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    You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / EAP/Professional Standards Committee

    Don’t Underestimate the Effects of Alcohol

    December 12, 2022 17:00

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    • Many people enjoying celebrating during the holidays, which often includes having alcoholic beverages.
    • Alcohol can affect decision making abilities and reaction times long before other outward signs of intoxication become evident. Overconsuming alcohol can lead to reckless decisions, blackouts, and dangerous consequences.
    • If your holiday plans involve consuming alcohol, remember to drink responsibly. Have a designated sober driver or order a taxi or ride share.

    Alcohol’s Effects Begin Quickly and Last Longer Than Most Believe!

    Many of us look forward to celebrations during the holidays, yet it is also a time when some people are more likely to drink beyond their limits than at other times of the year. Some people will experience adverse consequences that range from fights to falls to traffic accidents. Unfortunately, myths about drinking persist, including how quickly alcohol affects the body and how long the effects of drinking last. 

    People may not recognize that critical decision-making abilities and driving-related skills are already diminished long before they show overt signs of intoxication. Initially, alcohol may appear to act as a stimulant, making you feel upbeat and excited. But don’t be fooled. Alcohol decreases inhibitions and judgment which can lead to reckless decisions. Reaction times get longer and behavior becomes poorly controlled and sometimes even aggressive. Continued drinking causes the slurred speech and loss of balance that is typically associated with being drunk. Alcohol can also cause blackouts—which are gaps in a person’s memory while they were intoxicated. These gaps happen when alcohol temporarily blocks the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term storage—known as memory consolidation. At higher blood alcohol concentration levels, alcohol acts as a clear depressant, which can cause people to pass out. At even higher levels, people who drink face the danger of life-threatening alcohol overdose due to the suppression of vital life functions. 

    Even when drinking stops, alcohol’s effects do not stop.  It’s easy to misjudge how long alcohol’s effects last. For example, many people believe that they will begin to sober up—and be able to drive safely—once they stop drinking and have a cup of coffee. The truth is that alcohol continues to affect the brain and body long after the last drink has been finished. Even after drinking stops, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream, resulting in impaired judgment and coordination for hours. 

    So, this holiday season, don’t underestimate the effects of alcohol. Think before you drink. Use a designated sober driver if you know you will be ingesting any alcohol.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: alcohol

    Be Aware of Sexual Assault

    November 14, 2022 17:00

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    Sexual assault is when someone is sexually touched, coerced, or abused without their consent. Statistics show that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. It can happen to anyone. Perpetrators can be people you know, but also can be people you don’t know as well. In America, 16% of women and 3% of men are sexually assaulted. Signs to look out for include: denial, guilt, self-blame, numbness, fear, anxiety, and nightmares. These are also symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which also occurs as a result of sexual assault.

    What is Consent?

    • Consent is an enthusiastic YES!
    • Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
    • Consent involves two-way communication and should be given before every sexual encounter and every stage.

    How to Protect Yourself

    • Speak up if you notice someone trying to sexually assault you.
    • Do not accept open drinks. Be sure to only consume drinks you’ve opened yourself.
    • Be aware of signs that indicate to others that you’re alone or far away from home/layover hotel.
    • Make sure a friend/flying partner knows where you are at all times. Consider sharing your phone’s location.
    • Do not give out personally identifying information (PII), including lodging information, to people you don’t know.

    What To Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted

    • Contact the confidential AFA EAP helpline at (949) 470-0493.
    • Recognize how you respond. Sexual assault triggers our fight, flight, or freeze response.
    • Get medical care if necessary.
    • Some survivors file a police report and use a rape kit to collect any DNA evidence.
    • Consider seeing a therapist to help you process the traumatic experience. AFA EAP can help you with this referral.

    Confidential Help Is Available

    Remember, confidential help is available through our AFA EAP.  You can find contact information at afaalaska.org or call (949) 470-0493.

    Information for the article is provided by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: sexual assault

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    October 5, 2022 17:00

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    • Domestic violence can affect anyone and abusers can come from any demographic or background.
    • Though there is no single defining personality of an abuser, abusers may display common traits or exhibit certain warning signs.
    • If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, confidential help is available through your AFA EAP Committee at (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap.

