AFA Alaska

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

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AFA Alaska Update – September 3, 2021

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.  

AFA Update – April 6, 2020

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.

AFA Update – January 30, 2020

In This Edition

  • Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
  • Black History Month AFA Pin
  • Negotiating Committee Interviews
  • Uniform Returns & Packing Materials
  • REMINDER: Contractual Supporting Documents
  • Managing Negativity

Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

The novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, is creating growing concern for air travel. The first known case has now been confirmed in the United States. AFA is contacting our airlines in an effort to put in place information and precautions for crewmembers. We are sharing what we know about the virus now, although health officials are still determining the full implications of the virus and how it is spread.

NOTE: It is important that crew redouble efforts to take the best steps against spread of communicable disease. Review personal safety and universal precautions in section 4.200 of the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Situation Summary for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus remains a good source of up-to-date information on the rapidly changing situation.

AFA is calling on all airlines to institute emergency measures immediately, including providing crew members the latest information regarding the 2019-nCoV outbreak, identification of signs/symptoms of illness (in oneself and others), and procedures to manage potentially ill persons – utilizing information from relevant U.S. authorities including the CDC, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and international authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). We are also encouraging airlines to adopt AFA recommendations from our Communicable Disease Incident Response Checklists.We will provide additional updates as more information is available. We will continue to press airlines for action on this as we work to keep aviation’s first responders, our counterparts in the flight deck, and our passengers safe and healthy. 

Black History Month AFA Pin

Master Executive Council (MEC)

At the December 2019 meeting of the AFA Executive Board, a resolution was unanimously passed in recognition of February as Black History Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of February.

Black history month AFA pin

Our Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers have been provided with a limited supply of these special edition pins and will soon be making them available to you.  Please be on the lookout for information directly from your LEC Officers with instructions on how you can obtain your own Black History Month AFA pin! 

Negotiating Committee Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our current Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) becomes amendable on December 17, 2021 but also contains an early opener clause for the negotiating process to begin as early as December 2020.  In anticipation of early openers, the Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for the Negotiating Committee during the March Regular MEC Meeting, to be held March 10 and 11, 2020.  All three Negotiating Committee positions are up for interview and consideration.  Per the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, the MEC President is the chairperson of the Negotiating Committee and rounds out the Committee as the fourth member.

The Negotiating Committee is charged to negotiate and institute the needs and desires of the Flight Attendants into an effective collective bargaining agreement (CBA).  The Committee should have a good working knowledge of the current CBA and be willing to devote their full time to the Committee during negotiations.  The members of this Committee shall serve as the CBA Interpretation Committee until a new agreement is completed.

Selection of Committee Members

  • Any person seeking a position on the Negotiating Committee must submit a resume to the MEC
  • Committee Members will function until a new Committee is selected
  • The Chairperson of the Negotiating Committee will be the MEC President or her/his designee
  • Committee Members are selected by majority vote of the voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents)

Committee Member Duties & Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Negotiating Committee shall include the following:

  • The Committee, with the advice of the Staff Negotiator shall have the authority to conclude an agreement, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Constitution and Bylaws.
  • All members of the Committee, including alternates whenever possible, shall complete a negotiations training seminar prior to writing an “opener.”
  • Be familiar with Union policy and keep abreast of new developments in the industry.
  • Utilize the facilities and resources of the Union and the experience and knowledge of Union Officers, International Office staff and study committees of the Union. (eg., Legal, Retirement and Insurance, Wage and Working Conditions, etc.).
  • Maintain a current record of the:
    • Financial condition of the company.
    • Management lines of authority and methods of communication.
    • Operations statistics and experiences of the airline which may be used in bargaining, grievances, litigation, etc.
  • Be familiar with the wishes of the Flight Attendant group with respect to wages, working conditions, and work rules, through, for example, system-wide distribution of contract surveys, periodic road shows, etc.
  • Prepare the contract opener with the advice of the Staff Negotiator
  • Provide regular updates to the membership on the status of negotiations
  • Proof CBA language and agree with the Company on implementation and effective dates
  • Review tentative agreement with the MEC
  • Prepare membership summary package and Roadshow schedule
  • Present the tentative agreement to the members
  • Proof printed agreement and prepare CBA index
  • Prepare CBA interpretations for new concepts
  • Remain available as a resource for interpretations
  • Maintain a complete record of the negotiations, including proposals, notes and communications, and such record is the property of AFA-CWA.  A copy of this record will be forwarded to the International Office by the Negotiating Committee.
  • Maintain contact, through the MEC President, with IAM, ALPA, TWU, AMFA, and other applicable labor unions on property

Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

Flight pay loss (FPL) reimbursement will be provided to Negotiating Committee Members at the rate of 6 TFP at “A” pay for 8 hours of work.  FPL is not reimbursed for days that solely contain travel to/from an activity.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the March Regular MEC meeting from March 10-11, 2020.  Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/6vj5XPxDwv9x54eb9.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, March 3.  After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

Please note that in order 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?

Any questions regarding the Negotiating Committee positions or application process should be directed to MEC President Jeffrey Peterson at jeffrey.peterson@afaalaska.org.

Uniform Returns & Packing Materials

Uniform Committee

Our Uniform Committee has recently received reports that some Flight Attendants have been told that their uniform return shipments were improperly packed when dropping them off at FedEx shipping locations.  Some Flight Attendants have been told by FedEx personnel that they would be required to purchase additional packing supplies including “fill” material to prevent the contents in the package from shifting. 

According to paragraph B.7 of the Flight Attendant Custom Uniform 2020 Letter of Agreement, Inflight management will assist Flight Attendants with uniform returns and provide appropriate packing supplies at no cost to the Flight Attendant upon request.  If you experience a problem with FedEx personnel accepting your return shipment due to the way it is packaged, it is recommended that you bring the package to an inflight supervisor at any base and ask them to provide the necessary packing materials and assist you with sending the shipment back to Unisync. 

Questions?

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

REMINDER: Contractual Supporting Documents

Contract Committee

When there is a disagreement or difference of opinion regarding the intent of contractual language or how a contractual provision should be applied, AFA and management work through an established process to attempt to resolve the dispute.  Depending on the issue at hand, the resolution might be documented in one of several forms: a letter of agreement, memorandum of understanding, labor memorandum, or contractual settlement agreement.  Regardless of the format, these documents are contractually enforceable and supplement the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement.

To allow for the easiest possible access, these contractual supporting documents can easily be accessed from the contract home page of the AFA Alaska website at https://afaalaska.org/contract.  You can also access them on your IMD through the Good Reader app by tapping ASFASupplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Questions?

If you have any questions about contractual supporting documents, please contact your LEC President.

Managing Negativity

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Many work environments have at least that one negative person whose only way of communicating is through a string of complaints.  Escaping that individual at 30,000 feet is difficult. Relentless negativity tears away at our resiliency and ability to ignore the behavior.  While we cannot change the way other people behave, we can change the way we react.  Below are suggestions which may help you manage our own responses to negative communication and limit its impact.

Don’t Take it Personally

Negative individuals tend to find something wrong in almost every situation. Being negative may also be one’s main way to engage or connect with others. Negativity is sometimes correlated with self-esteem and inter-generational communication patterns.  A person who chronically finds problems with other people may truly be unhappy with themselves and/or demonstrating the strong influences of familial communication.

“You” and “I”

Replace “you” statements with “I” statements.  People feel attacked when their behavior is directly pointed out.  Feeling attacked causes the person to become defensive and may create unnecessary conflict.  For example, instead of “You always complain about working with her, and it gets old.” try “I feel uncomfortable when people discuss their feelings about our co-workers with me.”  

Make it a Challenge

Try to say something like “We always seem to have something to talk about, but it is usually negative.  Let’s only talk about cheerful situations today.”  Beginning with a positive comment increases the probability your listener will be receptive.  Giving feedback in this manner may also allow you to point out the negative tone of conversation of which the complainer maybe unaware.  

