EAP/Professional Standards Committee

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.

AFA Update – March 19, 2021

March 19, 2021 17:00

In This Edition

How the First Amendment Applies in the Workplace
Benefits Enrollment Upon Returning from a Leave of Absence (including EVF or ELOA)
What’s the Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia?
REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

How the First Amendment Applies in the Workplace

Grievance Committee

The Grievance Committee is hearing a lot of chatter from Flight Attendants believing they are exempt from discipline from harassment or discrimination due to their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. We’d like to give a brief overview of how the Amendment actually affects one who works for a private employer such as Alaska Airlines.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prevents the government from making laws which regulate an establishment of religion, or that would prohibit the free exercise of religion, or abridge the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

The key word in the Amendment is government. Alaska Airlines is a private rather than governmental employer. It can legally establish system regulations or people policies enforcing its behavioral and disciplinary standards providing these policies do not violate state and/or federal law.

Present federal law protections from discrimination regarding employment decisions are based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including pregnancy), disability, age (if the employee is at least 40 years old), and citizenship status. The Equality Act is also adding protections based on one’s sexual orientation and gender identity. These protections safeguard people who fit those categories from being discriminated against regarding employment decisions based on that status. For example, Alaska Airlines couldn’t refuse to hire an otherwise qualified candidate only because s/he is 41 years of age.

What the law doesn’t allow for is using your protected status as a defense to harass or discriminate against others. For example, someone over 40 years of age may not harass another person based on their race because they believe themselves to be an “old school thinker” and are basing their actions on beliefs/feelings from when they were younger or when things “were different.” This becomes an issue of harassment and/or discrimination and the harasser is not protected from discipline because they fall into the protected class of age. This applies to all protected classes.

The Alaska Airlines People Policy clarifies what constitutes harassment and discrimination, and the Grievance Committee has seen the Company discipline based upon those policies and the law. While one may not intend to harass or discriminate, Alaska Airlines typically looks at the impact on the person being harassed and not the intent of the harasser. So, while everyone is entitled to their private opinion or to share their opinion with their government, one can be disciplined for sharing an opinion deemed harassing, discriminatory or intolerant in the workplace or via social media if such nexus can be made to your private employer. We share this information in the attempt to educate our fellow members and prevent any further discipline or terminations.

Questions?

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

Benefits Enrollment Upon Returning from a Leave of Absence (including EVF or ELOA)

Benefits Committee

As a reminder, Flight Attendants returning from a leave of absence, including EVF or ELOA, must complete the enrollment process again in order to maintain or reinstate company health benefits. Optional coverages which were not in place during the leave such as FSA contributions or Supplemental Short-Term Disability must be re-added to your coverage. Previously elected benefits do not resume automatically. It is essential to contact Alaska Airlines Benefits at (844) 231-3476 or visit www.myalaskabenefits.com within 31 days from the date of returning to work to verify, enroll or make changes to benefits. If enrollment is not completed during this window, no changes are able to be made until the next open enrollment period and your current health benefits may terminate, even if you maintained coverage during your EVF or other leave.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Local Benefits Committee.

What’s the Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Phobias come in many different forms. Acrophobia is the fear of heights. Trypanophobia is the fear of needles. Hodophobia is the fear of traveling. Phobias are one of the most common mental health disorders with 11% of people experiencing at least one phobia over her/his lifespan. So, what is the difference between a fear and a phobia?

Fears have a protective purpose. They make us alert to danger and prepare us to deal with it. Phobias involve the experience of persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable. A fear of being hit by lightning during a thunderstorm will result in most of us leaving the beach when a thunderstorm pops up. Most would call this a reasonable, if not healthy fear. Once the thunderstorm clears, we go back onto the beach. Those with a phobia about being struck by lightning, which is called astraphobia, may find it difficult to even venture outside with a concern that a thunderstorm could pop up anytime. The key to distinguishing a fear from a phobia is whether the person is physically and/or psychologically impaired by her/his worry. In short, a phobia is a fear of being afraid. It results in a person limiting or eliminating normal life activities just to avoid the triggering objector event.

Most people generally don’t seek treatment for phobias. Only 6% of people with a phobia ever go in for treatment. This low treatment rate is due in part because those with a phobia are not totally disabled by it. Many are able to successfully create routines to avoid their trigger(s). Not before a person’s phobia is extremely severe or life limiting does one typically seek help.

Even though phobias can be very disabling and downright exhausting, the great news is that phobias in children, adolescents and adults are also very treatable. If you’d like confidential assistance with a phobia or other anxiety disorders, call one of your Local EAP Committee Members. You can find contact information on the EAP Committee page of afaalaska.org.

REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

AFA International

In a previous AFA Update sent out on January 22, information was shared about scholarship opportunities available to AFA and CWA Members as well as certain eligible dependents. Details about both scholarships, as well as information on how to apply, can be found by following the links below.