    Signs of Domestic Abuse

    Anyone can be an abuser. They come from all groups, all cultures, all religions, all economic levels, and all backgrounds. They can be anyone—your neighbor, your friend, your coworker, etc.  It is important to note that the majority of abusers are only violent with their current or past intimate partners. One study found 90% of abusers do not have criminal records and abusers are generally law-abiding outside the home. 

    Traits Abusers May Have in Common

    There is no one typical, detectable personality of an abuser. However, they may display common characteristics. An abuser often denies the existence or minimizes the seriousness of the violence and its effect on the victim and other family members. An abuser objectifies the victim and often sees them as their property or sexual objects. An abuser externalizes the causes of their behavior. They blame their violence on circumstances such as stress, their partner’s behavior, a “bad day,” on alcohol, drugs, or other factors. An abuser may be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and is often seen as a “nice person” to others outside the relationship. 

    Warning Signs of an Abuser

    Red flags and warning signs of an abuser include but are not limited to:

    • Extreme jealousy and/or possessiveness, even accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair.
    • Verbal abuse including blaming the victim for anything bad that happens
    • Extremely controlling behavior
    • Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
    • Sabotage or obstruction of the victim’s ability to work or attend outside activities
    • Controls all the finances
    • Control of what the victim wears and how they act
    • Demeaning and/or humiliating the victim either privately or publicly
    • Harassment of the victim at work

    Confidential Help is Available

    Remember, confidential help is available through your AFA EAP Committee.  Contact us at (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap.

    This information is provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: domestic abuse, domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

    March 3, 2022 17:00

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    Many people go through short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spring, with longer daylight hours.

    In some cases, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior whenever the seasons change, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression. 

    In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer; this is known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Some people may experience depressive episodes during the spring and summer months; this is called summer-pattern SAD or summer depression and is less common.

    Who develops SAD?

    Millions of American adults may suffer from SAD, although many may not know they have the condition. SAD occurs much more often in women than in men, and it is more common in those living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter. For example, people living in Alaska or New England may be more likely to develop SAD than people living in Florida. In most cases, SAD begins in young adulthood. SAD is more common in people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. SAD sometimes runs in families. 

    How is SAD treated?

    Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that may be used alone or in combination:

    • Light therapy
    • Psychotherapy
    • Antidepressant medications
    • Vitamin D

    Talk to your health care provider about which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best for you. If you would like to talk more about SAD or obtain help with finding a treatment referral, contact our AFA EAP Committee.  Its confidential and always non-judgmental. You can find the contact information for your local AFA EAP Committee at afaalaska.org/eap.  You can also call AFA Alaska EAP at (949) 470-0493.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: health and wellness

    New Medical Billing Protections For You

    February 9, 2022 17:00

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    • New rules that went into place on January 1, 2022 will provide new billing protections related to some medical care expenses.
    • The new rules provide expanded protections against the practice of “balance billing” by providers in certain instances.
    • You can read more about these new protections at www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers. 

    Starting January 1, 2022, consumers will have new billing protections when getting emergency care, non-emergency care from out of network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers. Through new rules aimed to protect consumers, excessive out-of-pocket costs will be restricted, and emergency services must continue to be covered without any prior authorization, and regardless of whether or not a provider or facility is in-network. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 contains many provisions to help protect consumers from surprise bills starting in 2022, including the No Surprises Act under title I and Transparency under title II. 

    What are surprise medical bills?

    If you have health insurance and get care from an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility, your health plan may not cover the entire out-of-network cost. This can leave you with higher costs than if you got care from an in-network provider or facility. In the past, in addition to any out-of-network cost sharing you might owe, the out-of-network provider or facility could bill you for the difference between the billed charge and the amount your health plan paid, unless banned by state law. This is called “balance billing.” An unexpected balance bill from an out-of-network provider is also called a surprise medical bill.

    What are the new protections if I have health insurance?

