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Negotiations Update November 9, 2013: Upcoming Mediation Session #5 in San Diego, CA

Dear Flight Attendants,

 

 

Your Negotiating Committee heads to San Diego this coming week for our fifth mediation session. Bargaining will take place November 12th-14th under the direction of Victoria Gray with the National Mediation Board (NMB).

 

Each of you is aware that we are down to the core issues in negotiations: economics. If we do not reach an agreement with management on a new deal in this next session, it will be time to turn up the heat. If we want improvements, we must step up to the plate.

 

Have you been outspoken in your demands for pay and benefits? Then now is the time to focus on our future and pull together and demonstrate to management that we can be a powerful force and fight together to secure our future. Contact your local executive council (LEC) officers and add yourself to a list of volunteers to help organize activities and participate in upcoming events.

 

Council 30 ANC: http://alaskamec.org/council-30-officers/

Council 19 SEA: http://alaskamec.org/council-19-sea-officers/

Council 39 PDX: http://alaskamec.org/pdx/officers/

Council 18 LAX/SAN: http://alaskamec.org/council-18-lax-officers/

 

In a recent interview, Brad recognized Alaska’s “best quarter ever” and the contribution of all the employees in achieving that result. Well, we see our Company’s positive financial trend and we want our “best contract ever.” In the interview, he also acknowledged the uncertainties and challenges that our Company faces—especially from Delta! That is exactly why management needs to come to the table with the intention of putting serious money into our contract and making us feel valued as employees.

 

Labor relations strife as a result of Flight Attendant contract negotiations is not what the Company needs right now. A new contract that makes Flight Attendants feel valued for their contribution is what is needed. Then we can all move forward and do what we do best: continue to work hard together to solidify Alaska’s position as the most respected and successful airline in the industry. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants are proud to have helped build that reputation. If management can agree to an appropriately rewarding contract, we look forward to participating in our collective bright future!

 

In solidarity,

 

Your AFA Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

 

negotiations@alaskamec.org

https://www.facebook.com/alaskaairlines.negotiations

http://www.youtube.com/user/AFAALANegotiations

“Five Bases, One Voice”

 

VOICE Comment Card Report October 2013

VOICE Comment Card Report October 2013

Your Negotiating Committee reviews all comment cards submitted by members and posts those each month for transparency. Please know that we appreciate all comments, concerns and feedback. Some of the comments submitted maybe in Sections that have not yet been discussed, they may be included in our opening proposal (posted on AFA website http://www.alaskamec.org), our previous survey or may have already been addressed. Your opinions do count and we will continue to respond to concerns and comments not previously addressed or as sections become available.

 

Please note we will continue to post comments and questions with contact information, however, questions/comments without contact information will no longer be posted due to ensuring member involvement. Your information is always kept confidential and we appreciate open communication.

 

Questions:

 

S, SEA

 

Thanks to the NC for being at the AFA meeting. I am concerned about the part of the side-letter that was added to the OT section. I understand it protects the process if it fails and we go back to the table, but we’ve been at the table so long, What if mgmt tells us that the OT isn’t working and they go back to all the days needing to be closed, that kind of defeats the purpose of voting for this version of OT, Right?

 

Management agreed to the new OT system as we move into a new design of trading and thresholds. We want to protect Flight Attendants from being JA’d, reassignments and tagging; and management wants to protect the operation. The side letter allows us to go another form of trading while protecting our Flight Attendants and the operation if the new system fails. Meanwhile, the side letter would require both parties to find a new solution and negotiate new OT processes. Even under the “temporary” OT process in place while a new one is negotiated, all days cannot be unilaterally closed. We also added a Scheduling Chairperson to oversee the new Open Time (OT) process.

 

 

S, LAX

 

How about putting out a list of the wonderful “positive” gains we have TA’d so far? We know there are a lot of great improvements, but it seems that the focus is on the perceived concessions. It’s difficult for some to stay objective when there is so many stories that are quite subjective, emotionally draining.

 

We are still in the process of keeping track of a gains summary for our Flight Attendants and management. We plan to show those in the near future. We are working on very difficult and sensitive section of the contract and hope all Flight Attendants would take a moment to review the completed TA of all sections in its entirety before making any decisions. One idea is to purchase three highlighters: red, yellow and green. Take the full text TA and highlight in red what you dislike in the TA, highlight in yellow what you don’t understand or are neutral, and highlight in green what you find positive or likeable. After the highlighting is complete check for road show dates and be prepared to have an in-depth discussion about the entire agreement. Know what you are voting yes or no on.

 

Comments:

 

 

K, LAX,

Calendar day instead of duty day. If it trades like a 3day it needs to pay like a 3day. Push hard for pay, PBP is NOT my pay. Stick to the NC proposal for pay. Too many concessions over the year.

 

C, LAX

  1. Retro pay.
  2. Buy-out
  3. Sign-in bonus

 

A, LAX,

I would like retro pay negotiated into new contract.

