This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants
On Tuesday, March 25, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives 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), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and PBS Subcommittee Member Adam Clarey.
The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Interim Managing Director of Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Hawaiian Airlines Director of Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Director Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Senior Manager of Product Management (ITS) Rick Mitchell and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.
The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 22.
Topics of Discussion
The committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:
- Drug Testing Procedures: A significant concern was raised about the drug testing protocol occurring at the end of flight sequences, particularly regarding whether the debrief period is extended. A specific case was mentioned where an FA had to wait for 90 minutes before being tested, which could impact crew schedules and rest periods. Crew Scheduling said they would extend if the Flight Attendant called and notified them.
- Hotel/Transportation Procedures: Discussions highlighted that the current procedures for hotel and transportation remain unchanged. Questions were raised about when crews would return to their hotels, especially regarding ongoing investigations. Crews expressed a preference for their established routines and suggested that relocating to specific hotels may be more efficient.
- Crew Access Notifications: The need for improved notifications regarding drops for Open Time/Flight Attendant to Flight Attendant trading was stressed. Members requested a structured list for submitting grab/handshake requests to enhance communication and operational efficiency.
- Payroll Queries: Concerns were voiced about unnecessary payroll queries that complicate the submission process for missing information. A desire to streamline this process was expressed to allow Flight Attendants to focus on the items listed for submission.
- RT Rescheduling Issues: There were complications regarding rescheduling recurrent training in ANC, particularly for those scheduled less than seven days out. AFA contacted management to obtain more information about the process.
- FAI Turn Concerns: Flight Attendants reported ongoing issues with ANC-FAI turns being dropped into Open Time, resulting in them being required to stand up overnight in hotel accommodations for a trip that only pays 6 TFP. This situation raises safety concerns, as the time spent checking into the hotel leaves crew members with insufficient rest.
- Hotel Map Issues: It was reported that the hotel map was not populating correctly on Crew Access. ITS is aware and has notified the vendor.
- Open Time Filter and Reassignment Queries: Challenges were noted with an OT filter issue related to IOS 18.4. Furthermore, there were discussions regarding reassignment and deadhead conversion processes, particularly the impact on boarding pay during these conversions. Flight Attendants reported not receiving notifications of reassignments, which should be communicated through the scheduling system.
- Transportation Delays: A particular incident involved crew members arriving early for a redeye flight and experiencing delays in van service, exacerbated by difficulties contacting the transportation service. Please file CrewCare reports with API so AFA and management can document these events.
- Hotel Changes and Bid Packet Issues: Concerns were raised about hotel changes that were not appropriately communicated in the bid packets for CUN layovers. Issues included blackout dates not being assigned and the need for a phased approach to the assignment process, as hotels often do not respond promptly to Alaska Airlines.
- Reporting Hotel and Transportation Issues: Flight Attendants were encouraged to report any hotel and transportation issues they encounter. This feedback will help hold vendors accountable and improve service quality. The API ticketing system was highlighted as an important tool for tracking these issues.
- Payroll and Compensation Reviews: Clarifications regarding payroll processes were provided, emphasizing that Crew Scheduling does not determine compensation, and that payroll will review trips for due payments.
- PBS Bidding Updates: The April bidding process was reportedly efficient, with most tasks completed by Subcommittee Members. There was a noted increase in OT in SEA, though overall, it remained relatively low compared to other bases.
- PBS Bid Protest Statistics: The Subcommittee reported a total of 51 bid protests last month, indicating areas where Flight Attendants are expressing their concerns.
- PBS NAVBLUE Meetings: Various meetings were conducted, including a demonstration addressing iOS scrolling issues. Despite past concerns, NAVBLUE believes improvements should be classified as enhancements, though management is pushing back.
- TA2 Items: The AFA Implementation Representative reported on the prioritization of boarding pay as a critical item for the new CBA. The Negotiating Committee indicates that an interactive online CBA will require significant formatting work, including the adjustment of hyperlinks and redlining of the contract, which will be available soon.
- ITS Update: The testing for the 25.1 release has shown promising results, with automated processes being developed. Crew Planning is focusing on CBA items and their scope, with trade metrics remaining stable at 57k and no recent trade issues. There is a Crew Access update scheduled for April 1, 2025.
- Payroll Update Query Resolutions: Progress on resolving payroll queries was discussed, focusing on reducing unnecessary filings. The committee is awaiting updates on compensation guidelines related to the new CBA.
- Staffing and Block Hours: An increase in block hours was recorded, with staffing planned to average 77.5 TFP in May. The reserve block ratio is 19%, indicating a robust operational capacity.
- Operational Adjustments: Route planning has included considerations of IRROP mitigation strategies for the spring, particularly in response to SAN construction and the potential impacts of volcanic activity on operations.
- Sick Leave Trends: A notable decrease in sick leave usage (down to 9%) was reported, signaling improved attendance among Flight Attendants. An update on sick leave and state bank policies was planned, with guidance to be provided to Flight Attendants.
- Reserve Utilization: The highest reserve utilization was reported in SEA, with efforts to manage scheduling needs effectively. Reports indicated reduced fatigue incidents among Flight Attendants, with only 13 reported in March compared to 27 in February.
- CBA Timeline and Changes: An overview of the new CBA implementation timeline was shared, including critical changes around call-out documentation and reassignment processes.
The detailed discussions across various bases revealed a commitment to addressing operational challenges and enhancing the Flight Attendant experience. Key topics included safety, communication, payroll efficiency, and the implications of the new CBA. The committee is focused on creating actionable solutions while fostering a collaborative environment with management to improve processes and outcomes for Flight Attendants.
What The Committee Is Working On
- NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee preparing for a new release of NAVBLUE. Once received they will test before the release is implemented. The Committee is also continuing to provide in person and virtual base sits so that all flight attendants may attend and get answers to all PBS bidding related questions.
- Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations 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.
- Crew Planning. Crew Planning shared a monthly presentation about Pairing Statistics. Crew Planning is focused on anticipating increased block hours as the summer season approaches, with specific strategies to optimize trip lengths and identify commutability for flight crews. The team is also collaborating with operational analytics to develop dashboards that facilitate better decision-making and efficiency in scheduling.
- Crew Pay. Crew pay is working on additional communications aimed at improving clarity and addressing the high volume of queries surrounding pay discrepancies. The payroll team is committed to resolving ongoing issues quickly to ensure crew members receive their compensation accurately and on time.
- AFA Payroll Representative. The Committee has been advocating for a streamlined process to resolve outstanding pay issues for crew members efficiently. The focus is on ensuring timely compensation and improved communication.
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.
