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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Scheduling Committee

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2025

        May 29, 2025 09:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, May 27, 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 Council 15 (SAN) Local Hotel Committee Chairperson Kanani Vallot, 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 Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, June 24.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        PBS June Bid Period

        • Bidding Trends: There was a noticeable repetition of “Prefer off” lines during the bidding process, where a single mention would have sufficed in most instances. Additionally, many questions were raised regarding new lineholder bidding.
        • Bid Award: The June bid awards revealed relatively high lows at the ANC, SAN, and SFO bases, ensuring sufficient reserves were available.
        • Bid Protests: Ongoing issues with incorrectly assigned reserve trip assignments have impacted bid awards. These issues were addressed and resolved during the bid protests.

        PBS Base Sits

        • The Subcommittee hosted PBS Base Sits in ANC in May, which assisted many new hires.
        • Upcoming PBS Base Sits:
          • June 5-6: SEA
          • June 9: PDX
          • July 7 SAN
          • July 8: SFO
          • July 9 LAX
          • August 7-9: SEA
          • September 5 PDX
          • September 8-9: ANC
          • October 5-6: SEA
          • October 7 PDX
          • November 8-9: ANC
          • December 5: SAN
          • December 6: SFO
          • December 7: LAX

        Pairing Construction

        • Training and Development: Attended an advanced Crew Optimization class in Sweden, which provided insights into effective run analysis. 
        • Attended the Crew Operations and Development Partners Forum in Sweden focused on upcoming sales and program advancements for products we can utilize or enhance.

        Contract Implementation Update

        • Holiday Pay: Challenges are anticipated regarding holiday pay for July 4. Flight Attendants should monitor holiday RON (Remains Overnight) and EOR (Extended Overnight Rule) statuses, as data pulls will be necessary. However, this process is not yet automated.

        Information Technology (ITS) Update

        • NAVBLUE Testing: Testing for version 25.1 is complete. Crew calendars are still under evaluation for requirements needed by the start of next year.
        • Data Processing: There has been an increase in JCTE/Open Time trade volume, with 98.6% of requests processed in under 10 seconds.
        • Release Cycle: The upcoming release cycle includes testing for reserve holiday and surface transport, with 4K and boarding pay planned for the following release. The default filter has been fixed, but the premium filter still needs adjustments.

        Crew Pay Update

        • Rainmaker Inquiries: In April, 1,514 out of 2,930 inquiries submitted were resolved, indicating some stabilization in inquiry volume.
        • Categorical Adjustments: Unnecessary categories have been identified; a bulletin outlining what needs to be submitted has been issued, and plans are to streamline these categories in June.
        • Sick Leave Issues: Two discrepancies regarding state sick leave bank management were noted. Affected individuals should contact pay analysts regarding conversion accuracy. The Committee recommends checking your state bank transfer to ensure no more than 40 TFP was transferred on May 1, 2025.

        Crew Planning Update

        • July Block Hours: Block hours are expected to increase by about 15,000 in July. Reserve staffing is 20.7%, with a projected adjustment of 107 leaves.
        • Pairing Breakdown: Only 10 single 1-position pairings are currently being flown solo, ensuring crews fly together more than separately. There is a significant percentage of redeye flights across bases, ranging from 12% to 30%.
        • Commutability Analysis: SEA, ANC, and SAN show favorable commutability for 3-day pairings, while SFO faces the most challenges.

        Crew Scheduling Update

        • Sick Leave Usage: Overall sick leave usage for May was at 10.3%, with notable increases over weekends. SEA and SAN reported the highest usage.
        • Fatigue Management: There were 10 calls regarding fatigue issues from reserves and six from lineholders in May. The team is actively reviewing these concerns and working on mitigation strategies.
        • Operational Adjustments: In May, 571 reassignments were noted, primarily due to recrewing in EWR. Adjustments are being made to taxi times and layover durations to reduce fatigue-related delays.

        Additional Notes

        • Transportation Adjustments: To align with CBA language, transit times will be adjusted based on the day of the week, varying on weekends. For more details, refer to the May 2025 Hotel Committee Meeting Recap.
        • Drug Testing Reporting: Any concerns regarding drug testing should be reported through the ReportIt! system using a FAIR, which will be forwarded to the drug abatement team for resolution.
        • JFK Operations: Adjustments to operations at JFK have been implemented. Ride shares are only allowed to pick up at Terminals 1 and 8 for after-hours drug testing, necessitating the use of the AirTrain for other terminals. Please coordinate with Crew Scheduling if you are being tested and need transportation.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. 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.
        2. 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.
        3. 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.
        4. 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.
        5. 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2025

        April 24, 2025 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, April 22, 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, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones. 

