EAP/Professional Standards Committee

AFA Alaska Update – September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021 17:00

In This Edition

September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin
Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!
Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders
Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11^th

September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin

AFA International

Our September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin was designed in solidarity with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to honor our heroes. AFA and APFA members lost their lives on September 11, 2001, but Flight Attendants across the industry – whether in our unions or not – feel the significance of this day and promise alongside us to #NeverForget. We welcome all Flight Attendants across the industry to wear this pin representing the crews of all four flights and the bond we have as Flight Attendants. Wear this pin on September 11th and throughout the month of September, along with your official AFA pin.

How Do I Get a Pin?

Local Councils will be distributing these pins in person starting this week. Be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council with more information on how pins will be distributed locally at your base.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers.

Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!

Uniform Committee

Our Uniform Committee is continuing to advocate for improvements in uniform quality and needs your help! Committee Members have heard your concerns loud and clear and want to continue driving change that will improve the quality of our uniforms.

Management and Unisync, the Company’s uniform vendor, currently have a matrix in place to “red flag” issues after hitting a threshold number of complaints. The more individual reports that are received by Unisync, the more likely a particular issue will get management’s attention. Management is incredibly focused on this data and uses it almost exclusively to dedicate resources to making changes and resolving issues. Our Uniform Committee is asking for your help by reporting every uniform quality issue that you have in a documented email to Unisync.

Some progress has already been made based on response to the most recent survey and emails sent by Flight Attendants. As of July 1, 2021, the following changes have been put in place:

All new production of pants, skirts and dress hems will be double-stitched at the factory.*
All hems performed at the distribution center will be double stitched and only done in-house.*
Thread loop counts will be increased on all buttons for new production garments at the factory.*
Unisync has increased inspections performed on new garments and returns coming into the distribution center and will repair any hems or buttons to the above standard.

* Please note that some residual stock may remain with the previous manufacturing method.

There are still more issues to be addressed such as fabric quality and accessory/detail pieces like wings and zippers. Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync with any quality issues you are experiencing. Contact information for Unisync can be found below or on the Uniform Subsite under “Customer Service.” When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include a photo if possible. Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

Smaller issues such as buttons falling off or hems coming out can be fixed at the Uniform Fit Center or through a tailor of your own choosing and submitted for reimbursement following the alterations guidelines; however, we ask that you still report to Unisync so the issues can be tracked and monitored.

How To Report Issues to Unisync

Email: alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com
Phone: 1-833-5-ALASKA / 1-833-525-2752
Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM Pacific time

When emailing, please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the CC line

Questions?

Thank you for joining us in this process. We want all of you to be proud to wear our uniform! If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Uniform Committee.

Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders

Hotel Committee

Hotel Hotline Document

Each month, management publishes a resource document with information about layover hotels and transportation providers. This document, called the Hotel Hotline, is available on both the Inflight website (Hotel Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline) and in GoodReader on the IMD (ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline). In the Hotel Hotline, you’ll find a wealth of information including current local face covering requirements, food & beverage options and discounts, and other amenity information for each hotel.

Verify Your Transportation Provider

You can find information about the designated transportation provider for your layover in your trip information in Crew Access. The Hotel Hotline document often provides additional details including what type of vehicles the provider operates, what they look like, and how they might be marked. To ensure your safety, it is always a good idea to know who your transportation provider is and what the vehicle that will be picking you up should look like.

When a transportation provider arrives and indicates they are scheduled to transport your crew, ask the driver to verify the airline and flight number that they have been assigned to pick up. All drivers should have this information. If the driver is unable to verify the flight number, call the transportation provider using the phone number listed in Crew Access or the Hotel Hotline to confirm that they have dispatched the driver. If you are unable to get in contact with the transportation provider, call Crew Scheduling for additional verification before getting into the vehicle.

