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    You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Hotel Committee

    AFA Update – April 6, 2020

    April 6, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training
    • Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals
    • Reporting Uniform Reactions
    • Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information
    • AFA EAP Support Services
    • CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training

    On Friday, management announced that they would be cancelling recurrent training (RT) for the months of April and May as a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.    Along with the cancellation announcement, management also provided information about an FAA temporary exemption granting a two-month extension to Flight Attendants with April and May base months (as well as some Flight Attendants scheduled for RT at the end of March).  This exemption will give affected Flight Attendants an additional two grace months during which to complete RT in 2020 (e.g. a Flight Attendant whose base month is April and grace month is May will now have June and July as additional grace months this year).

    AFA representatives have requested that management remove the April cancelled classes from rosters in Crew Access as soon as possible in order to allow Flight Attendants to manage their schedules and trade and/or pick up flying if desired.  Crew Planning is also in the process of removing RT pre-planned absence from NavBlue to allow Flight Attendants who were scheduled for class in May to bid normally.  Management has indicated that they will contact Flight Attendants whose RT class has been cancelled to discuss rescheduling options but they have not yet provided AFA with specifics on what the process for rescheduling will be.

    If you have questions about the April/May recurrent training cancellations, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


    Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals

    Hotel Committee

    Dedicated Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

    The AFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020 provided information about the temporary implementation of dedicated crew-only layover hotel transportation.  Management also communicated this information in bulletin #2020-0016, issued on March 17.  As a reminder, this crew-only transportation may be either hotel-provided van that is dedicated for crewmembers only or separate contracted transportation.  Please reference your trip information in Crew Access to determine whether the hotel or a contracted vendor will be providing layover hotel transportation.  You can also find a complete list of dedicated transportation providers on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Dedicated Transportation.

    As always, if you encounter any issues with a transportation provider, please notify your AFA Hotel Committee by filing a CrewCare report.

    Food Availability on Layovers

    At the request of AFA, management has compiled a list of food availability at each layover hotel throughout the system.  This list is updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information.  It can be found on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Food Availability.

    Questions?

    Your AFA Hotel Committee is here to assist and support you in all matters related to layover hotels and transportation.  You can find contact information for your Local Hotel Committee by clicking here.


    Reporting Uniform Reactions

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

    With the launch of the new Unisync uniform, our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Uniform Committee would like to offer a reminder about how to report reactions or safety concerns related to the new uniform pieces.  Management has outlined the process for reporting these concerns in a document that is housed on the uniform subsite of Alaska’s World.  You can access the document directly by clicking here (AAG sign on required).

    Questions?

    If you have questions about how to report uniform reactions or need assistance in navigating the process, please contact AFA Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom at uniform.reactions@afaalaska.org.


    Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information

    Benefits Committee

    Our AFA Benefits Committee has received information that Alaska employees who have either 401(k) through Vanguard or Alaska Credit Union loans may be eligible for modified payment arrangements.  National Group Protection (NGP) has also provided information about continuation of coverage for anyone enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program who takes a leave of absence.

    Vanguard – 401(k) Loans

    • You can suspend a loan for up to 12 months
    • It can take up to two pay periods to process the suspension
    • Once the request has been processed, the 12 month suspension begins
    • You can reinstate payments earlier without penalty
    • You can also make payments during the suspension of any amount without penalty.  If you choose to do so, it will not restart your loan.
    • You will accrue interest during that time – but this is interest you pay yourself.  This may adjust your loan payment amount once your loan is reinstated.

    For assistance with Vanguard 401(k) loan suspensions, contact Vanguard Participant Services at (800) 523-1188 (available Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 6 PM Pacific time).  You can also reach out to Jamie Smalley with specific questions at jaime.smalley@alaskaair.com.

    Alaska Air Group Credit Union Loans 

    The Alaska Air Group Credit Union (AAGCU) is offering an emergency skip-a-payment option that may allow customers to skip to three monthly payments on certain AAGCU loans.  For more information about this program, including a link to apply, please visit the AAGCU website by clicking here.

    AFA Supplemental Benefits – National Group Protection

    National Group Protection (NGP) has provided information for those who are enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program and take a Leave of Absence (LOA).  These special provisions include:

    • Coverage will continue without interruption during the LOA
    • Premiums are not due during the LOA
    • CAIC will honor claims during the LOA
    • No action is required on your part to maintain your coverage

    Complete information can be found in this document.  If you have any questions, please contact National Group at (800) 344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.


    AFA EAP Support Services

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

    Questions?

