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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Scheduling Committee

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

        September 25, 2025 17:00 Leave a Comment

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

        The Committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Director of Crew Pay Peter Silberstein, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, October 28.

        Topics of Discussion

        The Committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

        • Tentative Agreement Implementation: Still underway, with newly added calculators requiring ongoing maintenance for accurate totals.
        • Vacation/Training Bidding Vendor: A meeting was held on July 16, 2025. A follow-up meeting is needed with the new vacation and company training bidding systems administrator to update products.

        MEC Committee Chairperson Report

        • Crew Backlog Review: Scheduled for October 15, 2025.
        • Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: Held on September 9, 2025.
        • Crew Access Issues: Review completed on July 23, 2025.
        • Rainmaker Crew Pay System: Update expected on November 20, 2025.
        • NAVBLUE Monthly Call: Scheduled for October 2, November 6, and December 4, 2025.
        • Personal Drop Report Process: Updates are being implemented in the Alaska system; a new personal drop interface was introduced on September 22, 2025.
        • Pyramiding Pay Dispute: Ongoing discussions are happening through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.
        • 4k Dispute Over Night Compensation: AFA has filed a grievance.
        • ISA for Reserves: Working on implementation and testing of programming changes.

        Local Committee Chairperson Reports

        • PDX: Issues with charter release times and program efficiency.
        • SAN: Dispute on overfly versus reassignment in ADR.
        • ANC: Discussion on Crew Scheduling applications of sections 12.J, 10.W, and 10.R of the contract.
        • LAX: Resolutions through ADR for issues with employee parking being closed for late-night surface deadhead arrivals and hotel wait times with BUR.
        • SFO: Investigating crew access issues at 2 AM and hire date changes in Rainmaker.
        • SEA: Information needed for rescheduling after sick calls; fatigue call inquiries directed to AFA FRB Scheduling Committee Primary Representative Bianca Dew.

        PBS Subcommittee Update

        • Bid Period: October bidding went smoothly despite needing extra runs to meet Reserve minimums. Many Bid Protests came in regarding junior lineholders’ inability to hold lines with the month’s pairing packet and legalities.
        • Upcoming Releases: The next release is expected to be available before the end of the year. Final TA2 bidding improvements should be available in 2026.
        • Base Sits: In October, the PBS Subcommittee will be in SEA and PDX to assist with bidding questions.

        ITS Update

        • NAVBLUE Testing: Ongoing with outstanding items for release.
        • Crew Pay Queries: 2873 total, with 1896 resolved.
        • Rainmaker Issues: Addressing hire date discrepancies; integration with payroll is ongoing. This is an issue with data in Peoplesoft feeding to Rainmaker and will not affect pay increases.
        • B2B Integration: Troubleshooting for bugs continues.

        Crew Planning Update

        • November Block Hours: Increased by 1000 hours month over month.
        • Staffing Stats: 77.5 TFP line average, 18.0% reserve.
        • Operational Adjustments: Addressing crew connect times and mitigation strategies for IRROP.

        Crew Scheduling Update

        • Growth of Scheduling Team: New introductions and objectives for the Inflight Duty Manager program launch.
        • Sick Leave Trends: Decreasing from previous months, with a goal of 8.6% attendance.
        • Premium Utilization: Ongoing discussions regarding SAL leaves and scheduling efficiency.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Crew Access Issues: Crew Access challenges significantly affect how well operations run, influencing how Flight Attendants feel about their work. It’s crucial to tackle these problems to create a better working environment. We are meeting with Jeppesen management in Vancouver, BC at their next conference on October 1 and 2. Both Alaska and AFA are frustrated with their systems and the programs not working effectively for our flight crews, specifically related to Open Time.
        2. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Finding a solution to the pay dispute related to pyramiding is vital for maintaining fairness in how Flight Attendants are compensated. Disagreements about over-duty pay and day-off violations can seriously affect crew morale and operational integrity. The committee will keep discussing the matter through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules and ensure they are followed. They will gather information from Flight Attendants affected by these issues to guide their discussions. An update on the progress and any resolutions will be shared with Members by the end of September 2025, aiming for a settlement soon after. Management and AFA will explore other options, like mediation or arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.
        3. ISA for Reserves Implementation: The ineligibility for self-assignment (ISA) for Reserve Flight Attendants is an important step toward fairer and more transparent scheduling practices. This change is crucial for boosting crew satisfaction and efficiency. The Committee will work quickly to finalize this new system by working with the IT department and other relevant management to implement the necessary changes to the scheduling system. They will also develop ways to keep Flight Attendants informed about the updates. The next Crew Access release, which will include ISA implementation allowing Reserve Flight Attendant to Reserve Flight Attendant trading, is expected to be available in early October 2025, after all testing has been completed.