AFA Scholarship Fund

The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university. The deadline for applications is April 10. Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30. Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

AFA Update – February 19, 2021

February 19, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

COVID Vaccine Information for Flight Attendants
REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities
Free Training to Former Cabin Crew Transitioning into Job Market
Relaxation Exercises – An Essential Tool for Flight Attendants

COVID Vaccine Information for Flight Attendants

Master Executive Council (MEC)

On February 10, AFA International published an AFA Interactive e-mail newsletter with an overview of COVID vaccine information for Flight Attendants. There is a state-by-state listing of aviation work priority for receiving the vaccine and a link to the respective state’s vaccine portal.

The newsletter also includes a link to send a letter to the governor of your state calling upon them to move essential aviation workers to phase 1B (or equivalent), in line with other non-medical essential workers and essential transportation workers. AFA Alaska signed onto a joint letter from Alaska Air Group management and labor leaders advocating to Governor of Washington Jay Inslee and Governor of Oregon Kate Brown for essential aviation workers to be in phase 1B. (Essential transportation workers are in phase 1B or the equivalent in Alaska and California.)

You can read the complete AFA Interactive article and view the list of state vaccine information on the AFA International website.

Many Flight Attendants are having success securing a vaccination by using the Vaccine Prioritization Letter supplied by Alaska Airlines management (AAG SSO required). Print the form in advance and make sure to bring your Crew ID!

REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

AFA International

AFA Scholarship Fund

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30. Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

Free Training to Former Cabin Crew Transitioning into Job Market

AFA International

For those who have recently left our profession, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is offering an online training course to help displaced airline cabin crew members re-enter the job market. This course will be offered free of charge for those who register between now and February 23. More information about the three-hour course, titled Cabin Crew – Leveraging Professional Skills, can be found on the IATA training course website.

Relaxation Exercises – An Essential Tool for Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

There are many benefits to being able to induce the “relaxation response” as soon as you begin to experience warning signs of stress, anxiety or agitation. Some benefits include a reduction of generalized anxiety, prevention of cumulative stress, increased energy, improved concentration, reduction of some physical problems, and greater mood stability. Relaxation exercises can be a powerful physical and emotional weapon against life’s stressors. Given the events of 2020 and now 2021, being able to invoke a greater sense of calm is a critical skill for Flight Attendants.

Tips for Relaxation

Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted for at least 20 minutes. Turn off the phone and give yourself permission to devote some time to self-care. Research shows that relaxing the body will relax the mind, and vice versa. If you struggle with racing or intrusive thoughts, it might help to focus on the body. If you have a lot of physical tension or pain, it may be better to work on relaxing the mind. It’s hard to predict which exercises will work for whom; it’s best to try different relaxation exercises until you find the one that feels right. Remember that you are practicing a skill – like playing the piano. The more you practice, the more effective your relaxation work becomes. It is important to work toward an attitude of acceptance of whatever occurs in your session, rather than growing impatient if you don’t achieve a given result. Below are two relation exercises that are easy to do in most settings.

Sample Progressive Relaxation Exercises

Favorite Place

Find a comfortable position. Let your shoulders drop, your arms relax, let your buttocks sink into the chair, let your legs relax, and feel your feet planted on the floor. Imagine a place in your mind that you like. It could be a beach, your room, a forest…take a moment to find that place. If you haven’t found a place, don’t worry…just keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply. As you are in your favorite place, notice how the air feels, the temperature, notice what you see, notice any smells or sensations in your body as you stay in this place…feel your body relaxing….just enjoy where you are….take a moment to notice anything else you’d like about this place… know you can come back here at any time….take what you want and come back into the room.

Breathing and Centering

Take two to three deep, even breaths.
Visualize the word “relax” in a calming color
Think this calming word to yourself as you continue to breathe deeply:
Breathe in…think “relax”; as you breathe out think “relax”
PAUSE*
Breathe in…think “relax”; as you breathe out think “relax”
PAUSE
Now breathe 8 more times, slowly and deeply.

*Be aware of how your body feels at the PAUSE. This is the “centering” piece. Feeling centered means you are feeling calm and focused.

AFA Update – December 11, 2020

December 11, 2020 12:00

In This Edition

MEC Resolution on Gender Equality
CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before
Georgia Senate Runoff Election
Community Resources for Those in Need

MEC Resolution on Gender Equality

Master Executive Council (MEC)

AFA has long been a champion of equality both in and out of the workplace. Over the course of many years, we have made achievements in our struggle to realize fair treatment for all. There is still much work to be done, however, and we continue with our efforts to achieve workplace equality almost daily.