    If you get health coverage through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace®, or an individual health insurance plan you purchase directly from an insurance company, these new rules will:

    • Ban surprise bills for emergency services, even if you get them out-of-network and without approval beforehand (prior authorization).
    • Ban out-of-network cost-sharing (like out-of-network coinsurance or copayments) for all emergency and some non-emergency services. You can’t be charged more than in-network cost-sharing for these services.
    • Ban out-of-network charges and balance bills for supplemental care (like anesthesiology or radiology) by out-of-network providers who work at an in-network facility.
    • Require that health care providers and facilities give you an easy-to-understand notice explaining that getting care out-of-network could be more expensive and options to avoid balance bills. You’re not required to sign this notice or get care out-of-network.

    Are there exceptions to these protections?

    Some health insurance coverage programs already have protections against high medical bills. You’re already protected against surprise medical billing if you have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care, or TRICARE.

    If you would like to learn more about protections for consumers, understanding costs in advance to avoid surprise bills, and what happens when payment disagreements arise after receiving medical care go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: health insurance, medical bills

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    February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced a week-long event to build awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals. Read more about Black History Month, learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing your Black History Month AFA Pin during the month of February. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.
    Twenty-three years ago today, we tragically lost Alaska Airlines Flight 261, flying between Puerto Vallarta and San Francisco, when it went down in the Pacific Ocean between Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island off the coast of Southern California.
    The first set of observations under the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program begin today (January 27) and will continue through February 28. Similar to the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data. If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.
    Read details from our Negotiating Committee about Session 8 of contract negotiations, including a tentative agreement on Hotels and updates on current progress.
    AFA and management recently agreed to a defined process for when a debrief meeting with management needs to be conducted following an operational safety event. The agreement ensures protections for Flight Attendants while guaranteeing pay, duty day limitations, and AFA representation. Details can be found in the Operational Safety Debriefs Letter of Agreement (LOA).
    Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, January 24 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

    Latest News

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – February 3, 2023
    • Celebrating Black History Month
    • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000
    • LOSA Observations Are Underway
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 27, 2023
    • Operational Safety Debriefs
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023
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    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 13, 2023

    Celebrating Black History Month

    February 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Human Rights Committee February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  The celebration has a long tradition that can be traced back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week”, which sought to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals to society and the […]

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

    January 31, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Master Executive Council (MEC) Twenty-three years ago today, we tragically lost Alaska Airlines Flight 261, flying between Puerto Vallarta and San Francisco, when it went down in the Pacific Ocean between Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island off the coast of Southern California. We will never forget Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco and Allison Shanks; […]

    LOSA Observations Are Underway

    January 27, 2023

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) As previously communicated, AFA and management agreed to conduct a Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) to help improve safety for Flight Attendants, other crewmembers, and passengers.  The LOSA program is jointly administered by AFA and management as outlined in the Inflight Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) Program letter of agreement. The […]

    Operational Safety Debriefs

    January 26, 2023

    Master Executive Council (MEC) In 2019, AFA filed grievance number 36-99-2-170-19, which alleged management’s violation of section 19.A of the collective bargaining agreement. The violation was related to an incident where management conducted a debrief meeting with Flight Attendants while they were still on duty following a slide deployment incident. As there was no contractual […]

    Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023

    January 25, 2023

    Scheduling Committee On Tuesday, January 24, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also […]

    Response to the November 18th Inflight Town Hall Webcast

    November 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    California meal & rest breaks Management’s continued scare tactics and speculative “what-if’s” as put forward during the Inflight Town Hall webcast today regarding California meal & rest breaks are unnecessary and extremely disappointing. Although it is true there are some challenging aspects of compliance with California meal & rest break laws for commercial aviation, AFA […]

    ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

    September 23, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification. Click here for the Alaska Airlines Pilots TA Quick Guide (September 2022) > At a quick glance, the TA contains impressive improvements to scope, […]

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    The CDC and TSA report the federal mask mandate is no longer in effect after today’s court ruling. Additionally, Alaska Airlines management just announced via multiple channels that the mask mandate is lifted effective immediately on all aircraft.

    RSS Negotiations News

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    Recent Posts

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – February 3, 2023
    • Celebrating Black History Month
    • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000
    • LOSA Observations Are Underway
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 27, 2023
    • Operational Safety Debriefs
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 20, 2023
    • AFA Disaster Relief Fund – California Severe Storms
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 13, 2023

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