        The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 27.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        Local Scheduling Issues

        • Crew Access Open Time Issues: Problems regarding Open Time in Crew Access have been noted and added to ADR 018-025A for further review and resolution.
        • SAL Projections: Based on the Crew Planning pairing construction data, June projections indicate a staffing level reduction of 201.
        • Training Updates: The Training Department confirmed that Class 6 for new hires has been canceled. The last training class of the year is scheduled to start on Monday.
        • Growth Initiatives: As reported by Network Planning, SAN domicile growth is projected in Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), indicating expansion in operational capacity.
        • Retiming Issues: On the SAN/DCA route, some Flight Attendants were compensated 1.5x for retimed duties if they flew the affected leg. Payroll will meet on April 23, 2025, to discuss these payments and other payroll issues.
        • Disputed Pay Issues: There is an ongoing dispute regarding a Flight Attendant who worked over their duty time and is now facing issues with day-off pyramid pay (ADR agenda item 019-25A).
        • Seasonal Flying: As indicated by the Network Planning department, seasonal flying operations are set to return, which may impact scheduling and staffing needs.
        • Premium Pickup Availability: Crew Scheduling reports that premium trips are currently available for pickup, helping to address staffing shortages for month-end overlap. Anchorage is the primary concern, but other domiciles should also see a premium. Crew Scheduling is urging FAs to pick up premium shifts to mitigate shortages.
        • Operational Changes: When operations change departure times, queries have arisen regarding the record-keeping process. Crew Scheduling and Station management need to follow up to clarify the process from the CSA perspective.

        PBS Update

        • Bidding Overview: Bidding has been steady in May, with a focus on all California bases maintaining consistent staffing levels.
        • Bid Awards and Protests: Quick bid awards were granted in May, with efforts to focus on only essential reserve needs rather than spreading excess reserves. A few protests were honored, including a unique case concerning Buddy Bidding where discrepancies arose between submitted screenshots and recorded submissions.
        • Meetings: A Navblue call was held on April 3, 2025, during which it was confirmed that pilots and Flight Attendants will officially split upon taking a new release. Updates related to Change Requests (CRs) concerning TA2 were requested. On April 10, 2025, a meeting addressed bugs in version 25.1, highlighting that the offline bid function was not operating as expected. The committee reiterated its previous offer to assist in testing and preventing further bugs.
        • Testing Updates: Version 25.1 is currently available for testing, with significant changes, including improvements to offline mode and password resets. A new bug related to printing has been identified, and a workaround has been suggested for iPhone users.
        • Base Sits Engagement: Base sits engagement levels in April were variable compared to previous years, prompting discussions on strategies to improve participation and communication with bases.

        ITS Update

        • Testing Progress: As of April 22, 2025, the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for PBS 25.1 is ongoing, with no new test cases added.
        • TFP Calculators: The ITS team is working on TFP calculators due to new requirements in the CBA.
        • Trade Analysis: A total of 82,507 trades were analyzed in April, with 98% of trades receiving responses in less than 10 seconds, while 1.4% took longer than 10 seconds. April trade volume was higher compared to March.
        • Operational Updates: The JCTE release is being tested for version 9.1 MR21. Ground transport and limos will include one TFP and a manual process will be in place until full integration is achieved. Boarding pay testing is expected by May 5, and updates are scheduled for the next release.
        • Payroll Update
        • Monthly Comparison: A comparison of payroll queries indicates a rise from 1,052 in March to 1,437 in April. Flight Attendants are transitioning from general pay categories to other TFP categories, with 821 classified as non-applicable.
        • Drug Testing Payment: Clarifications on the payment processes for drug testing reveal that Flight Attendants must wait for their paychecks to confirm payments. If there are any discrepancies, the drug testing group needs to be contacted directly. Payments are generated from a file managed by drug abatement and accounting payroll.
        • City Pair Review: Debbie Bakke (Manager, Payroll) and Matthew Trujillo (Supervisor, Crew Scheduling) connected regarding a bulletin that requires a pay annotation from scheduling. Payroll has reviewed specific city pair issues.