Layover Safety

Safety is always our primary responsibility while on the aircraft, but we should also remain focused on safety when on layovers. Taking additional precautions and keeping personal safety at the forefront of your mind is always a best practice. Here are a few tips:

If not staying at hotel, leave contact information with other crewmembers or a trusted contact if not traveling with other crew members.
Prop the guestroom door open with luggage while examining closets, bath, windows, under beds, and ensuring all locks are in working order—if there is an intruder, you have an opportunity to yell for help and quickly leave room.
Use the buddy system to ensure each crew member’s room is clear.
Always use chain latch/bar latch (secondary lock) while in room. If you must open door, keep chain/bar latched.
Always use optical viewing port when available.
If anyone should request entry to room, verify with front desk that the individual has a need for access.
While moving about hotel (restaurant, lounge, pool area, etc.), if you feel that you are being followed or closely watched, inform the hotel front desk. Remain at the front desk until a determination has been made concerning suspicion.
Leave TV on and turn volume up a little louder when leaving room.
During evening hours, when outside the hotel, walk in pairs—it is always a good idea to use buddy system. Do not assume all areas are good areas to walk or jog.
Do not use back stairways and avoid dark areas around hotels.
Do not wear expensive jewelry on layover—do not be a target.

You can find more information about layover safety in the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM), section 7.600, pages 8–11.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Hotel Committee.

Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11^th

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys. They can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency. For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession. For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.

There is no right way or better way to recognize the anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11th.

Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you. Say no to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings. Find more gentle ways of honoring the anniversary.
Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th anniversary.
Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.
Give yourself permission and time to be affected. Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches. Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.
Try not to isolate yourself. Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you have this tendency.

However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it. If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee contact information at afaalaska.org/eap. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.

AFA Alaska Update – August 6, 2021

August 6, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews
Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Background

The PBS Subcommittee, part of the MEC Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system (PBS) and oversee the bidding and bid award processes. The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.

The PBS Subcommittee is currently made up of the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and two PBS Subcommittee Members. The MEC is seeking to fill a third PBS Subcommittee Member position at this time.

Qualifications

Robust working knowledge of hours of service, scheduling, and reserve provisions of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Knowledge of CFRs and other regulations pertaining to flight time, duty time, and crew rest guidelines.
Ability to work remotely and attend virtual meetings as required.
Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of NAVBLUE PBS, Crew Access, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, analyze data, and prepare reports.
Ability to meet deadlines, take ownership of issues, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties

Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Scheduling Chairperson on the activities of the subcommittee
In advance of the bidding period each month, communicate with the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction to understand changes in pairings for upcoming months and how Flight Attendant bids might be affected
Keep members knowledgeable about changes to the preferential bidding system, common mistakes and errors, misunderstandings about the system, and other topics of interest through the MEC Communications Chairperson
Provide assistance to Flight Attendants through base sits, one-on-one training sessions, and telephone support during the monthly bidding window and as requested by the MEC or LECs
Communicate with the MEC Reserve Chairperson to understand the needs and challenges of Flight Attendants holding reserve schedules and provide bid assistance

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

This position is eligible for Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss (FPL), paid in accordance with section 27.P.1.e of the Flight Attendant CBA. Time worked is logged on a monthly basis and paid at a rate of 0.75 TFP per hour with a 5% override at “A” pay.
Time commitment is approximately 30 to 40 hours per month. Most of the workload is weighted heavily toward the first half of the calendar month during the bidding and bid awards processes. These amounts can fluctuate.
Most work for this position can be performed remotely.

Term of Appointment

This position will serve for the remaining portion of the current MEC term of office, currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2022.

Working Relationships

With The Scheduling Committee

Occasional interaction with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Local Scheduling Committee Members.

With The Master Executive Council

This position reports to the Master Executive Council through the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson.

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Crew Planning Analysts (John Bumanglag and Kelly Yeager) and Manager of Crew Planning (Mac Patterson).

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted by Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/syy62DpL96ESQazQA. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 7. After that time, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a specific interview time.

Please note that to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Please direct any questions about the position to MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org.

Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

The way we talk about eating disorders matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape a conversation around eating disorders with family members and friends. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that your AFA EAP is a confidential resource for support, referrals and access to treatment.

Eating disorders are medical illnesses.

Genetic and environmental factors can influence eating disorders. An eating disorder is not a trend or a choice.

Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal.

Eating disorders often involve serious medical complications that can cause permanent damage or death. People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of dying by suicide.

Eating disorders can affect anyone.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and genders.

You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

People with eating disorders can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

Family members can be a patient’s best ally in treatment.

Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Family members do not cause eating disorders and can be great sources of support.

It is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

Complete recovery is possible with treatment and time.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Your Local EAP Committee contact information is available at afaalaska.org/eap or you can call (949) 470-0493.

AFA Alaska Update – July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

Unruly Passenger Survey
What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Unruly Passenger Survey

AFA International

As unruly passenger incidents remain at an all-time high, our union is launching a platform to collect your experiences to fully assess the problem and help get meaningful support to all crews.

Take this five minute anonymous survey to share your experiences with unruly passengers onboard this year.

Self Defense Training

This week, the TSA announced the resumption of Crewmember Self Defense Training classes on July 1. The program is helpful in gaining skills for defense and confident positioning. However, as we have advocated since September 11, 2001, this training should be mandatory and part of our paid initial and recurrent training in order to build the muscle memory to use the tactics immediately when attacks advance without warning. Still, the resumption of the voluntary course is positive and should send a message to the flying public as well that these unruly incidents are serious. Flight Attendants are onboard for the safety and security of everyone on the plane.

The voluntary four-hour training is offered to flight crew members free of charge and is held at 24 locations around the United States. All active flight crew members for domestic carriers are eligible to register for the training. You can register here.

Our union continues to work with other unions, lawmakers, the FAA, DOT, and airline management on more that needs to be done to get this under control.

The Role of Alcohol

Alcohol is a major contributor to unruly passenger events. Make sure you keep this regulation handy as you advise the public that they cannot carry a drink onto the plane or consume their own alcohol on the plane. Federal regulations also affirm passengers may be refused boarding if they appear to be intoxicated.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulation §121.575 alcoholic beverages: (a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

AFA EAP is always available at (949) 470-0493. Additionally, make sure you’re copying in your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) on unruly incidents to ensure our union can follow up with the airlines and regulators.

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing severe irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood.” DMDD symptoms are severe. Youth who have DMDD experience significant problems at home, at school, and often with peers. They also tend to have high rates of health care service use, hospitalization, and school suspension, and they are more likely to develop other mood disorders.

The Signs and Symptoms of DMDD include:

Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral), on average, three or more times per week
Outbursts and tantrums that have been ongoing for at least 12 months
Chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day
Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school, and with peers)

Youth with DMDD are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must have experienced symptoms steadily for 12 or more months.

What is the difference between typical irritability and severe irritability? All children can become irritable sometimes. It’s a normal reaction to frustration. Children experiencing severe irritability (as observed in DMDD) have difficulty tolerating frustration and have outbursts that are out of proportion for the situation at hand. These outbursts occur more often and are more severe than what you would typically expect for children of this age.

Over time, as children grow and develop, the symptoms of DMDD may change. For example, an adolescent or young adult with DMDD may experience fewer tantrums, but they begin to exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety. For these reasons, treatment may change over time, too.

If you think your child has DMDD, it is essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

DMDD can be treated. If you are concerned that your child may have DMDD, talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider. Your AFA EAP can also assist you with a referral for your child. Your local AFA EAP Committee members contact information is available at https://afaalaska.org/eap or call (949) 470-0493.

