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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On February 20, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, February 20, 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Ops Staffing & Resource Mgt Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on March 26, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • SWGCO – Completed communication about making up days in PDX domicile.
  • Request for blocked seats for DH crews.
  • Researching options for creating names for blocked seats.
  • Concerns about nighttime flying and fatigue.
  • Request from AFA for balance in Redeye flying.
  • Confusion about commuter policy and handling of retimed charter.
  • Discussions about ground commuting vs severe weather policies.
  • Issues with pairing cancellations and pay adjustments.
  • Requests for more consistency in pairings.
  • Questions about crew pay adjustments and confusion.
  • Safety concerns raised about long sit times on aircraft.
  • PBS Bidding in February: Release 23.7.8 loaded, Bid Awards fast, Bid Protest normal/light.
  • PBS Meetings: Updates on pilot calls, focus on prioritizing FA’s after pilot, new release installed with fixes.
  • PBS Future Releases: Estimated in April, Base Sits completed with form to fill out.
  • Pairing selection challenges and frustrations with changing targets monthly.
  • Updates on SRB issues, night rule discussions, and new contract discussions.
  • Updates on upcoming classes, probation completion, and graduation plans.
  • Crew Planning for April: Staffing adjustments, commutability stats, and dealing with 737 Max delays.
  • IROP recovery planning initiatives: Teaming with pilots, In and Backs strategy, and Ice Event post mortem details.
  • Network planning updates: Redeye flying breakdown, route structure changes, and hotel arrangements.
  • AFA seeks discussion on assisting Crew Schedulers in commuting training for Flight Attendants inquiring about air, ground commuting, and severe weather.
  • Crew Scheduling management addresses challenges in scheduling, including high sick leave, reserve utilization, and flexibility levers. Notable points include premium low for February TFP, personal drops, and bulletin drops.
  • Agenda items cover email format concerns with pre-cancels, debrief inconsistencies, and the need for improved communication with CSAs.
  • Commuting issues are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continued learning for schedulers and proper handling of commuter queries.
  • Discussions on MBL processes, ground commuting delays, and the need for training to address disconnects in communication.
  • Efforts to track and address commuter issues effectively are emphasized by Crew Scheduling and other team members.

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose.
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Alaska Management Refuses to Remove Dangerous Coffee Makers From Service Despite Injury Risks to Flight Attendants

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Several Flight Attendants have been injured recently due to older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers spewing hot coffee and grounds.
  • Management denied an AFA request to discontinue using these coffee makers despite the risk to Flight Attendant and passenger safety.
  • A formal complaint is being filed with the FAA, and a contractual grievance will be filed against the company.

Over the past several months, at least nine Flight Attendant injuries have been reported, caused by scalding hot coffee and grounds spewing from the brew basket of older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers on various aircraft. This is an alarming situation that requires immediate attention. It’s suspected that the recent changeover in coffee served onboard, which is packaged differently than the old product, may be contributing to this issue. Management has begun investigating the root cause and has identified some potential solutions to address the problem. However, it will likely take significant time to implement the mitigations fully.

Last week, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) sent management an official request to discontinue using B/E Aerospace coffee makers until physical mitigations can be implemented. Despite the inconvenience this may cause by leaving some aircraft with fewer or no coffee makers to use, the Committee believes that potentially seeing multiple Flight Attendants injured while waiting for long-term fixes is unacceptable. Disappointingly, management denied the request, knowingly putting the physical safety and well-being of employees and passengers at risk for the sake of a few more cups of coffee.

This decision by management is a clear violation of their own core value of “owning safety” and displays a shocking level of negligence. Given the gravity of the situation, we will be taking immediate action by filing a formal complaint with the FAA to escalate the issue. Additionally, our Grievance Committee will file a contractual grievance based on management’s violation of section §25.B of our collective bargaining agreement (“The Company will provide a safe and healthy workplace…”).

Flight Attendant and passenger safety must not be compromised. It’s reckless and unacceptable for management to put Flight Attendants at risk by keeping hazardous coffee makers in operation. Removing these coffee makers from service is the right thing to do and the only responsible action for management to take. It’s our right to work in a safe environment, and we demand that this right be upheld.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2024

Hotel Committee

  • On February 1, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing program of work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management and representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through CrewCare. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Thursday, February 1, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Cassie Dole (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook from management. Representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), and ALPA also participated in the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items during the meeting with management and API.  Some items discussed include:

  • 2023 hotel and transportation year in review from API.
  • Hotel contract expirations and hotel site visit plan for 2024.
  • Discussion of the new MyCrewCare app update and what new features will be available to help crews on their layovers.
  • Enhanced CrewCare database access for Hotel Committee Chairpersons to better monitor crew compliments and complaints with our hotel and transportation providers.
  • Presentation of Alaska’s newly developed IROPS Playbook and what processes have been implemented to better address crew hotels and transportation during IROPS.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting hotel site visits. Visiting hotels under consideration by management and advocating for management to select the hotel that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Our Hotel Committee conducted site visits in over 28 cities in 2023 and have so far scheduled 16 cities for 2024 with more anticipated.
  2. Investigating CrewCare reports. Reviewing CrewCare reports and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (AS), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Celebrating Black History Month

Human Rights Committee

  • February 1 is the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. This tradition was initiated by a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, in 1925. He introduced a week-long event to raise awareness about the contributions made by Black individuals.
  • Discover resources to learn more about Black History Month, celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, and find events to participate in by using the links below.
  • Wear your Black History Month AFA Pin this month and join the celebration. Contact your Local Council if you need a pin.

February 1 marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States. This tradition has a rich legacy that dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week” to bring attention to the achievements and contributions of Black individuals. It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month. Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of Black Americans and honor their legacy and profound impact on our society and the world.

Learn More About Black History

You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. The resolution established a unique commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout February.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine availability.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On January 23, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, January 23, 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on February 20, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

JCTE Update

  • Release 23.5 was released in prod, 23.7 is in UAT.
  • Trades: 92.1% of 57,580 trades had a response time of less than 10 seconds.
  • JCTE release coming in February.

Block2Block (B2B)

  • Version 2.5 is in progress.
  • Tap to pay feature.

Crew Planning Update

  • March block hours increased by almost 19k compared to February.
  • Staffing adjustment leaves offered for March: 173.
  • Reserve staffing: Bases around 17% except Seattle around 20%.
  • Review of trip length distribution, consistent with previous months.
  • Commutability in March: SEA/ANC have the best commutability, LAX and PDX are the most challenging.

Teaming And IROP Mitigation

  • Teaming FAs together and with pilots helped minimize cancellations.
  • In and backs strategically scheduled to assist with recovery of cancellations.
  • Teaming is not being used in spring/summer as the cost is too great. 

MAX Cancellations And Advanced Bookings

  • MAX cancellations ongoing, no adjustments made for March pairing selection. 

Updates From Crew Scheduling Management

  • Reserve utilization in January around 77%.
  • Breakdown of reserve usage: 48% covering line holder sick trips, 15.9% reserve absences, 22% unused.
  • Inflight YOY absence rate trending up, LAX/SAN trending down by domicile.
  • Premium not issued since MAX fleet grounded, FAs picking up trips to cover operation.
  • Flexibility impacted by unknown factors, no increases in TSN.
  • Personal drops: 90 in January, 7 Bulletin board drops.

PDX SWGCO And Crew Scheduling

  • 26 FAs couldn’t get to work and have FNS, each case will be reviewed.
  • Efforts made for process improvement, high hold times during pre-cancellations.

Layover And Transportation Issues

  • LAX crew had issues getting back to the hotel, will review and try to accommodate crews closer.
  • Issues with single transportation and long wait times in CUN/GDL, to be reviewed by Crew Planning.
  • Confusion about layovers at domicile vs hotels being provided prior to trips, clarification needed.

Withholding Trips, Pre-Cancellations, And FNS

  • Trips withheld from OT, efforts to address the issue and ensure compliance.
  • Discussion on pre-cancellation processes and FCR footprint, modifications planned.
  • We are seeing an Increased number of FNS, clarification needed on contactability and communication procedures.

CHS-RDU Limo Times

  • Request to review extensively long limo times in all locations. 

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. There are dates and times scheduled February 2024 for in person and virtual meetings to assist with bidding. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is currently reviewing pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (pilots and Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments. Currently, the system teams around 10-15% of crews, but enhancements were made to increase this to 20-35% for winter operations. The changes were reflected in December pairings. Management provided communication regarding teaming. In December 2023, approximately 23% of sequences were teamed together, while 52% of duty periods were teamed. We didn’t receive any teaming information for January during the meeting today. For March 2024 pairing selection we did not utilize teaming.  
  4. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  5. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  6. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  7. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters 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), […]

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Thursday, September 18, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing efforts to represent our Flight Attendants and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular meeting was centered […]

Vacation Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

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