Our MEC Hotel and Transportation Committee reminds us “when issues occur with the hotel and transportation services provided under our Contract, our MEC Hotel & Transportation Committee is best prepared to address these issues when provided with the specific details of any incidents."
Through discussions with Members, it is clear to AFA that there have been instances where issues with vendors have been reported using company reporting systems and those details have not been shared with the United MEC Hotel & Transportation Committee. As our Hotel & Transportation Committee has previously outlined, incidents that are not reported via the United MEC website (www.unitedafa.org) essentially “did not happen” in the absence of specific details.
Keep in mind that it is common for our Union to regularly solicit feedback and input from our Members about various issues and this includes Hotel and Transportation issues. These feedback channels help inform our Union's bargaining strategies and other advocacy efforts on behalf of our Members. More importantly, by sharing your experiences and concerns in this arena, we can help identify patterns and trends directly impacting Hotel and Transportation issues, find solutions and improve the overall travel experience for our Members. To provide reports about Hotel and Transportation issues, go to www.unitedafa.org.
It is regrettable that United management has yet to develop a system whereby reports to the company are consistently and reliably shared with the Union. Remember, when these issues are received via the Union’s reporting system, details of the incident are shared with management at United as well as with management at the hotel with an expectation they will be addressed and resolved.
To be clear, we absolutely discourage the use of United Voices. The use of United Voices provides management with exclusive knowledge of the incident. If they fail to acknowledge or follow-up on the issues, in fact, it is as if it never happened. Your experiences are never recorded, and management can (and does) effectively deny there are issues with our contracted hotels.
We understand the frustration with repeatedly reporting the same issues with our layover hotels. However, management is betting that you will grow tired of reporting these issues and that we will simply come to accept these problems, which has the impact of reducing the standards that have been negotiated on our behalf. Reporting issues via social media is not an effective way to have your voice heard and provides no reassurance that your concerns will be either heard or addressed.
In addition, Flight Attendants should be aware of their rights and protections under our Contract, including provisions for safety, rest, and compensation for expenses when things go wrong. Flight Attendants are encouraged in these circumstances to consider traveling in pairs or groups when possible, and using ride-sharing services or other transportation options that offer safety and security features.
Overall, Hotel and Transportation issues for Flight Attendants can be challenging, but with proactive planning and communication, your reports can help ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience.
If you have additional questions, please contact your Local Hotel & Transportation Committee for assistance.