AFA Alaska Update – May 28, 2021

May 28, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

Grievance Committee Update
Join the Delta AFA Campaign
UNCF Commitment Aircraft
Mental Health Awareness Month

Grievance Committee Update

Grievance Committee

Our Grievance Committee has been very hard at work ensuring disciplinary due process and contractual compliance on your behalf. The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) requires a minimum of 13 arbitration dates yearly to dispute discipline/termination cases and contractual issues. AFA typically prioritizes termination cases to return a Flight Attendant back to work as soon as possible; however, we seek a balance between discipline and contractual cases. AFA and management mutually decide which cases to arbitrate next based on many factors.

Steps of discipline are confirmation of oral warning (COW), written warning (WW), suspension (varied number of days) to termination. COWs, WWs, and suspensions remain in the Flight Attendant’s file for 18 months, and then are removed. If a Flight Attendant is in a step of discipline and gets another violation, the new violation will build on the previous violation. Management doesn’t always progressively travel up the steps of discipline. There is no middle ground or progressive discipline for certain violations. If management investigates a Flight Attendant for theft or abuse of sick leave, for example, management will terminate the Flight Attendant if there is evidence to support its findings; if there is no evidence, then the Flight Attendant will most likely be issued a record of discussion (ROD). A ROD is not considered discipline.

For Your Information – Block2Block Team Messaging

Everything that Flight Attendants and other employees type in the team messaging feature of Block2Block is recorded, saved, and regularly reviewed by management. Anyone in the company who has access to the system can log on to a flight and use the system to communicate or just see what is being said. Also, if they choose, they can go back and review conversations from past flights.

Subjects of Most Recent Discipline

Sick leave and FMLA abuse—terminations on the rise due to travel audits among other things. Anything written in the advertising comments on trip trades and personal drops can be seen, even if later deleted. Also, recorded telephone conversations with Crew Scheduling can be referenced for use by management in discipline. If management determines abuse it results in termination. The Company will be looking at sick leave patterns around holidays as well. This means, for example, if a Flight Attendant has called in sick for 3 of the last 3 Mother’s Days, s/he may be called in for a sick leave abuse meeting.
Timecard fraud—for example: delaying boarding door closure to obtain sit pay. Management has terminated for this violation.
Drug/alcohol violations
Theft. Anything other than an opened/used bottle of water, unused pilot crew meal or purchased food removed from the aircraft will result in termination.
Harassment and discrimination
Reserve Flight Attendants commuting during the reserve availability period (RAP) even if self-assigned a trip and/or not being in base for the entirety of the RAP (except as provided for in §11.C.5 on the last day of the block). Management has terminated for commuting during the RAP several times.
Commuter Violations
- Flight Attendant released from DHD and used D8Y home
- Flight Attendant used D8Y when they picked up out of base
- Flight Attendant used D8Y to/from incorrect cities
- Flight Attendant used D8Y for pleasure travel. Commuter audits are being used for researching whether commuting reserve Flight Attendants are in base for their full RAP, and if not, it typically results in termination.
Social media violations including sending friend or follow requests to passengers on social media based on information gained from Block2Block. Also, postings which can be deemed harassing or discriminatory typically result in discipline ranging from written warning to termination.
Lost IMD or other required items
Failing to complete CBT—even if Flight Attendant just forgets to hit the close out x at the top to switch it from in process to complete.
Uniform Issues—Flight Attendants can and have been pulled from working their flights without pay for uniform non-compliance and/or issued discipline.

Recent Arbitration/Mediation

Arbitration	October	Contractual Grievance
Arbitration	November	Contractual Grievance
Arbitration	December	Contractual Grievance
Arbitration	January	Disciplinary Grievance

Recent Arbitration Awards

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-29-20-Violation of §30.C.4 Computer Based Training (CBT). The Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement [Training], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when on or about January 21, 2020, it significantly increased the number of evaluated drills conducted during recurrent training (RT) and considerably changed the requirements to demonstrate proficiency and pass said drills. To pass all 36 drills with the required perfect score, the Company published 39 videos for Flight Attendant viewing with total watch time of 39 minutes and 40 seconds, none of which Flight Attendants were compensated for watching.

