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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

        AFA Update – June 30, 2020

        June 30, 2020 15:00

        In This Edition

        • Tell Congress: Extend the Payroll Support Program
        • Pandemic Response
        • Fraudulent Face Mask Exemption Card
        • Management Provides Contractual Furlough Notice
        • Company “Early Out”
        • CARES Act Additional $600 Ends Soon

        Tell Congress: Extend the Payroll Support Program

        AFA International

        The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 are calling for a six-month aviation Payroll Support Program (PSP) extension through March 31, 2021, to protect our jobs, extend the restrictions on stock buybacks, dividends, and executive compensation, and maintain service to all of our communities. Tell Congress to keep our industry intact to ensure aviation can help fight the virus and contribute to economic recovery as opposed to adding to an economic depression.

        Amplify Your Voice With a Call

        In addition to sending a letter, you can amplify your voice by following up with a phone call to your Members of Congress.  Call your Representative and Senators and say:

        Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask [Representative]/[Senator] to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend the CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers in order to avoid massive job loss in October. Keep us connected to our jobs, our paychecks, and our healthcare. Thank you for your urgent attention to this.

        AFA COVID Relief House – (888) 907-9365
        AFA COVID Relief Senate – (888) 848-4824

        You may also receive a phone call over the next several days from AFA Government Affairs Committee Members or other AFA volunteers to ask for your support in making these calls.


        Pandemic Response

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        AFA remains dedicated to our mission to protect the safety and health of our members, and we continue to do so on multiple fronts during this pandemic. Representatives from the Master Executive Council (MEC); the Air Safety, Health and Security Committee; and the Inflight Service Committee meet multiple times per week with management to advocate on your behalf. AFA recently met with an infectious disease expert from the University of Washington on more than one occasion to discuss our questions and concerns. 

        We echo your concerns about diminishing social distancing onboard, mask compliance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and increasing service levels. Be assured we will continue to work with management to maximize the safety of our Flight Attendants. See the Company’s Listening & Acting: Actions we are taking in partnership with AFA  resource page (AAG sign-on required) for the latest updates.


        Fraudulent Face Mask Exemption Card

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        AFA Interactive (June 26, 2020) reported that a Facebook group dubbed the Freedom to Breathe Agency, or FTBA, is promoting fake face mask exemption cards featuring an eagle image reminiscent of the Department of Justice (DOJ) seal. Images of the laminated cards have been circulating on social media and were recently deemed fraudulent by the DOJ. Read more >

        The MEC has requested that management take the following actions:

        • Alert Flight Attendants and CSAs that the card is fake and what to do about it and similar exemption cards if presented.
        • Communicate what documentation is required by passengers to substantiate medical or religious exemptions for wearing a face mask while travelling.

        Management Provides Contractual Furlough Notice 

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Pursuant to Section 18.G of the JCBA, management provided notice to the MEC President last Thursday (June 25) that the Company intends to use a Reduction of Force of Flight Attendants effective October 1, 2020. The contract requires that the parties meet for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) days from the date of notice “to consider… programs to help mitigate a reduction in force.” We are meeting every day this week to negotiate on the terms of additional and/or enhanced furlough mitigations.


        Company “Early Out”

        Retirement Committee

        Management recently indicated that “Early Out” program details and application processes will be communicated over the next few weeks “depending on union agreements and company timelines.” Management has stated, “[W]e are still finalizing details with union and operational leaders,” and that “options may be different depending on union representation, current CBA language and operational needs.” However, AFA did not negotiate this Early Out package.

        AFA approached management back in March regarding our interest in negotiating an Early Out, but management declined our offer. Although management has provided AFA with the opportunity for limited feedback, the Company developed its own version of an Early Out for all represented work groups rather than engaging each union—including AFA—in direct negotiations. The MEC would like to level-set the expectations of our members by being clear this is a management-developed Early Out package. More information to come once management has publicly released the details.


