Hurricane Irma Predictions!! Commuter Clause/Natural Disaster Reminders!!
PLEASE STAY SAFE!!
Hurricane Irma has quietly been intensifying in the Atlantic in the past several weeks while much focus was on the first major Hurricane of the season Hurricane Harvey. While the last Hurricane approached from the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Irma is approaching from the southeast region of the country. Initial impact is expected to be U.S. Territory Puerto Rico at a Category 5, followed by the state of Florida at a Category 4. Official states of emergency have been declared for both Puerto Rico and Florida, where a mandatory evacuation has been requested for all citizens. Florida Keys officials are set to begin mandatory evacuations for all visitors Wednesdaymorning. Hurricane Irma is currently the strongest Atlantic Hurricane in the last 10 years.
Predicted timeline of Hurricane Irma path (prediction only: this can change course at any time):
Wed Eve: Puerto Rico - Cat 5 - 165 mph
Thu AM: Haiti - Cat 5 - 160 mph
Fri AM: Cuba - Cat 4 - 155 mph
Sat AM: Cuba - Cat 4 - 150 mph
Sun AM: Cuba/Florida - Cat 4 - 145 mph
Under the CRJ CBA you are protected under Section 28.O. The Company is obligated to work with you for the purposes of removing you from scheduled duty if your home/domicile is involved in a natural disaster. Each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for attendance policy applicability. Please review the Commuter Clause Policy ( LOA #1 - Commuting Policy) and seek guidance if needed. The Commuter Clause Policy requires one to list on at least one flight no more or less than 24-36 hours prior to that flights departure time, which must arrive at a reasonable time before his/her report time. One must call scheduling with a 2-hr notice, to "invoke" the commuter clause. Please be prepared to answer any questions from scheduling, including flight #'s, time one listed, next flights to try, etc. That information will be noted in your record for review by a CFA to ensure the proper code is used. If the commuter clause is invoked, one must continue to try to get to work.
For ERJ flight attendants the CBA protects you under Section 3.W.2.b., if you are unable to report to work due to hazardous or impassable roads resulting from severe weather you will not be assessed with an attendance occurrence. In addition, please make sure you are following therequirements of the Conscientious Reporting aka the Commuter Clause by taking a screen shot of the PBTs showing open seats for two flights that are scheduled to arrive at least one hour prior to your report time. If those flights are canceled please take a screen shot of the cancellation(s). Boarding passes will not be required for canceled flights. However, if the flights are operating you must obtain a boarding pass from the airport.
Please provide as much documentation as possible to show the hazardous or closed roads in your area, such as news reports or pictures and give as much notice to the Company as possible while keeping in touch with your grievance representatives.
If you've experienced a contractual violation please email your local lodge representative as soon as possible with all supporting documentation.
As always please put your safety first and if you have any questions or concerns please contact your local grievance representative.
In Solidarity,
Your IAM Local Lodge 2339-N E-board
