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“Alcohol Policy Revisited”

Alaska Airlines management has postponed implementation of the “same calendar day cutoff” alcohol policy

 

In case you missed the big news in Bulletin 2015-0103 “Alcohol Policy Revisited,” Alaska Airlines Inflight management has postponed implementation of the recently announced “same calendar day cutoff” alcohol policy! The Master Executive Council (MEC) thanks management for taking the additional time to understand the impact of such a policy on our flight attendants. We are also so appreciative of our members’ efforts to engage management regarding this important issue.

AFA research indicates there is no FAA recommendation justifying the proposed policy

 

There are a few points of clarification that we would like to make in regards to the “same calendar day cutoff” policy. All along management has been referencing a nebulous FAA “recommendation” as justification for the same calendar day policy. AFA research indicates that no such recommendation exists.

 

Background on alcohol consumption CFRs and Company policy

 

It is true that at one point in history (prior to the mid-‘90s) Alaska flight attendants operated under such a rule, which currently is applied only to the Alaska pilots, Horizon flight attendants and Horizon pilots. However, 14 CFR 91.17 clearly indicates that pilots are prohibited from consuming alcohol within 8 hours of operating or attempting to operate an aircraft. Flight attendants and dispatchers are also prohibited from consuming alcohol within eight hours of duty. Mechanics may not consume alcohol within four hours of duty. (Yes, four!) You may find it interesting that current Company policy for pilots is the greater of same calendar day or ten hours, flight attendants and dispatchers is ten hours (two hours more than CFRs) and mechanics is eight hours (four hours more than CFRs).

 

FAA’s “suggestion” of 24 hours free from alcohol

 

Inflight writes in Bulletin 2015-0103 “the FAA suggests 24 hours free from alcohol.” This is the only reference that AFA could verify as actually coming from the FAA. Check out the pilot safety brochure entitled “Alcohol and Flying: A Deadly Combination.” This document in no way references flight attendants and also is not specifically targeted at commercial aviation. You will notice it is in the same list of brochures as “Sunglasses for Pilots: Beyond the Image.” The actual “recommendation” is as follows:

 

General Recommendations

As a minimum, adhere to all the guidelines of FAR 91.17:

  • 8 hours from “bottle to throttle”
  • do not fly while under the influence of alcohol
  • do not fly while using any drug that may adversely affect safety

A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying. This is especially true if intoxication occurred or if you plan to fly IFR. Cold showers, drinking black coffee, or breathing 100% oxygen cannot speed up the elimination of alcohol from the body.

 

As safety professionals, AFA supports the concept that pilots should err on the side of caution. However, we do not believe this “more conservative approach” is an official mandate from the FAA that all crewmembers in commercial aviation should abstain from alcohol use for 24 hours prior to duty. Taken in context, the FAA is simply telling pilots to adhere to the CFR and to use alcohol responsibly.

 

AFA is committed to developing a better reporting system for alcohol-related concerns and vehemently opposes further tightening of the current “10 hour cutoff”

 

Now you have all the facts, as we know them. Going forward, AFA is committed to working with management on developing a better reporting system for alcohol-related concerns that both maximizes our culture of safety and recognizes the modern understanding of substance abuse and addiction. We also remain vehemently opposed to any further tightening of the current “10 hour cutoff.” The MEC has reevaluated our initial conclusion that we cannot grieve a Company policy and AFA will definitely file a grievance on this issue if the situation warrants.

 

* * *

 

In solidarity,

 

Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC EAP/CIRP/PS co-chairpersons Elizabeth Dillon and Jeanne McCleave

AFA Alaska

De-Stress Your Holidays

A Message From Your AFA EAP Committee

The holidays can be fun, but they also can be a source of great stress. Below are some common holiday stressors and suggestions for managing them.

How Can You Deal With Difficult Family Interactions During the Holidays?

Being realistic is the first step. Family dynamics typically revert to historic patterns when families come back together. You don’t have to pretend that all is well, but, you can sidestep difficulties by anticipating them and planning on ways to temporarily separate and defuse.

Do Financial Pressures Stress You Out to the Point of Ruining the Holiday Spirit?

Knowing your spending limit is also a way to relieve holiday stress. People believe that they have to go out and buy gifts because it’s the holidays, even if they can’t afford to do so. Not only is it stressful to feel that you have to buy everyone a gift, but you’ll be stressed for the rest of the year trying to pay off your bills. Perhaps this is the year to make a pact not to exchange gifts but to share time together. This could also help someone who isn’t in a financial position to exchange gifts with you.