The Master Executive Council (MEC) recently adopted a resolution in support of gender equality, specifically in regard to the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and gender expressions. As a part of the resolution, the MEC is calling upon Alaska Airlines management to make much needed changes to company policies in order to recognize, accept, and include non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. You can view the complete language of the resolution on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

What Are Gender Identity and Gender Expression?

Gender identity refers to how you view your gender internally (e.g., man, woman, or another gender). Gender expression refers to how you present your gender on the outside through your behavior, mannerisms, the clothing you wear, your voice, and other characteristics. Gender non-conforming is a broader term that describes people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.

In our society, many people identify and express themselves as either male or female. This is often referred to as the “gender binary”, meaning that it has two parts—male and female. People who are non-binary have a gender that doesn’t fall into one of these two categories. They may have a gender that blends both male and female elements, is different than male or female, or they may not identify with any gender.

If you’d like to read more to further understand non-binary and gender non-conforming people, you can find additional information using the links below:

A Request for Immediate Action

Earlier this week, the MEC sent a formal letter to management requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the resolution and begin the process of working to study, review, and update company policies as quickly as possible. We have requested that the frontline employee uniform and appearance standards be reviewed first as they are one of the most significantly impactful areas of inequality for those who are non-binary and/or gender non-conforming.

Questions?

Please contact your LEC President with any questions about the MEC Resolution.

CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before

Government Affairs Committee

We’ve rallied, marched, called, emailed, tweeted, and more to demand our members of Congress extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Our activism is forcing lawmakers to publicly come out to support #ReliefNow for Flight Attendants and essential aviation workers and urge their colleagues to take action.

Throughout the next 7 days, we have to be louder than we’ve ever been before

The $908 billion bipartisan proposal on emergency relief has significant support across Congress, but there are a few outstanding issues unrelated to PSP. Our action and voices are critical to getting this legislation over the finish line.

Congress is gearing up to depart Washington, D.C. for the holidays and before they leave, they must pass a government funding bill by Friday, December 11th, to avert a government shutdown. Congress is expected to extend that deadline to December 18th. That is unfortunate because every day counts for those out of work and all the disruption and suffering caused for people without relief – and even those on the job under these conditions. We need to continue to demand #ReliefNow. Every day counts! This is a bridge of emergency relief for the whole country for four month. Stimulus discussions for recovery would be renewed in the New Year. More relief will be needed for our country to recover.

Our members of Congress must hear from us, our family members and friends, every day

SENATE: (888) 848-4824
HOUSE: (888) 907-9365

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to tell my (Senator/Representative) that we need emergency relief and an extension of the Payroll Support Program TODAY. We are out of work and without healthcare. Do not leave Washington, D.C. without passing emergency relief for our families. Do your job. Thank you.”

Georgia Senate Runoff Election

Government Affairs Committee

On January 5, voters in Georgia will have the opportunity to vote in an election to determine who will represent them in the United States Senate. Georgia voters will have the opportunity to send two candidates to Washington who support working Americans through the right to organize and bargain collectively. This election is critical as the outcome has the ability to affect the balance of power in the Senate.

With judicial nominees, a stimulus deal, infrastructure and health care measures, and tax and spending policies all on the line, the Senate races in Georgia are likely to take on an intensity that mirrors the presidential race that just ended. We need to do everything possible to encourage Georgia voters to vote and get the word out about pro-worker candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

Our fellow AFA and CWA members will be working to reach out to Georgia voters through phone banking activities every Tuesday until the election as well for several days prior to the election itself. You can help make a difference and get the word out by signing up for a shift and joining the phone bank! Available shifts are:

Tuesday, December 15th	2 to 5 PM PST
Tuesday, December 22nd	2 to 5 PM PST
Tuesday, December 29th	2 to 5 PM PST
Sunday, January 3rd	9 AM to 5 PM PST
Monday, January 4th	2 to 5 PM PST
Tuesday, January 5th (Election Day)	9 AM to 3:30 PM PST

Click here to sign up for a shift

Signing up for just one shift can make a difference and you’re welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like. After you sign up for shifts, you’ll receive Zoom information about how to connect to the phone bank.

Questions?

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

Community Resources for Those in Need

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Your AFA EAP Committee has compiled the below list of websites that may prove helpful with the financial strains of our times.

Food Banks, Housing and Utility Assistance, Clothing Closets, Veteran Services etc.

