Benefits Committee

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – June 2026

June 25, 2026 13:00

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Wednesday, June 17, our pre-merger Alaska Benefits Committee Chairpersons met with management for their regular meeting. These discussions help ensure that management understands the real-world impact of their decisions on Flight Attendants and that your concerns are addressed directly.

Your representatives at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Ava McWilliams-Ellington (LAX), and Sonia Quackenbush (SAN). MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Dianna Ripley also attended and facilitated the meeting.

The Committee also met with management representatives, including Manager of Leaves, Accommodation, and Disability Tracy Middleton and Leave and Disability Specialist Kelly Washburn.

The next Benefits Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.

Discussion Topics

The Committee reviewed challenges in leave processing and discussed administrative protocols to improve Member communication, documentation, and consistency. These included:

Return-to-Work Scheduling Processes: The Committee and management discussed how return-to-work schedules are calculated using the monthly line average, the timing of outreach to Flight Attendants, and the documentation needed before returning to work. The discussion also included how scheduling is handled for lineholders and reserves, as well as the limited options available when a Flight Attendant is returning from Workers’ Compensation and still has ongoing appointments or physical therapy.
California Leave Protections for Victims of Violence: The Committee and management discussed California leave protections available to employees who are victims of violence, as well as certain qualifying family members or designated persons. This discussion included the types of qualifying reasons for leave, job protection, coordination with FMLA when applicable, and the fact that this California protection does not have a minimum hours-worked requirement.
Hartford Escalations and Quality Control: Concerns were raised by the Committee regarding inconsistent or incorrect information from The Hartford representatives, such as statements that a Flight Attendant’s job may not be protected. Management responded by advising that, when these issues arise, the Committee should collect the representative’s name along with the date and time of the call for proper investigation and resolution.
Washington State Waiting Week and Pay Concerns: Discussion focused on Washington State Paid Leave’s mandatory seven-day waiting week, with the Committee and management examining how its impact may differ based on a Flight Attendant’s leave start date. Additional concerns about inconsistent pay experiences for Washington-based Flight Attendants and the need for better guidance on pay calculation and coordination were also addressed.
Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee and management discussed the pay gap some Flight Attendants may experience when going out on maternity leave at 29 weeks, before state disability or paid leave benefits begin. Management explained that medical documentation, state filing requirements, and denial notices may be necessary to move the process forward, particularly in California, Washington, and Oregon-specific situations.
480-Hour Lookback in Complex Leave Situations: The Committee and management discussed how the 480-hour lookback applies in more complex situations, including multiple leaves, staffing adjustment leaves, and new-hire pregnancy, maternity, and bonding leave scenarios. The Committee also asked for follow-up to ensure these situations are reviewed consistently and that members receive clear guidance.
FMLA Eligibility Calculator: At the Committee’s request, management was asked to consider adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system to eliminate the need for Flight Attendants to manually retrieve their DUTY HOURS from Rainmaker each month. The Committee explained the distinction between DUTY HOURS and TFP to management, noting that the difference can complicate the process for those trying to confirm eligibility.
Leave Documentation and Communication Protocols: Emphasis was placed on the need for clear documentation, proper routing of information, and consistent communication when Flight Attendants handle leave or benefits issues. The Committee emphasized the need to identify trends and ensure that concerns are directed appropriately for tracking and resolution.

What The Committee Is Working On

Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee is continuing to address the gap some Flight Attendants experience when going out on maternity leave before state disability or paid leave benefits begin, particularly when state benefits do not start immediately. The Committee is also seeking clearer guidance on what documentation is required, when denial notices are needed, and how those documents should be routed to The Hartford, so Flight Attendants are not left without clear direction during an already stressful time.
Leave Processing, Hartford Escalations, and Communication: The Committee is working to improve the consistency and accuracy of information Flight Attendants receive when contacting The Hartford or navigating a leave. When incorrect or concerning information is provided, such as statements regarding job protection, the Committee will continue to collect specific details so that management can investigate, correct the issue, and determine whether broader training or quality-control improvements are needed.
480-Hour Lookback, FMLA Eligibility, and Complex Leave Situations: The Committee is continuing to seek clearer guidance on how eligibility is calculated in complex situations, including multiple leaves, Special Absence Leaves, new-hire pregnancy and bonding leave, and questions involving DUTY HOURS versus TFP. The Committee also requested that management explore adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system, so Flight Attendants have a more accurate and accessible way to determine eligibility without manually pulling monthly information from Rainmaker.

We Want To Hear From You!

We’re focused on ensuring every Flight Attendant receives accurate information, timely support, and clear guidance when navigating complex benefit and leave situations. If you have questions about the leave process, please connect with your Local Benefits Committee as early as possible. Reaching out before issues arise helps us provide timely guidance and ensures you can make informed, confident decisions about your benefits.