How Do Time Pressures Affect You Around the Holidays?

Putting routines on pause or totally rearranging schedules because of the holidays are the ingredients for exhaustion and chaos.   Prioritize activities that are important and can fit around important replenishing activities like sleep, proper meals and exercise.

How Do You Deal With the Holidays When You Have Just Experienced A Recent Tragedy, Death or Break-up?

If you’re feeling really out of sorts because of a loss or stressor, try to tell those around you what you really need, since they may not know how to help you. Ask for their understanding if you decline an activity or can’t summon up the holiday spirit. Give yourself permission to grieve just as you would any other time of the year.

How Do You Cope With Kids Who Want Everything for the Holidays?

Parents need to tell their children to be realistic. It is OK to say to your child that a certain toy is too expensive. Even Santa Claus has limited funds and has to choose what most to give because he has a very long list. You can also tell your children that Mom and Dad and Santa Claus will try to choose the suitable present for the child. Children have to learn that their wish is not someone’s command and to curb their desires for instant gratification.

How Do You Manage the Holidays If They Start Feeling Painful?

If you are unable to shake what you think are “holiday blues” your feelings may not be just about the holidays, but about other things in your life. If you need help in sorting out or dealing with painful thoughts or feelings, call your AFA EAP for confidential assistance. Call 1-800-424-2406.

Adapted in part from the American Psychological Association at www.apacenter.org

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Employee Assistance Fund (EAF) Auction Seeking Auction Item Donations

It’s time for the 15th Annual EAF Online Auction!!!

 

Event organizers are seeking donated items for the 2014 charity Fundraiser of the Year event.  Auction coordinators are hard at work soliciting local and international businesses for those big-ticket items and some of the Flight Attendant auction coordinators have asked AFA for assistance in getting out the word. They need your help too!

 

Auction donation ideas

 

Do you have a service or product you could donate to the auction?

 

Do you rent out your cabin, condo, or timeshare?

 

Are you “famous” for your gourmet goodies?

 

Does anyone in your family or friends own a small business who could donate items or services?   

 

Do you sell Cookie Lee, Pampered Chef, Avon, Tupperware, crystal, or candles?

 

Themed Gift Baskets are always popular; get together with a group of co-workers and put a basket together.

 

EAF auction low on employee donations this year; donations are tax deductible

 

The auction is low on employee donations this year, so if you have anything that’s in like new condition or a side business the EAF would love your donation. Donations are tax deductible – Tax ID #91-1567484.

 

How to donate

 

Drop off or deliver items to: EAF Auction 19530 International Blvd #108, SeaTac

WA  98188.  If you would like to co-mail the donation, please contact Sundi

Rees at: sundi.rees@alaskaair.com for information on how to proceed. Or call 206-824-1665 for more information. Please leave a message.  Donations needed no later than Oct. 10th.

 

Auction bidding is from October 17-31st online at www.biddingforgood.com/aseaf.

Personal Strategies for Approaching the 13th Anniversary of September 11th

From Your AFA EAP

As we approach the thirteenth 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. Anniversaries 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.
  • Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th
  • 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. Isolation can often amplify difficult feelings. Pre-plan now to be with family or friends if you know you have this tendency.
  • Think through in advance how much and the type of anniversary media coverage you can comfortably absorb. Actively monitor and control what news coverage enters your personal space.
  • If you are interested in attending scheduled anniversary events, check local community websites or voicesofsept11.org.
  • Ask for help, support, and opportunities to talk. Your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to listen. Telephone numbers of your local EAP committee members are listed at afanet.org under the EAP Section or at http://afaalaska.org/eap. You can also call the AFA International EAP at 1-800-424-2406 or the AFA Alaska EAP at 1-949-470-0493.

In solidarity,

Your AFA International and AFA Alaska EAP

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Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee […]

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Gender Code Requirement

Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced changes to the rules surrounding how airlines report information about passengers and crew before flights. This system is called the Advance Passenger Information System, or APIS. These changes are in response to a Presidential Executive Order. What is APIS? APIS is a system that airlines are legally […]

Hawaiian Brand Inflight Service Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2025

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee holds regular meetings and discussions with management to receive updates, address Flight Attendant concerns, and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular update is centered on the […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

The recent meetings of the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee in Seattle and Honolulu highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in negotiations with management. While there has been advancement on some issues, significant concerns remain. Key topics under discussion include the transfer processes, return options to HNL or LAX, staffing, moving expenses, and safeguarding existing bases. Our committee prepares for the next round of negotiations in Seattle during the week of October 20.

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