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MEC AQ Update July 27, 2013: Recent Aircraft Cabin Air Quality Events

***Updated July 7, 2015***

 

July 27, 2013

 

Dear Flight Attendants,

Very likely you are aware that Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have recently experienced two different high profile aircraft cabin air quality incidents. Please be assured that Alaska Airlines Maintenance and Engineering, Flight Ops and Inflight are working with AFA on this very serious issue.  Due to the increased frequency of air quality events and the severity of these recent two, AFA is stepping up our focus in this area.

AFA representatives have been in contact with affected members, are working through the administrative processes and meeting with Company reps to identify the mechanical faults. AFA is currently developing practical educational material to share with all of our members and planning air quality awareness/incident training for safety reps from each local council. AFA International Air Safety & Health Department Industrial Hygienist Judith Anderson is assisting the effort as resident subject matter expert.  Once the investigations are complete, the affected crew members will be given copies of the maintenance reports to be provided by Alaska Airlines. AFA will also report back with any lessons learned from these and other recent air quality incidents.

If you or any of your crewmembers experience an air quality event contact:

  • MEC Air Quality chairperson Karyn Kobe (775-560-3297), or
  • AFA Air Safety & Health Department Industrial Hygienist Judith Anderson (206-932-6237).

More information regarding aircraft cabin air quality may be found on the

Take care and fly safe!

 

“Five Bases, One Voice”

Upcoming PDX Reserve Committee Changes

The AFA-CWA Council 39 Reserve Committee will soon be undergoing a realignment of Committee Members to help keep the Committee closest to those it represents—Flight Attendants holding a reserve schedule.

Melissa Stanek will be joining the Reserve Committee, effective August 1.  Melissa recently began her career with Alaska Airlines in September of 2012.  As a new Flight Attendant with no previous airline experience, she came into the industry excited to learn as much as she could. Although Melissa has only been with company a short time, her desire to be involved comes with no hesitation.

With a background in Real Estate as well as Sales and Marketing, Melissa has had the opportunity to be involved by helping individuals in the community professionally with high standards and ethics.  She grew up in the Portland/ Vancouver area and helping others has always been a part of her nature.  She also enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family.

Melissa is very excited to part of the Portland Reserve Committee and to be able to get to know everyone. Being a part of the Committee will allow her to be available to help anyone that may not understand some of the legalities of our contract and help answer any questions they may have.  She is more than happy to assist and excited to get started. She looks forward to helping others and building new relationships.

David Sutherland will take over as Reserve Committee Chairperson, effective September 1.  David has served on the Reserve Committee since October 2012 and has been an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant since June 2008.  With nearly all of that time spent on reserve, David has developed a firm understanding of the reserve sections of the collective bargaining agreement and is seen by his co-workers as an encyclopedic resource for all things pertaining to reserve.

In his role as Reserve Committee Chairperson, David will lead the long-term efforts and program of work of the Committee and provide support to Committee Members Hannah Winit and Melissa Stanek.

Jennifer Duvall will be leaving the Committee effective August 31.  Jenn has served on the Committee since 2010 and will be pursuing other AFA Committee work.

Brian Palmer will be stepping down as Chairperson effective September 1 and will be leaving the Committee effective November 30.  He will be focusing on his responsibilities as LEC Vice President for Council 39.

Contact information for Reserve Committee Members can be found on the PDX Reserve Committee page of the MEC website at http://alaskamec.org/pdx/reserves.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 20 – October 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with management in Seattle for three days of collective bargaining, addressing critical sections of the contract. Through productive discussions, the JNC reached Tentative Agreements on Section 6 (Seniority), Retiree Pass Privileges, and Retiree Health Insurance. The committee plans to continue using both Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) and traditional methods to resolve complex issues during negotiations.

Call To Action: Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3

Our voice. Our vote. Our power. Throughout September, our AFA Government Affairs Committee highlighted how legislative advocacy impacts our work and daily lives as Flight Attendants. By breaking down the role of AFA Government Affairs, explaining the legislative process, encouraging civic engagement, and demonstrating the vital importance of FlightPAC, the campaign showed how our union’s voice is […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

Updated: 10/29/2026 17:05 PT On Thursday, October 22, members of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Baron Lee (HNL), Bryce Sarmiento (pmAS LAX), Kahea […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

On Monday, October 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (pmAS SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

Reserve Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs. The survey […]

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