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

    Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022

    May 5, 2022 17:00

    Uniform Committee

    • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 3 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 Tuesday, May 3, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace.  Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Milner (LAX), and Denise Sheldon (SAN).  Also present were MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Todd Scarlett; MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom; and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Director of Procurement Eric Phillipson, Uniform Programs Manager Ashlyn Pham, Senior Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management. 

    Topics of Discussion

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

    • Confirmation of the 90-day return period for unused uniform items.  This return period is contractual for Flight Attendants (CBA addendum to section 13, #2), but there has been some confusion as the return period for other company employees is shorter.
    • Recent changes to uniform policies and upcoming gender-neutral uniform pieces.
    • Introduction to new management employees responsible for overseeing uniform procurement, the fit center, and the company’s relationship with Unisync.
    • Ongoing requests to streamline uniform boot policies.
    • Requests for improvements to the transition jacket, specifically increased warmth and wind resistance.
    • Introduction of a new, smaller pronoun pin than what was introduced last year and is available at the Company Store.  The smaller pin will be available soon in all bases and will be available free of charge to anyone who would like one.
    • Request to remove the policy requirement that uniform shoes have a defined heel.
    • Concerns that the policy requiring that hosiery be worn with the uniform skirt and dresses is outdated.
    • Request to review the current process for Flight Attendants to provide feedback related to uniform pieces.  The requirement to compose an email to Unisync is not consistent with how Flight Attendants report issues in other areas and is unnecessarily cumbersome.
    • Ongoing uniform quality issues.  Management indicates that improvements have been made with double stitching and reinforced seams, but Flight Attendants are still experiencing problems.
    • Concerns with product shortages and items that are backordered for extended periods of time.  Management states that the shortages are due to supply chain issues as well as greater than expected hiring of new employees that they did not project for.
    • Issues with a shortage of standard issue crew luggage pieces for new hire Flight Attendants.  Management has temporarily issued alternate pieces of luggage to several of the new classes due to the shortage.  This shortage has also affected the availability of loaner bags at each base.

    What The Committee Is Working On

    1. Improving the Uniform Boot Policy. Working with management and the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to allow for a broader range of Arctic boots, to allow Arctic boots in Alaska any time there is snow or ice on the ground, and to allow boots outside of terminals and the aircraft anytime there is inclement weather (policy not yet in effect).
    2. Simplification of Uniform Policies.  Advocating for an overall simplification of company uniform policies through clearer guidelines, removal of excessive or unrealistic restrictions, and other common sense changes.
    3. Streamlining the Uniform Feedback Process.  Working to develop an easy-to-use, online form that Flight Attendants can use to provide feedback about uniform issues and concerns that automatically routes to management, Unisync, and our AFA Uniform Committee.

    We Want to Hear From You!

    Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues you are experiencing.  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include photos if you can.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

    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 our contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

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

    Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

    February 3, 2022 17:00

    Uniform Committee

    • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 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 Tuesday, February 1, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace.  Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Milner (LAX), and Denise Sheldon (SAN).  Also present were MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Todd Scarlett; MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom; and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Director of Fuel* Lauren Kriegler, Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management. 

    * Within the company’s supply chain management division, fuel and uniforms are managed by the same group of people. 

    Topics of Discussion

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

    • Results from the recent wear test of a prototype warm weather/Aloha shirt that was conducted by the Uniform Committee and ASHSC.
    • Concerns that management does not involve the Uniform Committee early enough in the process of developing new uniform components and policies, resulting in unnecessary time and/or expense when problems are identified by Flight Attendants after initial development is in progress or complete.
    • Proposal by AFA to expand the ability to wear boots in order to improve Flight Attendant health and safety.
    • Status of backordered uniform items and projected availability.
    • Ongoing uniform quality issues, specifically about recent reports of zippers breaking off.
    • Concerns about sweaters in the female uniform collection being perceived as too thin and not providing enough warmth.
    • Requests for pockets in maternity uniform pieces.
    • Requests for improvements to the transition jacket, specifically increased warmth and wind resistance.
    • Concerns regarding inconsistent enforcement of uniform policies and standards by management. 
    • Continued requests to simplify uniform policies and guidelines to improve clarity and make compliance easier for Flight Attendants.
    • Status of AFA request for non-binary/gender non-conforming uniform and appearance standards.
    • Possible expansion of crew luggage program to include a spinner-type suitcase.

