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        You are here: Home / Benefits Committee

        website-header-benefits

        Including Worker’s Compensation, Maternity, FMLA, and Leaves of Absence
        • What Does This Committee Do?
        • Who Do I Contact?
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        What Does This Committee Do?
        The Benefits Committee works to educate and provide assistance to Flight Attendants in all matters involving benefits (including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs)

        Download the Benefits Committee Member duties and responsibilities

        Specific Duties and Responsibilities
        • Work with management to resolve any concerns involving claims submitted under benefits programs
        • Act in an advisory role to the LEC Officers on matters related to benefits, insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs
        • Actively communicate information of interest to the Flight Attendants. Provide information to the Communications Committee for inclusion in Local Council communications.
        Why Would I Contact This Committee?

        The Benefits Committee is available to help you with:

        • Company provided or voluntary benefits programs
        • Medical or maternity leaves of absence
        • Family medical leave (FMLA)
        • On-the-job injuries and workers compensation procedures

        Go to top

        Who Do I Contact?

        For assistance, contact any member of your Local Benefits Committee.  You can find a list of Committee Members on your Local Council Committees page.  For your convenience, a list of Committee Chairs and links to the Local Committee lists are below.

        ANC

        Debi Wallstrom
        Tallee Wellman-Ullom
        Maki Bogart
        anc.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the ANC Committee List >>

        LAX

        Ava McWilliams Ellington
        lax.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the LAX Committee List >>

        PDX

        Ann LaRue
        pdx.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the PDX Committee List >>

        SAN

        Sonia Quackenbush
        san.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the SAN Committee List >>

        SEA

        Kathy O’Malley
        sea.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the SEA Committee List >>

        SFO

        Julie Pearson
        sfo.benefits.chair@afaalaska.org

        View the SFO Committee List >>

        MEC

        Dianna Ripley, MEC Chairperson
        benefits@afaalaska.org

        Go to top

        Links

        • AS Benefits Website AS Log-In
        • F/A Benefits Handbook AS Log-In
        • National Group Protection (Supplemental Benefits)
        Go to top

        Committee News

        View the Benefits Committee news archives

        Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

        Posted: December 9, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their […]

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

        Posted: December 3, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After […]

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—December 2025

        Posted: November 5, 2025

        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, […]

        Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

        Posted: November 6, 2023

        Benefits Committee Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following. Re-Enrolling After A Leave While we disagree that one should […]

        Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

        Posted: October 26, 2023

        Benefits Committee On Tuesday, October 24, representatives from our Local AFA Benefits Committees met to discuss their ongoing work related to Flight Attendant work-related benefits, including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Majo Tanco, […]

        Need Help?

        Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

        Latest News

        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
        • Celebrating Black History Month
        • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 
        • AFA News in Review – January 30, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026
        • AFA News in Review – January 23, 2026
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation
        • AFA News in Review – January 16, 2026
        • Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile LOA Session #3 Roadshow Recording

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

        February 2, 2026

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

        Celebrating Black History Month

        February 1, 2026

        February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

        Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 

        January 31, 2026

        On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us. As we reflect on this tragic day, […]

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

        January 30, 2026

        The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

        January 19, 2026

        On Monday, January 12, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

        Recent Posts

        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
        • Celebrating Black History Month
        • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 
        • AFA News in Review – January 30, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026
        • AFA News in Review – January 23, 2026
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation
        • AFA News in Review – January 16, 2026
        • Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile LOA Session #3 Roadshow Recording
        • Seattle Domicile Negotiating Committee Question and Answer (Q and A) Update – January 16, 2026
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – January 2026
        • Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile LOA Session #3 Virtual Roadshow Reminder
        • AFA News in Review – January 9, 2026

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