This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, May 8, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14.

Topics of Discussion 

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

• Uniform Guidelines and Updates
  • As of May 12, management has started progressive disciplinary steps for uniform violations. 
  • If management discusses a uniform violation with you, they must inform you that it is being documented as a Record of Discussion (ROD) and follow the proper procedures. 
  • If a Flight Attendant has concerns after receiving an ROD, please contact your LEC President or Local Grievance Committee.
• A special bulletin released on April 18 states that the combination of the quarter-zip sweater and summer shirt is not allowed. The updated uniform style chart reflects this change.
• Current Open Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Item:
  • Issues regarding exchange settlements and reimbursement denials: Management acknowledges there is no time limit for uniform repairs. However, they claim they are not obligated to repair uniforms that were traded, swapped, or lack a Unisync order history. AFA disagrees, noting that there has been a longstanding practice of trading and swapping uniforms, and the contract does not exempt these situations.
• Current Closed ADR Item:
  • Hairstyles based on federally protected classes: Flight attendants may submit a reasonable accommodation request for uniform guidelines. Examples of federally protected uniform violations that can be addressed through this request (though not exhaustive) include:
    • Head coverings such as hijabs, tichels, African headwraps, and kipahs;
    • Jewelry such as Indian bangles, Tibetan/Buddhist mala beads and bracelets, Catholic rosaries/Saint medals, crucifixes, crosses, Star of David necklaces/bracelets, Native American turquoise, and Māori/Meso American/East Asian/Egyptian jade;
    • Hairstyles such as Native Alaskan/American mohawks and Sikh hair; 
    • Cultural tattoos such as Ta moko, Tatau, Mandala, Sak Yant, Irezumi, African scarification/fraternal branding, Mehndi, Batok/Batek/Patik/Batik, and kākau.
  • Please remember that to make a request, you must be part of one of the following federally protected classes regarding your request: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and associated medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical), genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and ancestry.
• Open Requests Made to Management:
  • Development of a Uniform App on IMD that allows reporting issues and accessing policies/style guides.
• Requests Made for Merged Uniforms/Dual Branding:
  • “Off the neck” apron style.
  • Small hoop-style nose rings.
  • Year-round boot options.
  • Better-fitting pants.
  • Making hosiery optional.
  • Hooded transition jacket.
  • More breathable fabric options.
  • Making the transition jacket compliant with all uniform pieces.
  • Introducing a cape/wrap/coat to be worn during boarding or on red-eye flights for added warmth.
  • A less restrictive accessory policy regarding watch band colors, nail polish colors, designs, etc.
  • Easier access to alterations.
  • Providing photos of models alongside their sizes for each piece to assist Flight Attendants in finding the right fit.
  • Option for a wrap dress.
  • An added summer shirt option that is not tropical-themed.
  • A longer torso design for the summer shirt option (especially for the Aura cut).
  • Collared and tailored shirts that can be worn untucked.
  • A waterproof trench coat with a usable hood.
  • Expanding shoe color options for dresses and skirts, as compliant navy shoes are difficult to find.
• For those with sensitive skin, the retractable lanyard is a uniform-compliant option, provided you wear a Oneworld pin. 
• Lanyards have been restocked and are available at all bases. You may request a lanyard at any base, regardless of your home base location.
• If you do not have original company-issued luggage, you may use your personal luggage; however, it must be approved by a supervisor. Please email your supervisor for approval.
• The Aura Blazer and Aura dress will not be reordered. Once the current stock is sold out, they will no longer be available for order.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Arctic Stuff Sack: Sourcing a suitable stuff sack has proven difficult, but it remains a priority on our agenda.
2. Updated Uniform Links: The Committee noticed several broken or inaccurate links on the Uniform subsite. All links have now been updated, including the most recent alterations guidelines.
3. Hemlines: If you have already ordered the “tall” size and your hemline is still not compliant, please contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson for assistance.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Uniform Committee

• Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on February 13, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
• The Committee met with management to discuss uniform issues reported by Flight Attendants, including quality, wearability, and availability.
• If you encounter issues with uniform quality or construction, please report them to Unisync as soon as possible and include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson to help track any trends.