    Please contact your Local EAP Committee for more information or assistance.


    CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    AFA International

    As a part of CWA, AFA members are entitled to take advantage of complimentary online learning through CWA/NETT.  CWA/NETT provides you and your family with access to hundreds of online training courses through LinkedIn Learning. This might be the perfect time to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones. 

    Examples of learning titles include:

    • Zoom Meetings
    • Microsoft Collaboration
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Sharepoint

    You can get started by completing this form.  The form requires your CWA local number, which you can find on the Contact Us page of the AFA Alaska website under FAQs > Membership and Dues Questions > What’s My CWA Local Number.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers.

    Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2020, Benefits, COVID-19, CWA, EAP, hotels, layovers, novel coronavirus, recurrent training, transportation, uniform, uniform reactions

    Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020

    March 19, 2020 15:30

    In This Edition

    • Ongoing Conversations With Management
    • FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers
    • Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation
    • Tell Congress: Put Aviation Workers First
    • KCM Access Point Staffing
    • Challenges with Onboard Trash Stowage
    • Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying
    • Telephone Support Group For Flight Attendants Under Self-Quarantine
    • COVID-19 Resources

    Ongoing Conversations With Management

    AFA and management are continuing to have active, ongoing discussions regarding a number of issues of importance to our Flight Attendants.

    Inflight Service Changes

    Yesterday, Executive Vice President and COO Gary Beck sent out an email outlining a series of reductions and changes to inflight service intended as mitigations to COVID-19.  Our AFA officers have received resounding feedback that these mitigations do not take enough action to protect our Flight Attendants from possible risks.  Discussions between AFA representatives and management to advocate for more drastic service reductions are continuing today.

    Recurrent Training

    Members of the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Training Committee, and the MEC have been engaging in conversation with management over the past week to advocate for protective measures related to recurrent training (RT) and the RT facilities.  Based on those discussions, management has taken steps to implement measures such as a pre-class briefing on COVID-19 precautions being taken, increased the frequency of training equipment sanitization, provided hand sanitizer to be used before and after touching equipment or door trainers, and provided disposable gloves to be used when conducting door and equipment drills. 

    AFA representatives have also asked management to take immediate and necessary action to discontinue PBE and CPR drills due to the high potential of exposure to respiratory droplets that are known to spread COVID-19.  Management has taken steps to request an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the requirement to complete PBE and CPR drills based on the ongoing spread of the disease.  AFA is calling upon management to immediately discontinue these drills as continuing to ask Flight Attendants to perform them is a serious safety and health risk.

    Food Availability on Layovers

    As a preventive measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, many restaurants in our layover cities are being ordered closed by local and state authorities.  Those that remain open are usually limited to take out or delivery only and are operating under limited hours.  The AFA Hotel Committee and the MEC are working with management to ensure that food options continue to remain available to Flight Attendants, ideally within the health guidance outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) (see “FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers” below).  Management has been asked to compile a list of food options that remain open and available near each layover hotel and to post the list in a place easily accessible to Flight Attendants.


    FAA & CDC Recommendations for Layovers

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

    Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued updated COVID-19 health guidance for crew members in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).  This guidance includes recommendations to protect Flight Attendants from exposure and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.  AFA recommends that Flight Attendants follow this FAA & CDC guidance to the extent that you are able to do so.

    While On a Layover In The United States or Internationally

    • Travel as a group in private transport provided by the air carrier when traveling between the airport and hotel (note: management has started implementing this provision already; see “Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation” below).
      • Minimize contact with ground personnel and time in public areas while moving between the aircraft and the private transport.
      • Do not use public transportation, including when traveling between the airport and hotel.
    • Stay in your hotel room to the extent possible.
    • Minimize going out into the general population and use social distancing (maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet, if possible) whenever out in public. Avoid crowds, stores, sporting or mass entertainment events, and other situations likely to attract large numbers of people.
    • Eat in your hotel room with either room service or delivery service. If in-room dining options are not available, eat at a restaurant located in the hotel. If not available at the hotel, eat at a restaurant located close to the hotel.
    • Avoid contact with sick people.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use soap and water when your hands are visibly soiled.
    • Avoid touching your face.

    Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

    Hotel Committee

    In response to guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), management will be temporarily implementing private, crew-only vans in cities where transportation had been previously provided by the hotel and the van was shared with other passengers.

