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Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

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    You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Inflight Training Committee

    Recurrent Training 2022

    January 13, 2022 17:00

    Inflight Training Committee

    • The 2022 Recurrent Training (RT) program is underway at all training locations.  Read on for information about preflight oral evaluations and acceptable deviations to emergency evacuations commands.
    • For those who are attending RT in Seattle, be aware that the training facility has moved this year.  Check the RT website for information about the new location, directions, and parking.
    • Safety measures such as continued social distancing and HEPA filtration systems in RT classrooms will be in place as a result of AFA advocacy.  These measures should be in place as of January 12. 

    Preflight Oral Evaluations

    Management is continuing this year with the requirement to verbally review the preflight for emergency exits and equipment as part of RT evaluations.  Similar to last year, preflight oral evaluations do not need to be performed verbatim, can use conversational language, and do not need to be performed in any specific order.  If you have questions about the requirements for preflight oral evaluations, we encourage you to seek clarification from your RT instructors in the classroom prior to the start of evaluations.

    Acceptable Deviations to Emergency Evacuation Commands

    Click here (password required) >

    Password: See the emailed version of this article sent to the personal email address that you have on file with AFA Alaska for the confidential password. Contact your LEC President if you need additional assistance.

    Please respect the security of the document and do not share the password on an online group or open forum.

    Lunch Is Not Provided

    Please note that lunch is not being provided by the Company at RT at this time.  Management had initially planned to provide lunch on day 1 of RT to Flight Attendants in Seattle in conjunction with a management-led “listening session”.  Our AFA Representatives brought forward the concern that Flight Attendants in ANC, PDX, SFO, and LGB were not receiving company-provided lunch as well.  Shortly after AFA shared this concern, management indicated that they would be temporarily suspending company-provided lunch at RT in SEA, citing COVID transmission concerns.  Should management decide to resume providing lunch during RT, it is AFA’s expectation that it will be provided at all training locations.

    Change to SEA Training Facility Location

    With the high volume of Flight Attendant Initial Training (IT) classes that are scheduled to take place in 2022, classroom space at the Flight Operations & Training Center (FTC) in Seattle has been reallocated solely to the IT program for the time being.  RT and RQ classes in Seattle will now be held at the Stinson Building, located just a few miles south of the FTC.  For more information about the new location, including the address, maps, and parking information, please refer to the Recurrent Training website (sign on required).

    Safety & Social Distancing

    Last year, management made the decision to eliminate social distancing in training environments starting in January 2022.  As 2022 approached it became clear to the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC) and Inflight Training Committees that this move was premature as the pandemic is still raging.  The AFA ASHSC and Inflight Training Committees approached Managing Director of Inflight Strategy & Support Gloria Chow with AFA’s concerns. We reiterated a previous request for HEPA filtration systems for classrooms and to maintain classroom seating with six feet of separation for social distancing.

    Management responded by ordering air filtration units and began working on making the needed adjustments to provide social distancing for classroom seating.  We expect all of these changes to be in place by the end of the day on January 12.  Thank you to Manager of Inflight Training Delivery Amanda Westendorf, Inflight Training Resource Manager Shaunda Groce, and the entire Inflight Training Team for quickly implementing these changes once the decision was made to change course for safety.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about RT 2022, please contact the MEC Inflight Training Committee or your LEC President.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Inflight Training Committee Tagged With: recurrent training, RT

    Recurrent Training 2021

    January 13, 2021 17:00

    Recurrent Training 2021

    Master Executive Council (MEC) + Inflight Training Committee + Air, Safety, Health and Security Committee (ASHSC)

    In This Edition

    • Early Success Rates Look Promising
    • COVID-19 Risk Mitigations
    • Written Exam Practice Questions and Answers
    • Adequate “Hands-On” Time Prior to Emergency Evacuation Evaluations
    • Acceptable Deviations to Emergency Evacuation Commands
    • Requalification Training (RQ)

    Early Success Rates Look Promising

    This is the second week of Recurrent Training 2021, and early success rates for passing the various drill evaluations are looking promising in comparison to success rates for Recurrent Training 2020. We hope the trend continues.


    COVID-19 Risk Mitigations

    AFA Alaska’s concerns

    • Mask usage and social distancing during evaluations
    • Sanitization of shared emergency equipment.

    Inflight Training management’s response

    Inflight Training management agreed to make several changes in response and posted the updated safety and sanitization guidelines.

    Click here for the ”Welcome to Recurrent Training 2021 Letter” > (AAG SSO required)


    Written Exam Practice Questions and Answers

    AFA Alaska’s concerns

    • There is no comprehensive list of all potential written exam questions and answers provided like in past years.
    • The random practice test must be taken too many times in order to successfully view all underlying questions. (If ever?)

    Inflight Training management’s response

    • “Learning and building confidence is our goal. With that in mind, we will be turning off the randomizer on practice exams to allow FAs to run through all available questions. We will add a note to remind FAs that questions do change regularly so they always need to refer to the practice exam on the website for most up to date questions.”
    • Management reports the randomizer function will be turned off by the end of the week.