On Thursday, February 13, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). MEC Vice President-elect Brice McGee and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with Director of Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Topics of Discussion 

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

• The wear test for the transition jacket began on February 14 and will run until March 14.
• The Committee is collaborating with the Benefits Committee to find an alternative solution for non-medical grade compression nylons (previously supplied by OccuFit). Flight Attendants can continue to obtain medical-grade compression nylons through their insurance.
• An issue regarding uniform exchanges and reimbursements for alterations has been escalated to the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. Our MEC is strongly opposed to denials based on Flight Attendants not having an order history for a specific piece. There is no contractual language stating that Flight Attendants must only wear pieces obtained through the uniform subsite or their Unisync account. All alterations and exchanges should be approved by management, regardless of how the pieces were acquired. The Committee has suggested an update to the reimbursement form, requiring Flight Attendants to include the batch number of the piece they are altering to verify it is a uniform item. Management responded that they will continue to deny requests, stating that they believe this is not in line with the spirit of the intended language.
• The Uniform Policy Guide will be updated to reflect additional combinations for the ¼ zip cardigan.
• Management has released new “Uniform Care” videos to provide guidance on extending the longevity of uniform pieces.
• Name tags are now individually wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent damage during shipping, which should reduce the incidence of wings arriving broken.
• The results of the sweater shell and cardigan wear test did not yield sufficient feedback regarding durability to justify a change in production.
• Management has received reports of non-compliant uniform wear from social media sites, including yoga pants and lug-style shoes. Purchasing these items is highly discouraged, as you will be out the money and may also face progressive disciplinary action during uniform checks. Management has initiated a uniform coalition, and uniform checks will be increasing across all workgroups in the near future. For the most up-to-date policies, please refer to the Uniform Policy Guide in your IMD or TeamAAG and contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson.
• The tote exchange program remains effective for qualifying classes.
• Open requests include:
  • A stuff sack for the puffer parka.
  • Photos of models and their sizes next to each clothing piece to give Flight Attendants an idea of what size would work best for their body, similar to those on the Uniqlo, Gap, and Madewell websites (e.g., Model Ailani is 5’7″, wearing size D).
  • Coordination with HR and a pantyhose company to offer items on PerkSpot (or a similar platform) so that Flight Attendants are not paying full price out of pocket.
  • Addition of a Uniform Quality Report on IMD or a related link on the Flight Attendant website.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Better Sizing Guides. Requesting pictures that illustrate sizes to help Flight Attendants order pieces more accurately.
2. Wear Testing. Wear testing for a more versatile transition jacket will run from February 14 to March 14.
3. Tote Exchange Program. Specific to the post-COVID classes who were not given the normal selection process for totes due to supply chain issues. Please see your supervisor if you would like to exchange your bags.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Uniform Committee

• Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, November 15, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
• The Committee met with management to discuss uniform issues reported by Flight Attendants, including quality, wearability, and availability.
• If you encounter issues with uniform quality or construction, please report them to Unisync as soon as possible and include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson to help track any trends.

On Friday, November 15, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Dana Butchen (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins.

The committee also met with Director of Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Senior Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on February 13, 2025.

Topics of Discussion 

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

• The wear test for a more durable sweater is scheduled to begin in late December or early January.
• The new transition jacket wear test is set to start in March 2025.
• Management conducted uniform focus groups on November 4 and 8 to provide insights into merger uniforms.
• AFA representatives will be contacting Alaska HR to explore alternatives to Occfit.
• Management will improve efforts to ensure that marketing does not use photos in which employees do not comply with the uniform policy.
• Wear test items will be shipped to bases. If a tester cannot pick up the items during base hours, they should contact the supervisor to arrange an alternative pickup. This information will be included in the wear test email.
• The tote exchange program remains in effect for qualifying classes.
• SEA Fit Center limitations have been resolved through the grievance Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. Flight Attendants may bring worn or damaged items to the base, and supervisors will send them for repairs or alterations.
• Unisync has committed to expediting the ordering process for wings, and Base Admins will now place orders every two weeks instead of once a month.
• The chunky sole band applies to fashion boots; however, arctic boots are exempt as their tread is essential for effectiveness.