Details: Unfortunately, the arbitrator found in favor of the Company. The arbitrator did recognize the merits of the Union’s case; however, the CBA did not provide for the decision for which we hoped.

Recent Grievance Settlements

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-45-17-Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §10.S [Scheduling: Pre-Cancellation], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it altered Flight Attendant schedules due to a schedule change/flight retiming using inapplicable Pre-Cancellation language without prior notice to or approval from AFA.

Details: All pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes and aircraft downgrades that occur in advance of the day of departure of a sequence will be handled under §10.S [Pre-Cancellations] beginning Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 12:01 AM Pacific Time. Click here to read the settlement agreement.

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-144-19-Violation §13.D.1 Uniform Allotment and Optional Pieces. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §13.D.1 [Uniforms: Uniform Allotment/Credits], past practice and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it refused to give Flight Attendants the ability to purchase Luly Yang inspired by Alaska Airlines optional uniform pieces (which are or will be available for purchase at the Alaska Airlines Company store) with their contractual uniform allotted funds.

Details: The Company is not obligated to sell Luly Yang items at the Company Store; however, if it does, all Luly Yang items will be sold at cost to all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Click here to read the settlement agreement.

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-165-19- Violation of Vacation Trading Past Practice. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement § 14 [Vacation], an established past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it violated an established past practice for a real-time, electronic vacation trading system and the subsequent failure of that system to allow SEA-based Flight Attendants to access and trade vacation at the established start time.

Details: On or about October 28, 2019, the Company’s Flight Attendant vacation trading system went down for 20 minutes affecting many Flight Attendants’ ability to trade their vacation. Approximately 57 Flight Attendants contacted AFA due to the outage. The Company agreed to pay each of those 57 Flight Attendants 1.0 TFP no later than their March 19, 2021, paycheck. Click here to read the settlement agreement.

Grievances Recently Filed and Denied

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-384-20-Violation of §10.S Scheduling Notifications. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §10.S [Scheduling: Pre-Cancellations], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it used non-contractual scheduling notifications sent to Flight Attendants via the Crew Scheduling system in order to communicate and assign alternate flying or an obligation to call Crew Scheduling within a specific window of time. If a Flight Attendant accepts such non-contractual scheduling notification(s), which is neither contact by Crew Scheduling via Company email nor via primary phone contact as defined in §10.S.1.a, the scheduling notification(s) violates the contract by abrogating the Flight Attendant’s ability to: (1) decline the alternate assignment and waive pay protection (§10.S.2.b), (2) decline the “out of original footprint by more than two hours” alternate assignment and call Crew Scheduling between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM (local domicile time) the night prior to the start of the original sequence (§10.S.2.c), or (3) waive pay protection and be relieved of any further scheduling obligation (§10.S.3).

Grievance No.: 36-99-2-386-20-Violation of §8.Q & §8.R Contactability and Notification of Delay or Cancellation. This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §8.Q [Hours of Service: Contactability] and §8.R [Hours of Service: Notification of Delay or Cancellation], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it used non-contractual scheduling notifications sent via the Crew Scheduling system in order to communicate and assign revised flying to Flight Attendants who were off-duty on a remain overnight (RON). Such scheduling notifications are in violation of the contractually defined means of contact and/or the Flight Attendant’s obligation to respond pursuant to these provisions.

More Information

For more information, including the status of previously filed grievances, please visit the Grievance Committee Activity Page.

Questions?

Please contact your Local Grievance Committee if you have any questions about the Grievance Committee update.

Join the Delta AFA Campaign

AFA International

Volunteer Delta Air Lines Flight Attendants have been actively working to organize and build their Union and AFA continues to support them in their efforts. Activities are continuing to ramp up and the AFA organizing team is seeking Flight Attendants from Alaska and other AFA airlines who would like to get involved. If you have personal connections with Delta Flight Attendants, commute or travel regularly on Delta, or are interested in supporting the organizing effort, please take a moment to complete the online contact form or scan the QR code to the right.