 

K, LAX

  1. Retro pay.
  2. Buy out
  3. Signing bonus
  4. And a raise

 

H, LAXFA

I have to say that I am very concerned with the fact that full retro pay would not be likely. I can say I know many people, as I’m sure you do, that will vote no due to this fact. I was at SW 2 contracts ago and I can tell you that it passed, not only because the steps were brought down to 13, but also because full retro was included.
I guess I’m just concerned that when the time comes to vote, that something like this could be a deal breaker.
Thanks for listening and all you do

 

L, SEAFA

 

I am wondering if some people will vote for anything (contract) if there is a signing bonus connected. Some people will vote for anything for $1000. Maybe forgo signing bonus this time.

 

J, SEAFA

Retro Pay!!!

SWA Pay!!!

No min or max flying!!!

Pension like the pilots after 5,10 years of service!

1. Pension like the pilots after so many years of service, 5, 10

2. Retro Pay

3. Pay for 1st hour of checkin

4. no max or min flying

5. 1-2 might be lates, no points per quarter

 

S, SEAFA

I seriously object to having 30 years of seniority just walked over with any new hire with a “commuter” pass! When I was hired on in 1984 I lived in Fairbanks and used my seniority passes to get myself to work in Seattle, my BASE! This is wrong!

 

 

Negotiations Update October 28-30, 2013: Mediation Session #4 Recap

Dear Flight Attendants,

 

 

Your AFA Negotiating Committee just wrapped up our fourth mediation session October 29-30, 2013. This session was held at the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington, DC, and overseen by federal mediator Victoria Gray. We were again joined by transportation economist Dan Akins as our financial advisor. Although we did not reach a tentative agreement (TA) on any sections this session and there is some distance between our positions, we believe there is a willingness on both sides to get a deal in the near future.

 

On Monday we were joined at the table by Alaska Air Group (AAG) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Brandon Pedersen. He came to answer any questions we had about Alaska’s stock buy-back program and the recent decision to pay a dividend on AAG stock (NYSE: ALK). AFA believes that if senior management and the AAG Board of Directors are willing to direct significant funds back to the shareholders, our leaders should also be willing to reward their Flight Attendants in kind. Following the discussion with Brandon, management passed us a comprehensive proposal at the end of the day which made some movement toward our position.

 

We spent Tuesday morning in further evaluation of management’s proposal and in formulating our response. Pat Sims, senior mediator with the NMB, dropped by mid-day to talk about our negotiations and she stayed through the remainder of the day. After we returned from lunch we smelled a weird electrical smell and further investigation revealed smoke coming from the ceiling!

 

Luckily, our caucus room was filled with first responders and we successfully evacuated in under 90 seconds! (Okay, maybe we’re dramatizing the event ever so slightly.) Seriously, though, we did have to move to a different part of the building after it was discovered that the air conditioning motor had seized up and was smoking. That evening after all the excitement had passed we gave management a comprehensive response to their proposal.

 

As a consequence of the electrical issue, on Wednesday we were required to relocate to the Hamilton Hotel just down the street from the NMB. AFA Director of Collective Bargaining Clare Burt joined us for the bulk of the day. Mediator Gray met separately with both sides and there was some consultation about how to move the discussion forward. We had a small group discussion with Mediator Gray and the principle members of management’s team which seemed to put the talks back on track. We will continue that dialogue on a conference call early next week and expect to resume mediation in San Diego, CA, November 12-14, 2013.

 

In the meantime, we appreciate your supportive messages and the faith you show in your representatives at the table. It is a difficult job we are undertaking to better the situation for all of us. Please stay strong, stay informed and together we will prevail!

 

 

In solidarity,

 

 

Your AFA Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

 

negotiations@alaskamec.org

https://www.facebook.com/alaskaairlines.negotiations

http://www.youtube.com/user/AFAALANegotiations

“Five Bases, One Voice”

 

MEC Update October 31, 2013: New FAA Guidelines on Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

Dear Flight Attendants,

 

 

Today the FAA outlined new guidelines regarding the expanded use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in the cabin. It is important to note that this does not take place immediately and implementation will vary airline to airline. Here are some highlights from today’s announcement by the FAA that are directed towards the traveling public:


1) The FAA will provide guidance that will assist airlines in demonstrating that aircraft won’t be at risk because of potential interference from PEDs. Airlines must also evaluate changes to stowage rules and passenger announcements. Each airline will need to revise manuals, checklists for crewmember training materials, carry-on baggage programs and passenger briefings before expanding use of PEDs. Each airline will determine how and when they will allow passengers broader use of PEDs.

2) Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing. It is important to poperly stow heavier devices under seats or in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an accident.

3) Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn off your device if asked. During the safety briefing, passenger should put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember’s instructions.

 

AFA has had a crucial role on the committee that offered the detailed recommendations to the FAA and worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flight Attendant voice was heard throughout this process. We expect the new PED regulations to receive plenty of media attention in the the coming months.

 

This is also coincidental timing as AFA and Alaska Airlines management have been in talks regarding implementation of Inflight mobile devices. The new devices will eventually replace the current point of sale (POS) devices. Be assured AFA is advocating for a more sensible policy regarding crewmember use of PEDs. AFA strongly believes that the policy in the Flight Attendant Manual must be updated to reflect the realities of modern PED use. Stay tuned for developments on that front in the near future!

 

Many thanks to the AFA-CWA Communications Department for their assistance in developing this update.

 

 

In solidarity,

 

 

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

“Five Bases, One Voice”

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

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Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, March 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), […]

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