    Management has instructed all transportation providers to adhere to the following criteria:

    • Vehicles must be sanitized and wiped down as much as possible prior to each pick up (seat belts and buckles, armrests, door handles, any touch points)
    • If possible, provide wipes and sanitizer in their vehicles
    • Gloves should be used if handling crew bags
    • Tipping may be limited due to risk of transfer on cash

    This change means that in cities where the hotel provides transportation directly, the hotel will either now be providing “crew only” vans or, if the hotel is unable to provide a vehicle exclusively for crew, management will be arranging for contracted transportation providers to provide this service.  Please note that with this change, company provided layover hotel transportation will be limited to crewmembers only for the foreseeable future.  Crewmembers who are planning to travel with family or other guests will need to make other arrangements for them to get to the hotel. 

    Management will be sending emails to those crews where transportation is being switched from hotel-provided to contracted transportation.  Pairings are also being updated in Crew Access if the transportation provider has changed.  Please be mindful of any emails or Crew Access notifications regarding transportation changes.

    Questions?

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


    Tell Congress: Put Aviation Workers First

    Government Affairs Committee

    The coronavirus pandemic is decimating our aviation industry. It is a public health crisis and it is creating a financial catastrophe that dwarfs the economic cost of the Great Recession and September 11th combined.

    We’ve seen catastrophe before. We know what didn’t work before and we won’t let those things happen again. We need relief that focuses on real people. And we have a plan for that.

    Flight Attendants and other aviation workers have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus emergency from day one. Before most Americans knew what COVID-19 meant, we were calling for government action to keep it from disrupting our lives and our economy.

    Our plan is focused on keeping people on the payroll and stopping furloughs. Airlines are burning cash so quickly they will not be able to meet payroll within a few months, if not a few weeks. You will see furlough announcements that reflect this, but know this: we are working with airlines to get relief that keeps the paychecks going without furloughs.

    Washington is gearing up to save aviation. But we cannot accept another “no strings attached” government bailout for corporations and their executives that leaves Flight Attendants and aviation workers behind. This time it will be a RELIEF package focused on workers first with no stock buybacks or dividends and no executive bonuses.

    Send a letter to your members of Congress to demand that any public relief plan be a People First plan with legally-binding rules, including (but not limited to):

    1. Paycheck continuation without furloughs/layoffs
    2. No stock buybacks
    3. No executive bonuses
    4. No dividends
    5. No breaking contract

    >> Click here to take action now <<

    Amplify Your Message with a Call

    Call your Member of Congress and Senators now and tell them to support our position on a People First relief package for aviation.

    SENATE: 855-973-4213

    HOUSE: 877-782-8274

    Read more about our plan in this article >


    KCM Access Point Staffing

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

    Due to the rapid changes caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is directing Federal Security Directors to implement measures to maintain continuity of business. These measures could include some changes to the operation of Known Crewmember Program (KCM) access point locations. Crewmembers should expect periodic closures of KCM access points without notice. If KCM access points are closed, the TSA will accommodate crewmembers at TSA PreCheck™ locations where available or at standard passenger screening lanes. The TSA is taking measured steps and following CDC recommended guidance to preserve the health and safety of Transportation Security Officers

    More Information

    Please check the Known Crewmember website for more information and updates.


    Challenges with Onboard Trash Stowage

    Inflight Service Committee

    Our AFA Inflight Service Committee and Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) have been working to advance AFA’s request to discontinue any onboard sorting of trash in the wake of COVID-19.  Many Flight Attendants have attempted to collect trash without employing the usual sorting process that would be used for onboard recycling and have come up against numerous challenges based on the lack of adequate trash space.  This has become especially challenging on double catered flights, flights in the Florida and Hawaii markets, and flights on A319 and certain A320 aircraft.

    These concerns have been brought forward to the onboard food and beverage department, which is part of marketing.  Management is reviewing possible solutions to mitigate the lack of appropriate trash space.  AFA is continuing to stress the importance of providing adequate space for trash over discretionary provisions such as inflight entertaining tablets.  This comes down to safety—the company’s catering procedures should never be prioritized over providing adequate space for Flight Attendants to contain trash in a regulatory-complaint manner.

    Have You Experienced Inadequate Trash Stowage Space?

    If you are on a flight where you have inadequate trash stowage space, AFA highly encourages every Flight Attendant on the crew to file an Aviation Safety Action (ASAP) report using ReportIt!.  More information about ASAP, including a link to file a report, can be found here.


    Taking Control of Your Finances During a Loss of Flying

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    It is prudent for all Flight Attendants to assess their personal financial positions in anticipation of income reductions.  While every Flight Attendant’s situation will vary, below are some general considerations that can help you begin strategizing how best to weather the financial impact of flying cutbacks on your household.

