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

        AFA Alaska Update – September 17, 2021

        September 17, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
        • PBS Subcommittee Appointment
        • Why a $5 Starbucks Card is Important to Your Contractual Rights

        Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

        Human Rights Committee

        September 15 marks the first day of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States.  The celebration, which is also referred to as National Hispanic Heritage Month, began as Hispanic Heritage week when it was established by legislation that was signed into law by President Lydon Johnson in 1968.  In 1988, the single week event was expanded to a month-long period to be celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15.

        September 15 is of significance as it marks the anniversary of independence of the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Mexico also celebrates independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21. 

        Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

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

        • Library of Congress – National Hispanic Heritage Month
        • National Archives – Hispanic Heritage Month
        • National Park Service – Hispanic Heritage Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – Latino Center
        • Alaska Air Group Latin Culture Resource Group (LCRG) – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (AAG sign-on required)

        Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pins Coming in 2022

        The AFA Executive Board recently passed a resolution recognizing Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and providing for the creation of a new diversity AFA pin in celebration.  You can read the complete text of the resolution by clicking here.  The new pin will be undergo the design and development process over the next year and will be made available in September 2022.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions, please contact your Local Human Rights Committee.


        PBS Subcommittee Appointment

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews this week for an additional PBS Subcommittee Member as previously announced in the August 6 AFA Update email.  The MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. After thorough consideration, the MEC has appointed SAN-based Flight Attendant Steven Patronsky to the position.

        About Steve

        Representing the membership and upholding contract compliance are the aspects of the work that most excites Steve about being appointed to the PBS Subcommittee. His volunteering history for AFA includes work on the Scheduling and Hotel Committees.  Steve’s recent accomplishments include completing a Master’s Program at the University of Central Florida and remodeling a 50’s era Mid-Century home in Orlando. 

        About the Position

        The PBS Subcommittee, part of the Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system and oversee the bidding and bid award processes.  The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.  Additional information about the position and subcommittee can be found by clicking here.


        Why a $5 Starbucks Card is Important to Your Contractual Rights

        Grievance Committee

        In early 2020, our Grievance Committee included information in an AFA Update about a settlement agreement related to management issuing $5 Starbucks cards to ANC-based Flight Attendants for meeting an attendance goal back in 2015.  You can read the original communication from March 25, 2020 by clicking here (scroll to the Grievance Committee Update article, then the Recent Settled Grievances heading).  Due to the pandemic and other administrative issues, management is just now distributing the Starbucks card as agreed upon.

        So Why Is This Important?

        The issue at hand isn’t so much about the amount of the Starbucks card but rather what management did wrong.  The priority of our Grievance Committee is to ensure that management complies with our collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  In this case, management violated the CBA by awarding gift cards to a particular group of Flight Attendants for having better attendance rates than others without negotiating it with AFA.  Gift cards, which have a dollar value, are considered a form of compensation which is a negotiated part of our CBA.

        If our Grievance Committee had failed to address this contractual violation, regardless of how small it may seem, it could open the door to management making other attempts to change our compensation or working conditions in violation of the CBA.  This settlement agreement protects your rights and makes all Flight Attendants equal in terms of the CBA.  Although it may only be $5 to each Flight Attendant, the overall cost to management for the settlement agreement is significant and a reminder not to violate the language in our contract.

        Questions?

        If you have questions about the settlement agreement or reasoning behind it, please feel free to reach out to your Local Grievance Committee.

        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2021, committee appointments, grievance settlement, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, PBS

        AFA Alaska Update – August 6, 2021

        August 6, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews
        • Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

        PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Background

        The PBS Subcommittee, part of the MEC Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system (PBS) and oversee the bidding and bid award processes.  The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.

        The PBS Subcommittee is currently made up of the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and two PBS Subcommittee Members.  The MEC is seeking to fill a third PBS Subcommittee Member position at this time. 

        Qualifications

        • Robust working knowledge of hours of service, scheduling, and reserve provisions of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
        • Knowledge of CFRs and other regulations pertaining to flight time, duty time, and crew rest guidelines.
        • Ability to work remotely and attend virtual meetings as required.
        • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of NAVBLUE PBS, Crew Access, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, analyze data, and prepare reports.
        • Ability to meet deadlines, take ownership of issues, and follow up on assigned tasks.

