EAP/Professional Standards Committee

AFA Alaska Update – October 15, 2021

October 15, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

System Board of Adjustment Interviews
Reminder: Zika Letter of Agreement
Understanding Panic Disorder

System Board of Adjustment Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for one (1) member to serve on the AFA System Board of Adjustment.

Scope

Members are to serve on the System Board of Adjustment for the purpose of arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise under the terms of the Agreement between Alaska Airlines and its Flight Attendants.

Policy/Responsibilities

There shall be two members selected by the MEC from active members in good standing to represent the Association. Members will be selected at-large without regard to Local Council or domicile.
Any person seeking a position as a System Board of Adjustment Member must submit a resume. Candidates must interview with the MEC.
System Board Members shall be selected for a two (2) year appointment period in accordance with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws. At least one appointment will be reviewed in June of each year. Selection shall be made, insofar as possible, to ensure that both members will not be new at the same time.
The System Board Members will act in the best interest of the membership and the Association and will be consistent with the Agreement between the Flight Attendants and Alaska Airlines.
The MEC President shall have the ability, in the event of an emergency, to appoint a qualified member in good standing to fill an ad hoc position on the Board, should the alternate not be available.
The MEC on an ad hoc basis, by majority vote, may appoint an expert as a substitute for one member of the System Board of Adjustment.

Qualifications

Current Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant
Willingness to attend the requisite grievance training(s)
In depth knowledge of the contract
Understanding of the principles of just cause
Adherence to Grievance Committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information
Maintenance of member-in-good-standing status
Ability to remain in good standing with the company
Ability to analyze written data and information with high attention to detail
Strong written and communication skills
Strong computer skills.

Term of Appointment

The selected candidate will serve the remainder of a term of appointment that concludes on June 30, 2023.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the December Regular MEC Meeting on December 7, 2021. If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around this date or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume using the online expression of interest form. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. After the submission deadline, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

Please note that 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 position or application process should be directed to MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams at stephanie.adams@afaalaska.org.

Reminder: Zika Letter of Agreement

Grievance Committee

In 2017, AFA and management signed a letter of agreement (LOA) establishing protections for Flight Attendants who are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or whose partner is attempting to become pregnant and are scheduled to fly to a Zika-affected area. The LOA outlines the protective provisions and associated procedures that eligible Flight Attendants are responsible for following.

As Alaska Airlines is beginning service to Belize in November, it is timely that we offer a reminder that this LOA is still active. Belize is considered a Zika affected area by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) which triggers the protections outlined in the LOA.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Zika LOA or the procedures associated with using the protective provisions of the LOA, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

Understanding Panic Disorder

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a psychological condition that shows up in the form of sometimes serious physical symptoms. These symptoms, called panic attacks, can literally make the victim feel as though he or she is dying: rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, dizziness, trembling, intense anxiety, a feeling of loss of control, and helplessness. Imagine what it would be like to jump out of an airplane only to find your parachute won’t open – that’s pretty close to what panic attack victims are feeling in the moment.

When the attacks occur regularly or appear to be caused by a specific set of circumstances, then panic disorder is the cause. There is no specific treatment for a panic attack, per se. But the underlying condition, panic disorder, can be treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

What Causes Panic Disorder?

Like many psychological conditions, panic disorder can originate in many different ways, some of them making little logical sense. A person with a phobia such as fear of heights or enclosed places might experience a panic attack if he or she is in this situation. Alcohol, drugs, and trauma can trigger it. But the cause itself has no bearing on the reaction to it because the threat felt by the victim is one entirely of perception rather than reality.

What to Do if You Have a Panic Attack

The only way to stop a panic attack is to allow it to end, and the only way to do that is to diminish the underlying fear that causes the symptoms. If you allow yourself to experience the symptoms, with a clear realization that there is no real danger, then the attack may be shortened. Breathe deeply and don’t give in to dangerous impulses such as running away or jumping off something. Know that the effects will pass. The more you experience even the smallest triumph of logic over fear, the less intense your attacks will become. If the attacks continue, seek help from a medical professional.

What to Do if You See Someone Having a Panic Attack

You may feel pretty helpless when encountering someone having a panic attack. Tell them to keep breathing and assure them that there is no danger. The problem here is that the victim will tell you that they are having a heart attack, can’t breathe, or feels like they are about to pass out, and odds are good that you aren’t qualified to assess the reality of that perception. Call for help quickly and do your best to calm the victim until help arrives. The best thing you can do when it’s over is offer comfort, assure the person that professional help is available and encourage them to seek that assistance.