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

        September 5, 2025 09:05

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025, the MEC will soon review all pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions.

        Committees that have already merged or will merge before the beginning of next year go through a separate process for interviews and elections and will not be included in this review. Information about interviews for these positions will be communicated separately.

        This review will take place over several months to allow extra transition time for committees that may benefit from it. This approach differs from previous election cycles, where all interviews were conducted simultaneously near the end of the term. Although the interviews will occur well before the current MEC term concludes, those elected to these positions will not assume their roles until January 1, 2026.

        The next committees to undergo the review process will be the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Scheduling Committee, and Reserve. During the upcoming October Regular MEC Meeting, interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

        • MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) LOSA Representative
        • MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) ASAP Primary Representative
        • MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) ASAP Alternate Representative
        • MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) FRB Primary Representative
        • MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson — New Hire & Probation
        • MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – Pairing Construction
        • MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS
        • MEC Scheduling Committee PBS Subcommittee Member (3 positions)
        • MEC Scheduling Committee FRB Primary Representative
        • MEC Scheduling Committee FRB Alternate Representative

        General Qualifications

        Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

        • Current Alaska Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
        • Currently qualified Flight Attendant or, if on an approved leave of absence, last qualification must have been within 36 months prior to start of term.
        • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
        • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
        • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
        • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
        • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
        • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
        • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

        Duties and Responsibilities

        Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

        Term of Service

        Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the upcoming MEC Officer election cycle which begins on January 1, 2026, and concludes on December 31, 2028.

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the October Regular MEC Meeting from Tuesday, October 14, through Thursday, October 16. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

        Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing. 

        To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

        Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

        Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

        Questions?

        Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Master Executive Council (MEC), Reserve Committee, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee elections, interviews, pmAS

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

        August 28, 2025 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, August 26, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson Hilary Streem, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

        The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Senior Crew Planning Analyst Christopher Potts, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Hotels and Crew Scheduling

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, September 23.

        Topics of Discussion

        The Committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

        Crew Backlog Review: The Committee thoroughly analyzed the crew backlog as of August 7, 2025. They identified critical areas where contractual changes are needed, bugs must be fixed, JIRAs updated, and priorities renumbered in our system operations to enhance functionality, automation, and contractual compliance. The Committee stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further disruptions and ensure crew members’ systems are correctly programmed.

        Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: The outcomes of the bi-monthly review with ALPA on July 23, 2025, were discussed in detail. Key topics included collaborative strategies to address ITS system conflicts, improving communication between management and crew members, and aligning system needs with the crew member experience. The Committee highlighted the significance of these discussions in fostering a cooperative environment that prioritizes both parties’ contractual and programming needs.

        Fatigue Review Board Meetings: The Committee outlined the agenda for the upcoming Fatigue Review Board meetings scheduled through December 2025. These meetings will focus on addressing the increasing concerns regarding crew fatigue reported by members. The Committee plans to collect data on fatigue incidents, discuss mitigation strategies, and evaluate current policies to enhance crew well-being. The importance of these discussions lies in their potential to lead to actionable changes that prioritize safety and crew health.

        Local Chairperson Reports:

        PDX (Portland)

        • Day Room Issues: Flight Attendants have reported difficulties securing day rooms after long international flights, often facing delays and inadequate communication regarding accommodations. The Committee will investigate these incidents to enhance support systems for crew members during layovers and ensure that hotel arrangements are handled efficiently.
        • Banking Challenges: Increased passenger volumes at the airport have led to operational strain, particularly during peak hours. The Committee is aware of the challenges crew members face in navigating airport facilities and is exploring logistical improvements to ease congestion and enhance the flying experience at PDX.