        Duties

        • Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Scheduling Chairperson on the activities of the subcommittee
        • In advance of the bidding period each month, communicate with the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction to understand changes in pairings for upcoming months and how Flight Attendant bids might be affected
        • Keep members knowledgeable about changes to the preferential bidding system, common mistakes and errors, misunderstandings about the system, and other topics of interest through the MEC Communications Chairperson
        • Provide assistance to Flight Attendants through base sits, one-on-one training sessions, and telephone support during the monthly bidding window and as requested by the MEC or LECs
        • Communicate with the MEC Reserve Chairperson to understand the needs and challenges of Flight Attendants holding reserve schedules and provide bid assistance

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        • This position is eligible for Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss (FPL), paid in accordance with section 27.P.1.e of the Flight Attendant CBA.  Time worked is logged on a monthly basis and paid at a rate of 0.75 TFP per hour with a 5% override at “A” pay.
        • Time commitment is approximately 30 to 40 hours per month.  Most of the workload is weighted heavily toward the first half of the calendar month during the bidding and bid awards processes.  These amounts can fluctuate.
        • Most work for this position can be performed remotely.

        Term of Appointment

        This position will serve for the remaining portion of the current MEC term of office, currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2022.

        Working Relationships

        With The Scheduling Committee

        Occasional interaction with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Local Scheduling Committee Members.

        With The Master Executive Council

        This position reports to the Master Executive Council through the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson.

        With Alaska Airlines Management

        Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Crew Planning Analysts (John Bumanglag and Kelly Yeager) and Manager of Crew Planning (Mac Patterson).

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        The MEC will hold interviews during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.  All interviews will be conducted by Google Meet videoconferencing.

        Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/syy62DpL96ESQazQA.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 7.  After that time, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule 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?

        Please direct any questions about the position to MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org.


        Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        The way we talk about eating disorders matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape a conversation around eating disorders with family members and friends. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that your AFA EAP is a confidential resource for support, referrals and access to treatment.

        Eating disorders are medical illnesses.

        Genetic and environmental factors can influence eating disorders. An eating disorder is not a trend or a choice.

        Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal.

        Eating disorders often involve serious medical complications that can cause permanent damage or death. People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of dying by suicide.

        Eating disorders can affect anyone.

        Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and genders.

        You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

        People with eating disorders can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

        Family members can be a patient’s best ally in treatment.

        Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Family members do not cause eating disorders and can be great sources of support.

        It is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

        Complete recovery is possible with treatment and time.

        Have Questions or Need Help?

        Your Local EAP Committee contact information is available at afaalaska.org/eap or you can call (949) 470-0493.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2021, committee appointments, EAP, interviews, PBS

        AFA Alaska Settlement Agreement 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellations and Schedule Changes”

        May 29, 2021 12:00

        AFA Alaska Settlement Agreement 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellations and Schedule Changes”

        Grievance Committee

        After several years of periodic settlement discussions, AFA and management have settled Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Precancellation and Schedule Changes.” This settlement agreement becomes effective Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 12:01 AM Pacific Time.

        Click here for AFA Settlement Agreement Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes” >


        Some History

        AFA filed Grievance No. 36-99-2-45-17 “Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellation and Schedule Changes” back in June 2017 regarding retimes of between 15 and 21 minutes that were pushed to schedules in advance of the day of departure (prior to the first day) of a sequence. (Read the July 2017 Grievance Report for more details.)  Management sustained the grievance (meaning they agreed the contract was violated) shortly thereafter in July 2017. However, AFA disagreed with management’s remedy (i.e., the “fix”) for the violation, and the parties have been in negotiations over the remedy since then. 

        We were somewhat close to achieving a mutually agreeable solution when the pandemic began, which delayed our progress.  However, the pandemic did provide an opportunity to test drive a proposed remedy to the dispute starting on April 18, 2020, via the temporary COVID-19 Schedule Changes Letter of Agreement (LOA), which was extended through June 30, 2020. Please note that most but not all aspects of that temporary LOA were incorporated into this grievance settlement agreement.


        Details

        This settlement agreement requires that all pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes, and aircraft downgrades (i.e., from a four-position aircraft to a three-position aircraft) that occur in advance of the day of departure of a sequence will be handled under JCBA §10.S [Pre-Cancellations].  This will apply to Lineholders and to Reserves who pick up on days off.  The language in §10.S Pre-Cancellations remains the same but will be interpreted to encompass the agreed-to definitive parameters around retimes, flight routing changes and aircraft downgrades.

        The settlement makes it very clean in defining when the provisions of §10.S Pre-cancellations are used.  Essentially any schedule change that occurs for Lineholders (and for Reserves who pick up on days off) prior to the first day of a sequence, except for a simple flight numbering change, will now always be handled as a pre-cancellation under §10.S.  A simple flight numbering change in the absence of a retime or a flight routing change may occur at any time and does not trigger the contractual provisions of §10.S.


        Summary of §10.S Pre-Cancellations

        Note: The following is a summary of pre-cancellation provisions under §10.S. Please refer to the contract for a comprehensive description.