Want to Know More?

You can read more about the Delta AFA organizing campaign at https://www.deltaafa.org.

UNCF Commitment Aircraft

Human Rights Committee

On April 26, 2021, Alaska Airlines proudly received its newest livery, an aircraft that symbolizes the Company’s support for education and equity – called “Our Commitment.” This aircraft was inspired and designed in partnership with the Air Group Black Employees (ABEA) business resource group and others. The profiles on the side of the aircraft are 14 children and grandchildren of Alaska’s employees. Located at the L/R1 doors are two inspirational quotes: “The time is always right to do what is right,” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela).

Alaska’s partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) began in 1991. Over the years, Alaska has supported UNCF’s fundraising efforts through donating tickets and event sponsorship. In 2017, UNCF became a LIFT Miles partner enabling students to attend college tours and travel back and forth during school semesters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This is like other partnerships and sponsorships the Company presently has with many colleges and universities throughout the route network.

As this aircraft travels around our system, it represents Alaska’s commitment to promote equality and education. It encourages us as an airline to do the right thing by amplifying the conversation around education and equity.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

If you have a mental health condition, you’re not alone. One in 5 American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. And across the population, 1 in every 20 adults is living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term recurring major depression. Unfortunately, many people don’t seek treatment or remain unaware that their symptoms could be connected to a mental health condition. Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:

Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities
Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
Changes in sex drive
Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality)
Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior, or personality (“lack of insight” or anosognosia)
Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
Thinking about suicide
Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

If you’re concerned about any of these signs either in yourself, a love one or a flying partner, please reach out to your AFA EAP Committee for confidential support and assistance. Call (949) 470-0493 or locate your local AFA EAP Committee Members at https://afaalaska.org/eap.

AFA Update – May 7, 2021

May 7, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

Contract Extension Voting through May 12
Take the Flight Attendant Vaccine Status Survey
Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting
Reporting Missing Airbus Oven Inserts and Racks
Concerned About A Loved Who Is Struggling with Alcohol or Drugs?

Contract Extension Voting through May 12

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Voting continues on the contract extension tentative agreement and polls will remain open through Wednesday, May 12 at 9 AM PDT. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to review the tentative agreement, virtual roadshow recordings, and other resources in order to help you cast an informed vote.

Voting or Ballot Questions

If you have not yet received your ballot (voting instructions and 16-digit activation code), please review the information on how to request a new activation code on the Contract Extension Voting Information page of afaalaska.org.

Voting Eligibility Questions

If you have received an error message when attempting to use your activation code to vote or need to verify that your membership status prior to voting, please contact AFA Membership Services for assistance. AFA Membership Services may be reached at (800) 424-2401 and then choosing option 7.

Please note that the AFA International office is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so everyone is working from home. Please leave a voice message with your name, Peoplesoft number and a good callback number. Someone will return your call as soon as possible during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5 PM EDT).

Take the Flight Attendant Vaccine Status Survey

AFA International

Have you gotten your vaccine yet? Since the first vaccines were approved, we’ve been advocating for Flight Attendants to be included with other essential workers in priority groups. The CDC announced that it’s safe for fully vaccinated (and masked!) people to travel, and we’re already seeing significantly higher passenger volumes. As we work to make sure our planes stay safe, it’s important for us to know whether members are able to receive the vaccine.

All adults in all states are now eligible to receive the vaccine. We are keeping our afacwa.org/vaccine up to date with the latest information on access and Flight Attendant prioritization.

Will you take our quick vaccine survey to help us track access? No personal information will be shared from the survey.

Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and many other LEC Officers and Committee Chairs will be attending the 48^th Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting next week virtually using Zoom. This annual meeting is where AFA conducts the business of our Union at the international level.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, May 11 – Wednesday, May 12	May Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, May 12	Executive Board Meeting (MEC President from each airline)
Thursday, May 13 – Friday, May 14	Board of Directors Meeting

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and the other members of your Local Council on the Board of Directors and will be casting votes on your behalf at the BOD meeting. Your MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD but do not have voting privileges.