        SAN (San Diego)

        • Double Out Rest Clarification: The Committee discussed the nuances of contractual provisions regarding double-out rest for flight attendants. 
        • Jumpseat Assignment Policy: A review of the jump seat assignment process highlighted the need for more straightforward guidelines regarding seniority-based assignments. The Committee will work with management on developing a transparent policy that ensures fairness in the allocation of jump seats, addressing concerns raised by Flight Attendants.

        ANC (Anchorage)

        • Open Time Reporting: The Committee reviewed Open Time reporting metrics and operational challenges faced by crew members. Addressing this system outage is crucial for maintaining crew flexibility. The Committee is working on resolutions with Alaska ITS and Jeppesen, the vendor.

        LAX (Los Angeles)

        • IT Concerns: Ongoing IT issues were addressed, including delays in release times and hotel accommodations. The Committee is working closely with IT support teams to resolve these issues, aiming to improve the overall experience for crew members during layovers and operational changes.

        SFO (San Francisco)

        • Communication Protocols: The need for clearer communication regarding crew transitions from working to deadheading was emphasized. The Committee plans to establish protocols that ensure timely notifications to crew members, reducing confusion and improving operational efficiency.

        SEA (Seattle)

        • Reassignment Clarification: A significant number of reassignments and pre-cancellations have raised questions about pay and provisions. The Committee seeks more straightforward guidelines and support mechanisms to assist crew members in navigating these changes effectively.

        PBS Subcommittee

        • Bidding Process: The Subcommittee reported on the current bidding trends for August and September, noting minor fluctuations in awards. Adjustments were made to ensure compliance with labor agreements, and efforts are ongoing to address any discrepancies.
        • NAVBLUE Issues: Ongoing meetings with NAVBLUE have focused on addressing technical failures and functional requests. The Subcommittee is committed to resolving these issues to enhance the bidding and scheduling process for crew members.
        • Releases Timeline: Upcoming software releases are planned for September and November, emphasizing incorporating Member feedback into system improvements. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience and address existing pain points.

        ITS Update

        • Testing and Automation: The automation initiative is progressing, with the introduction of new test cases aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the PBS system. The Committee is prioritizing robust testing to ensure reliability before implementation.
        • Crew Calendar Development: The crew calendar and personal drop form are undergoing user acceptance training, with a targeted rollout by early October. Ensuring a smooth transition to the new system is a priority for the Committee.
        • JCTE Issues: The committee continues to collaborate with vendors to address recurring issues with the JCTE system, focusing on improving reliability and minimizing disruptions for crew members.

        Flight Attendant Crew Pay Update

        • Inquiry Management: The committee is actively addressing the increase in crew pay inquiries, emphasizing the importance of submitting queries judiciously to avoid system overload. Educational resources will be provided to help crew members navigate the pay inquiry process effectively.
        • Trend Analysis: An upward trend in pay inquiries has been observed, prompting a comprehensive review of existing processes to improve efficiency. The Committee aims to streamline communication regarding pay issues to serve crew members better.

        Flight Attendant Crew Planning Update

        • Staffing Metrics: The Committee is analyzing planned reserve staffing levels and block hours to ensure alignment with operational demands. Adjustments will be made as necessary to optimize crew utilization.
        • Irregular Operations Mitigation Strategies: The Committee is focusing on enhancing connection times and scheduling practices to minimize delays and improve operational reliability. Specific strategies include analyzing connection times and addressing known issues at key airports.

