to help overcome your social anxiety.

Start by participating in the least “risky” manner and work your way up. Maybe just post an emoji, a like, a comment, to posting a photo and then posting to your entire network. Transitioning to face-to-face conversations, practice making eye contact, practice smiling at others, say “hello” to co-workers, contribute a brief comment during lunch with others.

Be patient, gentle to yourself and willing to slowly work through your anxieties. Try getting outside and explore.  Remember to take time to breathe.  If you are sitting down, stand up.  If you are standing up, take a walk.

APFA EAP (817) 540-0108 extension 8701.   Email us at [email protected]

 

Restoring Aviation Accountability Act (S.3337)

APFA supports the Restoring Aviation Accountability Act, legislation introduced by Senators Blumenthal, Markey, and Udall, which is aimed at overhauling self-regulation in the aviation industry. The bill comes as response to the two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people in five months. The bill would ensure robust oversight of the aviation industry and provide expanded whistleblower protections and incentives.

“Reform is vital to putting aviation safety first,” said Blumenthal. “Returning power to federal regulators is a necessary first step to restore accountability, but only one step toward comprehensive reform. Left to its own devices, the aviation industry has put corporate profits before consumer safety. When safety is inexcusably compromised like it was by Boeing – certification rushed, whistleblowers gagged, critical information deliberately concealed, speed and earnings prioritized – lives are tragically lost and families devastated. The system in place is broken and we must make it right before more lives are lost.”

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Human Trafficking Prevention Survey – One Month Left

As Flight Attendants, we are in a unique position to share our experiences and provide information that can help save lives from being trafficked.

In collaboration with United Against Slavery, APFA is distributing the National Outreach Survey for Flight Attendants which will help to identify how we best combat human trafficking on the frontlines.

So far, 500 Flight Attendants have taken the survey. The goal is 1000!

By taking the online survey, you will:

• help outline areas of concern in identifying signs of sex and labor trafficking
• share your knowledge of this crime and areas where you need more information or training

The optional survey is equipped with a save-and-return feature to complete as your schedule allows. Thank you to those who have participated!

Take the survey

Twin Hill and Aramark Uniform Disposal

There is a growing concern about how to dispose of your uniforms.  If you have Twin Hill uniforms, we recommend disposing of them at a Hazardous Waste Disposal Site.

Your Aramark uniforms can be donated to any non-profit organization where they’ll be put to good use. We suggest Dress for Success for women’s clothing.  Their locations are nationwide.

We also suggest ACDN. The Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits (ACDN) is a network of grassroots organizations that serve women and men who seek to join or reenter the workforce.

 

Workers’ Compensation – What if Your Benefits and Treatment are Denied?

If your Workers’ Compensation claim is denied, Sedgwick is required to notify you of the reason(s) for the denial. If you believe that the claim was wrongfully denied and wish to dispute the decision, you should contact the Workers’ Compensation Commission in the state where your claim is for information regarding the proper dispute procedures. You may choose to consult with a Workers’ Compensation attorney or, in some states, you may be advised by the workers’ comp commission to do so.

Here are some examples of problems that may also necessitate a Hearing:

• Authorization for medical treatment – The claims administrator refuses to pay for your approved medical treatment.
• Authorization for surgery or tests – Your treating doctor requests authorization to perform surgery or tests, such as an MRI, and the insurance company refuses to authorize it.
• Refusal to provide benefits – The treating physician says that you are entitled to benefits, such as vocational rehabilitation services, and the insurance company refuses to provide them.
• Insufficient benefits – The insurance company pays temporary disability at a lower rate than your earnings justify.
• Inadequate medical care – You believe the quality of medical treatment you are receiving is inadequate, and the insurance company refuses to send you to another doctor.

 

In this week’s update from the APFA National President Lori Bassani, there was a request for every Flight Attendant to wear their APFA Union pin on their new uniform. We need your help to ensure every Flight Attendant who wants one has an APFA pin and lanyard!

The recently revised uniform standards booklet specifies where the APFA Union pin is to be placed and what type of lanyard can be worn, and when.  As a reminder, the APFA pin is only to be worn ½ inch above the wings, and not attached to any lanyard. An APFA lanyard may be worn, but can only contain the Union name and logo.  Please encourage your co-workers to show their unity by wearing their APFA pin on their uniform.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of unity during negotiations, and this starts with wearing your APFA Union pin. While we may not always agree on every issue as a work group, we are all part of the same Union, fighting for the same goal – our collective futures. 

If you need an APFA pin or lanyard, reach out to your local base representatives or contact [email protected] with your information and a pin will be sent to you.