    Assess Your Financial Status

    • Prepare a household budget and cut any non-essential items.
    • Prepare a list of all creditors and a contact person.  Make minimum payments.
    • Place your money in a bank in which you have no debt.
    • Attempt to secure a loan early, so you will have a cash flow.
    • Assess your tax situation.  You may be owed a refund or need to file an extension.
    • Be proactive.  Assess your credit card debt.  Look into a temporary reduction or abatement in payments.

    Contact Your Creditors

    You must communicate with your creditors before any payments become delinquent, and the sooner the better.  You can negotiate a lower repayment schedule before you run out of money.  Be professional, but assertive.  Creditors are easier to work with if they know ahead of time that there’s a problem.  Also, it shows ‘good faith’ that you are concerned about your debts and intend to pay.

    The goal is to make the amount of money you’ve saved last as long as possible.  Pay what you can on a regular basis, even if it is less than expected.  Partial payments may keep collection agents away.  Follow-up all telephone conversations with a letter and keep documentation.  Even in the worst-case scenario, it takes a long time for collections, repossessions and evictions to occur.  Contact credit counselors who can help you sort out your financial affairs.  Be sure to remember to contact the creditors that are automatically payroll deducted.

    Even if you can’t pay creditors the amount they want, make your best effort to pay something regularly.  This holds arrears as low as possible and lets the creditor know that you are doing all you can.  Partial payment may keep your account from being turned over to a collection agency.

    Put your payments in order of importance: this will help you pay first things first when money is short.  Generally, your most important payment will be the mortgage or rent payment, followed by utilities, health insurance and car payments.

    And after the initial contact, it’s important that you keep in contact with creditors – every two weeks or so.  This reassures the creditor, shows a responsible attitude toward your obligation and may keep the creditor from ‘hounding’ you.

    Prepare a Household Budget

    A budget helps you see where you spend your money and where you can save.  Your budgeted expenses should include:

    • Fixed expenses, including: mortgage, rent, taxes, insurance, loans, installment payments, credit card payments and any other monthly payments.
    • Monthly expenses, including: food, gas, repairs, dues, recreation, prescriptions.
    • Future expenses, including: income/property tax and any other outstanding debts.

    Your budgeted income should include:

    • Any remaining income
    • State disability insurance benefits
    • Workers’ compensation checks
    • Savings
    • Social Security
    • Unemployment compensation
    • Other pension funds

    Your assets may include:

    • Cash value of insurance policies
    • Equity in your home
    • Prepaid burial or funeral policy
    • Resale value of vehicles (including boats and snowmobiles)

    Now you are ready to adjust your expenses, negotiate with creditors and use assets in the most effective way possible.

    Questions?

    Contact your Local Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee or call (949) 470-0493.


    Telephone Support Group For Flight Attendants Under Self-Quarantine

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    In order to provide additional support to those Flight Attendants who are under self-quarantine, AFA International EAP is sponsoring a bi-weekly telephonic support group meeting.  The meetings are facilitated by a confidential mental health professional.

    Calls started on Tuesday, March 17 and are scheduled Tuesdays at 12 PM PDT (March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14) and Sundays at 5 PM PDT (March 22, 29, April 5, 12).  Each call will last one hour and can support up to 100 Flight Attendant participants.

    Call-In Number

    (855) 544-2320 or (401) 648-9218

    If outside the U.S., follow the directions here.


    COVID-19 Resources

    • AFA International Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) page
    • Alaska Air Group Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite (AAG Sign-On Required)
    • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) subsite

    Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Service Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, CDC, Congress, COVID-19, FAA, KCM, novel coronavirus, transportation

    AFA Update – August 16, 2019

    August 16, 2019 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Hotel Crew Room Blocks Card Now Online
    • REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming
    • TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!
    • Cabin Air Quality Resources

    Hotel Crew Hotel Room Blocks Card Now Online

    Hotel Committee

    Your AFA Hotel Committee has succeeded in their effort to have the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card uploaded to an easily accessible location on both the Inflight website and the IMD.  The Crew Hotel Room Blocks card (commonly known as the “purple card”) is a quick reference card that provides information about appropriate hotel room features and room locations.  This card can be shown to hotel staff when you are assigned a hotel room that does not meet the requirements of the company’s contract with the hotel in order to hopefully remedy the situation on-the-spot. 