    What The Committee Is Working On

    1. Improving the Uniform Boot Policy. Working with management and the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to allow for a broader range of Arctic boots, to allow Arctic boots in Alaska any time there is snow or ice on the ground, and to allow boots outside of terminals and the aircraft anytime there is inclement weather (policy not yet in effect).
    2. Simplification of Uniform Policies.  Advocating for an overall simplification of company uniform policies through clearer guidelines, removal of excessive or unrealistic restrictions, and other common sense changes.
    3. Uniform Wear Testing.  Participating in wear testing of new or modified uniform pieces under consideration by management, including providing in-depth feedback and promoting changes that make pieces easier to wear and care for.  

    We Want to Hear From You!

    Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues you are experiencing.  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include photos if you can.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

    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 our contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Uniform Committee

    REMINDER: Uniform Allotments Expire December 31

    December 2, 2021 15:00

    Uniform Committee

    • Uniform allotments from the initial rollout of the Unisync uniform and the contractual allotment received in 2020 will expire on December 31, 2021.
    • If you order new items, be sure to try them on right away to make sure they fit properly.  Try to make any returns as soon as possible since you won’t receive a credit to your allotment until Unisync processes the return. 
    • If you have Unisync uniform pieces that are worn out and need to be repaired or replaced, the Company will do so for free.  Get in touch with your supervisor for help.

    Any uniform allotment that you have remaining from the initial purchase of the Unisync uniform or subsequent contractual allotment will expire on December 31, 2021.  Any amount remaining in your allotment after December 31 will be returned to the company and does not roll over.  All Flight Attendants will receive a new contractual uniform allotment of $700 on January 1, 2022 that can be used throughout 2022 and 2023 (CBA section 13.D.1).

    When You Receive Your Items, Try Them on Right Away

    If you order new pieces, we recommend that you try them on right away to ensure that the sizing is correct.  If you need to return items and order new ones, options might be limited if stock becomes depleted and pieces are backordered.  As a reminder, you have 90 days to return an item from the date you receive it (CBA addendum to section 13, #2) 

    Worn Out Uniform Pieces? The Company Will Repair or Replace Them For Free

    Under our CBA, the Company is required to repair or replace any basic uniform pieces that are worn out due to normal use or any manufacturer’s defect.  There is no charge to your allotment to exercise this contractual provision.  Contact your supervisor if you need to make arrangements to have any worn uniform pieces repaired or replaced (CBA section 13.C.2).

    Questions?

    Your Local Uniform Committee is available to answer questions that you have or provide assistance.  Find our contact information on the Uniform Committee page of afaalaska.org.

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Uniform Committee Tagged With: uniform allotment

    AFA Alaska Update – September 3, 2021

    September 3, 2021 17:00

    In This Edition

    • September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin
    • Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!
    • Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders
    • Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11th

    September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin

    AFA International

    Our September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin was designed in solidarity with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to honor our heroes.  AFA and APFA members lost their lives on September 11, 2001, but Flight Attendants across the industry – whether in our unions or not – feel the significance of this day and promise alongside us to #NeverForget. We welcome all Flight Attendants across the industry to wear this pin representing the crews of all four flights and the bond we have as Flight Attendants. Wear this pin on September 11th and throughout the month of September, along with your official AFA pin. 

    How Do I Get a Pin?

    Local Councils will be distributing these pins in person starting this week.  Be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council with more information on how pins will be distributed locally at your base.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers.


    Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!