        CARES Act Additional $600 Ends Soon

        The additional $600 in weekly unemployment insurance benefits provided by the federal government is officially set to end July 31, but all states except New York will pay it only through the week ending Saturday, July 25.  Read more >

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, CARES Act, COVID-19, early out, face mask, furlough, novel coronavirus

        AFA Update – June 12, 2020

        June 12, 2020 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Black Lives Matter
        • Onboard Fume Events – How To Recognize and Respond
        • AFA EAP Support Services

        Black Lives Matter

        By Chip Hestle, MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

        Three words at the center of conversations, not only in the United States of America, but throughout the world. So just what does Black Lives Matter (BLM) mean? BLM is an international human rights movement, founded by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tomet, in July 2013.  The BLM movement originated from the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer.  BLM is a global organization focused on annihilating white supremacy and stepping in to support black citizens who are victims of systemic racism and violence because of the color of their skin.

        Systemic racism is deep-rooted discrimination that has repeated itself again and again, becoming more and more ingrained in society during a span of generations.

        As it was stated by Mr. Strickland, senior legal analyst and special assistant to the director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, at the Ohio State University, “Systemic racism permeates within our institutions, its within our laws, our policies and our practices that have this founded foundation of biases, discrimination where you have barriers that place certain races above others. It permeates so much that people see it as normal, and it’s kind of normalized, that’s how, the way things are, when, in fact, these structures have been set up to the place certain races above others.”

        As Flight Attendants, we have the privilege of working side-by-side with diverse colleagues and passengers aboard our aircrafts.  Our paramount responsibility as Flight Attendants is to ensure the safety of the traveling public.  Have you witnessed or experienced racism while inflight? Think about it.  

        Let me be clear—saying or hearing BLM doesn’t mean that non-black lives don’t matter.  BLM has provided a platform for the black community and for people of color to draw attention to the need for change. 

        How can we effectively make change? Together, we can have healthy productive conversations with our family, friends and crew members.  A discussion around race is not easy.  But, if you desire to be a part of the solution and not the problem, I encourage you to try.  As Flight Attendants we have the gift of navigating difficult conversations.  We have the innate ability to express our feelings and, even more importantly, listen. 

        During this time of unparalleled crisis with COVID-19 and civil unrest, I encourage you to reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson or your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee.  Your AFA Human Rights Committee is here for you.


        Onboard Fume Events – How To Recognize and Respond

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) – Air Quality Subcommittee

        Everyone knows that the cabin can smell. Most of the time, the smells are unpleasant but should not make you sick. But when you notice an unpleasant, unusual smell sourced to the air supply vents – “fumes” – you should pay attention. 

        The design and maintenance of aircraft systems means that, sometimes, engine oil and hydraulic fluid fumes contaminate the air supplied to the cabin for ventilation. Ever noticed a dirty sock smell coming from the vents, maybe associated with APU usage or engine start? That smell can be engine oil fumes and the chemicals in those fumes can make you sick. Similarly, an acrid smell from the vents can be hydraulic fluid fumes. Other types of chemicals can get into the ventilation system, too, like deicing fluid and exhaust fumes. It’s important to know how to recognize and respond to the presence of these fumes in the cabin. 

        To assist our Members, AFA has created a video training tool to teach Flight Attendants how to recognize and respond to the presence of fumes onboard. The entire training takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and is built in modules that run for about 5 to 10 minutes each and can be completely individually. There is no password or login required to access the material. Check it out – listen to the stories of crewmembers who have been affected by fumes and learn about what you need to notice, plus the various AFA resources you can access. 

        Questions?

        If you have any questions, please refer to the Air Quality Subcommittee page of the AFA Alaska website or email airquality@afaalaska.org.