    Adequate “Hands-On” Time Prior to Emergency Evacuation Evaluations

    AFA Alaska’s concerns

    • Adequate hands-on refamiliarization time should be provided during paid training hours prior to emergency evacuation evaluations.
    • Flight Attendants should not have to attend voluntary unpaid sessions in order to be successful during their evaluations.
    • There were not enough Open House sessions at each training center to accommodate the need in 2020 and several of those sessions were canceled, which only made the situation worse. More Open House sessions are needed in 2021.

    Inflight Training management’s response

    • Schedule reworked to maintain the same 90 minutes of refamiliarization time as in RT 2020. (Hands-on time was initially going to be reduced in RT 2021, but AFA advocated for more time.)
    • Hands-on sessions prior to the start of RT 2021 are not an effective use of limited Training resources and will be eliminated in order to potentially reallocate the resources to additional Open House sessions around the system.
    • Management will review the ratio of the number of Open House slots in each training location compared to base size and restructure the sessions to allow for more options (e.g., dates, AM/PM, different times of the month). Additional dates will be added in March.

    Acceptable Deviations to Emergency Evacuation Commands

    Click here (password required) >

    Password: See the emailed version of this newsletter sent to the personal email address that you have on file with AFA Alaska for the confidential password. Contact your LEC president if you need additional assistance.

    Please respect the security of the document and do not share the password on an open forum.


    Requalification Training (RQ)

    RT 2021 is scheduled for one and a half days, but RQ 2021 (Level 1) is scheduled for two full days. There were only a few differences between RT and RQ in years past, but there are significantly more evaluations in RQ compared to RT this year. Flight Attendants should budget ample preparation time if attending RQ.


    If you have any questions or concerns, contact your LEC president or the MEC Inflight Training Committee.

    Filed Under: Inflight Training Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2021, recurrent training, requalification training, RQ, RT

    AFA Update – April 20, 2020

    April 20, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Flight Attendant Addiction Support (FAAS) Program
    • Cornerstone App Replacement
    • Vacation While on a Staffing Adjustment Leave of Absence
    • AFA EAP Support Services – Week of April 20
    • Union Plus – Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

    Flight Attendant Addiction Support (FAAS) Program

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    The Flight Attendant Addiction Support Program (FAAS) is a program that allows Flight Attendants who deal with substance use problems and dependency the ability to obtain appropriate treatment without the threat of automatic termination.  The program is several years in the making and has been a joint effort between AFA Alaska EAP, AFA International EAP, and Alaska Airlines management.  The FAAS Program became available for use as of March 1, 2020 and is available to all non-probationary Flight Attendants. 

    Under the FAAS Program, there are three pathways for seeking support and treatment:

    1. Proactive Self-Referral
    2. Proactive Self-Disclosure/Reactive Self-Referral
    3. Violation of DOT regulations or Company Drug and Alcohol policy

    More information about these pathways, conditions for participation, effect on employment status, options for payment of treatment, and recovery support can be found in the FAAS Program Manual.  You can access the manual on the Inflight website under Administration > FA Addiction Support Program > FAAS Program Manual or on the IMD in GoodReader > ASFASupplemental > FAAS Program.

    Note: The MEC would like to thank MEC EAP Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon, Vice Chairperson Jeanne McCleave, and SAN LEC Vice President/EAP Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker for their enduring efforts in seeing this program through to realization. 

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about the FAAS Program, please contact your Local EAP Committee.


    Cornerstone App Replacement

    Inflight Training Committee

    On March 30, management announced that the Cornerstone app would be replaced with the new Cornerstone Learn app.  The replacement of the Cornerstone app is a welcome announcement given the ongoing technical issues and challenges that the app has presented to our Flight Attendants.  Management has indicated that the new Cornerstone Learn app has greater reliability than the legacy Cornerstone app and should be easier for Flight Attendants to use.  Though AFA representatives have had the opportunity to briefly test the new app, there were several technical issues identified and we are skeptical that the new platform will resolve all of the outstanding issues that Flight Attendants experienced with the old app.

    Sync Your Training Before April 30

    In bulletin #2020-0024 (AAG sign-on required), published on March 30, management provided notification that the legacy Cornerstone app will no longer be supported after April 30.  If you have started or completed any training using the download feature in the legacy Cornerstone app, you must ensure that you sync the Cornerstone app on your IMD so that your progress is transferred to the new Cornerstone Learn platform.  You can find more information about how to sync in the bulletin under the “New Mobile Learning App” heading.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about the new Cornerstone Learn app or how to ensure that your training is synced in preparation for the transition, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


    Vacation While on a Staffing Adjustment Leave of Absence

    Master Executive Council (MEC)

    If you’re taking an upcoming staffing leave of absence and have vacation days that are scheduled during your leave, those vacation days will be removed from your roster and replaced with the coding for your leave of absence.  The MEC would like to ensure that you are aware of the options that you have to either move or be paid out for your vacation days, which are as follows:

    • Trade Your Days With Vacation Open Time.  Identify available days in vacation open time and email F/A Crew Pay (fa.crewpay@alaskaair.com) to let them know the days that you’d like to trade into.  F/A Crew Pay will process the change.  Vacation open time can be viewed on the Inflight website under Schedule & Bidding > Vacation Trading > Vacation Open Time.  The calendar will display the number of open slots on each day for your base.
    • Request That Your Vacation Be Paid Out Now.  If you would like your vacation to be paid out now, complete and submit a Vacation Payout Form.  The form is located on the Inflight website under Administration > Pay & Benefits > Vacation Payout Form.  As long as the form is submitted 7 or more days prior to pay day, your vacation will be paid out on your next available check.
    • Do Nothing and Be Paid Out Later. If you do not trade your vacation days or request that they be paid out now, they will be paid out automatically on February 5, 2021.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about any of the above options or need assistance, please contact your LEC Officers.


    AFA EAP Support Services – Week of April 20

    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 for the week of April 20, and access information, please click here.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions about available EAP support services, please contact your Local EAP Committee.


    Union Plus – Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program

    AFA International

    Because of the current economic and health uncertainty facing many union members, students who enroll in the Union Plus Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program, in partnership with Central State University, in the summer 2020 term will complete their entire degree for free.

    There will be no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees, or e-books until graduation, not just the summer term. Students may enroll part-time, but continuous enrollment is required.  Students must complete the FAFSA and the financial aid process.

    Summer classes begin May 18, 2020.

    Unemployed, furloughed or laid off union members and their extended families are still eligible to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program.

    Questions?

    You can learn more by calling 888-897-9671 or get started online at https://bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org.

    Filed Under: Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, Cornerstone, FAAS, leave of absence, staffing adjustment, Union Plus, vacation

    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

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    The first set of observations under the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program begin today (January 27) and will continue through February 28. Similar to the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data. If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.
    Read details from our Negotiating Committee about Session 8 of contract negotiations, including a tentative agreement on Hotels and updates on current progress.
    AFA and management recently agreed to a defined process for when a debrief meeting with management needs to be conducted following an operational safety event. The agreement ensures protections for Flight Attendants while guaranteeing pay, duty day limitations, and AFA representation. Details can be found in the Operational Safety Debriefs Letter of Agreement (LOA).
    Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, January 24 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
    The recent severe weather in Northern California that caused flooding, landslides, and mudslides has destroyed property, damaged infrastructure, and forever changed countless people’s lives. A Presidential Declaration of Disaster has been issued for California’s Merced, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz counties. Flight Attendants whose primary residences are in these counties and have been affected by the current disaster can request help from the AFA Disaster Relief Fund.
    Read details from our Negotiating Committee about Session 7 of contract negotiations, including updates on current progress and sections in discussion.

    Latest News

    • LOSA Observations Are Underway
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 27, 2023
    • Operational Safety Debriefs
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 20, 2023
    • AFA Disaster Relief Fund – California Severe Storms
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 13, 2023
    • January 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023
    • iPhone 13 Inflight Mobile Device Distribution

    LOSA Observations Are Underway

    January 27, 2023 Leave a Comment

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

    Operational Safety Debriefs

    January 26, 2023 2 Comments

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

    Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023

    January 25, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Scheduling Committee On Tuesday, January 24, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also […]

    AFA Disaster Relief Fund – California Severe Storms

    January 18, 2023

    AFA International The recent severe weather in Northern California that caused flooding, landslides, and mudslides has destroyed property, damaged infrastructure, and forever changed countless people’s lives. A Presidential Declaration of Disaster has been issued for California’s Merced, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz counties. Flight Attendants whose primary residences are in these counties and have been affected by […]

    January 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

    January 13, 2023

    Master Executive Council (MEC) The January 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, January 10.  The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.  No Meeting With Management […]

    Response to the November 18th Inflight Town Hall Webcast

    November 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

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

    ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

    September 23, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

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

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

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

    RSS Negotiations News

    • Negotiation Session 8
    • Negotiation Session 7
    • What commuter improvements can we expect?
    • The commitment from management on industry leading pay is great news! However, pay rates are only part of the picture – are we sacrificing work rules and benefits for leading pay rates?
    • Can you clarify the pay components included in our Opening Proposal (Ground, Flight, Delay, Stranded)?
    • Negotiation Session 6
    • Negotiation Session 5
    • Can you clarify insurance premiums in the Insurance Benefits tentative agreement?
    • Why isn’t the Negotiating Committee publishing tentative agreements of each section?
    • Management has lawyers at the negotiating table – why don’t we?

    Recent Posts

    • LOSA Observations Are Underway
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 27, 2023
    • Operational Safety Debriefs
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2023
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 20, 2023
    • AFA Disaster Relief Fund – California Severe Storms
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – January 13, 2023
    • January 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023
    • iPhone 13 Inflight Mobile Device Distribution

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