        Crew Planning Update

        • Block Hours: Block hours are projected to increase during the summer months of April, May, and June. June is expected to see block hours reach 337,079, although there has been a decrease in SFO.
        • Reserve Utilization: The average TFP line is projected at 77.5 in June, with 20.3% reserves. Individual bases show varying reserve percentages, with Seattle at 23% due to improved flying recovery options.
        • Staffing Adjustments Leaves: Plans are in place for 201 staffing adjustments leaves, with the potential to award more positions. The closing date for adjustments is the first of each month.
        • Irregular Operations Mitigation Efforts: Construction projects at SAN include adding 19 new gates and resurfacing tarmacs. The airport project is scheduled to continue through 2028 and will affect transcontinental departures.
        • Hotel and API Concerns: An API quarterly meeting is set to review hotel accommodations and ad hoc lists, especially in preparation for training hotels slated for 2026. During Easter week, there were concerns about hotel relocations impacting Flight Attendants, particularly in FLL and PVR. As a reminder, please continue to fill out CrewCare reports for all hotel and transportation issues. They are vital to our success in advocating for changes and accountability. 

        Crew Scheduling Update

        • Sick Leave Statistics: Overall sick leave for the month is 9.5%, a decrease from 12.9% in April 2024. Increases were noted in ANC and LAX, while SFO saw a reduction.
        • Reserve Sick Leave: Reserve sick leave stands at 7.2%, down significantly from 11.4% in the previous year.
        • Absence Statistics: 4,385 absences were recorded across the system for April.
        • Premium and Personal Drops: Premium TFP postings included 9,765 in February, 9,222 in March, and 2,830 month-to-date in April. Personal drops (PDs) totaled 175 for April month-to-date, compared to 301 PDs and bulletin board drops in March.
        • Upcoming CBA Changes: Implementation timelines for various contractual changes are in progress. Key upcoming changes include state sick leave effective May 1, PPP restructuring in June, and additional vacation and uniform allotment increases in the fourth quarter of 2025.
        • Deadhead Process Improvements: Ongoing efforts with TSA are addressing challenges related to deadhead processes. Flight Attendants are experiencing difficulties with check-in procedures; compliance issues are under review, and updates will be provided later in the week.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. 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.
        2. 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.
        3. 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.
        4. 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.
        5. 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2025

        March 28, 2025 16:00

        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

        1. 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.
        2. 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.
        3. 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.
        4. 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.
        5. 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2025

        February 3, 2025 09:00

        Scheduling Committee

        • On January 28, 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 28, 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 Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

        The committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Jeffery Hunt, Senior Manager of Product Management Rick Mitchell, Managing Director Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels and Admin manager Nichole Turner, Crew Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        • Ongoing issues with sit pay discrepancies highlighted, with specific attention to individual Flight Attendants not receiving their due compensation.
        • Importance of timely updates from management regarding pay issues emphasized to ensure transparency and build trust among crew members.
        • Request for a comprehensive report detailing flight operations, including any changes in schedules and how they affect pay structures.
        • Review of pairing structures indicated frequent occurrences of low TFP options, raising concerns about the sustainability of current scheduling practices.
        • Concerns were raised about the accessibility of paychecks and the need for a troubleshooting protocol for Flight Attendants experiencing issues.
        • Highlighted the need for a more structured approach to managing Open Time trips, focusing on balancing crew preferences with operational requirements.
        • Clarification was sought on the procedures for reporting and handling known delays, with an emphasis on ensuring timely communication to all affected crew members.
        • Discussions included strategies for improving the speed and efficiency of bid processing, particularly concerning reserve coverage and historical data utilization.
        • The significance of timely communication regarding bid protests was noted, with emphasis on ensuring that all crew members understand the criteria for submitting protests.
        • Updates on recent meetings with management underscored the importance of collaboration across departments to address crew concerns and enhance operational efficiency.
        • Review of future releases and updates highlighted the importance of keeping crew members informed about upcoming changes and how they will impact day-to-day operations.
        • Engagement with the committee regarding upcoming class schedules and training opportunities was discussed, with a focus on ensuring new hires are adequately prepared.
        • A high volume of inquiries regarding activity claim forms prompted discussions on the need for better categorization and guidance for Flight Attendants filling out claims.
        • Emphasis placed on the importance of monitoring block hours and reserve staffing ratios to maintain operational efficiency and crew satisfaction.
        • Concerns about the impact of ongoing construction in SAN and operational changes on flight schedules were raised, with a call for proactive measures to mitigate disruptions.
        • Acknowledgment of the decrease in sick leave rates and ongoing efforts to manage crew wellness and fatigue through improved scheduling practices.
        • Addressed transportation issues related to Crew Access and timeliness, stressing the need for better coordination with ground services to enhance crew experience.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee 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. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding. We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
        2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
        3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
        4. 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.
        5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
        6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – December 2024