        AFA EAP Support Services

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, air quality, Black Lives Matter, BLM, cabin air, COVID-19, EAP, novel coronavirus

        AFA Update – April 6, 2020

        April 6, 2020 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training
        • Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals
        • Reporting Uniform Reactions
        • Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information
        • AFA EAP Support Services
        • CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

        Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training

        On Friday, management announced that they would be cancelling recurrent training (RT) for the months of April and May as a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.    Along with the cancellation announcement, management also provided information about an FAA temporary exemption granting a two-month extension to Flight Attendants with April and May base months (as well as some Flight Attendants scheduled for RT at the end of March).  This exemption will give affected Flight Attendants an additional two grace months during which to complete RT in 2020 (e.g. a Flight Attendant whose base month is April and grace month is May will now have June and July as additional grace months this year).

        AFA representatives have requested that management remove the April cancelled classes from rosters in Crew Access as soon as possible in order to allow Flight Attendants to manage their schedules and trade and/or pick up flying if desired.  Crew Planning is also in the process of removing RT pre-planned absence from NavBlue to allow Flight Attendants who were scheduled for class in May to bid normally.  Management has indicated that they will contact Flight Attendants whose RT class has been cancelled to discuss rescheduling options but they have not yet provided AFA with specifics on what the process for rescheduling will be.

        If you have questions about the April/May recurrent training cancellations, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


        Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals

        Hotel Committee

        Dedicated Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

        The AFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020 provided information about the temporary implementation of dedicated crew-only layover hotel transportation.  Management also communicated this information in bulletin #2020-0016, issued on March 17.  As a reminder, this crew-only transportation may be either hotel-provided van that is dedicated for crewmembers only or separate contracted transportation.  Please reference your trip information in Crew Access to determine whether the hotel or a contracted vendor will be providing layover hotel transportation.  You can also find a complete list of dedicated transportation providers on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Dedicated Transportation.

        As always, if you encounter any issues with a transportation provider, please notify your AFA Hotel Committee by filing a CrewCare report.

        Food Availability on Layovers

        At the request of AFA, management has compiled a list of food availability at each layover hotel throughout the system.  This list is updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information.  It can be found on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Food Availability.

        Questions?

        Your AFA Hotel Committee is here to assist and support you in all matters related to layover hotels and transportation.  You can find contact information for your Local Hotel Committee by clicking here.


        Reporting Uniform Reactions

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

        With the launch of the new Unisync uniform, our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Uniform Committee would like to offer a reminder about how to report reactions or safety concerns related to the new uniform pieces.  Management has outlined the process for reporting these concerns in a document that is housed on the uniform subsite of Alaska’s World.  You can access the document directly by clicking here (AAG sign on required).

        Questions?

        If you have questions about how to report uniform reactions or need assistance in navigating the process, please contact AFA Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom at uniform.reactions@afaalaska.org.


        Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information

        Benefits Committee

        Our AFA Benefits Committee has received information that Alaska employees who have either 401(k) through Vanguard or Alaska Credit Union loans may be eligible for modified payment arrangements.  National Group Protection (NGP) has also provided information about continuation of coverage for anyone enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program who takes a leave of absence.

        Vanguard – 401(k) Loans

        • You can suspend a loan for up to 12 months
        • It can take up to two pay periods to process the suspension
        • Once the request has been processed, the 12 month suspension begins
        • You can reinstate payments earlier without penalty
        • You can also make payments during the suspension of any amount without penalty.  If you choose to do so, it will not restart your loan.
        • You will accrue interest during that time – but this is interest you pay yourself.  This may adjust your loan payment amount once your loan is reinstated.

        For assistance with Vanguard 401(k) loan suspensions, contact Vanguard Participant Services at (800) 523-1188 (available Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 6 PM Pacific time).  You can also reach out to Jamie Smalley with specific questions at jaime.smalley@alaskaair.com.

        Alaska Air Group Credit Union Loans 

        The Alaska Air Group Credit Union (AAGCU) is offering an emergency skip-a-payment option that may allow customers to skip to three monthly payments on certain AAGCU loans.  For more information about this program, including a link to apply, please visit the AAGCU website by clicking here.