New Requests

• Stuff sack for the puffer parka.
• Consistent and sensible sizing, with model sizes displayed next to each piece—similar to Uniqlo, Gap, or Madewell websites.
• Black nylons.
• Allow pocket squares and scarves year-round for Patriotic and Breast Cancer Awareness.
• Add pockets to maternity pieces.
• Include reflectors on transition jackets for safety.
• Coordinate with HR and a pantyhose company to offer them on the Unisync site so flight attendants do not have to pay out of pocket.
• Create a uniform quality report on IMD or provide a link on Inflight.

Previous Requests That Were Denied By Management

• ¼ zip sweater (No new pieces will be considered prior to the merger).
• Allow brown handbags to be carried when wearing brown shoes or belts.
• Allow blazers to be worn with warm-weather shirts (per management, this does not fit the casual look).
• Have pocket squares unstitched for versatility (management states the stitch is meant for ease of use).
• Allow boots year-round.
• Allow boots to be worn with the aura dress.
• Permit black shoes and boots.

Quality Concerns

• Seams on wool pieces and holes in knitwear.
• Seams on the aura dress and skirt.
• Need for more stretch in pants and A-line dresses.
• Wings continue to create holes in sweaters.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Stuff Sack. Sourcing a stuff sack so the puffer parka can be packed easily.
2. Wear Testing. Wear testing for a new/more durable cardigan less prone to hem and seam issues will begin late December/early January. The transition jacket will be wear tested after the completion of the cardigan testing (March 2025).
3. Tote Exchange Program. Specific to the post-COVID classes who were not given the normal selection process for totes due to supply chain issues. Please see your supervisor if you would like to exchange your bags.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket at AFA Alaska Support so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Uniform Committee

• Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, August 7 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
• The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
• If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Wednesday, August 7th, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Dana Butchen (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins.