    Uniform Committee

    Our Uniform Committee is continuing to advocate for improvements in uniform quality and needs your help!  Committee Members have heard your concerns loud and clear and want to continue driving change that will improve the quality of our uniforms. 

    Management and Unisync, the Company’s uniform vendor, currently have a matrix in place to “red flag” issues after hitting a threshold number of complaints. The more individual reports that are received by Unisync, the more likely a particular issue will get management’s attention.  Management is incredibly focused on this data and uses it almost exclusively to dedicate resources to making changes and resolving issues.  Our Uniform Committee is asking for your help by reporting every uniform quality issue that you have in a documented email to Unisync.

    Some progress has already been made based on response to the most recent survey and emails sent by Flight Attendants. As of July 1, 2021, the following changes have been put in place:

    • All new production of pants, skirts and dress hems will be double-stitched at the factory.*
    • All hems performed at the distribution center will be double stitched and only done in-house.*
    • Thread loop counts will be increased on all buttons for new production garments at the factory.*
    • Unisync has increased inspections performed on new garments and returns coming into the distribution center and will repair any hems or buttons to the above standard.

    * Please note that some residual stock may remain with the previous manufacturing method.

    There are still more issues to be addressed such as fabric quality and accessory/detail pieces like wings and zippers.  Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync with any quality issues you are experiencing.  Contact information for Unisync can be found below or on the Uniform Subsite under “Customer Service.”  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include a photo if possible.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

    Smaller issues such as buttons falling off or hems coming out can be fixed at the Uniform Fit Center or through a tailor of your own choosing and submitted for reimbursement following the alterations guidelines; however, we ask that you still report to Unisync so the issues can be tracked and monitored.

    How To Report Issues to Unisync

    Email: alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com
    Phone: 1-833-5-ALASKA / 1-833-525-2752
    Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM Pacific time

    When emailing, please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the CC line

    Questions?

    Thank you for joining us in this process. We want all of you to be proud to wear our uniform!  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Uniform Committee. 


    Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders

    Hotel Committee

    Hotel Hotline Document

    Each month, management publishes a resource document with information about layover hotels and transportation providers.  This document, called the Hotel Hotline, is available on both the Inflight website (Hotel Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline) and in GoodReader on the IMD (ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline).  In the Hotel Hotline, you’ll find a wealth of information including current local face covering requirements, food & beverage options and discounts, and other amenity information for each hotel.

    Verify Your Transportation Provider

    You can find information about the designated transportation provider for your layover in your trip information in Crew Access.  The Hotel Hotline document often provides additional details including what type of vehicles the provider operates, what they look like, and how they might be marked.  To ensure your safety, it is always a good idea to know who your transportation provider is and what the vehicle that will be picking you up should look like.

    When a transportation provider arrives and indicates they are scheduled to transport your crew, ask the driver to verify the airline and flight number that they have been assigned to pick up. All drivers should have this information.  If the driver is unable to verify the flight number, call the transportation provider using the phone number listed in Crew Access or the Hotel Hotline to confirm that they have dispatched the driver.  If you are unable to get in contact with the transportation provider, call Crew Scheduling for additional verification before getting into the vehicle.

    Layover Safety

    Safety is always our primary responsibility while on the aircraft, but we should also remain focused on safety when on layovers.  Taking additional precautions and keeping personal safety at the forefront of your mind is always a best practice.  Here are a few tips:

    • If not staying at hotel, leave contact information with other crewmembers or a trusted contact if not traveling with other crew members.
    • Prop the guestroom door open with luggage while examining closets, bath, windows, under beds, and ensuring all locks are in working order—if there is an intruder, you have an opportunity to yell for help and quickly leave room.
    • Use the buddy system to ensure each crew member’s room is clear.
    • Always use chain latch/bar latch (secondary lock) while in room.  If you must open door, keep chain/bar latched.
    • Always use optical viewing port when available.
    • If anyone should request entry to room, verify with front desk that the individual has a need for access.
    • While moving about hotel (restaurant, lounge, pool area, etc.), if you feel that you are being followed or closely watched, inform the hotel front desk.  Remain at the front desk until a determination has been made concerning suspicion.
    • Leave TV on and turn volume up a little louder when leaving room.
    • During evening hours, when outside the hotel, walk in pairs—it is always a good idea to use buddy system.  Do not assume all areas are good areas to walk or jog.
    • Do not use back stairways and avoid dark areas around hotels.
    • Do not wear expensive jewelry on layover—do not be a target.