        Flight Attendant Crew Scheduling Update

        • Sick Leave Monitoring: The Committee is closely monitoring sick leave trends, focusing on improving reserve utilization rates and addressing fatigue-related concerns. Strategies will be developed to ensure adequate staffing while prioritizing crew members’ health.
        • Policy Review: Ongoing reviews of policies regarding deadheading and hotel accommodations aim to provide more straightforward guidelines and enhance crew support. The Committee is committed to ensuring crew members have access to the resources they need while on duty.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Crew Access Issues: Crew Access challenges significantly affect how well operations run, influencing how Flight Attendants feel about their work. It’s crucial to tackle these problems to create a better working environment. The committee will set up a review process to pinpoint the specific access difficulties faced by Flight Attendants, including technology problems and policy gaps. Flight Attendants will have the chance to provide their feedback through direct communication. A preliminary report outlining the findings and suggestions is expected by early September 2025, and actions to address these issues will begin soon after.
        2. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Finding a solution to the pay dispute related to pyramiding is vital for maintaining fairness in how Flight Attendants are compensated. Disagreements about over-duty pay and day-off violations can seriously affect crew morale and operational integrity. The committee will keep discussing the matter through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules and ensure they are followed. They will gather information from Flight Attendants affected by these issues to guide their discussions. An update on the progress and any resolutions will be shared with Members by the end of September 2025, aiming for a settlement soon after. Management and AFA will explore other options, like mediation or arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.
        3. ISA for Reserves Implementation: The ineligibility for self-assignment (ISA) for Reserve Flight Attendants is an important step toward fairer and more transparent scheduling practices. This change is crucial for boosting crew satisfaction and efficiency. The Committee will work quickly to finalize this new system by working with the IT department and other relevant management to implement the necessary changes to the scheduling system. They will also develop ways to keep Flight Attendants informed about the updates. The next Crew Access release, which will include ISA implementation allowing Reserve Flight Attendant to Reserve Flight Attendant trading, is expected to be available in early October 2025, after all testing has been completed.

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

        Special Post IT Incident Debrief Next Week

        July 24, 2025 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        This Week’s Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting Canceled

        Due to Sunday’s IT outage and the subsequent ground stop, management has decided to cancel this Tuesday’s monthly Scheduling Committee meeting. This decision was made so their efforts could be focused on operational recovery activities to restore normal operations. Our Scheduling Committee will next meet with management on Tuesday, August 26.

        AFA and Management to Hold Post-Incident Debrief on Thursday, July 31

        Following the incident, representatives from the MEC Officers, Scheduling Committee, and Grievance Committee will participate in a debrief with Crew Scheduling and Inflight Performance management on Thursday, July 31. The purpose of this debrief is to address and resolve issues reported by Flight Attendants that occurred during the event, including commuting challenges, hotel wait times, self-help issues, lodging at non-qualified hotels, scheduling adjustments and legalities, transportation delays, and performance issues (CBA section 32 – inability to scan in, no-shows, late arrivals, sick leave, etc.).

        If you were affected by the recent IT outage and have not yet submitted a ticket to the AFA Online Support Center, please do so by visiting support.afaalaska.org before Monday, July 28, at 12 PM PT. Submitting a ticket is crucial for ensuring your experience is included in the debrief agenda. Be sure to provide thorough supporting documentation, such as photos with timestamps, information from OAL flights, call logs, emails, and any receipts you may have. Please note that tickets lacking sufficient information may not yield favorable outcomes.

        It’s important to understand that this debrief is not meant to address pay issues. Updates related to pay will be handled through Rainmaker. If you have specific pay-related inquiries, please submit only those listed in Rainmaker’s drop-down menu at this time. For any other pay-related concerns, if your pay has not been updated correctly by August 8, 2025, you may submit a query via Rainmaker. Please refrain from submitting an AFA Online Support Center ticket for pay issues, as those will not be reviewed during the July 31 debrief.

        Thank you for your cooperation in helping us advocate for you!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Grievance Committee, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: irregular operations

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2025

        June 26, 2025 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, June 24, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Virginia Fritz (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

        The committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, July 22.

        Topics of Discussion

        The committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

        Local Committee Chairperson Reports

        PDX

        • Flight Attendants can pre-reserve their meals on deadhead flights, a handy option. However, it’s important to note that they only get monetary compensation when flying on flights operated by Horizon or SkyWest.
        • There was some confusion regarding reassignments. If a Flight Attendant is reassigned more than four hours after their original schedule, they should be paid at 1.5 times their rate. However, according to the MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson and Grievance Committee Payroll Representative, this doesn’t pyramid for additional 1.5x pay, which is a point of contention.
        • There’s excitement about the inaugural flights to Rome, which Hawaiian will operate.
        • PDX crews will be flying redeyes from PDX to SEA, a shift in the usual routing.