The committee also met with Director – Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Sr Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Uniform Policy update
  • The new uniform policy update goes into effect Oct 1st 2024, at which time Flight Attendants are required to be compliant.  
  • This update includes changes to “chunky” footwear and “fanny-pack” style crossbody bags.
• Footwear accommodation process
  • Flight Attendants are required to look into every option available.
  • If they are not able to find anything, then a supervisor will forward the case to HR.
  • The Flight Attendant will need to provide a doctor’s notes and work to find a style that meets their needs in coordination with HR.
• Bootwear
  • Bootwear approval will be streamlined through Megan Low, Kristie Stafford, and Cierra Lewis instead of being done on a supervisor-by-supervisor and case-by-case basis. This ensures an equitable approval/denial process for all Flight Attendants at all bases.
  • New bootwear guidelines and options will be provided prior to boot season.
• OccFit nylons and shoes update
  • A message from Mgr Employee Benefits Sara Gray: There have not been any changes to how the compression stockings are covered on the medical plan. They continue to be covered as durable medical equipment when there is a medical diagnosis, a prescription written by their doctor and the compression stockings are considered medical grade. On the medical plan, we can only cover things that have medical necessity. Not everyone that purchases compression stockings through OccFit would be eligible for coverage under the medical plan. We have reiterated this to OccFit numerous times and they have been asked to remove reference to the medical plan. It is also important to note that the coverage on the medical plan is different based on whether they are on Kaiser or Premera, whether they are in the PPO, CCPPO or HMO plan and for Kaiser, it also varies by their Kaiser location. This is why it is important to not reference specific coverage by the medical plan. There are also medical grade compressions stockings that are less expensive through in-network providers. OccFit is out-of-network and therefore subject to out-of-network deductibles and coinsurance. For anyone that would like to purchase compression stockings through their medical plan, I would strongly recommend that they reach out to customer service at either Premera or Kaiser and find out the specific way to get these covered and how to be able to purchase them through an in-network provider. 
  • Please reach out to your local Benefits Committee Chairperson if you have any questions regarding OccFit nylons for a medical diagnosis.
• Packable/Transition Jacket
  • The committee was able to feel and wear the demo jacket at the meeting and the overall consensus is that this is an excellent solution.
  • The cut is the same as the current transition jacket, however it is a bit thicker and has an Omni-Heat lining.
    • Requested no logo so can be used at a layover
    • Wear testing will begin in the winter, though rollout and development is pending the merger
• Luggage tags
  • Luggage tags are now obtained from base supervisors and are available at all bases
• Spinner bag
  • Lisa Mueller & Kiara Jenkins had a meeting with the TravelPro rep and Lizzie Revard on 05/17
    • TravelPro is currently redesigning their Flight Attendant roller bags. They will be working with Flight Attendants across the globe to obtain feedback.
    • The committee has decided to table the request for the spinner bags until TravelPro’s new roller bag has been through a wear test, as we will now be afforded a seat at the table to have input on the bag design.
    • The main reason for tabling the request is because spinner bags are not designed for stacking and would not be conducive for Flight Attendants who are on multi day trips, pack/stack lunch bags, or use the bag in any position other than upright. The bag’s warranty is voided if the wheels and bag are misused through dragging it roller bag style or stacking multiple bags on the luggage.
• Tote Exchange
  • Flight Attendants who did not have an option to select the rolling tote during COVID constraints may trade in their standard tote.
  • This affects new hires from all classes in 2022, 2023 and classes 1 and 2 of 2024.
  • This can be requested through a supervisor. 
• Wear testing
  • Items will be shipped to bases. If a tester is not able to pick up during the base hours, they should contact the supervisor to make arrangements to pick pieces up. 
  • Supervisors will create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for wear testing deliveries/handoffs
• Quality Concerns
  • All quality concerns including buttons falling off and splitting at the seams/cuffs of sweaters should be reported through the Quality Concern form on the Uniform subsite.
  • AFA received the first batch of Unisync data
    • Based on the volume of pieces shipped there is a very low number of reports. (21,000 pieces shipped and only 21 quality reports received)
    • Please submit reports so the Uniform Committee can follow up with known issues and request production changes.
  • If you have any quality concerns, please submit your issue using the Quality Concern Form on Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality > Here [SSO required] so Unisync and AFA can track recurring issues. Changes can only be made if the vendor is provided with sufficient data and proof of quality concerns.
  • There is an increasing concern regarding cut and seam inconsistencies (i.e. FAs are ordering sizes that they already own and finding the new ones don’t fit the same as the old ones.) 
• Wings
  • Flight Attendants will now receive an order confirmation as to the timeline for wings to ship. 
  • FAs can order 4 of each set of wings every year.
    • Example –  4 “Committed to Kindness”, 4 “I Speak…”, 4 “Name Only”. 
  • If there are quality issues with the wings at shipment and during use, please send a report to Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com 
• The following uniform requests have been submitted and are pending management review:
  • Black boots
  • Year-round boot wear
  • Adhoc wings at each base that read “Flight Attendant” for FAs who are awaiting wing orders.
  • Supervisors ordering wings on Flight Attendant anniversary date
  • Add inside pocket to Aura vests
  • No hosiery requirement in light of the Occufit issues
• The following uniform requests have been APPROVED:
  • No changes to the hem length on the A-line dress (management wanted it longer)
  • Tote exchange program
• The following uniform requests have been DENIED (no new pieces will be considered prior to the merger/next uniform rollout):
  • Shoe allotment request
  • White shirts
  • A-line to come in sensitive material (the Aura dress does not contain wool and is considered the sensitive option)
  • A “splash of color” on long sleeves when rolling up the cuffs
  • Allow the blazer over the warm weather shirt (defeats the “casual look” goal of the warm weather shirt)

October 1st, 2024 will be the start of the new Uniform Policy and discipline may be issued for noncompliance.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Bootwear. Advocating for more options and colors as navy style boots are becoming increasingly more expensive and/or difficult to find.
2. Wear Testing. Wear testing for a new/more durable cardigan less prone to hem and seam issues will begin late fall/early winter. The transition jacket will be wear tested after the completion of the cardigan testing.
3. Tote Exchange Program. Specific to the post-COVID classes who were not given the normal selection process for totes due to supply chain issues. Please see your supervisor if you would like to exchange your bags.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include the “PO” number from the tag, attach photos of the issue and the tag, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket at AFA Alaska Support so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.