Each LEC held a Local Council meeting over the past several weeks to discuss the proposed agenda items and gain your feedback. You can find details about the proposed agenda by contacting your LEC President.

Questions?

If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or the proposed AFA-CWA budget, please contact your LEC President.

Reporting Missing Airbus Oven Inserts and Racks

Inflight Service Committee

The Inflight Service Committee has recently been working with management to attempt to resolve issues related to missing oven inserts and racks onboard Airbus aircraft. The Committee has received numerous reports of Airbus ovens missing inserts and racks while at the same time management has not received corresponding reports. Oven inserts and racks are considered standard catering equipment on Airbus aircraft and, if not present, should be reported in the same manner as other missing catering items.

To ensure that we have the necessary tools and equipment to safely perform our duties, the Inflight Service Committee is looking for your help in reporting missing Airbus oven inserts and racks. The next time you fly on an Airbus aircraft, please ask the “A” Flight Attendant to check to oven to determine if there is an oven insert and racks present. If not, please report the missing equipment using the catering reporting function within Block2Block. The more reports that management receives on this issue, the more effective the Committee will be in advocating to resolve the equipment shortage.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Inflight Service Committee.

Concerned About A Loved Who Is Struggling with Alcohol or Drugs?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Watching a friend or family member struggle with alcohol or drugs use can be heartbreaking. But, with help, there is recovery.

Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself about another person’s use of alcohol or drugs. If you answer yes to two or more questions, consider calling your AFA EAP for confidential support and next step options. Remember, many have been where you are.

Do you worry about how much your friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs?
Do you lie or make excuses about their behavior when they drink or use drugs?
Do they get angry with you if you try to discuss their drinking or drug use?
Have you ever been hurt or embarrassed by their behavior when using drugs or alcohol?
Do you have concerns about how much time and money they spend on alcohol and drugs?
Do your resent having to pick up their responsibilities because they are drunk, high or hungover?
Do you ever get scared or nervous about their behavior when they’re drinking or using drugs?
Do you ever feel like you’re losing it–“going crazy”–just really stressed out?

Here are some important suggestions:

Learn all you can about substance use disorders.
Speak up and offer your support. Talk to the person about your concerns and offer your help, including your willingness to go with them and get help.
Don’t wait for them to “hit bottom.” You may be met with excuses, denial or anger, but be prepared to respond with specific examples of behavior that have you worried.
Don’t expect the person to stop without help. You have heard it before — promises to cut down, to stop — but it doesn’t work. Treatment, support, and new coping skills are needed for recovery.

Contact your AFA EAP for peer support and treatment resources. We have specialized programs that know how to work with Flight Attendants and their families. Call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee at https://afaalaska.org/eap.

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Term of Appointment

Working Relationships

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

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Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

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Unruly Passenger Survey

Self Defense Training

The Role of Alcohol

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

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Grievance Committee Update

For Your Information – Block2Block Team Messaging

Subjects of Most Recent Discipline

Recent Arbitration/Mediation

Recent Arbitration Awards

Recent Grievance Settlements

Grievances Recently Filed and Denied

More Information

Questions?

Join the Delta AFA Campaign

Want to Know More?

UNCF Commitment Aircraft

Questions?

Mental Health Awareness Month

In This Edition

Contract Extension Voting through May 12

Voting or Ballot Questions

Voting Eligibility Questions

Take the Flight Attendant Vaccine Status Survey

Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Schedule of Events

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Questions?

Reporting Missing Airbus Oven Inserts and Racks

Questions?

Concerned About A Loved Who Is Struggling with Alcohol or Drugs?

Recent Posts

Local Councils

Master Executive Council

Negotiations

Contract

Committees

News By Month

News By Category

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Connect With AFA

Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11^th