        January 2, 2025 17:00

        Scheduling Committee

        • On December 17, 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, December 17, 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

        The committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Jeffery Hunt, Manager of Product Management Lilah Behrend, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        Scheduling Committee Concerns

        • Crew Scheduling Hold Times. Discussion focused on updating and providing communication protocols to Flight Attendants when experiencing extended hold periods over the phone. The agreement is to maintain normal contact unless a different approach is agreed upon.
        • COVID Protections. It’s confirmed that COVID protections remain in effect for offline commuting. Review the LOAs still in effect.
        • End-of-Year AFA Alaska Support Center Tickets. To ensure all open issues are settled, an emphasis was placed on the urgency of resolving and closing out end-of-year ticketing issues.
        • Ground Staff Widebody Aircraft Training Concerns. Significant concerns exist regarding the upcoming introduction of a widebody Hawaiian Airlines aircraft to ANC operations. Staff are currently untrained on this aircraft type, raising questions about operational logistics and potential reductions in Hawaii flying. More information on this situation is critical as spring approaches.
        • Daylight Savings Review. There was a discussion about the confusion surrounding crew reporting times during the daylight savings transition. A recent social media post indicates a need for clarity in communication.
        • Charter Issues. The denial of base turns for charters was raised, alongside a commitment from scheduling to provide necessary training. Concerns were also expressed regarding the limitation of one charter bid per day, with options to add a charter as a base turn if flying is non-charter.
        • Transportation Delays. Significant issues with crew transportation in LIR were highlighted, including long wait times for transport to hotels. This has led to discussions about changing hotel arrangements to improve the situation.
        • Crew Access. A need for improved notification systems for out-of-base trips was voiced; there is a current bug that sometimes doesn’t prompt the Flight Attendant when picking up a trip out of their home domicile.
        • Redeye Flight Loss. Crew members expressed frustration over losing redeye flights to the East Coast, noting management’s lack of timely communication regarding schedule changes. They are only learning about changes through bid packets, which is not ideal.
        • Van Delays. There were reports of delays in getting crews to hotels after flights, with a suggestion that communication could have been faster. Crews found themselves waiting at the airport instead of being transported to their accommodations. Reminder to file feedback reports with API for all hotel and transportation issues. This falls under the scope of the Hotel Committee, and they need more visibility into these concerns. 
        • Uber Coordination. Issues with Uber transportation at JFK were discussed, highlighting the inconvenience of being assigned to distant pick-up zones without prior notice. This created long walks for crew members and significant wait times.
        • Personal Drops. A grievance regarding personal drop policies will be filed soon, with expectations that the resolution process could take several months.

        PBS

        • Bidding & Awards. January’s bidding process was described as busy yet inconsistent, with high coverage levels leading to challenges in securing legal runs while also managing reserves. 
        • Upcoming Meetings. Several meetings are scheduled, including a discussion with NAVBLUE and a meeting planned to address the separation of pilots and Flight Attendants on NAVBLUE systems in 2025.
        • Future Releases. No further updates have been provided beyond the 25.1 release, indicating a stable but unchanging landscape for now.

        Pairing Construction

        • February Planning. As the group prepares for pairing construction for February, they are seeking more information on flight schedules, particularly with the hope of reviewing outbound and inbound flights for better operational awareness.

        Crew Planning

        • Transportation Adjustments. Flight timing for LIR to LAX has been adjusted due to past cancellations tied to customs timing. The new location for crews is being considered to avoid long transport times.
        • Staffing Updates. The committee reviewed the status of staffing leaves (approximately 380), projecting crew awards and establishing a plan to open bids shortly, along with ensuring base numbers of availability are communicated clearly.

        Crew Scheduling

        • Absence Rates. An upward trend in absence rates was noted, with sick leave calls increasing. The committee is monitoring these trends closely as they could affect overall operations and flexibility.
        • Premium Pay. There was a review of premium pay structures for December, which have been implemented to assist with operational needs, especially during high absence periods on the weekend.

        Flight Attendant Crew Pay

        • Flight Attendant Crew Pay Inquiries. A high volume of resolved queries regarding Flight Attendants’ pay was reported, with a focus on enhancing the clarity of the claims process and ensuring Flight Attendants have access to necessary information for filing claims.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee 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. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding. We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
        2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
        3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
        4. 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.
        5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
        6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

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