        SAN

        • We had quite a notable month in July with a record-breaking 15 redeye routes, six of which were from SEA. This is a significant change in our flight operations, reflecting how the industry is evolving.
        • The discussion also touched on pyramid pay and reassignment policies, especially under section 9.E.7, where additional flying above the scheduled time should earn that premium pay. It was emphasized that under section 15.G, no one should suffer a loss in pay; premium pay is not currently recognized under this provision. 

        ANC

        • We faced a unique situation in which a Flight Attendant was awarded a charter but ran into issues with the minimum block time between trips. This highlighted the strict adherence to the 1:30 block-to-block minimum, which is crucial for base turns.
        • We also had some positive discussions about initial contact processes, particularly with Crew Scheduling making calls, but we agreed that further discussions are needed on contact provisions.
        • There’s also an update on the stranded pay inquiry form. While it still appears in dropdown lists, the Crew Pay team is working on system updates to streamline this. There’s discussion about it being removed.

        LAX

        • A significant question arose regarding pay when a Flight Attendant goes under domicile rest. The Flight Attendants who did not waive their rest were reassigned, and it was clarified that their pay is protected based on the greater value of either the trip or the reassignment pay.
        • There was also some confusion around the charter bidding.
        • Flight Attendants expressed a desire for a reference from section 10.R to sections 9.E.6 and 9.E.7, indicating a need for clarity in these areas.

        SFO

        • Had its fair share of issues, primarily revolving around pay inquiries. Many Flight Attendants found it challenging to quote TFP and compensation accurately.
        • There was an interesting conversation about whether we’ll be hiring more pay analysts after the merger. The plan is to bring in two analysts for Flight Attendants and two for pilots, which should help alleviate some of the workload.

        SEA

        • Discussions centered around various pay questions related to reassignment, pre-cancellations, and diversions. Crew Scheduling built a 4k turn with over 80 minutes of sit time, which was paid under section 10.W.
        • Some Flight Attendants also tried to pick up PO-coded trips, which were similarly compensated under section 10.W. One key point was that charters should have their TFP values input before posting to avoid confusion later on.
        • The timing for block-ins was clarified, noting that the next day starts at 0000 hours.

        PBS Subcommittee

        • In the PBS Subcommittee update, we talked about the bidding process. For July, bidding assistance requests were steady, with a trend of multiple bid groups being used in certain instances where single bid groups would be sufficient. July bid awards resulted in high coverage and secondary line generation (SLG), much to the subcommittee’s disappointment. 
        • The subcommittee completed testing on two NAVBLUE releases; however, we encountered defects that hindered the transition to these newer releases.
        • We held several meetings with NAVBLUE to discuss updates on testing and enhancements, including plans for future releases that will introduce new features to improve the user experience.

        Pairing Construction

        • The Pairing Construction Subcommittee reported that August pairing solutions were chosen based on soft locks and distribution. To refine the process, a focus on in-person pairing building for July 2025 has been established.
        • There was a mention of looking into SAN and PDX due to the high volume of redeyes, and they sent out raw pairings for review, asking for feedback on any lingering issues.

        Hotel Committee

        • We discussed changes to hotel assignments stemming from the bidding process. Crew Planning builds the hotel list and sends it to API, who then populates it, and NAVBLUE gets involved. This means hotel assignments might not be known until after awards, which can lead to uncertainty. When a hotel assignment is not confirmed for a particular pairing, it will show as TBD during bidding.
        • We had an incident regarding the BOS hotel, where renovations were unexpectedly extended, impacting crew accommodations.

        Crew Systems/JCTE

        • The Crew Systems team is busy testing new PBS releases, specifically version 25.3. They’re addressing ad-hoc issues with the analyzer and working on updating point reduction forms and TFP calculators. The JCTE release scheduled for July 2, 2025, aims to clean up premium text messages and filters, with an emphasis on ensuring that when a 4k trip is assigned, it will automatically show up in the system.

        Flight Attendant Crew Pay

        • The Flight Attendant Crew Pay update was quite revealing. A PowerPoint presentation showed 2,662 total queries in April, with Flight Attendants accounting for 1,514 of those. Despite hopes that the published bulletin would reduce inquiries, there’s been little progress.
        • The stranded pay category is still visible in drop-down lists, and there are concerns about removing it due to the potential loss of historical data.

