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.

Uniform Committee

• Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, May 2 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 Thursday, May 2nd, 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.

The committee also met with Sr Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 8, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

• OneWorld Pins
  • The OneWorld pin/logo is a required item. Please let your Local Chairperson know of any instances when a base does not have any pins available.
  • We have received complaints that the new 20 year OneWorld pins do not have secure backing.
  • Because of the red lanyards, bases are running out of OneWorld pins. Management provided lanyards with the OneWorld logo. They claim it is not in their budget to provide extra pins for the AFA provided red lanyards. AFA is currently working to find a resolution to this issue.
  • Inflight SEA base management has ordered more OneWorld pins and Flight Attendants should check the village during transit if they do not have the OneWorld pin.
• 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.
  • 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.
• We addressed initial training “uniform compliance check” day rumors from social media..
  • The Committee is working with management and the Training department to  possibly allow for Uniform Chairpersons to be available on uniform days leading up to compliance check so that the New Hires in training have an opportunity to receive compliance feedback from union representatives who are not management or instructors prior to the check.
  • There may also be an opportunity to discuss uniform compliance during “Style and Service Night” provided it’s possible to continue these events for future classes.
• Tattoos & Piercings
  • The tattoo and piercing policies will not likely change until after merger/acquisition implementation and/or a new uniform roll out.
  • As a reminder, tattoos may not be covered with bandages or compression sleeves. 
• Wings
  • Due to the long lead time, the Committee requested to have supervisors auto-order wings on anniversary dates.
  • We continue to see quality issues with the wings at shipment and during use. Please send a report to Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com 
  • The Committee has requested to have blank wings available at base.
• SEA Fit Center will be closed on the following dates and will not be accepting walk-ins due to New Hire fitting:
  • Thursday, May 23^rd
  • Monday, May 27^th
  • Thursday, July 4^th
• The Atlas cardigan in smaller sizes and transition jackets may routinely be on backorder due to an influx of orders.
  • This has been addressed and they should be fully in stock by Fall.
  • The embroidering of the transition jacket is causing the back order. Management is researching to see if we can forego the embroidering to speed up the process.
• There is a spare “sneaky button” at the bottom of all shirts that can be used at any button gap to add additional support. The Committee has requested that if Flight Attendants add the buttons through an alteration service, that they are added to the alteration expense list and will have an update at the next quarterly meeting.
• The Committee will receive the quality concern form data once the data set has been compiled and processed.
• Still brainstorming ideas for solutions for Fit Center sizing/fixes for Flight Attendants who do not live in SEA. 
• The undershirt language is unclear and we will be working to find a clear approach that addresses Flight Attendant needs and concerns while still maintaining a professional look.
• The Committee made a request to allow shoes to be included in the allotment. There is a contractual component to this, so it may take time to review and get approval if management agrees.
• Management will be releasing style and care videos for uniform pieces in the near future.
• Management is researching adding insulation and better weatherproofing to the current transition jacket.
• Management addressed our concerns about sweater quality (holes, rips, and splitting). The Committee was able to feel a Nylon blend from the manufacturer which will likely also be warmer than the current blend. Wear testing for these items and their durability/breathability will begin in Fall. Please let your Local Committee Chairperson know if you are interested in wear testing these items.
• Still sourcing spinner bags.
• Wool sensitivity items are now coded on the Uniform website.
• The Aura vest is now available for order.
• Grooming standards remain in effect.
• The following uniform changes have been APPROVED:
  • The patriotic tie/scarf may be worn on September 11th.
  • Brown leather gloves may be worn when wearing a brown belt and/or brown shoes. (May not be worn with a black belt).
• The following uniform change requests have been DENIED:
  • The mock neck sweater untucked with the skirt.
  • A shorter apron. However, the committee has requested this be added to the alteration expense list and will have an update at the next quarterly meeting.

May 31st 2024 will see the ban of popular lug-style shoes and discipline may be issued for noncompliance. AFA has gone all the way up through marketing (including Luly Yang) in attempts to advocate for the shoe to remain in compliance. The final decision is that these shoes will not be allowed.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. CONTRACT NOW Lanyards. AFA believes that your right to wear a Union lanyard is protected by the Railway Labor Act. However, if you are directed by a supervisor to remove the lanyard, we recommend that you do so because we don’t want you to be disciplined. Please then fill out the Management Interference Report form. Note: The OneWorld pin is still a requirement, so please ensure you have the OneWorld pin on your lanyard or outer-most uniform piece.
2. Training & Uniform Standards. Provide a safe and positive environment for New Hire Flight Attendants to become familiar with the Uniform Policy Guidelines.
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. The Committee is currently working with management to create a process and will notify Flight Attendants once a method is determined. Please do not make requests at base or via email as there is no current process in place.

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.

Uniform Committee

• Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, February 22 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 Thursday, February 22nd, 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.