Questions or Need Help?

Our AFA EAP Committee is available to provide assistance with referrals. Please call (949) 470-0493 or visit afaalaska.org/eap for contact information.

AFA Alaska Update – September 30, 2021

September 30, 2021 09:00

In This Edition

URGENT: No More Shutdowns
Having Difficulty Working with a Fellow Crew Member?
How AFA Dues Deductions Work

URGENT: No More Shutdowns

AFA International

Unless Congress acts before Thursday night (midnight, Friday morning), the federal government will shut down again.

We need to make it clear: federal shutdowns are unacceptable.

Aviation workers ended the shutdown of 2019/2020. Together, we ended the 35-day nightmare of two million people out of work without notice, 400,000 workers forced to come to work without pay, and an increasingly dangerous workspace for the rest of us. We’re not going to stand by while Congress puts us in danger again by failing to do their jobs now.

Call your member of Congress now and demand they fund the government and avert a shutdown and pass legislation that keeps all transportation going.

Shutdowns are dangerous.

Transportation Security Officers and Air Traffic Controllers will be forced to work without pay, putting huge stress on workers whose attention to detail keeps us all safe.
Investigators who build cases against unruly passengers will be furloughed. Because of the statute of limitations on these investigations, this could mean unruly passengers get off without being investigated at all.
Key security personnel who track potential threats will be furloughed, leaving exploitable gaps in aviation security.

This is a safety issue. Flight Attendants are already on the frontlines dealing with a crisis of dangerous passenger behavior. If Congress fails to do their basic job and makes our jobs more dangerous, we will take any necessary action to keep ourselves safe.

Call your members of Congress directly or use the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 to get connected to your Representative and two Senators. Demand they do their job and avoid a shutdown.

Script: Dear Representative/Senator _____, I am a constituent and a Flight Attendant. I cannot do my job if Congress doesn’t do its job. Fund the government and avoid another government shutdown that would put us all in danger. After you fund the government, get to work to ensure we don’t default on our debts and pass the bills that give us the infrastructure we need all over our economy with living wage jobs and basic rights for everyday people. Pass the bipartisan American Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act without delay. We need Washington to do its job so we can do our job too. Thank you.

Keeping the government open is the bare minimum, but there’s much more we need done to solve the problems in front of us today.

You’ve probably heard some of the debate about the two infrastructure bills. The process sounds complicated, but the outcomes are simple. We need Congress to pass BOTH the American Jobs Act, which you may have read about as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework or BIF, and the Build Back Better Act, which reporters are calling the “reconciliation package.”

Here are four key items in the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) for Flight Attendants and aviation:

Voting Rights: BBBA expands early voting and other voting rights. Flight Attendants are often on trips on Election Day, and we deserve to have our voices heard in our democracy. This will ensure we—and all workers—have the chance to cast our votes.
Labor Rights: BBBA makes it easier for workers to come together to form unions, negotiate contracts and hold bad bosses accountable.
- Creates real financial penalties for employers who retaliate against organizing.
- Bans Mandatory anti-union meetings.
- Charges executives who break labor laws so that corporate leaders have real consequences for union busting and violating workers’ rights.
- Stops companies from retaliating against workers who exercise their right to strike.
Expands the Family and Medical Leave Act to provide every worker with up to 12 weeks of comprehensive, paid leave whether caring for themselves or a loved one.
Makes union dues tax deductible for all workers, a benefit that was taken away for everyday people in the Trump tax cuts.

Your action today and tomorrow is urgent. We’ll keep updates coming so you have the latest on what’s happening and what we’re doing together to keep each other safe.

Call your Member of Congress now.

Having Difficulty Working with a Fellow Crew Member?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Quite often, someone doesn’t realize they may have come across as bossy, rude, lazy, etc. They may in fact be experiencing issues at home, are new and unsure of the job, have just come back from a medical leave and are out of practice, or other life challenges are causing them to not be performing as expected. If you’re experiencing a similar issue, believe the issue needs to be addressed, and are not comfortable talking one-on-one with the other person, we recommend that you speak to one of our highly trained AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee Members.

Contact AFA Professional Standards First!

AFA EAP/Professional Standards can help facilitate a conversation between the affected Flight Attendants. We can offer suggestions on dealing with each other. We can reach out to Flight Attendants and share the perceptions of their co-workers. All this is done in a safe and confidential environment.

