AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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[AS] Update – Peoplesoft Notification re: “Contract Increase”

Many Flight Attendants received a notification from the Peoplesoft system account with Employee Records: “This email is to inform you that a contract increase has been processed for you that has changed your rate of pay. As of 05/01/2017 your rate has increased to $xx.xx. If you have any questions about your increase please email Employee Records….”

Alaska Airlines management has confirmed this is a notification error only and that pay rates have not been adjusted.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

[AS] Peoplesoft Notification re: “Contract Increase”

Many Flight Attendants received a notification from the Peoplesoft system account with Employee Records: “This email is to inform you that a contract increase has been processed for you that has changed your rate of pay. As of 05/01/2017 your rate has increased to $xx.xx. If you have any questions about your increase please email Employee Records….”

AFA believes this message is an error because it refers to a contractual rate increase for “DOS + 3” (CBA §21.A), which is due in December 2017. We are attempting to verify with Alaska Airlines management now. Stand by for more info!

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

[VX] Virgin America Flight Attendant Work Rule Improvements

AFA and the Virgin America (VX) leadership team (management) met in Seattle, WA yesterday to discuss VX Flight Attendant wages, work rules and other concerns. After negotiating into the late evening, the parties reached agreements on several interim improvements to pay and work rules. Improvements to work rules will be detailed in this communication; pay was discussed in an earlier communication.

Summary of provisions in the “Interim Improvements” letter of agreement (LOA):

  • Adoption of the Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant personal electronic device policy
  • Reimbursement of expenses for passport renewal
  • Union Business provisions establishing a solid foundation for AFA Local Transitional Council 35 Virgin America
  • Walk/waive option reduced to 16 hours from the current 18 hours
  • Reserve pick up on days off
  • “Last resort” Red Eye tagging of Lineholders/Reserves
  • Window for Swaps and Drops reduced to 12 hours from the current 18 hours
  • Requirement of adequate notice to AFA regarding any proposed work rule changes and an opportunity for input to such changes
  • Commitment to discuss implementing a grievance procedure for disciplinary issues

AFA VX Interim Improvements Letter of Agreement (4/27/2017) >

AFA appreciates the Virgin America leadership team’s partnership in identifying and implementing these interim work rule improvements.

As stated in our previous communication, AFA would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts of our sisters and brothers on the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) negotiating team. Although the improvements that AFA achieved this week are not directly connected to that committee’s negotiations, their foundational work is recognized and appreciated. Once again, AFA sincerely thanks the TWU negotiators for their service.

Contact your local president (AS) or your Council 35 VX officers if you have any questions or concerns.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

[VX] Virgin America Flight Attendant Wage Increase

AFA and the Virgin America (VX) leadership team (management) met in Seattle, WA yesterday to discuss VX Flight Attendant wages, work rules and other concerns. AFA started out the conversation by requesting that the leadership team match the AFA Alaska pay rates. Disappointingly, the leadership team was unwilling to match the AFA Alaska pay rates without a fully merged agreement and an integrated seniority list (ISL). (More on those two points shortly.)

After negotiating into the late evening, the parties reached agreements on several interim improvements to pay and work rules. This communication will focus on the improvements to pay, and the following will focus on work rules.

Virgin America agreed to make up half the difference between the current VX InFlight Teammate (ITM) pay rates and the AFA Alaska Flight Attendant pay rates (converted to block-hours), effective immediately. Resulting increases to the base rate ranges between 8-17%. The parties also agreed to establish three new steps above Step 10. InFlight Team Leaders (ITLs) will continue to receive an additional 15% on top of the ITM base rate.

VX Wage Proposal Chart >

AFA VX LOA One Time Interim Wage Increase (4/27/2017) >

These new wage rates will be applied retroactively to the first of this year (January 1, 2017). The new pay rates and the retroactive credit will appear on the May 31st paycheck.

AFA believes the VX Flight Attendants are extremely deserving of the AFA Alaska rates, so we are obviously disheartened that Virgin America will not match the rates at this time. However, we are appreciative that the Virgin America leadership team worked with us to provide some immediate relief and to make the new rates retroactive through this year.

Virgin America has clearly stated the AFA Alaska rates are contingent on achieving a merged agreement and an Integrated Seniority List. Although AFA is not satisfied with that position, we are going to make this process as swift as possible so that we can achieve equal pay rates as soon as possible. Consequently, AFA will post vacancies for two VX Merger Representatives and one Joint Negotiating Committee member tomorrow morning; the Master Executive Council (MEC) plans to fill those positions during our MEC meeting in just three weeks. Once those positions are filled, the journey towards a merged agreement and an ISL will continue in earnest.

AFA would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts of our sisters and brothers on the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) negotiating team. Although the improvements that AFA achieved this week are not directly connected to that committee’s negotiations, their foundational work is recognized and appreciated. AFA sincerely thanks the TWU negotiators for their service.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

 

[VX] Virgin America Flight Attendant Wage and Work Rule Discussions Update

AFA and the Virgin America leadership team (management) met in Seattle, WA earlier today to discuss Virgin America (VX) Flight Attendant wages, work rules and other concerns. The parties are in the process of finalizing the details of several improvements for VX F/As, including immediate improvement to wages. We anticipate having more information for you by 6 PM Pacific Time tomorrow.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for […]

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

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.

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