    Going forward, the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card will be published on the first page of the monthly Hotel Hotline document.  The Hotel Hotline can be found on the Flight Attendant website under Hotel, Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline.  On the IMD, you can find the Hotel Hotline under ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline.

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

    REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming

    Human Rights Committee

    In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors approved the creation of Human Rights Committees across AFA, with committees to be formed at each Local Council and MEC.  Members of the Human Rights Committee will work to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.  This work will involve close coordination with local community and CWA allies to engage in efforts that advance both human rights and worker’s rights.

    As part of the formation of the Committee, volunteer involvement opportunities are available both at the local level (Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson) and the airline level (MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson).  If you are interested in filling the role of Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson, please refer to recent communications from your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers or contact your LEC President.

    MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

    Information about the MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson can be found in the August 2, 2019 AFA Update.

    The MEC will hold interviews for the position of MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 17.  Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/bns2FHqC11PLe3889.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 10.  After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

    Please note that in order 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.

    TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!

    Government Affairs Committee

    The Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019 aims to protect airline passengers and crew from the harmful effects of toxic cabin air.

    “Our workspace is the public’s travel space and in that space today, crews and passengers are breathing toxins and it has to stop,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson.

    Call your Representative and Senators today and tell them to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act. The House bill is H.R. 2208 and the Senate bill is S. 1112. 

    Call Your Representative: 866-937-4359

    Call Your Senators: 877-750-7411 

    “Hi, my name is_________. As a constituent and a Flight Attendant, I am calling to ask you to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019. Flight Attendants and passengers can be exposed to toxic fumes in the cabin. We need the FAA to intervene and implement protections. Support clean air onboard for passengers and Flight Attendants!”

    AFA’s efforts to improve the cabin environment span the last three decades, from advocating for smoke-free skies to stopping poisonous pesticide spraying to addressing the dangers of contaminated bleed air. We advocate that the airline industry either end the use of engine bleed air for cabin air supply like on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or mitigate the circulation of contaminated air. In 2015, AFA was an active member of the ICAO task group that published Circular 344, which advises airlines to enhance their operational procedures to minimize onboard exposure to smoke and fumes. This led to an FAA Safety Alert published in 2018. This is progress, but it doesn’t go far enough. 

    “Most Americans go to work with the expectation of breathing clean air. Flight Attendants don’t have this guarantee, and it is past time for that to change,” AFA President Sara Nelson said.

    Cabin Air Quality Resources

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Air Quality Subcommittee

    Your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Air Quality Subcommittee have worked with AFA International to put together a number of tools and resources to use in the event of a cabin air fume event.  Some of the resources available are listed below.

    Air Quality Fume Event FAQs

    The Committee has compiled a comprehensive question and answer document to help provide information about many of the questions and concerns that have been received about cabin air fume events.

    You can access the Q&A document by clicking here.

    Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card

    The Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card is a wallet sized card that explains what to do in a contaminated cabin air exposure event.  The card can be kept in a badge holder behind your company ID or in your wallet.

    The card was recently updated by the Committee and now includes information about the Airbus fleet.  If you currently have an older version of the card, please destroy your old card and replace it with a newly updated one. The updated cards are currently being distributed to each domicile.

    Look for more information from your Local Council about where to pick one up at your base.  You can access and print the card on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

    AFA Alaska Website

    Additional air quality information, including a flow chart that describes what to do in a cabin air fume event, can be found at afaalaska.org under Committees > Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC) > Air Quality.

    Questions?

    If you have additional questions about cabin air quality or the AFA resources available, please email airquality@afaalaska.org or contact a member of your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC).  

    Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Government Affairs Committee, Hotel Committee, Human Rights Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2019, air quality, cabin air, committee chairperson appointment, crew rooms, Government Affairs, Hotel Committee, hotels, Human Rights Committee, interviews, MEC Committee Chairperson, toxic fumes

    AFA Reminders – May 30, 2019

    May 30, 2019 05:00

    In this edition:

    • AFA Census closes on May 31
    • Report adjoining hotel rooms on CrewCare
    • FDA requires stronger warnings about rare but serious incidents related to sleep medications

    AFA Census closes on May 31!

    The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA 2019 Census is a project to better understand the demographic make-up of our union, including your aspirations, needs, and preferences. We also want to know in what areas of your community you may already be engaged in making a difference for you, your family, and the place where you live. All of this will help us build power together so we can continue to advance our Flight Attendant careers.

    The University of New Hampshire Survey Center (UNHSC) is conducting this very important data gathering effort. You should have received emails and possibly a phone call to encourage you to complete the Census. You may have a pre-filled email from “Sara Nelson via UNH” with the subject line “AFA Census – Response Requested.”

