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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Scheduling Committee / Preferential Bidding System (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 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

        AFA Update – April 10, 2020

        April 10, 2020 18:00

        In This Edition

        • Temporary Commuter Policy Expansion to Include Other Airlines
        • Reserve Bidding Information
        • Hawaii Turns
        • Pre-Cancellation (10.S) Quick Reference Flow Chart
        • AFL-CIO COVID-19 Resource Guide

        Temporary Commuter Policy Expansion to Include Other Airlines

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        In the wake of the significant flight schedule reduction throughout the airline industry, AFA and management have agreed to expand section 28.G [Domicile: Commuter Policy] of the JCBA to temporarily include flights operated on other airlines (OAL) in addition to flights operated by Alaska and Alaska capacity purchase agreement (CPA) flights operated by Horizon and Skywest.  The temporary agreement allows OALs to be used to meet the two consecutive scheduled flight requirement in section 28.G.1.b.  Registered air commuters utilizing this provision should be prepared to provide Crew Scheduling with relevant flight information for verification (e.g. air carrier, flight number, city pair, scheduled departure time, projected or actual departure time, reason for delay).

        The temporary agreement is effective immediately and will remain in effect until May 31, 2020.  Registered air commuters are encouraged to review section 28.G. of the JCBA as well as AFA LOA 2020-04-07 [Commuter Policy and Utilizing Other Airline (OAL) Carriers During COVID-19 Schedule Disruptions] which details the specifics of the temporary expansion.  

        Questions?

        Please contact your LEC Officers with any questions about the temporary expansion of the commuter policy.


        Reserve Bidding Information

        Scheduling Committee–PBS Subcommittee 

        Your AFA PBS Subcommittee wants to offer assistance to those of you who might be on reserve for the first time in many years OR for those of you choosing to bid a reserve line.  A Bidding for Reserve guide can be found at the inflight website under schedule & bidding > line bidding > PBS QA/Help.  The guide can also be accessed directly by clicking here.  

        The PBS Subcommittee anticipates being extremely busy this month and will respond to emails as quickly as possible given the increased volume of correspondence. However, with the sheer number of people affected, there is no possible way to help everyone individually with entering a Reserve bid. Prior to contacting the PBS Subcommittee, please review the Bidding for Reserve guide.  It will likely answer most, if not all, of your questions and provides examples of multiple bidding scenarios.  

        When the May lineholder and reserve numbers are posted on the PBS Info Page you will have a better idea where you fall in your base. Check your May bidding order number on the inflight website > Schedule and Bidding > Line Bidding > Seniority List. Compare your bidding number to the May numbers for your base on the PBS Info Page. This comparison will help you determine if you can possibly hold a line or will likely be on reserve. Some Flight Attendants senior to you may choose to bid for a reserve schedule but specific details such as “who?” or “how many?” will not be available this until bidding closes. 

        The current situation is unprecedented in the history of our airline.  Your PBS Subcommittee  appeals to you to try and manage your bids on your own this month as the need for help will be unprecedented. 

        Questions?

        Please send all requests for assistance to the PBS Subcommittee group email at pbs.qa@alaskaair.com.  This group inbox is regularly monitored by all Subcommittee Members and will ensure that you receive the fastest possible response.  Alternately, you can also contact your Local Reserve Committee for assistance.


        Hawaii Turns

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        With the previously announced reduction in flying, Hawaii flying is being reduced to two daily roundtrips from the mainland—one from SEA and one from LAX.  AFA and management have agreed to continue operating Hawaii flying as turns through the end of June out of an abundance of caution and due to the State of Hawaii’s quarantine requirements.  Effective Thursday, April 16, these turns will be operated in accordance with AFA LOA 2020-04-10 [Hawaii Turns Due to COVID-19 Restrictions].  Key provisions of this LOA include:

        • The 4-person crew (A, B, C, and D position) will work both legs of the turn.
        • Turns will be augmented with two additional Flight Attendants; one of the additional Flight Attendants will work to Hawaii as an augmented crewmember (E position) and deadhead back to the mainland.  The other additional Flight Attendant will deadhead to Hawaii and work back to the mainland as an augmented crewmember.
        • All Flight Attendants will be paid two times (2.0x) the rate of pay for any TFP flown on a Hawaii turn.
        • For the remainder of April, F/As will receive compensatory “double-out” rest at the end of a Hawaii turn sequence.  Beginning in May, regular domicile rest will apply. 
        • Crew rest seats and breaks will be provided (see the LOA for specifics).
        • Reserves may be assigned Hawaii turns

        The May bid packet will contain pre-built Hawaii turn sequences that are available for bidding through PBS.  Flight Attendants who would like to bid for these trips will need to opt-in using the corresponding “Allow Long Duty (4k) Pairings” waiver.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about Hawaii turn sequences, please contact your LEC Officers or Local Scheduling Committee.


        Pre-Cancellation (10.S) Quick Reference Flow Chart

        Scheduling Committee

        The number of changes being loaded into the flight schedule by management have driven a record amount of pre-cancellation activity over the past several weeks.  To help Flight Attendants better understand the provisions of section 10.S [Scheduling: Pre-Cancellations] of the JCBA along with the recently enacted AFA LOA 2020-03-28 [Pre-Cancellations Due to COVID-19 Schedule Changes], our Scheduling Committee has made a quick reference flow chart available outlining how pre-cancellations work.  You can access this flow chart by clicking here.

        Note: The MEC wishes to thank MEC Inflight Training Committee Member Justin Wetherell for formatting the flow chart and the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Members for providing valuable input and feedback.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions regarding pre-cancellations, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee.


        AFL-CIO COVID-19 Resource Guide

        AFA and CWA are affiliated with the AFL-CIO, a voluntary federation of over 55 national and international labor unions.  The AFL-CIO has put together a state-by-state guide of resources, programs, and benefits available to workers affected by COVID-19.  You can find the guide on the AFL-CIO website under COVID-19 resources or by clicking here.

        Filed Under: Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Reserve Committee, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2020, bidding, Commuter Policy, COVID-19, Hawaii, novel coronavirus, pre-cancellation, Reserve

        AFA Update – December 6, 2019

        December 6, 2019 12:00

        In This Edition

        • PBS Software Update

        PBS Software Update

        Scheduling Committee—PBS Subcommittee

        A PBS update occurred on Nov 25th that likely makes it necessary to clear your browser’s cache. This is especially important if using the ‘new’ version of Navblue (the one they refer to as ‘WebApp’). If you get an error message when trying to log in or certain tabs aren’t working as they should then this is a sign that you must clear your cache.  You should be seeing version 19.4 on both the old and the new PBS website.

        On the Inflight website, there is an ‘Alert’ posted at ‘Schedule and Bidding’ with a link to instructions for clearing your cache.  Instructions are provided for Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer and Firefox.  These are the only supported browsers when accessing NavbluePBS. On the PBS Info Page you’ll see a list of supported devices and browsers.

        This latest update brings a huge improvement in log in time.  In addition, with some bid preferences there is less ‘clicking’ needed and the ‘Start Bid Group’ button (used to begin a new bid group) has now moved to the right side of the page.  The order of some bid preference sub-menus is more logical and there were some minor bug fixes in this latest update.

        No changes occurred on the ‘old’ version of Navblue.. Both the old and new websites are ‘live’ and whatever is ‘submitted’ on one will then reflect on the other. The old PBS website still works perfectly fine for bidding but is lacking all of the advanced features of the new website. No further changes are planned for the ‘old’ PBS website unless absolutely necessary.  Navblue is urging all airline customers transition to the ‘new’ website. When a decision is made on a firm cutover date we’ll communicate that to everyone. 

        https://asapbs.navblue.aero/webapp/#/

        Questions?