Offer or Seek Assistance from Your AFA EAP

Allowing a person to bombard you with their negativity may actually reinforce that behavior.  Everyone manages some negativity in their lives.  It is important for your own mental health to limit the accumulation of others’ issues. If someone is clearly struggling, remind her/him that AFA EAP offers confidential assistance.  Say something like “You know it sounds like it might be helpful for you to give our EAP a call.  I think they might be a good listener and resource for you.”  Then, give them AFA EAP’s number: (949) 470-0493.  Remember, AFA EAP is also available to you to help you maintain your resiliency in dealing with negativity.  

AFA Update – October 4, 2019

In This Edition

  • Introducing your MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson
  • Introducing your MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative
  • MEC Committee Chairperson & Appointed Position Interviews
  • What Happens When You Report a Human Trafficking Tip?
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Introducing Your MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

Human Rights Committee

Your Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews last week for the new MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson position. The MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. After thorough consideration, the MEC has appointed Chip Hestle to the position.

About Chip

Chip Hestle II is a Seattle-based Flight Attendant with 29 years of service at Alaska Airlines.  During his career, Chip held the position as Chairperson for the first Alaska Airlines CATeam.  In this role, he worked alongside Human Resources to promote diversity and cultural awareness.  He also participated in Flight Attendant Hiring Events. Additionally, Chip served on the AFA Government Affairs Committee and established the Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Support Group.

Most recently, Chip was one of four keynote speakers at the AT-62nd Area 46 AA New Mexico State Convention.  In January 2018, he was named one of Alaska Airlines Legends in Customer Service.  In October 2017, he received the Alaska Airlines Award of Excellence.  Chip served as co-President of the FADAP Mentorship Program and established “Wings of Sobriety”.  Chip participated in Humanity Chartered Mercy flights to New Orleans, LA, during Hurricane Katrina.  He represented Alaska Airlines at the African American Flight Attendant Convention in New York, NY. And, he participated in lobbying Congressional legislators to protect flight attendant crew rest and duty hours in 2001-2002. 

Chip is very grateful for the opportunity to serve and have received many awards and recognitions, but what he’s most proud of is the wonderful working relationship that he has with Alaska Airlines customers, management and fellow crew members.  

About The Position

The MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson is responsible for leading the committee’s effort to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.  Additional information about the position and committee can be found by clicking here.

Introducing Your MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

Your Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews last week for the new MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative position. The MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. After thorough consideration, the MEC has appointed Deb Wallstrom to the position. 

About Deb

Deb Wallstrom is an Anchorage-based Flight Attendant.  She started working for Alaska Airlines in 1998 and has been based in Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Diego.  She believes in a strong safety culture in the workplace and has been a member of the Air Safety, Health, and Safety Committee for the last five years.  She recently joined the Benefits Committee and looks forward to helping others navigate the medical leave of absence process.

While soap making has also become a new hobby, she can be found hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors in her spare time.

About The Position

The ASHSC Uniform Safety Representative will be responsible for assisting Flight Attendants who experience reactions and health concerns related to wearing the Flight Attendant uniform.  The position will work closely with the Uniform and Benefits Committees to ensure that Flight Attendants have a strong voice to advocate for them in relation to uniform safety.

MEC Committee Chairperson & Appointed Position Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the term of appointment for the MEC Committee Chairpersons is concurrent with those of the MEC Officers.  As the current MEC Officer term of office will end on December 31, 2019, the MEC will be conducting a review of the MEC Committee Chairperson positions in December 2019.

During this review process, the MEC will be interviewing for the following MEC-level chairperson positions:

  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson – Air Quality
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson – Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
  • Benefits Committee Chairperson
  • Communications Committee Chairperson
  • EAP Committee Chairperson
  • EAP Committee Vice Chairperson
  • Government Affairs Committee Chairperson
  • Grievance Committee Chairperson
  • Hotel Committee Chairperson
  • Hotel Committee Vice Chairperson
  • Inflight Service Committee Chairperson
  • Inflight Training Committee Chairperson
  • Reserve Committee Chairperson
  • Retirement Committee Chairperson
  • Scheduling Committee Chairperson
  • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS 
  • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – Pairing Construction
  • Uniform Committee Chairperson

Appointment for the Human Rights Committee Chairperson position was made within the last six months.  As a result, this positions will not be reviewed and will continue until the end of the next MEC Officer election cycle.

