• AFA RESPONSE TO THE RECENT TSA SCREENING DIRECTIVES
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Dear Members,

AFA RESPONSE TO THE RECENT TSA SCREENING DIRECTIVES

This Eline is two-fold.  It takes two tracks.  The first is to tell you the latest from the TSA regarding crew members and new TSA security directives.  The second is to tell what AFA has done since TSA announced the new procedures.

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Recent media reports in the last 24 hours have indicated that pilots and flight attendants will be subject to different screening methods.  Those reports are contrary to what TSA has told AFA.  TSA has stated the following to AFA:

TSA Administrator John Pistole told AFA-CWA all flight attendants and pilots traveling in uniform on airline business are going to be exempt from AIT (advanced imaging technology).  If any pilot or flight attendant alarms the Walk Through Metal Detector, the pat-down for pilots and flight attendants will be the same. TSA said they will begin notifying their TSOs of this procedure for all crewmembers. 

While there will be no different treatment for pilots or flight attendants, the ultimate problem of intrusive pat-down procedures for some crew members remains. 

WHAT AFA HAS DONE

As you know, in October the TSA implemented new security directives that can lead to invasive measures - in the name of security.   While all of us respect the need to keep the skies safe, the new directives have very negative and disturbing impacts on all crew members.   AFA has tried to partner with the TSA and US Airways in many ways after 9/11 in order to maintain security and also respect the fact our crew members are first responders and the first line of defense – a line touted by the FAA and the TSA.

Flight attendants and pilots are subject to security and background checks in order to maintain our employment. Crew members at all airlines have already been scrutinized more than any other member of society before boarding a commercial airliner. No other individual boarding a passenger flight in this country has been subject to such scrutiny.  

Since the installation of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) there have been instances where crew members have been subject to invasive and pat-downs as a result of either refusing to go through the AIT full body scan devices or set off a Walk Through Metal Detector.     

Due to poor communications from the TSA about the new directives our members, already exposed to radiation through years of flying, may be directed to pass through the new full body scans or face the TSA's new pat-down procedure.  In many cases, this choice is forced upon us several times a day – week after week – month after month. 

Setting off a Walk Through Metal Detector is not a crime. Sometimes it is unavoidable. 

I have spoken to many flight attendants about this issue. Here is one example.

A particular flight attendant has been flying for over thirty years.  She has had two hip replacement surgeries yet she still loves her job and works a full monthly flying schedule.  Because she does not want to be exposed to anymore radiation than she already has through years of flying, she decided to opt out of the full body scanner and instead – as is her right – pass through the metal detector lane.  As you can imagine, the detector "detected" the metal hip replacement joints.  The "anomaly" could not be "cleared" – therefore, in compliance with TSA procedures the full pat-down was required.   This has happened to her twice since implementation of the new procedures.  

Under the current TSA procedures she has an ironic choice to make.  Either, subject herself to radiation or undergo the intrusive pat-down.  Until new procedures are in effect, this will happen to her every time she reports to work. 

In 2007, Congress, on advice from the 9/11 security commission, directed the TSA to develop a alternative screening process for flight deck and cabin crew members at screening checkpoints. For several years your AFA MEC at US Airways has been in discussions the Company to implement this alternative screening process for flight attendants. This procedure  would make entering a secure airport environment rational - while still maintaining the highest level of safety and security

This alternative screening method for crew members is called  "CrewPASS".  The CrewPASS system uses biometrics, such as a finger print, to positively identify pre-screened and security-checked crew members and to verify in real time they are active employees, thus expediting their passage through the security screening process without compromising safety.

Later in this Eline you will see a letter to Vice President of Inflight, Hector Adler in July of 2009 asking the Company to work with AFA toward the implementation of the system.   I received a "we will work on it" response a month later.   So far, nothing has been "worked on".

I met, along with other labor leaders, last week in PHX with the US Airways Board of Directors Labor Committee.  These quarterly meetings are for the purpose for labor to express concerns to top Company executives and members of the Board of Directors.

 At the meeting, I asked CEO and  Chairman of the Board, Doug Parker, if the company was now willing to join AFA and USAPA in pushing for the implementation of CrewPass. 

Mr. Parker told us, while he was aware of CrewPASS, he was not aware of our efforts to discuss this with the company.  He also said that while he shared our concerns, he believed the best way for US Airways to approach the issue was through the Air Transportation Association (ATA).   The ATA is a trade organization representing the principle United State air carriers.    Hardly a hearty, "we hear you and will work with you", response. 

Within the past two weeks the public outcries over the new security directives have dominated the news.  Passenger rights groups, unions and individual citizens have filed complaints and appeared in numerous media forums. 

I have yet to see one outcry from US Airways – and neither have you. 

What is going to happen is that passengers and crew members are going to opt out of full body scans, thus clogging traditional metal detector lines.  The results will likely cause delayed flights and missed flights.  