    You can find more information about layover safety in the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM), section 7.600, pages 8–11.

    Questions?

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


    Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11th

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys.  They can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency.   For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession.  For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.

    There is no right way or better way to recognize the anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11th. 

    • Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you.  Say no to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings.  Find more gentle ways of honoring the anniversary.
    • Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th anniversary.
    • Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.
    • Give yourself permission and time to be affected.  Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches.  Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.
    • Try not to isolate yourself.  Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you have this tendency.

    However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it.  If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.  Remember, we’re just a phone call away.  

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2021, hotels, layovers, safety, September 11th, uniforms, Unisync

    AFA Update – April 6, 2020

    April 6, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training
    • Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals
    • Reporting Uniform Reactions
    • Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information
    • AFA EAP Support Services
    • CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training

    On Friday, management announced that they would be cancelling recurrent training (RT) for the months of April and May as a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.    Along with the cancellation announcement, management also provided information about an FAA temporary exemption granting a two-month extension to Flight Attendants with April and May base months (as well as some Flight Attendants scheduled for RT at the end of March).  This exemption will give affected Flight Attendants an additional two grace months during which to complete RT in 2020 (e.g. a Flight Attendant whose base month is April and grace month is May will now have June and July as additional grace months this year).

    AFA representatives have requested that management remove the April cancelled classes from rosters in Crew Access as soon as possible in order to allow Flight Attendants to manage their schedules and trade and/or pick up flying if desired.  Crew Planning is also in the process of removing RT pre-planned absence from NavBlue to allow Flight Attendants who were scheduled for class in May to bid normally.  Management has indicated that they will contact Flight Attendants whose RT class has been cancelled to discuss rescheduling options but they have not yet provided AFA with specifics on what the process for rescheduling will be.

    If you have questions about the April/May recurrent training cancellations, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


    Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals

    Hotel Committee

    Dedicated Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

    The AFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020 provided information about the temporary implementation of dedicated crew-only layover hotel transportation.  Management also communicated this information in bulletin #2020-0016, issued on March 17.  As a reminder, this crew-only transportation may be either hotel-provided van that is dedicated for crewmembers only or separate contracted transportation.  Please reference your trip information in Crew Access to determine whether the hotel or a contracted vendor will be providing layover hotel transportation.  You can also find a complete list of dedicated transportation providers on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Dedicated Transportation.

    As always, if you encounter any issues with a transportation provider, please notify your AFA Hotel Committee by filing a CrewCare report.

    Food Availability on Layovers

    At the request of AFA, management has compiled a list of food availability at each layover hotel throughout the system.  This list is updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information.  It can be found on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Food Availability.

    Questions?

    Your AFA Hotel Committee is here to assist and support you in all matters related to layover hotels and transportation.  You can find contact information for your Local Hotel Committee by clicking here.


    Reporting Uniform Reactions

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

    With the launch of the new Unisync uniform, our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Uniform Committee would like to offer a reminder about how to report reactions or safety concerns related to the new uniform pieces.  Management has outlined the process for reporting these concerns in a document that is housed on the uniform subsite of Alaska’s World.  You can access the document directly by clicking here (AAG sign on required).

    Questions?

    If you have questions about how to report uniform reactions or need assistance in navigating the process, please contact AFA Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom at uniform.reactions@afaalaska.org.


    Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information

    Benefits Committee

    Our AFA Benefits Committee has received information that Alaska employees who have either 401(k) through Vanguard or Alaska Credit Union loans may be eligible for modified payment arrangements.  National Group Protection (NGP) has also provided information about continuation of coverage for anyone enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program who takes a leave of absence.

    Vanguard – 401(k) Loans

    • You can suspend a loan for up to 12 months
    • It can take up to two pay periods to process the suspension
    • Once the request has been processed, the 12 month suspension begins
    • You can reinstate payments earlier without penalty
    • You can also make payments during the suspension of any amount without penalty.  If you choose to do so, it will not restart your loan.
    • You will accrue interest during that time – but this is interest you pay yourself.  This may adjust your loan payment amount once your loan is reinstated.

    For assistance with Vanguard 401(k) loan suspensions, contact Vanguard Participant Services at (800) 523-1188 (available Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 6 PM Pacific time).  You can also reach out to Jamie Smalley with specific questions at jaime.smalley@alaskaair.com.

    Alaska Air Group Credit Union Loans 

    The Alaska Air Group Credit Union (AAGCU) is offering an emergency skip-a-payment option that may allow customers to skip to three monthly payments on certain AAGCU loans.  For more information about this program, including a link to apply, please visit the AAGCU website by clicking here.

    AFA Supplemental Benefits – National Group Protection

    National Group Protection (NGP) has provided information for those who are enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program and take a Leave of Absence (LOA).  These special provisions include:

    • Coverage will continue without interruption during the LOA
    • Premiums are not due during the LOA
    • CAIC will honor claims during the LOA
    • No action is required on your part to maintain your coverage

    Complete information can be found in this document.  If you have any questions, please contact National Group at (800) 344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.


    AFA EAP Support Services

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

    Questions?

    Please contact your Local EAP Committee for more information or assistance.


    CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    AFA International

    As a part of CWA, AFA members are entitled to take advantage of complimentary online learning through CWA/NETT.  CWA/NETT provides you and your family with access to hundreds of online training courses through LinkedIn Learning. This might be the perfect time to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones. 

    Examples of learning titles include:

    • Zoom Meetings
    • Microsoft Collaboration
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Sharepoint

    You can get started by completing this form.  The form requires your CWA local number, which you can find on the Contact Us page of the AFA Alaska website under FAQs > Membership and Dues Questions > What’s My CWA Local Number.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers.

    Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2020, Benefits, COVID-19, CWA, EAP, hotels, layovers, novel coronavirus, recurrent training, transportation, uniform, uniform reactions

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    Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions start tomorrow! Listening Sessions are your opportunity to meet with our Negotiating Committee in a small group setting and share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, or anything else on your mind about negotiations. There’s still space available to participate in many of next week’s sessions. Register for a session today and get involved in the process—your voice matters!
    Thank you to everyone who has already written their letter to management telling them to Make it Right! We've made great progress but still have a ways to go to make sure management hears everyone's voice! Help keep the momentum going by checking in with your friends and flying partners today to see if they've sent letters to management as well. Save this QR code, let your crew scan it, and they'll be able to send their letter to management in less than two minutes.
    Our MEC will be approaching management this week to discuss a meaningful remedy to the recent bidding errors and delays. We have heard loud and clear that Flight Attendants expect that any remedy will include an element of compensation in order to hold management accountable. Stand in solidarity and support our MEC by sending management a letter telling them it’s time to make it right!
    Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions start next week and there’s still time to sign up! Listening Sessions are your opportunity to meet with our Negotiating Committee in a small group setting and share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, or anything else on your mind about negotiations. Register today and let’s fill every session—your voice matters!
    Due to hundreds of errors identified in the June bid packet, our MEC has insisted that management conduct a systemwide rebid. Management sent a communication by company email to all Flight Attendants earlier today with details on the new bidding timeline, which opened today at 9 AM PDT and will now close at 9 AM PDT on Monday, May 16. It is well past time for management to take ownership of their repeated errors, actually fix the problems, and honor our contract!
    Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will be attending the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting later this week. The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted. Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding approval of the AFA International budget, proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, and the election of AFA International Officers. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, submitted agenda items, or international officer elections, please contact your LEC President.