Every question, concern, or suggestion you share helps us advocate more effectively with management and ensures that we focus on what matters most to you. If you have questions or ideas, we encourage you to contact your Local Benefits Committee. Our contact information is always available on the Benefits Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

December 9, 2025 13:05

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 backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

Dianna Ripley, MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson

Dianna Ripley has been a Flight Attendant since 2014. Prior to joining the airline industry, she gained extensive leadership and customer service experience, serving as an Optical Manager for Costco Wholesale and managing Alaska’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa.

Following an on-the-job injury in 2022, Dianna became actively involved with the Council 30 (ANC) Benefits Committee, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. Motivated by her own experience navigating complex processes, she is dedicated to making benefit information clear, accurate, and accessible for all Flight Attendants. In her current role, she works to improve communication around FMLA, medical and maternity leave, Workers’ Compensation, and annual benefits enrollment.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and appreciating nature. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1995, and they will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in January. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and their family dog, Deshka. Dianna and her family enjoy fishing, camping, riding side-by-sides/ATVs, and gathering around a backyard fire with friends and family year-round.

Melanie Buker, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson

Melanie began her aviation career with Horizon Air in 1986, based in Boise, Idaho. During her tenure, she joined the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), an experience that later guided her transition into the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when she joined Alaska Airlines in 2002.

She was elected AFA Council 30 Anchorage President in January 2011 and currently serves her fourth term as Vice President of AFA Council 15 San Diego, where she has also held the role of Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. With more than 23 years of dedicated EAP service, Melanie remains committed to strengthening the program and enhancing support resources for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants—and, in the future, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants as the merger progresses.

Melanie resides in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys the natural beauty of her home state, spending time with her longtime friends, reading, and cherishing time with her two grandsons.

Elizabeth Dillon, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson

Elizabeth Dillon has been a LAX-based Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 35 years and has been involved with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee (including CIRP Critical Incident Response) since 1996. She holds three certificates related to drug and alcohol abuse: NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1), LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional), and SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Elizabeth conducts assessments, organizes inpatient treatment for addicted Flight Attendants, and monitors incoming EAP, Critical Incident, and Professional Standards cases for Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson

Deb Wallstrom has held several Union roles since she joined Alaska Airlines in 1998. Based in Anchorage, Deb currently also serves on both the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and the Benefits Committee. She is dedicated to assisting and guiding Flight Attendants through retirement options and information. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, hiking, and curling up with a good survival book.

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

December 3, 2025 13:05

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 careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson: Dianna Ripley
MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson: Melanie Buker
MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson: Elizabeth Dillon
MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson: Deb Wallstrom

These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons will carry out their respective roles specific to our six pre-merger Alaska Local Councils as we continue to navigate the merger process. They’ll begin the transition into their roles over the next few weeks, with their official term beginning on January 1, 2026. They will serve for the upcoming MEC Officer election cycle from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028.

If you have any questions about the pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—December 2025

November 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 final committees to undergo the review process will be the Benefits, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards, and Retirement Committees. During the upcoming December Regular MEC Meeting, interviews will be conducted for the following positions:

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.

Qualifications for Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee positions include:

Current Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Member or Chairperson.

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 December Regular MEC Meeting Monday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 2. 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 Monday, November 24, 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.

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

November 6, 2023 17:02

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 have to re-enroll in Health Benefits when returning from Staffing Leave, we strongly suggest that you do so. Check to make sure that all your prior coverages are in place. To do so, you can call your health plan directly or visit www.MyAlaskaBenefits.com and check your coverage. We’ve also been advised that once you re-enroll, it can take several days for the coverage to update. You should also have received an email in your company Outlook email regarding health benefits when returning from SAL.

Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

Health benefits premiums, like payroll, are deducted in the subsequent month (i.e., in October for September). When on a Staffing Leave, these deductions do not take place. Flight Attendants are advised to review their pay statement to determine whether or not deductions were taken from October 20th paychecks.

Direct Billing Notice Errors

Those on Staffing Adjustment Leave should have received a direct bill from Cobra Management Services (CMS) with instructions to self-pay the employee contribution for September Health Benefits. We are aware that some Flight Attendants DID receive this notice, and it was correct. We are also aware that many did NOT receive a direct bill and that some did receive bills for very strange amounts that do not reflect the usual employee contributions.

No Direct Bill Received

If you did not receive a direct bill, or if you did not have a correct bill or a deduction from your October 20 paycheck, please contact CMS. The balance owed must be paid to continue coverage. You can contact CMS at:

Phone: (425) 452-9889, ext. 145 or (866) 527-7580, ext. 145
Email: services@cobramanagement.com

Service Charges May Apply

Payments made by credit card or electronic funds transfer have an added service charge applied by the vendor. You might prefer to mail a check to avoid these.

Reporting Issues And Questions

If you’re having challenges with any of these issues, please email management at tiffany.perry@alaskaair.com and emmit.elliott@alaskaair.com and cc our AFA Benefits Committee at benefits@afaalaska.org. Our Benefits and Grievance Committees are continuing to work to resolve these issues.