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Crew Access Frustrations

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Changes to how trips are posted and displayed in Crew Access and other ongoing system issues have resulted in concerns about contractual violations and a lack of management accountability.
  • Management must provide a functional system that works correctly and has agreed to troubleshoot the current issues and review programming changes to Crew Access.
  • AFA Representatives will continue protecting Flight Attendant interests and contractual rights through all legal means available to us, including the grievance process as applicable.

We understand that many of you are frustrated with recent changes to how trips are posted and displayed in Jeppesen Crew Access, especially when it comes to trading trips with crew members or through Open Time. These issues have resulted in concerns about contract violations and an apparent lack of accountability from management. As your Union leadership, we are actively addressing these concerns and advocating for your rights.

It’s important to note that a financial award may not be an achievable or realistic remedy for contract violations brought forward to a system board of adjustment under the Railway Labor Act (RLA). Under the standards of arbitration, AFA would have the burden of proving that a specific person was denied a particular trip on a specific date and time. This is essentially impossible; even if it were, the remedy would be limited to what can be found within the “four corners of the contract” doctrine; in other words, any remedy must be contained within the contract. For example, if you were denied sit pay when you sat for two hours, you would be awarded one TFP. However, we cannot show who was specifically harmed or the dollar amount of such harm. As a result, in these circumstances, the only likely arbitral remedy for a contractual grievance would be a “cease and desist” order, which would require the Company to comply with the contract on a go-forward basis.

Compliance in this case still requires the system to work correctly, and even in the face of an award, it would not necessarily happen immediately. Management has already agreed to troubleshoot the current trip display issues in Crew Access and has expressed a willingness to implement programming changes to the Crew Access trading system potentially. Our analysis indicates that an arbitrator would likely find management’s actions an appropriate remedy for the current concerns. While we understand that this may only partially satisfy your expectations, it’s essential to recognize the legal limitations of the process.

This does not mean that we give up. As your AFA Representatives, we are committed to working towards fair and just solutions to contract violations—and filing and arbitrating grievances where appropriate. We will continue to negotiate and pursue all available avenues under the RLA and the contract to protect your interests. We understand your frustrations and encourage you to contact us with any questions or further grievances you may have. Your feedback and input are invaluable in helping us advocate for your rights and achieve positive outcomes.

We take your concerns seriously and are dedicated to holding management accountable to the terms of our contract. We appreciate your ongoing support and solidarity as we work towards resolving these issues. Together, we can continue to fight for the rights and well-being of all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants.

System Board of Adjustment Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for one (1) member to serve on the AFA System Board of Adjustment.

Scope

Members are to serve on the System Board of Adjustment for the purpose of arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise under the terms of the Agreement between Alaska Airlines and its Flight Attendants.

Policy/Responsibilities

  • There shall be two members selected by the MEC from active members in good standing to represent the Association.  Members will be selected at-large without regard to Local Council or domicile. 
  • Any person seeking a position as a System Board of Adjustment Member must submit a resume.  Candidates must interview with the MEC.
  • System Board Members shall be selected for a two (2) year appointment period in accordance with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws.  At least one appointment will be reviewed in June of each year.  Selection shall be made, insofar as possible, to ensure that both members will not be new at the same time.  
  • The System Board Members will act in the best interest of the membership and the Association and will be consistent with the Agreement between the Flight Attendants and Alaska Airlines.
  • The MEC President shall have the ability, in the event of an emergency, to appoint a qualified member in good standing to fill an ad hoc position on the Board.
  • The MEC on an ad hoc basis, by majority vote, may appoint an expert as a substitute for one member of the System Board of Adjustment.

Qualifications

  • Current Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant
  • Willingness to attend the requisite grievance training(s)
  • In depth knowledge of the contract
  • Understanding of the principles of just cause
  • Adherence to Grievance Committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information
  • Maintenance of member-in-good-standing status
  • Ability to remain in good standing with the company
  • Ability to analyze written data and information with high attention to detail
  • Strong written and communication skills
  • Strong computer skills.

Term of Appointment

The selected candidate will serve the a term of appointment that begins on July 1, 2023 and concludes on June 30, 2025.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the June Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.  If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around this date or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate.  All interviews will be conducted either in person or using Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume using the online expression of interest form.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Friday, June 16, 2023.  After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

Please note that 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.

Questions?

Any questions regarding the position or application process should be directed to MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams at stephanie.adams@afaalaska.org.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Recap – 2nd Quarter 2023

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, April 5 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, April 5, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Debi Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), KalinLackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN).  Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The committee met with Cabin Safety Manager Cari Smith-Allen, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Director of Inflight Training & Standards Thomas Kaminski, Infight Policy & Procedure Specialist Kevin Weatherbie, Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Corey Chestnut, Manager of Inflight Safety & Compliance Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedure Kaliko Howell, and Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Potentially adding “keep seatbelts visible” to announcements. This may make it easier to perform seatbelt compliance checks, especially during night flying. The Company agreed to see if other carriers are making similar announcements.
  • Fleet supply bags placed by girt bars. If catering opens a door while a Fleet supply bag or other item is in front of the door the girt bar could be dislodged from the door clips. This concern will be communicated to Fleet.
  • Single Door Catering. The Company is monitoring reports about single door catering. Flight Attendants should be notified when single door catering is going to take place and CSAs should be asking if forward galley catering has been completed with the boarding questions on all flights where the forward galley is catered from the aft. Single door catering may not occur with passengers onboard.
  • Bringing strollers on board. Strollers can be “baggage” in the cabin if there is space for them. However, passengers are pushing their infants in the strollers inside the plane. The ASHSC asked the company to update the policy to indicate that strollers should be configured for stowage prior to being brought on the A/C.
  • Flight Attendant CRM. The ASHSC shared a recommendation to have another program like the D-Check to foster understanding and teamwork in our diverse work group.
  • Equipment check verification. Ideally, we would like to see equipment checks completed prior to boarding. Until that policy change can be implemented, we need a process for verifying equipment checks have been completed prior to door closure. It may also be helpful to have verifications for this and for passenger briefings integrated into B2B.
  • Hearing Conservation Base Sits. Being exposed to high decibels for an extended period of time is a threat to unprotected ears. In order to proactively prevent hearing loss we asked that the Company provided opportunities for Flight Attendants to be fitted for hearing protection at all bases. We’ve also asked that the information about procuring hearing protection be maintained on the Inflight website.
  • Cleaners using A/C flashlights. Flight Attendants have found flashlights not completely secured into their holders and have witnessed cleaners using flashlights during A/C cleaning when the cabin is dark. The Company is aware of this issue and working with Fleet to ensure they have other means of seeing in the cabin when there is no power to the cabin lights.
  • Preferred seats for passengers who use aisle chairs. For safety, seats with fixed armrests should not be designated as preferred seats for passengers with mobility-related disabilities. The Company is reviewing this policy.
  • Attached keyboards. Some tablet keyboards are very thin and built into the tablet cover. The ASHSC asked the Company whether these need to be restricted.
  • Phone clips that attach to the upper seat pocket area. The ASHSC asked the company whether these need to be restricted during cruise.
  • Infants/children lying on the floor during flight. The ASHSC requested that the FAM be updated to state that lying, sitting or kneeling on the floor, with a few exceptions, is not permitted. The Company is reluctant to implement this change.
  • Riding to layover hotels alone. This concern comes up frequently. Unfortunately, we have not been able to come up with a solution the Company will agree to outside of the contractual requirements related to international layovers. However, the Company has recently started to look at some other possible solutions to this long standing problem.
  • Door viewport warning strap MEL. The MEL permites the strap to be missing or taped in place if damaged/inoperative. We do not have a safe procedure for operating without a functioning warning strap so we recommend that Maintenance keep the straps widely available for rapid replacement. It would also be helpful to have alternate procedures in place for A/C operating with warning straps on MEL.
  • Child Restraint Systems in seats with airbelts. It can be difficult or impossible to safely install a CRS in a seat with an air belt. The company will test CRSs in these seats to determine whether a change in policy is needed.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Lighting.  We continue to work with a company on developing simpler and safer cabin lighting standards.
  2. Personal Conduct and Work Performance Section of the FAM. Encouraging the Company to simplify this section so it makes better sense in the current environment, including the implementation of the new break LOA.
  3. Contents review of both the F/A Kit and the Stationary Kit. The ASHSC is working  with the Inflight Service Committee to provide feedback to the Company about the contents of the kits. We want to ensure they contain necessary items but do not have items taking up space which are not used.
  4. Coordinating Base Safety Meetings. The ASHSC is working with Inflight and Safety Management to continue the practice of holding safety meetings at all bases twice a year. Please consider signing up to attend or submitting a safety concern for discussion when you see the invite from Base Leadership and your Local ASHSC.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please help the committee to advocate for improvement and change by filing a report.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports can all be submitted using ReportIt!  If you’re not sure what type of report to file for a particular situation or need help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of your Local ASHSC.Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local ASHSC is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, March 28 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!

On Tuesday, March 28, 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 present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on April 25, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • PDX departures. There was a rumor being circulated in PDX that departures were being reduced. Management was unaware of these changes but indicated they are always reviewing the needs of the customer and business model. 
  • No Shows. There were some circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on the contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Hotel wait time/assignment. AFA is aware there are issues with wait times and transportation. If you are required to share rooms, stay at a non approved hotel, or wait in the hotel lobby more than one (1) hour, please file a Crew Care Report, and contact your local Hotel Committee Chairperson and Scheduling Committee Chairperson. 
  • Leaves. Leaves are being offered in May. Crew Planning will assess if there are any future needs in the summer months at a later date. 
  • Van Times. Pilots and Flight Attendants sharing transportation should have the same van times. There were reports of crews waiting in the van for pilots. Pilot Scheduling/Crew Scheduling should coordinate any transportation changes on behalf of the crews. 
  • Winter Storms. All of the AFA tickets were reviewed and a debrief was conducted. We are looking at other technology such as the ability to text crew schedulers or have crew schedulers’ in a domicile. 
  • Staffing. Crew Scheduling is utilizing reserves around 88%. They utilized personal drops instead of increasing the TSN. Sick leave is trending around 11% and the company has a goal of 8%. 
  • Crew Schedulers/Supervisors. There are thirty-six (36) crew schedulers and the department has room for more growth. There are four (4) supervisors and an open position will be posted for Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling. Crew Schedulers receive 3 weeks of classroom training and 12 weeks on the job training.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. We are waiting for further details.
  2. Crew Access Filters. There is a meeting with Jeppessen scheduled in late April to discuss filters. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. 
  3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow users to post trips for trade on Crew Access and accept/decline offers submitted. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. 
  4. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management.  You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, March 24, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Friday, March 24, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), James Ikehara (SFO). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion James Thomas, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Sarah Keimig, and Access/Diversity Program Manager Steve Nelson from management.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Virtual Listening Sessions. Local Human Rights Chairs will facilitate virtual listening sessions in each base with management, allowing flight attendants to discuss diversity and inclusion topics and concerns. The next session is scheduled for April 20, 2023 with SAN Human Rights Committee Chairperson Erika Daniel and SAN Inflight Supervisor Saua Case. Management will communicate future dates and times to all Flight Attendants.
  • Monthly Conference Calls. AFA International began monthly conference calls for Human Rights Committee Members from across our union to share information and coordinate activities.
  • Hosiery/Socks Accessibility. The previous IMD alert with hosiery/socks resources will also be added to the uniform ordering site. The Zappos Shoes link is now located on the uniform ordering site as well.
  • Volunteer Events. Members of the management Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team discussed the ability for Flight Attendants to volunteer at events throughout our system. Information can be found on Alaskasworld within the Employee Resources/Care Community Involvement link. This leads to the Benevity.org page where Flight Attendants can sign up to volunteer for events locally as well as throughout our system.
  • Further Collaboration. The DE&I team will continue working along with inflight management and the Human Rights Committee on base visits, upcoming events, and activities sponsored by DEI or Business Resources Groups (BRGs).

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Exploring Collaboration and Shared Goals. Working with the DE&I department to build relationships with the company Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.
  2. Base Newsletters. Publishing information in each base on monthly human rights activities and scheduled events.
  3. Supporting Passengers. Discussing reports of some of passengers traveling between certain city pairs without a clear plan or assistance upon arrival at their destination. The Human Rights Committee and management are currently working on potential resources our Flight Attendants can use to help in these circumstances.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Sick Leave Survey Now Open

Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) prioritizes your health and well-being and seeks to understand which aspects of our paid sick leave policy matter most to you. We encourage you to participate in the survey, which is open until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT, to ensure your voice is heard in shaping our support for your healthcare needs.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next 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 […]

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

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