    Latest News

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 20, 2022
    • Tell Management: It’s Time To Make it Right!
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 13, 2022
    • The Saga Continues: June 2022 Bid Awards Delayed
    • Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting
    • Council 35 News – April 2022
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 6, 2022
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022
    • Understanding Our Union: How AFA Works at Our Airline
    • Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

    Tell Management: It’s Time To Make it Right!

    May 18, 2022 3 Comments

    Master Executive Council (MEC) Our MEC will be approaching management this week to discuss a meaningful remedy to the recent bidding errors and delays. We have heard loud and clear that Flight Attendants expect that any remedy will include an element of compensation in order to hold management accountable. Stand in solidarity and support our […]

    The Saga Continues: June 2022 Bid Awards Delayed

    May 11, 2022

    Due to hundreds of errors identified in the June bid packet, our MEC has insisted that management conduct a systemwide rebid. Management sent a communication by company email to all Flight Attendants earlier today with details on the new bidding timeline, which opened today at 9 AM PDT and will now close at 9 AM PDT on Monday, May 16. It is well past time for management to take ownership of their repeated errors, actually fix the problems, and honor our contract!

    Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

    May 9, 2022

    Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will be attending the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting later this week.  The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted. Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding approval of the AFA International budget, proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, and the election of AFA International Officers. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, submitted agenda items, or international officer elections, please contact your LEC President.

    Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022

    May 5, 2022

    Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 3 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.   

    Understanding Our Union: How AFA Works at Our Airline

    May 4, 2022

    Representation within our Union starts at the domicile level with your Local Council.  Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers are directly elected from among your fellow Flight Attendants who are members of the same Local Council. LEC Officers work to resolve concerns specific to Flight Attendants from your base with local management.  Your LEC President also represents your base at the airline level as a member of the Master Executive Council (MEC).  The LEC Presidents from all six bases together form our MEC, which works to coordinate the activities of our Union at the airline level.  They make decisions on our behalf and give direction to the MEC Officers, who represent the MEC to management.

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    The CDC and TSA report the federal mask mandate is no longer in effect after today’s court ruling. Additionally, Alaska Airlines management just announced via multiple channels that the mask mandate is lifted effective immediately on all aircraft.

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap

    December 8, 2021 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson Just wrapped up chairing our monthly MEC meeting yesterday and today. As usual, your AFA committee chairs and reps provided written reports to the MEC about the latest developments in their areas, and we received live briefings regarding dispute resolution & grievances, scheduling, […]

    Inflight Leadership Change and the Path Forward

    December 6, 2021 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson Now that is has been officially announced that Travis will be stepping away as leader of the Inflight division, I thought Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants might want to hear from their MEC president. I may not always be at liberty to communicate the details of every conversation advocating […]

    RSS Negotiations News

    • Boarding Pay
    • Get Involved: Seeking Local Mobilization Committee Chairpersons
    • Three Things That You Can Do to Keep Management From Getting the Upper Hand in Contract Negotiations
    • Introducing Our AFA Staff Negotiator and Staff Attorney
    • Introducing our MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson
    • Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions – Sign Up Now!
    • Introducing Our Negotiating Committee
    • MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Interviews
    • AFA Alaska Negotiations Update – December 21, 2021
    • AFA Alaska Negotiations Update – November 5, 2021

    Recent Posts

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 20, 2022
    • Tell Management: It’s Time To Make it Right!
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 13, 2022
    • The Saga Continues: June 2022 Bid Awards Delayed
    • Upcoming 2022 AFA Board of Directors Meeting
    • Council 35 News – April 2022
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – May 6, 2022
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022
    • Understanding Our Union: How AFA Works at Our Airline
    • Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

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