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Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

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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.

Apps To Help You Save Money On Food

Our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee recognizes that Flight Attendants may be facing increasing challenges when it comes to accessing affordable food, whether on the road or at home. We want you to know that you are not alone. In response to these difficulties, we have compiled a list of apps to help you save money on food and find practical solutions during these uncertain times. Your well-being matters to us, and we are here to help.

Note: Find these apps using the search function on your device’s app store. Not all apps are available on all devices or operating systems.

Flashfood helps users save up to 50% on supermarket staples, including milk, bread, butter, eggs, and more. The app features items marked down because they are nearing their “use by” date. Instead of sending food to a landfill, Flashfood partners with grocery stores across North America to sell these items at a deep discount. All items are still fresh and safe to eat. Users can browse deals from local chains, including Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle, Meijer, and Tops.

Too Good To Go partners with local grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and cafés to offer special “surprise bags” filled with unsold food at a significant discount. Instead of discarding unsold items, businesses make them available through the app. Users can browse deals, reserve a bag, pay through the app, and pick up their order during a designated time frame.

Basket is a crowdsourced grocery shopping app designed to help users compare prices at stores within a 5-mile radius. After creating a shopping list, the app compares prices across stores and provides real-time pricing updates, including available coupons and discounts. Users report saving both time and up to $100 a month using Basket.

Food On the Table helps users create personalized shopping lists and offers recipe suggestions. The app identifies required ingredients and locates the most affordable sources nearby. Users can add their own recipes, and the app identifies the most affordable stores for those ingredients. Additional features include recipe emailing and organized shopping categories, helping users save both money and time.

Ibotta enables users to earn cash by adding offers, shopping, and uploading a photo of their receipt. By linking a store loyalty card, users can skip uploading photos. The app supports a variety of retailers. Users can withdraw cash from their Ibotta account once they reach $20, with three withdrawal options: bank transfer, PayPal, or digital gift cards (with a minimum of $25 for gift cards).

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—December 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, 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.

Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Understanding Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA)

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involves the use of substances to incapacitate someone, making them vulnerable to sexual assault. These substances are often undetectable, having no color, taste, or smell, and can be easily added to drinks.

Common Drugs Used in DFSA

  • GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate): Available as a clear liquid, powder, or pill. It typically clears from the body within 12 hours.
  • Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam): A pill that is illegal in the U.S. but found abroad. It can be detected in the body for up to 72 hours.
  • Ketamine: Found as a white powder or liquid. Its effects can last for several hours, and it generally clears from the body within 24–48 hours.

Important Note: Alcohol significantly enhances the effects of these drugs, making them act more quickly and intensely.

Physical and Mental Effects

  • Victims of DFSA may experience a range of severe effects, including:
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
  • Slurred speech and impaired movement
  • Distorted perception and hallucinations
  • Memory blackouts
  • Nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or even death

Flight Attendant Safety Guidelines

To minimize risks, consider these safety tips:

  • Control Your Drink: Always open and pour your own beverages.
  • Keep It in Sight: Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Avoid Shared Containers: Steer clear of communal drinks like punch bowls or pitchers.
  • Do Not Share Drinks: Even with acquaintances, avoid sharing sips from your drink.
  • Implement a Buddy System: Stay with trusted crew members.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable or suspicious, remove yourself from it immediately.

If You Suspect You’ve Been Drugged or Assaulted

Your safety is paramount. Take these immediate steps:

  • Seek Emergency Help: Call 911 (in the US) or your local emergency services without delay.
  • Request Testing: Ask for urine and blood tests as soon as possible, as these drugs leave the system quickly.
  • Preserve Evidence: If safe to do so, save the drink or container.
  • Avoid Altering Evidence: Do not shower, change clothes, or clean up before receiving medical attention.
  • Report the Incident: Inform hotel security and the police.

Support Resources

Confidential help is available:

  • AFA EAP: (800) 424-2406 or (949) 470-0493
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-HOPE

Navigating Uncertainty During Terrorism Alerts

As Flight Attendants, we are trained to stay calm in emergencies and act swiftly to protect our passengers and crew. But when terrorism alerts are raised—whether at home or abroad—the anxiety that comes with being away from your loved ones can feel overwhelming. It’s completely natural to feel unsettled or vulnerable in times like these. Here’s how to manage those feelings while staying grounded and resilient.

Acknowledge the Anxiety

The first step in coping is to acknowledge your emotions. You may be feeling nervous, on edge, or hyper-aware of your surroundings. These reactions are normal. You’re not alone and not weak for feeling them.

Lean on Your Training

You are not powerless. You are trained, capable, and prepared. Know the security measures put in place by your airline, airport authorities, and international agencies. Follow your safety checklists, and know that your presence onboard is an essential part of the safety net for everyone flying.

Stay Connected

Being away from home during uncertain times can intensify feelings of isolation. Make it a point to check in regularly with family or friends. Even a quick text or video chat can help you feel more anchored and supported. Let them know where you are and when you’ll next be in touch—it brings peace of mind to both sides.

Control What You Can

While you can’t control global events, you can control how you prepare and ground yourself. Don’t forget to:

  • Review emergency contact info and safety procedures.
  • Have a plan for communication with loved ones.
  • Limit exposure to distressing media coverage and co-worker speculations.   

Use Your Resources

Talking to someone who understands the demands of your job can be incredibly grounding. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your AFA EAP at (949) 470-0493. It’s confidential!!

Protect Your Peace

Finally, prioritize moments of calm. Whether it’s deep breathing on your layover, journaling your thoughts, or listening to music that soothes you—small acts of self-care are powerful. You deserve them.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – December 2025

On Monday, December 1, 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), and Kanani Vallot […]

MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Interviews – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Do you want to help new Flight Attendants as they go through initial training and probation? Our MEC is seeking a dedicated and organized Member in good standing to serve as the MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation. In this role, you’ll be the primary […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

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 […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for our next merged MEC Committee Chairperson and Representative positions. 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 Inflight Training Committee Chairperson: Megan BrownMEC Inflight Training […]

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