        AFA Supplemental Benefits – National Group Protection

        National Group Protection (NGP) has provided information for those who are enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program and take a Leave of Absence (LOA).  These special provisions include:

        • Coverage will continue without interruption during the LOA
        • Premiums are not due during the LOA
        • CAIC will honor claims during the LOA
        • No action is required on your part to maintain your coverage

        Complete information can be found in this document.  If you have any questions, please contact National Group at (800) 344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.


        AFA EAP Support Services

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

        Questions?

        Please contact your Local EAP Committee for more information or assistance.


        CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

        AFA International

        As a part of CWA, AFA members are entitled to take advantage of complimentary online learning through CWA/NETT.  CWA/NETT provides you and your family with access to hundreds of online training courses through LinkedIn Learning. This might be the perfect time to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones. 

        Examples of learning titles include:

        • Zoom Meetings
        • Microsoft Collaboration
        • Microsoft Excel
        • Sharepoint

        You can get started by completing this form.  The form requires your CWA local number, which you can find on the Contact Us page of the AFA Alaska website under FAQs > Membership and Dues Questions > What’s My CWA Local Number.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers.

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2020, Benefits, COVID-19, CWA, EAP, hotels, layovers, novel coronavirus, recurrent training, transportation, uniform, uniform reactions

        Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 28, 2020

        March 28, 2020 20:00

        In This Edition

        • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
        • Staffing Adjustment Leave, Low Bid Option or …?
        • Pre-Cancellations Due to COVID-19 Schedule Changes (Section 10.S)
        • Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) Sequences During COVID-19 Schedule Disruptions

        Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

        The AFA-CWA International Officers sent out an AFA Interactive message yesterday regarding the House of Representatives passing vote on the CARES Act, the hard work that went into achieving the relief package, and the upcoming work that will need to be done to implement the bill.  You can read the entire message by clicking here.

        What Happens Next?

        Now that the CARES Act has been passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, the work begins to implement the bill.  The language within the CARES Act is extensive and both AFA and management are conducting an extensive review to ensure that there is a full understanding of the contents.   

        AFA representatives have received many questions about how the relief package will apply to Flight Attendants, how management intends to manage staffing, how unemployment benefits might apply to the various leaves of absence available, and many more. It is critical that your AFA leaders understand how the CARES Act, our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), state and federal benefits and any other significant factors interact.  We thank you in advance for your patience while we work through the answers to these and other questions over the coming week.


        Staffing Adjustment Leave, Low Bid Option or …?

        Many of you are looking to AFA for guidance whether to take one of the approximately 2700 (!) 30-day Staffing Adjustment Leaves or one of the approximately 205 Low Bid Options for May or to hold out for potentially something else. The Master Executive Council (MEC) completely understands. You have our commitment to be as transparent as possible and to keep you informed regarding the latest information and developments. There is a lot of material to absorb, so we are taking a few days to educate ourselves before we communicate more to the Membership.

        In the meantime, management has agreed to extend the deadline for applying for a Staffing Adjustment Leave or Low Bid Option to Monday, April 6, 2020 at 0900 PT. This will give everyone more time to consider their options.

        Additionally, management has agreed to work with AFA to potentially revisit the COVID-19 Staffing Adjustment Leaves and the other COVID-19 leaves already in effect in order to provide maximal benefit to Flight Attendants and to the Company depending on the implications of the CARES Act. Because of this commitment, we do not have concerns with Flight Attendants submitting an application for any of the leaves at this time.


        Pre-Cancellations Due to COVID-19 Schedule Changes (Section 10.S)

        Scheduling Committee

        Due to the unprecedented number of flight cancellations on a daily basis, Flight Attendants have reported difficulty in achieving timely assistance from Crew Scheduling and receiving phone calls for non-urgent issues at all hours of the night. Crew Scheduling is overwhelmed with the sheer number of cancellations, pairing modifications and associated follow-up.

        AFA and management have agreed to temporarily modify the notification procedures under Section 10.S [Pre-Cancellations] from Sunday, March 29, 2020 at midnight PT (Saturday night tonight) to April 30, 2020 at 2359 PT.