Additionally, interviews will also be held for the following MEC-level appointed positions:

  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – ASAP Alternate Representative
  • Grievance Committee Assistant
  • Grievance Committee – Payroll Representative
  • Inflight Training Committee Member (2 positions)
  • Scheduling Committee – PBS Subcommittee Member (2 positions)

General Qualifications

The following qualifications apply to all MEC-level Chairperson positions:

  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson preferred (required for EAP) 
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred (required for EAP)
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, including being present in Seattle on occasion
  • Strong computer skills. Good working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meetings agendas and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks

Duties and Responsibilities

Information about the duties and responsibilities of each specific committee can be found in article VII of the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, which can be accessed by clicking here.  Additional information about MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities can be found in this document. 

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be discussed during each interview.  All positions operate in accordance with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the December MEC meeting from December 9-12, 2019.  Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/XWsW9pEgtMRmqhZM6.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Monday, November 25.  After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

Please note that in order 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?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson or MEC-level appointed position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brian Palmer at brian.palmer@afaalaska.org.

What Happens When You Report a Human Trafficking Tip?

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

In our role as aviation’s first responders, Flight Attendants have the ability to make a substantial impact in the fight against human trafficking.  Education and training about how to identify and report suspected human trafficking has been included in Flight Attendant Recurrent Training for the past several years and additional reminders have been included in various communications from AFA and management.

Flight Attendant procedures for suspected human trafficking involve reporting the event at which point authorities take over and follow up on the tip.  Reports from Flight Attendants and other aviation employees are a part of the Department of Homeland Security—Customs and Border Protection’s Blue Lightning Initiative, which provides a voluntary platform to identify potential human trafficking victims and to notify federal authorities for front line workers at U.S. commercial airlines.  The diagram below provides an overview of what takes place once a report is submitted.

Reporting Human Trafficking

If you suspect a case of human trafficking:

  • Call toll-free (866) 347-2423 from anywhere in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
  • Call (802) 872-6199 (not toll-free) from any country in the world.
  • Report the tip online at www.ice.gov/tips. 
  • If in flight, report the situation to the pilots.

Questions?

You can learn more about human trafficking and the Blue Lightning Initiative at https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.  There are about 1.38 million new cases of breast cancer each year.  Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.

Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer; therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. Today, in the United States alone, there are over 3.5 million women and men breast cancer survivors. 

Chances are, you know someone with or impacted by breast cancer.  It could even be you.  That’s why this fight is everyone’s fight.  During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people wear pink, including ribbons, to support the progress being made to defeat breast cancer, to honor survivors, and to remember those lost to the disease.  If you would like to get more involved in the fight against breast cancer, visit makingstrides.acsevents.org. Remember, your AFA EAP is available to confidentially assist you with any health related issues.  You can find contact information for your Local EAP Committee at https://afaalaska.org/eap or by calling (949) 470-0493. 

Custom Uniforms: Let Management Know What You Think!

Just over two months ago, Alaska’s new Luly Yang-designed custom uniforms were unveiled at a company event in Seattle.  Since then, a group of wear testers (including many members of the AFA Uniform and Air Safety, Health, & Security Committees) have been wearing the new pieces on the job.  Wear testers have been providing regular feedback regarding every aspect of the uniform from how much stretch and give the pieces have to how well the pieces hold up to washing and drying.

Whether you’ve had the chance to see a wear tester with the custom uniform in person or you’ve only seen pictures online, your AFA Uniform Committee wants to make sure that you’ve had the chance to let management and the design team know what you think about the custom uniform.  Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the custom uniform, both positive and negative, by using the online uniform feedback survey (click here to access).  Not all of the pieces currently being wear tested will make it to the final uniform program; your feedback is critical to let management know what you want to see included.  The online feedback site will close on Thursday, March 22, so you only have a short time left to ensure your voice is heard!

If you have any other questions about the custom uniform or the wear test, please contact your Local Uniform Committee.

In Solidarity,

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

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