        Alternate Assignment Offered During Initial Contact (§10.S.2)

        If there is a schedule adjustment involving a pre-cancellation, retime flight routing change or aircraft downgrade on the day(s) prior to the first day of a sequence, then Crew Scheduling will make initial contact and may offer an alternate assignment made up of one or more sequences with a check-in up to two hours prior to scheduled check-in and/or with a release up to two hours later than scheduled release. The two options are to (1) accept the alternate assignment (§10.S.2.a) or (2) to decline the alternate assignment and waive pay protection (§10.S.2.b).  If Crew Scheduling does not have an alternate assignment available that meets the required criteria of falling within the scheduled footprint plus two hours on either side (before or after) when they first make contact with the Flight Attendant, then the Flight Attendant can opt to call Crew Scheduling between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence (§10.S.2.c).

        No Alternate Assignment Offered During Initial Contact (§10.S.3)

        If Crew Scheduling does not offer an alternate assignment when they make initial contact with the Flight Attendant, then the Flight Attendant can either (1) waive pay protection and be relieved of further obligation (10.S.3.a), or (2) they can opt to call Crew Scheduling between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence (§10.S.3.b).

        Calling Back Between 6 PM and 8 PM the Evening Prior (§10.S.2.c and §10.S.3.b) or no Later Than Release Time if on Duty (§10.S.7)

        When the Flight Attendant calls back between 6 PM and 8 PM local domicile time the evening prior to the sequence, either (1) an alternate assignment that operates within the exact footprint of the original sequence must be available (§10.S.2.c.1 or §10.S.3.b.1) or (2) the Flight Attendant is pay protected (§10.S.2.c.2 or §10.S.3.b.2). A Flight Attendant must call back no later than release time if on duty during those hours (§10.S.7).


        Reassignments (§10.R) – Same Day and/or Sequence in Progress Schedule Changes

        Same day and/or sequence in progress schedule changes are covered under §10.R Reassignments.  Please note AFA and management have on multiple occasions confirmed their mutual understanding that Flight Attendants will neither be required nor offered to report earlier than scheduled for the first duty period of a sequence under §10.R Reassignments. The parties continue to work their way through several contractual disputes related to reassignments that are currently active, and AFA will keep you updated on any developments.


        If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact your LEC president for assistance.

        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2021, grievance, pre-cancellation, reassignments, settlement

        Presidents’ Day Weekend 2021 Pacific Northwest Snowstorm

        February 16, 2021 19:00

        Presidents’ Day Weekend 2021 Pacific Northwest Snowstorm


        A Storm for the Record Books

        What a weekend! The recent Pacific Northwest (PNW) snowstorm was one for the record books, so the systemwide severe irregular operations were not terribly surprising. That being said, it’s clear the operation became profoundly broken at various points: Crew Scheduling “perma hold” for up to two hours (assuming one could get through) and/or dropped calls, hotel rooms extremely delayed or unavailable, no ground transportation, significant delays and cancellations, et cetera, et cetera.


        Operational Debrief with Management Next Week

        Your AFA Alaska leadership knows you want answers as to what went wrong and what can be done to prevent this from happening again. We are currently working on scheduling an operational debrief with management for next week. Stay tuned for an update following the debrief.


        AFA Alaska Online Support Center

        In the meantime, we encourage Flight Attendants to open a new ticket at the AFA Alaska Online Support Center if you need a union representative to review an issue or concern. Some examples related to the recent snowstorm:

        • Requests for Management Drop denied (or initially approved and subsequently denied) and No Show assessed
        • Day rooms unavailable (for transit time through an outstation exceeding four hours)
        • Delayed layover hotel rooms – AFA will need FAs to provide their release time into the applicable layover and the time when they received a room key
        • Flight Attendants paid for their own rooms either due to snow rooms being unavailable or layover hotel rooms being unavailable

        Please provide as many details as possible to help your AFA representatives research your ticket. Thank you!

        Filed Under: Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2021, irregular operations, irregular ops, snowstorm

        AFA Update – August 28, 2020

        August 28, 2020 20:00

        In This Edition

        • Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires
        • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS
        • Update on Our PSP Extension Fight
        • Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

        Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires

        Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to affect the state of California. For any Flight Attendants who reside in the declared disaster area who have been directly impacted, several resources are available to provide assistance.

        AFA Disaster Relief Fund

        The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since its beginning in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.

        To request assistance from or make a donation to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://www.afacwa.org/disaster_relief_fund.

        CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund

        As a CWA member, affected by the California Wildfires, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance from the CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund. This emergency assistance is based on availability of funds and need. 

        Please review the application for assistance on the CWA website and return the completed application to your LEC President.

        AFA Employee Assistance Program

        As always, members of the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee are also available to provide assistance.  You can find AFA EAP contact information at https://afaalaska.org/eap.


        Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS

        Scheduling Committee

        It is with sadness that we announce that Steve Poynter, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS, will be retiring from both his AFA position and Alaska Airlines, effective October 1, 2020.  Throughout his career, Steve has been involved in AFA in various roles including Negotiating Committee Member.  Steve was instrumental as a key AFA representative during the transition from paper line bidding to the preferential bidding system (PBS) in 2007 and since 2013 has served as the Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson for the PBS Subcommittee.  His contributions have benefitted countless Flight Attendants and he will certainly be missed. Steve wants to thank all of you for your support and kind words over the years and looks forward to seeing you from a passenger seat!

        Effective October 1, Adam Clarey will assume the role of MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS for the duration of the term of appointment.  Adam currently serves as a PBS Subcommittee Member and is the Alternate PBS Subcommittee Chairperson.  He will continue to work with PBS Subcommittee Members Sheri Rochel and Virginia Fritz to oversee the bidding and bid award processes on behalf of AFA.


        Update on Our PSP Extension Fight

        AFA International

        Flight Attendants and other aviation workers will not accept inaction from Congress. Even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has recessed the Senate, both he and Speaker Pelosi have stated they will bring Congress back to vote if an overall COVID-19 relief deal is reached. Congressional staff is still working and leadership is still able to meet.

        We have to continue to demand a relief package now. “When you say Congress does nothing, you give them permission to do nothing and that’s not okay.”

        WATCH AFA on The Today Show: Flight Attendant Jobs are in Jeopardy, Congress Needs to Take Action Now >

        Your calls, emails, and tweets have worked. We have built broad bipartisan support for our Payroll Support Program (PSP) Extension from the House of Representatives, to the Senate, and even the President. Read this summary >

        But our PSP extension won’t happen unless an overall deal is reached. We must keep pushing on a PSP Extension. Regardless, we’ve got to get the extension locked in because it is the best way to protect our jobs, keep our airlines intact, continue serving all of our communities, and have the ability to recover once the virus is contained.

        Flight Attendants have seen crises before and this time we know the importance of preventing bankruptcies and other fallout. That is why we will not stop.  

        Take Action

        SENATE: 888-848-4824
        HOUSE: 888-907-9365

        Sample Script:

        "Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

        After you call, sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >


        Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. While many things remain outside your control, your mindset is key to coping with difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.

        The Role Of Uncertainty In Life

        Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. Yet as human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.

        We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and worry, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same situation at this time. It’s also important to realize that no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel, there are steps you can take to better deal with uncontrollable circumstances, alleviate your anxiety, and face the unknown with more confidence.

        Learning To Cope With Uncertainty

        To cope with all this uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over uncertain circumstances. You may believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Unfortunately, chronic worrying can’t give you more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment in the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up at night. Below are few tips to consider in developing healthier ways to cope with uncertainty. 

        Tip 1: Take Action Over The Things You Can Control

        Much about life is uncertain at the moment—and many things remain outside of your control. But while you can’t control the spread of a virus, the recovery of the economy, or whether you’ll have a pay check next week, you’re not totally powerless. Whatever your fears or personal circumstances, instead of worrying about the uncontrollable, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the aspects that are within your control.

        By focusing on the aspects of a problem that you can control in this way, you’ll switch from ineffective worrying and ruminating into active problem-solving. Of course, all circumstances are different and you may find that in some situations all you can control is your attitude and emotional response.

        Tip 2: Actively Deal With Your Emotions

        When circumstances are out of your control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. When you can do nothing else about a situation, you can still actively face your emotions—even the most negative and fearful ones. If you allow yourself to feel fear and uncertainty, they will eventually pass. Focus on the present moment and your breathing and allow yourself to simply feel and observe the uncertainty you’re experiencing. Take some slow, deep breaths or try a meditation to keep you anchored in the present.

        Tip 3: Identify Your Uncertainty Triggers

        Some uncertainty can be generated by external sources, especially at times like this. Reading media stories that focus on worst-case scenarios, spending time on social media amid rumors and half-truths, or simply communicating with anxious friends can all fuel your own fears and uncertainties. Notice what scenarios or people raise your anxiety levels and try to reduce your exposure to them. 

        Tip 4: Focus On The Present

        Uncertainty is often centered on worries about the future and all the bad things you can anticipate happening. It can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed about the days ahead, exaggerate the scope of the problems you face, and even paralyze you from taking action to overcome a problem.

        One of the surest ways to avoid worrying about the future is to focus on the present. Instead of trying to predict what might happen, switch your attention to what’s happening right now. By being fully connected to the present, you can interrupt the negative assumptions and catastrophic predictions running through your mind.

        Tip 5: Seek Assistance 

        The uncertainties of our time are new to all of us.  There is no ready template to instruct us how to navigate them.  Be open to asking for help.  Your AFA EAP is just a phone call away.  We are ready to help and we are confidential.  You can access your Local EAP Committee Members by calling (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap .

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2020, AFA Disaster Relief Fund, California Wildfires, Payroll Support Program, PBS

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        Need Help?

        Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

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        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

        October 17, 2025

        During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee […]

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