Professional Standards Can Help with Pilots

AFA Professional Standards maintains a close working relationship with ALPA Professional Standards. If have a concern or conflict that involves a Pilot, we can refer the issue to ALPA Professional Standards. Just as AFA Professional Standards responds to every report of a concern, ALPA Professional Standards does the same.

Management Isn’t Involved

Most importantly, it’s handled without involving management. Often, when a Flight Attendant has an “off” day, it’s due to special circumstances. If you were in their shoes, you would appreciate your co-worker giving you the benefit of the doubt and leaving management out of the equation.

Who Do I Contact?

If you have a professional standards concern, please reach out to your AFA Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee or call (949) 470-0493.

How AFA Dues Deductions Work

Membership Committee

The Current Month is the Current Dues Month

The paycheck that you receive on the 20^th of the month is your pay for all flying activity during the previous month. Your AFA dues that are deducted from the 20^th of the month check, however, cover your dues obligation for the current month.

For Example:

Paycheck Date (Advice Date): October 20
Flying Pay for (Pay Begin and End Dates): September 1-30 (previous month)
AFA Dues Deducted for: October (current month)

For those returning to work from one of the mitigated leaves of absence your dues may not be deducted since you were not active in the previous month.

Questions?

If you have any questions about dues deductions, please refer to the Membership Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

AFA Alaska Update – September 3, 2021

September 3, 2021 17:00

In This Edition

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

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 11^th

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 Alaska Update – August 6, 2021

August 6, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews
Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Background

The PBS Subcommittee, part of the MEC Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system (PBS) and oversee the bidding and bid award processes. The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.

The PBS Subcommittee is currently made up of the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and two PBS Subcommittee Members. The MEC is seeking to fill a third PBS Subcommittee Member position at this time.

Qualifications

Robust working knowledge of hours of service, scheduling, and reserve provisions of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Knowledge of CFRs and other regulations pertaining to flight time, duty time, and crew rest guidelines.
Ability to work remotely and attend virtual meetings as required.
Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of NAVBLUE PBS, Crew Access, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, analyze data, and prepare reports.
Ability to meet deadlines, take ownership of issues, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties

Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Scheduling Chairperson on the activities of the subcommittee
In advance of the bidding period each month, communicate with the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction to understand changes in pairings for upcoming months and how Flight Attendant bids might be affected
Keep members knowledgeable about changes to the preferential bidding system, common mistakes and errors, misunderstandings about the system, and other topics of interest through the MEC Communications Chairperson
Provide assistance to Flight Attendants through base sits, one-on-one training sessions, and telephone support during the monthly bidding window and as requested by the MEC or LECs
Communicate with the MEC Reserve Chairperson to understand the needs and challenges of Flight Attendants holding reserve schedules and provide bid assistance

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

This position is eligible for Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss (FPL), paid in accordance with section 27.P.1.e of the Flight Attendant CBA. Time worked is logged on a monthly basis and paid at a rate of 0.75 TFP per hour with a 5% override at “A” pay.
Time commitment is approximately 30 to 40 hours per month. Most of the workload is weighted heavily toward the first half of the calendar month during the bidding and bid awards processes. These amounts can fluctuate.
Most work for this position can be performed remotely.

Term of Appointment

This position will serve for the remaining portion of the current MEC term of office, currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2022.

Working Relationships

With The Scheduling Committee

Occasional interaction with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Local Scheduling Committee Members.

With The Master Executive Council

This position reports to the Master Executive Council through the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson.

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Crew Planning Analysts (John Bumanglag and Kelly Yeager) and Manager of Crew Planning (Mac Patterson).

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted by Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/syy62DpL96ESQazQA. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 7. After that time, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a specific interview time.

Please note that 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?

Please direct any questions about the position to MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org.

Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

The way we talk about eating disorders matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape a conversation around eating disorders with family members and friends. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that your AFA EAP is a confidential resource for support, referrals and access to treatment.

Eating disorders are medical illnesses.

Genetic and environmental factors can influence eating disorders. An eating disorder is not a trend or a choice.

Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal.

Eating disorders often involve serious medical complications that can cause permanent damage or death. People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of dying by suicide.

Eating disorders can affect anyone.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and genders.

You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

People with eating disorders can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

Family members can be a patient’s best ally in treatment.

Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Family members do not cause eating disorders and can be great sources of support.

It is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

Complete recovery is possible with treatment and time.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Your Local EAP Committee contact information is available at afaalaska.org/eap or you can call (949) 470-0493.

AFA Alaska Update – July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021 12:00

In This Edition

Unruly Passenger Survey
What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Unruly Passenger Survey

AFA International

As unruly passenger incidents remain at an all-time high, our union is launching a platform to collect your experiences to fully assess the problem and help get meaningful support to all crews.

Take this five minute anonymous survey to share your experiences with unruly passengers onboard this year.

Self Defense Training

This week, the TSA announced the resumption of Crewmember Self Defense Training classes on July 1. The program is helpful in gaining skills for defense and confident positioning. However, as we have advocated since September 11, 2001, this training should be mandatory and part of our paid initial and recurrent training in order to build the muscle memory to use the tactics immediately when attacks advance without warning. Still, the resumption of the voluntary course is positive and should send a message to the flying public as well that these unruly incidents are serious. Flight Attendants are onboard for the safety and security of everyone on the plane.

The voluntary four-hour training is offered to flight crew members free of charge and is held at 24 locations around the United States. All active flight crew members for domestic carriers are eligible to register for the training. You can register here.

Our union continues to work with other unions, lawmakers, the FAA, DOT, and airline management on more that needs to be done to get this under control.

The Role of Alcohol

Alcohol is a major contributor to unruly passenger events. Make sure you keep this regulation handy as you advise the public that they cannot carry a drink onto the plane or consume their own alcohol on the plane. Federal regulations also affirm passengers may be refused boarding if they appear to be intoxicated.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulation §121.575 alcoholic beverages: (a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

AFA EAP is always available at (949) 470-0493. Additionally, make sure you’re copying in your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) on unruly incidents to ensure our union can follow up with the airlines and regulators.

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing severe irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood.” DMDD symptoms are severe. Youth who have DMDD experience significant problems at home, at school, and often with peers. They also tend to have high rates of health care service use, hospitalization, and school suspension, and they are more likely to develop other mood disorders.

The Signs and Symptoms of DMDD include:

Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral), on average, three or more times per week
Outbursts and tantrums that have been ongoing for at least 12 months
Chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day
Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school, and with peers)

Youth with DMDD are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must have experienced symptoms steadily for 12 or more months.

What is the difference between typical irritability and severe irritability? All children can become irritable sometimes. It’s a normal reaction to frustration. Children experiencing severe irritability (as observed in DMDD) have difficulty tolerating frustration and have outbursts that are out of proportion for the situation at hand. These outbursts occur more often and are more severe than what you would typically expect for children of this age.

Over time, as children grow and develop, the symptoms of DMDD may change. For example, an adolescent or young adult with DMDD may experience fewer tantrums, but they begin to exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety. For these reasons, treatment may change over time, too.

If you think your child has DMDD, it is essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

DMDD can be treated. If you are concerned that your child may have DMDD, talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider. Your AFA EAP can also assist you with a referral for your child. Your local AFA EAP Committee members contact information is available at https://afaalaska.org/eap or call (949) 470-0493.

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In This Edition

System Board of Adjustment Interviews

Scope

Policy/Responsibilities

Qualifications

Term of Appointment

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

Questions?

Reminder: Zika Letter of Agreement

Questions?

Understanding Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder?

What Causes Panic Disorder?

What to Do if You Have a Panic Attack

What to Do if You See Someone Having a Panic Attack

Questions or Need Help?

In This Edition

URGENT: No More Shutdowns

Having Difficulty Working with a Fellow Crew Member?

Contact AFA Professional Standards First!

Professional Standards Can Help with Pilots

Management Isn’t Involved

Who Do I Contact?

How AFA Dues Deductions Work

Questions?

In This Edition

September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin

How Do I Get a Pin?

Questions?

Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!

How To Report Issues to Unisync

Questions?

Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders

Hotel Hotline Document

Verify Your Transportation Provider

Layover Safety

Questions?

Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11th

In This Edition

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews

Background

Qualifications

Duties

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

Term of Appointment

Working Relationships

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

Questions?

Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

Have Questions or Need Help?

In This Edition

Unruly Passenger Survey

Self Defense Training

The Role of Alcohol

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Recent Posts

Local Councils

Master Executive Council

Negotiations

Contract

Committees

News By Month

News By Category

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Connect With AFA

Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11^th