To that end, all crew members subject to a pat-down have certain rights.  Copied below is a letter of AFA International Director of Air Safety and Security, Chris Witkowski.  I have excerpted a paragraph of that letter detailing your rights, as crew members if subjected to a pat-down:

"TSA must provide a same gender Transportation Security Officer (TSO) to carry out an Enhanced Pat-Down with a second same gender TSO present. You have the right for this to be done in a in a private room or area out of public view and have a companion present during this procedure. If no companion or crew member of your choice is present to accompany you when you undergo Enhanced Pat-down, but you are with other members of your crew at the security checkpoint, it would be helpful for one or more of them to wait for you, if able to do so, in case of any problems that you may encounter with the manner in which the Enhanced Pat-Down is done or is attempted to be done.  Such problems, including names, times and location should be documented and reported."

Please avail yourself of all the rights you are entitled to.  Just because you may have a report time to make does not mean that you have to give up those rights. 

AFA is keeping a database of all crew member security "experiences".

In addition, please keep a detailed record of any pat-down procedures you may endure and send them to Chris Witkowski at the following email address: cwitkowski@afanet.org

In your report please detail the following:

• The date and time of the pat-down
• The airport
• The actual checkpoint location within that airport
• The reason TSA required a pat-down
• Was the pat-down conducted in a private, non-public area
• Did TSA allow a witness and, if not, why?
• Any other details you feel pertinent to the issue

AFA is working on an online form for the submission of these reports.  In the meantime we want ot be able to document any and all reports.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In the end, passengers may opt for alternative means of transportation.  If that happens, the effect on airline's bottom lines will turn airline executives around – and they will join us in working toward a constructive way to provide a secure aviation environment without trampling the rights of the flying public or the employees who work every day to provide that environment.

It should not come to that point. 

Below are copies of the AFA initiatives and communications we have been working on.  More will follow as we work toward a rational and reasonable solution. 

Thank you,

Mike Flores, President
The US Airways Master Executive Council
AFA-CWA

INITIAL LETTER TO VICE PRESIDENT OF INFLIGHT, HECTOR ADLER -

July 19, 2009
Mr. Hector Adler
Vice President, InFlight Services
US Airways, Inc.
4000 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ

Re:  Flight Crew Personnel Advanced Screening System (CrewPASS)        Via FAX and US MAIL

Dear Hector,

As you may know, the 2007 legislation passed by Congress, "Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007", included a provision for granting flight deck and cabin crew members expedited access through security checkpoints into sterile areas of the country's airports.  Since that time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been conducting a test program for an Advanced Screening System (CrewPASS) involving pilots and contracting with Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) to refine and expand the concept.

In its requirements with ARINC, the TSA has called for CrewPASS to verify the identity of crewmembers by use of a biometric.  A test program is currently underway and ARINC has started enrolling pilots and obtaining their fingerprints at BWI in order to test the capability of CrewPASS to successfully incorporate biometrics and provide a high level of identity assurance. 

At this time ARINC, is interested in incorporating Flight Attendants into CrewPASS.  In order for this technology to advance, the Flight Attendant database needs to be accessed by ARINC.  A Cockpit Access Security System (CASS) exists in order to clear pilots of one carrier to use the flight deck jumpseat of another carrier.  The inclusion of Flight Attendants into the existing or modified CASS would enable ARINC to transmit a request for a clearance through the sterile areas of the nation's airports. 

The Association of Flight Attendants clearly endorses the inclusion of Flight Attendants in the expansion of the CrewPASS program.  I am sure you will agree that including Flight Attendants, as was the original intent of the legislation, would be a benefit to our Flight Attendants, US Airways and our customers.

In discussions with ARINC, it has become known, theCrewPASS program cannot move forward without the inclusion of cabin crewmembers.  To that end, the Association is requesting your assistance in making CrewPASS a reality. 

Initial discussions have taken place between ARINC and US Airways.  ARINC's Director of Business Development-Information management, Mr. Tim Ryan, is specifically working to develop the stated CrewPass plan specifically for Flight Attendants.  Mr. Ryan can be reached at 410-266-4856.  I spoke with Mr. Ryan last week and he would very much like to talk to you.

On behalf of our MEC and our members I would appreciate anything you can do to facilitate our Flight Attendants participating in the test phase of the program in an attempt to hopefully make the program a reality.

Thank you advance,

Mike

Mike Flores, President
The US Airways Master Executive Council
AFA-CWA

Cc:  The US Airways Master Executive Council
Patricia Friend, AFA International President

INITIAL AFA PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWING THE NEW TSA SECURITY DIRECTIVES

THE ASSOCIATION OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS-CWA CALLS ON TSA TO FULLY IMPLEMENT CREWPASS

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2010        

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) today once again called for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fully implement CrewPass, an identification credential for aviation workers that promotes expedited screening of those who most frequently must pass through airport security.

"TSA has devoted many resources to enhancing aviation security but, as recently announced screening directives take effect, it is flight attendants who are adversely affected by lengthy airport security lines," said Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International President. "Flight attendants are subject to extensive background checks so there is no reasonable explanation why this highly vetted group of aviation employees continues to be exposed to lengthy airport security lines which may affect their ability to report to the aircraft on time. AFA-CWA supports a multi-layered aviation security system and we urge the TSA to continue work on improving airport security screening effectiveness."