        *** Crew Scheduling will continue to give notice of cancellation per contract but not until the departure date of the sequence is within 7days. ***

        For sequences more than 7 days out:

        • To waive pay protection: If FA wishes to waive pay protection for a sequence containing one or more legs of cancelled flying, please email CrewSked.FADesk@alaskaair.com. Crew Scheduling will process timely per the LOA but no more than 24 hours after submission.
        • To not waive pay protection: If FA wishes to review alternative options and not waive pay protection, please wait to call Crew Scheduling until it is one day prior to the departure date of the sequence.

        For sequences 2 to 7 days out:

        • To waive pay protection: If FA wishes to waive pay protection for a sequence containing one or more legs of cancelled flying, please email CrewSked.FADesk@alaskaair.com. Crew Scheduling will process timely per the LOA but no more than 24 hours after submission.
        • To not waive pay protection: If FA wishes to review alternative options and not waive pay protection, please wait to call until it is one day prior to the departure date of the sequence.

        For sequences 1 day out: (i.e. the day prior to the departure date of the sequence):

        • Call Crew Scheduling per contract

        More details can be found in the Pre-Cancellations Due to COVID-19 Schedule Changes Letter of Agreement.


        Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) Sequences During COVID-19 Schedule Disruptions (Section 10.DD)

        Scheduling Committee

        AFA and management would also like to reduce the number of unnecessary mid-continental (“mid-con”) remain overnights (RONs) for Flight Attendants resulting from schedule disruptions related to COVID-19.

        AFA and management have agreed to temporarily allow Crew Scheduling to build additional Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) sequences that are not already in the bid packet (i.e. following bid awards) under Section 10.DD.11 [Pre-Cancellations] from Sunday, March 29, 2020 at midnight PT (Saturday night tonight) to April 30, 2020 at 2359 PT.

        More details can be found in the Long Stage Length Duty Period (“4k”) Sequences During COVID-19 Schedule Disruptions Letter of Agreement.

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2020, CARES Act, COVID-19

        Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 21, 2020

        March 21, 2020 15:30

        In This Edition

        • URGENT: Tell Congress to Put People First
        • Applying for COVID-19 Related Temporary Leaves of Absence
        • COVID-19 Resources

        URGENT: Tell Congress to Put People First

        A person standing in front of a crowd

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        Government Affairs Committee

        The coronavirus pandemic is decimating our aviation industry. It is a public health crisis and it is creating a financial catastrophe that dwarfs the economic cost of the Great Recession and September 11th combined.

        We’ve seen catastrophe before. We know what didn’t work before and we won’t let those things happen again. We need relief that focuses on real people. And we have a plan for that.

        Flight Attendants and other aviation workers have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus emergency from day one. Before most Americans knew what COVID-19 meant, we were calling for government action to keep it from disrupting our lives and our economy.

        Our plan is focused on keeping people on the payroll and stopping furloughs. Airlines are burning cash so quickly they will not be able to meet payroll within a few months, if not a few weeks. You will see furlough announcements that reflect this, but know this: we are working with airlines to get relief that keeps the paychecks going without furloughs.

        Washington is gearing up to save aviation. But we cannot accept another “no strings attached” government bailout for corporations and their executives that leaves Flight Attendants and aviation workers behind. This time it will be a RELIEF package focused on workers first with no stock buybacks or dividends and no executive bonuses.

        Send a letter to your members of Congress to demand that any public relief plan be a People First plan with legally-binding rules, including (but not limited to):

        1. Paycheck continuation without furloughs/layoffs
        2. No stock buybacks
        3. No executive bonuses
        4. No dividends
        5. No breaking union contracts
        Click here to take action now

        Amplify Your Message with a Call

        Call your Senators now and tell them to support our position on a People First relief package for aviation.