    Our contract with UNHSC ensures your information remains confidential within AFA. It does not allow UNHSC to share any of your information with outside organizations. A summary of the final results will be shared with AFA members.

    The AFA census can be accessed using the following link: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9TguTDVCSOZJEmF.

    Reminder: report adjoining hotel rooms on CrewCare

    A message from your Hotel Committee

    As previously published on April 9, your Hotel Committee needs your assistance in reporting instances of adjoining rooms with connecting doors assigned to crews on layovers.  If you are assigned an adjoining and connecting room, even if you are able to switch rooms, please make note of the hotel, room number and date and file a CrewCare report on the situation.

    CrewCare reports are automatically routed to Alaska management, API (Accommodations Plus International, the company’s hotel contractor), and your AFA Hotel Committee Members.  Representatives from API and management use the data from the reports to follow up on each situation with the corresponding hotel.  CrewCare can be easily accessed from the Hotel, Travel, & Station menu of the inflight website or by using the CrewCare icon on the home screen of your IMD.

    Management has asked that we report these situations each and every time that they occur.  The more information that we are able to provide, the more effectively each hotel can be held accountable.

    FDA requires stronger warnings about rare but serious incidents related to sleep medications

    A message from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    Updated warnings for eszopiclon (Lunesta) zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, and Zolpimist).

    At the end of April 2019, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that the agency’s most prominent warning will now be required on certain prescription insomnia drugs.  The warning follows FDA’s review of 66 cases of serious injuries and/or  deaths resulting from various complex sleep behaviors after taking these medicines. These complex sleep behaviors have included  falls, burns, near-drowning, exposure to extreme cold temperatures leading to loss of limb or near death, self-injuries such as gunshot wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, fatal motor vehicle collisions with the patient driving and suicide. The new warnings will be required for eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, Intermezzo, and Zolpimist).

    “While these incidents are rare, they are serious and it’s important that patients and health care professionals are aware of the risk. These incidents can occur after the first dose of these sleep medicines or after a longer period of treatment, and can occur in patients without any history of these behaviors and even at the lowest recommended doses,” said FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D.  In addition to the warning, the agency is requiring the addition of a contraindication to not use these medicines in patients who have experienced an episode of complex sleep behaviors after taking them. The warning and contraindication are intended to make the warning more prominent and reflect the risk of serious injury and death.

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2019, adjoining rooms, AFA Census, connecting rooms, EAP, Hotel

    Adjoining Rooms: What You Need to Know

    April 9, 2019 12:00

    A message from your Hotel Committee

    We all know that being assigned an adjoining room with a connecting door is a common occurrence at many hotels throughout our system.  But did you know that adjoining and connecting rooms are not supposed to be assigned to Flight Attendants unless the room next door is occupied by another Alaska crew member?  While this isn’t specifically part of our collective bargaining agreement, Alaska includes this language in every contract between the company and our crew hotels.

    Don’t Hesitate to Speak Up

    If you are assigned an adjoining room with a connecting door, we encourage you to ask the front desk staff for a different room.  Request to speak to the hotel manager on duty to help resolve the situation if necessary. If the hotel is full or unable to provide an alternate room, respectfully advise the hotel staff that you’ll be reporting the issue to Alaska management.

    Take Action: Report Each and Every Situation

    If you are assigned an adjoining and connecting room, even if you are able to switch rooms, please make note of the hotel, room number and date and file a CrewCare report on the situation.  CrewCare reports are automatically routed to Alaska management, API (Accommodations Plus International, the company’s hotel contractor), and your AFA Hotel Committee Members.  Representatives from API and management use the data from the reports to follow up on each situation with the corresponding hotel.

    How to File a CrewCare Report
    1. Log-in to the inflight website
    2. Open the menu
    3. Click “Hotel, Travel, & Station”
    4. Click “Hotel Links”
    5. Click “My Crew Care”
    6. Open the menu
    7. Click “Feedback”
    8. Click “Provide Feedback”

    Management has asked that we report these situations each and every time that they occur.  The more information that we are able to provide, the more effectively each hotel can be held accountable.

    Have Questions?

    Your Local Hotel Committee can help!  You can find contact information on your Local Council’s committee page or on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

    In Solidarity,

    Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson Laura Hinojosa and Vice Chairperson Jodi Snow

    Filed Under: Hotel Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2019, adjoining rooms, connecting rooms, Hotel, layover

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