        Crew Planning Management

        • Crew Planning Management discussed a reduction in block hours from July, with a focus on trip mix and reducing the number of single-position pairings. Reserve staffing levels are around 20.8%, with an average line of 77 TFP.
        • They also analyzed commuting patterns, finding that SEA/ANC/LAX are best for three-day trips, while SEA/PDX/SAN work well for four-day trips.

        Crew Scheduling Management

        • Crew Scheduling Management reported a 3% increase in sick leave, currently at 12.6%, slightly better than last year’s figures. They’ve been auditing state sick leave and reviewing absence counts.
        • Premium trips in May were expensive, nearly hitting 1,600 trips, while June saw a significant decrease in trips, which raised concerns about taxi times in Seattle extending beyond the scheduled duration.

        New CBA Stats

        • New CBA statistics were shared, indicating trends in call-out rates and reassignments.
        • The audit for contactability showed a high accuracy rate at 93.8%, but it highlighted the need for more in-depth testing, particularly regarding B2B processes.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee is working with NAVBLUE to understand the new contractual waive rules adopted in the recently ratified contract. The Committee also continues to provide in person and virtual base sits so that all Flight Attendants may attend and get answers to all PBS bidding related questions.
        2. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
        3. Crew Planning. Crew Planning shared a monthly presentation about Pairing Statistics. Crew Planning is focused on anticipating increased block hours as the summer season approaches, with specific strategies to optimize trip lengths and identify commutability for flight crews. The team is also collaborating with operational analytics to develop dashboards that facilitate better decision-making and scheduling efficiency.
        4. Crew Pay. Crew Pay is working on additional communications to improve clarity and address the high volume of queries surrounding pay discrepancies. The payroll team is committed to resolving ongoing issues quickly to ensure crew members receive their compensation accurately and on time.
        5. AFA Payroll Representative. The Committee has been advocating for a streamlined process to resolve outstanding pay issues for crew members efficiently. The focus is on ensuring timely compensation and improved communication.
        6. Open Time – ADR. We appreciate your patience regarding the crew access challenges you’ve faced. A recent system issue requiring a server restart caused delays in trip information, and some users were logged out. We are working with ITS to address and resolve the problem. Please continue to report any issues by contacting crew scheduling by phone, reaching ITS at 1-877-238-1077, or emailing its.service.desk@alaskaair.com. This issue has been added to ADR (agenda item #026-25A) for discussion.
        7. Chimes/Teams LOA Update. Management has drafted a labor and work requirements proposal regarding the Chimes/Teams LOA, with a response expected soon after review and finalization. There have been ongoing discussions about implementing this LOA, with management confirming progress with ITS and coordinating necessary details. The Committee has been actively following up on the status and emphasizing the urgency for implementation, particularly before the winter storms.
        8. JCTE/Crew Access Update. On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, we will implement a maintenance update to JCTE/Crew Access, which includes enhancements, high-priority bug fixes, and other items to support our back-office teams. This update will impact Flight Attendants with several key changes: text messages will once again be sent for subscriptions that include the premium-only button; after logging into Crew Access and navigating to the trip pool, only trips fitting the saved default filter will be displayed; boarding pay will now be included in the pay TFP value of a trip; 4K reserve assignments assigned by scheduling will automatically pay 1.5 premium; Crew Access will display 5 TFP for reserve duty without an assignment that falls on contractual holidays, though TFP will not show until the day after the holiday, with TFP for holiday RON being displayed in the next release; LIMOs will show a calculated value of 0.75 TFP per hour, with a minimum of 1 TFP; trips on your original award reporting in the current bid period but departing in the next bid period will no longer be dropped when the next period’s schedule is loaded; 00:00 will now appear on unacknowledged roster changes when a schedule change includes those start or end times; the report date of trip splits in Crew Access will consistently show the actual report date of each new trip in transaction reports, though the wrong report date may still appear when trips are created or revised by scheduling; and the footer in the historical changes report in Crew Access will no longer overlap with the change messages. We appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration as we implement these updates, and our Scheduling and Reserve Committees have been actively working with ITS to ensure these improvements are in place.

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

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