        Call (855) 973-4213 and tell your Senator:

        “Airline relief must put workers first. I am a Flight Attendant. Congress needs to keep us in our jobs by providing the airlines with the money to keep our paychecks going. That keeps us connected to our healthcare too. We need to stay in our jobs so we can restart our economy quickly once the virus is contained. Stop mass furloughs that will hurt us now and long after the virus is gone. Any package must include direct assistance to aviation companies to keep us on the job and our paychecks going”

        Read more about our plan in this article >


        Applying for COVID-19 Related Temporary Leaves of Absence

        Benefits Committee

        Information about new COVID-19 related temporary leaves of absence (LOAs) was communicated in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update on March 13, 2020 and in a corresponding email from former Vice President of Inflight Ron Calvin.  These temporary LOAs include:

        • Educational Disruption Leave of Absence (EDLOA) – for Flight Attendants who cannot fulfill their scheduling obligations due to the closure of their minor child’s school or childcare provider due to COVID-19.
        • Voluntary Quarantine Leave of Absence (VQLOA) – for Flight Attendants who are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 as determined by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Flight Attendants who reside in the same household as increased risk individuals, and Flight Attendants who wish to remove themselves from the workplace due to suspected exposure to COVID-19 (no diagnosis or symptoms are required)
        • COVID-19 Workplace Exposure Leave of Absence (CEWLOA) – for Flight Attendants who are recommended or required to go into isolation/monitoring or quarantine due to work-related exposure to COVID-19.  The recommendation or requirement for isolation/monitoring or quarantine must be from the Company, the Flight Attendant’s physician or other qualified healthcare provider, the CDC, the local Department of Health, or other applicable government agency.

        More details about these LOA options, including eligibility and documentations requirements, can be found in the COVID-19 Leaves of Absence and Related Mitigations Memorandum of Understanding.  In addition, other contractual leave options including medical leaves of absence and FMLA remain available for those who qualify.

        How Do I Apply for a COVID-19 Related Temporary LOA?

        Management has created a specific Alaska’s World page with information and links to apply for the various COVID-19 related LOAs.  You can access the page by clicking here.  If you have already contacted Matrix or the HR/People Resource telephone line to apply for a non-medical leave (EDLOA or VQLOA), you MUST also complete the corresponding form on this page.

        Note: management’s “school closure leave” form (corresponds with EDLOA) indicates that the LOA may only be used for minor children aged 0-14.  This references is incorrect as the COVID-19 Leaves of Absence and Related Mitigations Memorandum of Understanding defines minor children as “children under the age of 18 who have not yet graduated from high school”.  AFA representatives have requested that management update this form as soon as possible to reflect the correct, agreed-upon definition.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about leaves of absence, please contact your Local Benefits Committee.


        COVID-19 Resources

        • AFA International Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) page
        • Alaska Air Group Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite (AAG Sign-On Required)
        • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, Congress, COVID-19, leaves of absence, LOA, novel coronavirus

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

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        MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – June 8, 2026

        June 15, 2026

        Whether you joined us live or are looking to watch on your own schedule, we’re excited to share the full recording of our June 8 MEC Town Hall! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists—now available to you anytime on the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel […]

        Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

        June 10, 2026

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, June 4, representatives from our pre-merger Alaska AFA Reserve Committee met to discuss ongoing work advocating for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Kanako Yamada (LAX), Adrian Alcantara (SAN), and MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire […]

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 15 – June 2026

        June 5, 2026

        The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

        Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

        June 1, 2026

        Every June, we come together to honor LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the remarkable resilience, diversity, and achievements of the LGBTQ community. Pride Month began as a tribute to the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, a pivotal moment that ignited the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The inaugural Pride March, […]

        Recent Posts

        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026
        • MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – June 8, 2026
        • AFA News in Review – June 12, 2026
        • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026
        • AFA News in Review – June 5, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 15 – June 2026
        • Local Committee Interviews – July 2026
        • Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month
        • Council 39 May 2026 Update
        • AFA News in Review – May 29, 2026
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
        • Struggling With A Coworker? Consider AFA Professional Standards.
        • Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon
        • AFA News in Review – May 22, 2026

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