Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Staffing
I was missing catering supplies and had a fully boarded aircraft and could not notify anyone to call catering as we were at FAA minimums and I could not step off the aircraft. When the pilots got settled I asked them to please call and see if they could get me the missing service items. Shortly thereafter the agent came down with final paperwork and asked if we were ready to close up. I told her the pilots just boarded and I am waiting for some supplies to be boarded. From the jetway phone the agent called Operations and then called Inflight department to tell them we were not ready for departure. The Inflight Supervisor requested to speak with me; the Purser; concerning the delay. I told the agent to tell the Supervisor I am unable to leave the aircraft while passengers are onboard unless it was for a safety related issue. Again the agent told me the Inflight Supervisor wanted to speak with me. I again reiterated that I am unable to leave the aircraft.  This went on for 3 times. She finally said your Supervisor is demanding to speak with you. I stepped off the airplane to take the Supervisor's call. I informed the Supervisor that by requiring I take the phone call I am now in violation of an FAR because we were staffed at FAA minimums. I was expected to violate a FAR because the Supervisor had to tell me that I was not to delay the flight for catering issues. I reminded him my place was onboard the aircraft and I quickly hung up and got back onboard.
With pilots not aboard and the aircraft fully boarded; Purser describes inability to use jetway phone to call catering for missing supplies. Gate Agent is advised at door closure that catering needs to be contacted. A Supervisor demands to speak to the Purser on the jetway phone; and not delay the flight; in violation of FAR's.