United Way and Local Assistance Resources in your Area www.211.org
State by state resources and benefits to replace lost wages, housing and food assistance, resources to assist workers impacted by COVID https://aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources

Health Care

Low-cost/no cost local health care services for adults and children: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
Insurance for children if parents don’t have coverage for them. www.insurekidsnow.gov
Open Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act – (open Season 11/1-12/15) www.healthcare.gov
Hill-Burton free or low cost hospitals/medical facilities. https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton/facilities.html
Join a Study/Trial- Find a study by disease, country, state that is actively recruiting participants. www.clinicaltrials.gov

Behavioral Health Care

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website for sliding fee or no cost mental health services. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

Prescription Assistance Programs

Partnership for Prescription Assistance: A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications. http://www.pparx.org Ph: 888-477-2669
NeedyMeds: A nonprofit group that has an extensive database of information about patient assistance programs, state assistance, drug discount programs, and free or low-cost medical care. You can search the database for free on its website. The site also has information on thousands of programs to help consumers through the application process. www.needymeds.org
RxAssist: An online database of drug company programs that provide free or affordable drugs and copay assistance. www.rxassist.org
RxHope: A web-based resource where you can search by medication to find assistance programs. It also offers help with the application process. www.rxhope.com
RxOutreach: A mail-order pharmacy for people with little to no health insurance coverage. www.rxoutreach.org

Questions?

Contact your Local EAP Committee if you’d like more personalized assistance in understanding and accessing these or other resources.

AFA Update – September 4, 2020

September 4, 2020 19:00

In This Edition

#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8

Government Affairs Committee

On Tuesday, September 8th, the AFA Council 19 Government Affairs Committee will be hosting a #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle to demand a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program. We will be rallying outside the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell at 12 PM Pacific. An extension of the Payroll Support Program will provide job security for hundreds of thousands by requiring airlines continue their promise of no furloughs through March of 2021. With hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line, including hundreds here at Alaska, we ask that you join us in rallying and demanding an extension.

What: Seattle #ReliefNow Rally
When: Tuesday, September 8 a 12 PM Pacific
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 2^nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174

This event is open to all, including Flight Attendants laying over in Seattle as well as friends and family members. Not able to join in Seattle? Visit the #ReliefNow page to find an event near you.

Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!

Flight Attendants continue to pressure Congress to put in place #ReliefNow. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talked about extending aid to airlines but acknowledged that Congress must act — executive orders will not save our jobs. Congress is set to return to D.C. on September 8th. We have to keep up the pressure this week with one message: #ReliefNow for aviation workers and all Americans. Get it done.

Make three calls every day this week. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.

SENATE: 888-848-4824
HOUSE: 888-907-9365

Sample Script:

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

You can also find local office information by looking up your Representative and Senators at house.gov and senate.gov.

National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs

Benefits Committee

Most Company-offered supplemental insurance coverage continues while on COVID-19 leaves or furloughs, and the premiums for such insurance are double-deducted upon return to service or are direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company depending on the situation. However, premiums for supplemental insurance offered by National Group Protection (NGP) / Continental Accident Insurance Company (CAIC) and payroll deducted as “Continental Insurance (CAIC)” are not double-deducted or direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NGP has offered a generous continuation of coverage and a six-month suspension of premiums for Flight Attendants on leaves or furloughs beginning in May and for the remainder of 2020. The six months are not required to be consecutive and the waiver of premium may continue into 2021 if the Flight Attendant is on leave or furlough as of December 31, 2020.

No action is required in order to maintain coverage. CAIC will honor claims during this time (subject to policy provisions/language and documentation requirements). NGP will communicate directly with Flight Attendants who are expected to exhaust the waiver of premium.

If you have any questions, you may contact NGP directly at 1-800-344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.

A September 11^th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions. September 11, 2020 will be no different. Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials. For others, September 11^th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11^th. For others, September 11^th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month. Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans.

However you choose to structure your day this September 11^th 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 local EAP Committee Member contact information at afaalaska.org/eap. Remember, we’re just a phone call away.

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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?

In This Edition

How the First Amendment Applies in the Workplace

Questions?

Benefits Enrollment Upon Returning from a Leave of Absence (including EVF or ELOA)

Questions?

What’s the Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia?

REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

AFA Scholarship Fund

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

In This Edition

COVID Vaccine Information for Flight Attendants

REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

AFA Scholarship Fund

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

Free Training to Former Cabin Crew Transitioning into Job Market

Relaxation Exercises – An Essential Tool for Flight Attendants

Tips for Relaxation

Sample Progressive Relaxation Exercises

In This Edition

MEC Resolution on Gender Equality

What Are Gender Identity and Gender Expression?

A Request for Immediate Action

Questions?

CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before

Throughout the next 7 days, we have to be louder than we’ve ever been before

Our members of Congress must hear from us, our family members and friends, every day

Georgia Senate Runoff Election

Questions?

Community Resources for Those in Need

Food Banks, Housing and Utility Assistance, Clothing Closets, Veteran Services etc.

Health Care

Behavioral Health Care

Prescription Assistance Programs

Questions?

In This Edition

#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8

Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!

National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs

A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

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A September 11^th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP