Scheduling Committee

• Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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, September 26, 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.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director 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 October 24, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Block hours reduction. For the fall of 2023 we will see line averages reduced. You should notice a difference when bidding your September schedule. Line averages could be 75-78 depending on the number of leaves offered by base. 
• JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and “trade handshake” in September 2023. This was rescheduled for September 26, 2023. Please refer to the recent bulletin bundle for updates. 
• Staffing Adjustment Leaves. Management has reviewed the anticipated block hours and decided to offer leaves. This is a change from last month’s update. If you are interested in a leave of absence please review the recent bulletin. Management is reviewing all options of SAL and Low Bid to determine the best business decision.  
• Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. Management recently issued a bulletin bundle providing an update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until a permanent resolution is installed. As of today, there have been 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
• Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together refer to Section 8.T. There are also issues with splitting base turns that require Crew Scheduling assistance. 
• Vacation Bidding. Prepare for 2024 vacation bids. Find 1st round, 2nd round and Open Time dates in the applicable bulletin bundle. First round of vacation bidding is complete.  Approximately 1500 Flight Attendants did not bid in the first round but will have an opportunity in the 2nd round for Slots 7 and 8.
• Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants trade into/out of trips with this label the premium will disappear.  Flight Attendants can contact Crew Scheduling if they notice a trip in Open Time that is labeled as “ISA” but doesn’t show premium and request removal of the ISA or require the premium be added back onto the trip. Crew scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. The ability to trade these trips was added to ADR for further discussion.
• Hotel wait times. If you are waiting in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel, please ensure you are keeping in contact with Crew Scheduling and opening a ticket with AFA.  
• Crew Scheduling Error. We do have approximately 39 schedulers in Crew Scheduling, some of whom are new to the position. Scheduling management appreciates Flight Attendants reporting contractual violations so they are able to coach/train. Please remember to fly now and grieve later. We’ve seen pre-cancellations, reassignments, domicile rest and other contractual provisions that were violated by accident and remedied through discussions with Crew Scheduling management. 
• PowerPoint Presentations. Each month management from Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning provide the scheduling committee with updates. These are shared with your MEC/LEC officers. The information includes but is not limited to Reserve utilization, sick leave, sick leave by base, winter operations, personal drops, trip commutability, trip length distribution and what to expect in the near future. Some of the information contained in the presentation is under our non-disclosure agreements but AFA continues to engage in the topic discussions.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is preparing to have more base sits and presentations for Flight Attendants. We will provide dates/times/locations in a future update – stay tuned. 
2. 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. Meeting with management was set for June 5, 2023 and a follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming.  Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (pilots/Flight Attendants) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. You will see this in December pairings. We’ve asked management to send out a communication about teaming.
4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network/Crew planning is reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Alaska management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendantss could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft teams to alleviate phone calls. This would be Flight Attendant initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA.

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.

Scheduling Committee

• Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 22 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, August 25, 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. The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, 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 September 26, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Block hours reduction. For the fall of 2023, we will see line averages reduced. You should notice a difference when bidding your September schedule. Line averages could be 75-78 depending on the amount of leaves offered by base. 
• JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and “trade handshake” in September 2023. 
• Leaves. Management has reviewed the anticipated block hours and decided to offer leaves. This is a change from last month’s update. If you are interested in a leave of absence please review the recent bulletin. Management is reviewing all options of staffing adjustment leaves (SAL) and Low Bid lines to determine the best business decision.  
• Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. A bulletin bundle was issued from management providing a recent update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until we install a permanent resolution. As of today there were 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
• Base Turns. Each month, Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and discover some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences, together refer to Section 8.T. There are also issues with splitting base turns that require Crew Scheduling assistance. 
• Vacation Bidding. Prepare for 2024 vacation bids. Find dates for 1st round bidding, 2nd round bidding, and Open Time the in bulletin bundle.   
• Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants are trading into/out of trips with this label, the premium will disappear. Flight Attendants can contact Crew Scheduling if they notice a trip in Open Time that is labeled as “ISA” but doesn’t show premium and request removal of the ISA or require the premium be added back onto the trip. Crew Scheduling has the discretion to choose which action they choose. 
• Hotel wait times. If you are waiting in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel, please ensure you are keeping in contact with Crew Scheduling and opening a ticket with AFA through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  
• Charter Retimes. LAX BRO Charters and retimes require pay protection and rebid. There were some tickets opened regarding compensation and contractual requirements. These are being reviewed and resolved. Reminder to know your contractual obligations and compensation. 

What The Committee Is Working On

1. NavBlue. The PBS subcommittee is preparing to have more base sits and presentations for Flight Attendants. We will provide dates/times/locations in a future update. Stay tuned. 
2. 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. Meeting with management set for June 5, 2023  A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming.  Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (Flight Attendants and pilots) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. 
4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network Planning and Crew Planning are reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to alleviate phone calls. It would be Flight Attendant-initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management and AFA MEC leadership.

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.

Scheduling Committee

• Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 25 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, July 25, 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.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director 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 August 22, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Block hours reduction. Line averages will be lower during the fall of 2023, starting with the September bid month.
• JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and a “trade handshake” in September 2023. 
• Leaves. At this time there are no leaves expected through the remainder 2023. We expect to see leaves offered in January 2024.
• Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. Management recently issued a bulletin bundle providing an update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future Crew Access update. 
• Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some contractual legalities are waived. When adding sequences together, refer to Section 8.T.
• Vacation Bidding. In preparation for 2024 vacation bidding we are completing user testing with payroll. 
• Section 34.A.5. It was discovered after bid awards that Flight Attendants were flying and transporting within Mexico alone. AFA remedies included 1.5x premium for the entire trip and/or pay protection for affected Flight Attendants. 
• Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self assignment. When Flight Attendants trade into/out of trips with this label, the premium will disappear. If you notice a trip in Open Time labeled as “ISA” without premium, you can contact CS and request removal of the ISA label or for the premium to be added back onto the trip. Crew Scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. 
• Hotel wait times. If you wait in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel please ensure you keep in contact with Crew Scheduling and open a ticket with AFA. 

What The Committee Is Working On

1. NavBlue. We’ve reviewed the base sits and would like more feedback and participation from Flight Attendants. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas on involvement in reviewing bids. 
2. 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. A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled.

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.

Scheduling Committee

• Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, June 27 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!

Tuesday, June 27, 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), Martin Vance (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 Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management, Brittany Audette, Managing Director Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaella Littman, 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 July 25, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Reserve Utilization. In June we saw utilization around 80-90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention there is an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates up to 12.9%. We see a high percentage on weekends. We’ve asked to increase TSN and personal drops for flexibility but were told that is doubtful unless sick leave is reduced. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation and you are able to filter for premium trips using filters.
• No Shows. We continue to receive reports of 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.
• Leaves. There were no leaves for July. Crew planning is working on August pairings. The line averages are around 80.1 TFP. We will see a reduction in the schedule for the fall and hope there will be leave opportunities during that time.
• 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.
• NavBlue Pattern Bidding. In July we are anticipating adding a new feature that will allow pattern bidding. Look for more information on how to utilize this new option. The PBS Committee is updating the help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding please email them.
• Per Diem. In some circumstances you will see taxed layover per diem based on state/federal requirements. Rainmaker is programmed to process the taxes automatically based on the limits. You can review taxation on CONUS Rates. Company is required by law to process the taxation.
• Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. AFA sent a request to Labor Relations and Inflight management asking for communication on when/how pilots are able to adjust block in/out times. Crew members are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request and will send out a communication.
• Retimes. There are several flights that will require being retimed/rescheduled. This could cause several pre-cancellations. Scheduling will be working on these as they receive updated information.
• Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows crew members to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the FA will receive the full protections under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication.
• Base Turns. Each month FAs are surprised they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together refer to Section 8.T.
• Business Model. Company is saying they are focused on leisure travel and they haven’t seen an increase in the business consumer. Announcement of new routes and frequencies. Our network is getting longer, not shorter in relation to route structure.
• MyTravelApp. This is active and a great tool for flight attendants.
• Personal Drops. AFA is aware of situations where personal drops are not being assigned in order. If you believe a drop was awarded out of order please file a claim with AFA and provide documentation so we are able to research these potential violations.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. Base sits took place in July.
2. Crew Access Filters. Filters were implemented but due to processing errors retracted. We are working on testing the filters and a new update expected around September 2023.
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. The Committee participated in a presentation and testing of the new feature.
4. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we completed a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management occurred July 5, 2023. A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled.

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.

Scheduling Committee

• Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 23 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, May 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), 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 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 next Scheduling Committee Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Reserve Utilization. In May we saw utilization around 90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates. Typically reserves are 60% AM and 40% PM, however in June for SEA/ANC it will be around 50/50. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation. 
• No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on 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. AFA and management are reviewing the processes in place for IROPS and Severe IROPS with the intent to improve wait times and bookings. 
• Leaves. There will be no leaves for June/July. Crew planning is working on August pairings.  The line averages are around 80.1 TFP.  
• 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. 
• NavBlue Pattern Bidding. In July we are anticipating adding a new feature that will allow pattern bidding. Look for more information on how to utilize this new option. The PBS Committee is updating help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding, please email the committee. 
• Per Diem. In some circumstances you will see taxed layover per diem based on state/federal requirements. Rainmaker is programmed to process the taxes automatically based on the limits. You can review taxation on CONUS Rates. The company is required by law to process the taxation. 
• Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. AFA sent a request to Labor Relations and Inflight management asking for communication on when/how pilots are able to adjust block in/out times. Crew members are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request. 
• Retimes. There are several flights that will require being retimed/rescheduled. This could cause several pre-cancellations. Scheduling will be working on these as they receive updated information. 
• Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows crew members to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the FA will receive the full protections under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication. 
• Base Turns. Each month some Flight Attendants are surprised after combining two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together, refer to Section 8.T.

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. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. Look for additional communication from management. 
3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow Flight Attendants 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. A meeting with management is set for June 5, 2023.

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.