For years, AFA-CWA has been urging TSA to devote serious resources to the appropriate development and full implementation of an aviation workers' identification credential that will promote expedited screening of those who most frequently must pass through airport security. This credential could employ biometrics, such as fingerprints, to quickly screen flight attendants and others. This would ultimately allow TSA to focus on more effective screening of the hundreds of airport vendors and thousands of aircraft passengers who daily pass through the screening checkpoints.

NOVEMBER 17, 2010  AFA INTERNATIONAL AIR SAFETY HEALTH AND SECURITY DEPARTMENT LETTER

Memo

To:       AFA-CWA Board of Directors
From:    Chris Witkowski
Director of Air Safety, Health and Security
Date:     November 17, 2010
Re:        TSA Screening Directives

As you are aware, TSA has begun new security screening directives for passengers and crewmembers that may sometimes be required and are intended to prevent explosives or other dangerous items from being brought aboard aircraft. AFA-CWA will be meeting with TSA Administrator John Pistole on November 19 to discuss the concerns of our members about these directives and to reiterate our call for TSA to implement CrewPASS that would provide flight attendants with a non-invasive method of screening.  Until that is accomplished and in order to address current concerns of our members, the following information developed in consultation with the International Officers about security screening within the U.S. may be helpful.

The new TSA security screening methods are Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and Enhanced Pat-Downs. TSA says that AIT is safe, yet questions have been raised by some. TSA cannot force one to go through AIT.  You have the right to opt out of AIT screening and have Enhanced Pat-Down instead.  Your company should have a specific description of TSA Enhanced Pat-Down and if they have not yet made it available to you, then you may request it from them. If you experience any difficulty in getting this information, please inform your AFA Air Safety, Health and Security Committee.

Persons are required to undergo one of these two methods of added screening if they alarm the Walk Through Metal Detector (WTMD) and it isn't easily resolved. If you are required to undergo added screening, but decide against AIT and choose Enhanced Pat-Down, this is your personal choice and you do not have to give anyone a reason for it.

Enhanced Pat-Down may also be required to resolve an anomaly detected by AIT screening or if you are selected for random screening at an alternate access door.

As of today, TSA has deployed AIT machines at 68 airports nationwide, so at the remaining airports, enhanced Pat-Down is the only option if one alarms the metal detector and is then required to go through the additional screening.

TSA must provide a same gender Transportation Security Officer (TSO) to carry out an Enhanced Pat-Down with a second same gender TSO present. You have the right for this to be done in a in a private room or area out of public view and have a companion present during this procedure. If no companion or crew member of your choice is present to accompany you when you undergo Enhanced Pat-down, but you are with other members of your crew at the security checkpoint, it would be helpful for one or more of them to wait for you, if able to do so, in case of any problems that you may encounter with the manner in which the Enhanced Pat-Down is done or is attempted to be done.  Such problems, including names, times and location should be documented and reported.

Other Considerations

Transportation security officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms when you pass through, you can be required to undergo additional screening.

Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include:

• Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
• Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire bras

Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause you to alarm at the metal detector, which will result in you getting additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

Other Items

Non-clothing items left in your pockets or on your person, even if not metal, may cause an anomaly or alarm.

Medical or other issues:

• If you have a disability, condition, or implant, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the Security Officer to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process. Informing the TSA representative of any anomaly that may impact the screening process should make it go more smoothly.

Reporting

Please continue to report any problems encountered during the screening process to your AFA MEC Air Safety, Health and Security Committee with a cc to me at cwitkowski@afanet.org . These reports and the assistance of your AFA Air Safety, Health and Security Committee have been instrumental in working on these issues with TSA headquarters in Washington, DC.

November 19, 2010 AFA Press Release

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2010

TSA Partners with Flight Attendants on SECURITY

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants – CWA (AFA-CWA) today met with John Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to discuss concerns about the enhanced screening processes and to consider establishing alternative screening systems for flight deck and cabin crew; including implementation of systems like CrewPASS at screening checkpoints.

At today's meeting members of AFA-CWA secured a commitment from TSA Administrator John Pistole that the agency would partner with AFA-CWA on aviation security. Administrator Pistole pledged, during a November 17, 2010 Senate testimony, that one of his three primary goals for the agency is to strengthen TSA's relationships with stakeholders and the traveling public.

"As first responders, the nation's flight attendants hold a primary stake in aviation security and are the last line of defense," said Veda Shook, incoming president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.

Alternative screenings, such as Crew Pass identify authorized and trusted crew members at security screening checkpoints.

The Crew Pass process utilizes established security clearances that each aviation employee clears as a condition of employment.

Congress has directed that alternate screening methods include all crew members, including both flight attendants and pilots. 

"Alaska Airlines is in the process of working towards implementing an alternative system of security screening for flight attendants and pilots," Shook explained. "The program highlights the importance of all crew members working as a security team for the safety of the crew and traveling public.  Alaska Airlines program can serve as a model for the rest of the aviation industry."

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www.afausairways.org

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