        If you have questions, contact the PBS Subcommittee at pbs@afaalaska.org

        Filed Under: Latest News, Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2019, NAVBLUE, PBS, Preferential Bidding System

        [L-AS] November 2018 PBS Bid Awards

        October 15, 2018 18:00

        This message is for Legacy Alaska Airlines (L-AS) Flight Attendants

        Trouble with the November 2018 PBS bid award

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) was informed on Friday, October 12, 2018, that the wrong one-position (“D”) pairing file was loaded into NAVBLUE PBS.  That file did not contain all the one-position flights—in excess of 1000—requiring staffing coverage. Management and AFA were initially going to pursue a re-award under the usual contractual procedure.

        However, management advised AFA that a longer than normal lead time would be required to re-open bidding because the correct D position pairing file had to be sent to API for hotel assignments prior to loading into NAVBLUE. Neither party was confident that API would be able to turn the file around over the weekend, so the conservative estimate was for API to finish processing the file on Monday 10/15, bidding to open Tuesday 10/16, bidding to close Sunday 10/21, bid awards to post Tuesday 10/23 and trading to finally open on Thursday 10/25.

        Such an extensive delay to first round awards in order to accommodate the re-award would have been unprecedented. The MEC was even more apprehensive because November is a holiday month. However, the MEC was also extremely concerned that Flight Attendants would not be able to exercise their seniority to bid on all known flying if a re-award were to not occur; this would be in violation of Section (§) 10.E.5, which reads, “All known flying, including scheduled and confirmed 14 CFR part 121 charters, will be placed in the PBS program for bid.”

        The MEC voted against a re-award via roll call

        After vigorous discussion about all the implications, the MEC voted three to two for a re-award (For: C15 SAN/McGee, C18 LAX/Green and C30 ANC/Pinkston; Against: C19 SEA/Taylor and C39 PDX/de’Medici; Abstaining: C35 SFO/Osborne). As is her right under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (C&B), Council 19 Seattle President Terry Taylor requested a roll call vote, in which an issue may be voted on using the number of members in good standing in each council. The MEC ultimately voted 2934 to 1899 against a re-award (For: C15 SAN/McGee @ 377 + C18 LAX/Green @ 1141 + C30 ANC/Pinkston @ 381 = 1899; Against: C19 SEA/Taylor @ 2317 + C39 PDX/de’Medici @ 617 = 2934; Abstaining: C35 SFO/Osborne @ 821). Council 35 SFO President Melissa Osborne abstained from both votes because the issue did not impact her members; all C35 member are currently Legacy Virgin America (L-VX) Flight Attendants and bidding under the L-VX work rules and related systems.

        Implications

        Consequently, November 2018 bid awards are now final and trading will commence on schedule. The tradeoff is that the MEC has waived the provisions of §10.E.5 specific to the ‘missing’ D position pairings for the month of November 2018; therefore any potential grievances pursued under that provision would have no standing in these narrow circumstances. Here is the breakdown by domicile of the missing one-position (D) pairings that will go into Open Time prior to the commencement of Open Time trading: 56 in ANC, 148 in SEA, 21 in PDX, 35 in LAX and 5 in SAN.

        The MEC knows many Flight Attendants will be glad that November 2018 trading was not delayed until late October, but it is also possible that just as many will be upset by the award and the waiver to §10.E.5. This was truly a no-win situation for AFA and for all L-AS Flight Attendants. However, be assured that your elected leaders will continue to advocate for you under the democratic processes of the AFA C&B to the best of our ability.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Latest News, Pairing Construction, Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Tagged With: 2018, NAVBLUE, PBS

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        SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025

        September 6, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were: Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants   […]

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

        September 5, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, […]

        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025

        September 5, 2025

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs) is progressing steadily. Our first group of committees successfully merged on June 1, and we are now planning for another group of committees to merge on November 1. As part of the committee merging process, our […]

        Recent Posts

        • We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001
        • Vacation Survey Now Open
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025
        • AFA News in Review – September 5, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025
        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025
        • Council 39 September 2025 Update 
        • AFA News in Review – August 29, 2025
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025
        • AFA News in Review – August 22, 2025
        • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Hawaiian Airlines SEA Flight Attendant Domicile Update – August 2025
        • Seniority Merger Integration Committee Update – August 2025
        • AFA News in Review – August 15, 2025
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

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