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

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

• Red AFA CONTRACT NOW lanyards are here! AFA believes that your right to wear a Union lanyard is protected by the Railway Labor Act. However, if you are directed by a supervisor to remove the lanyard, we recommend that you do so because we don’t want you to be disciplined. Please then fill out the Management Interference Report form. Note: The OneWorld pin is still a requirement, so please ensure you have the OneWorld pin on your lanyard or outer-most uniform piece.
• During the annual AFA Uniform Allotment Review, it was discovered that the allotment needed to be adjusted due to an increase in value of several pieces. The Company agreed and an additional $60.62 was deposited for a total allotment value of $760.62 for the 2024-2025 cycle.
• The mockneck sweater is now available and must be worn per the style guide. The committee has asked for the following improvements in the style guide: the ability to wear it untucked from the skirt and the ability to wear it under the vest. Until AFA receives a formal response to these requests, Flight Attendants will still be held to current uniform standards during a uniform check. AFA reported quality concerns of cuffs splitting at the seam and the neck hole being too small. Please follow care instructions for the sweater and do not dry them in the dryer as they will shrink.
• The Aura vest is intended to be in stock in June with a possible preorder date of May. This is a tentative timeframe.
• The Company is working with Travelpro to possibly design a hardside 4-wheel spinner that is Crew quality. They are also open to exploring other vendors, but will not sacrifice quality and durability for the spinner design.
• Wings/name tag order process may take up to 90 days. Name tags are a Minimum Order product and are done in once-a-month batches. Once the orders are placed, it may take up to 60 days for the Flight Attendant to receive their wings. If a Flight Attendant submits their order form on the day after Management has submitted their monthly order, the request will be held until the following month. AFA discussed the possibility of creating blank wings for the interim. Please order wings (max of 4 per type) if you have 2 or less as the turn time may be longer than expected. The Committee is also exploring the possibility of having supervisors order wings once a year for every Flight Attendant.
• The Company is considering possibly creating How To videos on care for the uniform in order to help Flight Attendants get longevity out of their pieces during an allotment cycle.
• An issue with no return labels in uniform orders has been resolved. All orders should come with a UPS return label.
• The Uniform survey closed on 11/07/2023 and results were shared with AFA. Uniform improvements will be made based on the data received.
• The Fit Center highly recommends scheduling appointments even though walk-ins are allowed. There will be new back-to-back classes of both Flight Attendants and pilots this year that may reduce the Fit Center’s ability to accept walk-ins (if any at all). AFA and the Company will work together to notify Flight Attendants when class fittings will occur in order to avoid the likelihood of being turned away due to unavailability. Please ensure you are signed up for base updates through your local council as this information will be included in your base newsletters.
• 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.
• AFA Uniform policies change requests:
  • Shorter apron- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
  • Allowing brown leather gloves if you are wearing brown shoes- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
  • Allow patriotic neckwear on 9/11- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
  • More modest skirt that is below-the-knee for religious accommodation (FAs can order tall skirts, but some sizes may still hit above the knee)- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
  • Offer the Travelpro backpack as an alternative to the tote- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
  • Piercings & Tattoos- The Company is inclined to adjust current policies to be more relaxed based on the Uniform Survey results, but will not be doing so prior to the Hawaiian merger & acquisition as our uniform standards are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
  • Allow the Franco Sarto loafers (without the tassel) but with the tan stripe and stitching- The Company is not inclined to make an exception, however, FAs are allowed to color or dye the stitching and stripe a navy color in order to make them compliant.
• AFA brought up concerns about uniform compliance checks being done during boarding/pre-departure safety duties. Management stated they are not specifically going to aircraft to do compliance checks. However, if a Flight Attendant is noncompliant, they will have a discussion. These discussions will continue any time Flight Attendants are on duty and may be subjected to performance steps of discipline if multiple Records of Discussion (RODs) are issued. The main areas of concern receiving discipline are:
  • Outerwear – Noncompliant coats
  • Nose rings (hoops) and earrings that are larger than approved size of a quarter
  • Hemlines – Too short
  • Shoes with white soles or stitching (you can use a navy/brown permanent marker or leather dye on the white stitching to make them compliant)

May 31, 2024 will see the ban of popular lug-style shoes and discipline may be issued for noncompliance. AFA has gone all the way up through marketing (including Luly Yang) in attempts to advocate for the shoe to remain in compliance. The final decision is that these shoes will not be allowed. (this previously stated the cutover is March, which was incorrect)

What The Committee Is Working On

1. AFA CONTRACT NOW Lanyards. Trying to work in coordination with the Mobilization Committee to ensure all Flight Attendants have a lanyard.
2. Transition Jacket. AFA believes we may have found a solution to make the navy parka packable. We will explore this more. The committee’s outwear focus is now geared toward sourcing a transition jacket that is suitable for all-weather purposes (similar to the former Legacy-VX transition jacket).
3. Quality Concerns. We would like Unisync to make quality improvements to their sewing and material based on FA feedback; however, there is not sufficient enough data to support our requests because Flight Attendants are not submitting quality concern reports. Please submit a formal request so improvements can be made.

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.