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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Government Affairs Committee

        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 20th of the month is your pay for all flying activity during the previous month.  Your AFA dues that are deducted from the 20th 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.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2021, dues, Government Affairs, professional standards, Stop the Shutdown

        AFA Update – December 11, 2020

        December 11, 2020 12:00

        In This Edition

        • MEC Resolution on Gender Equality
        • CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before
        • Georgia Senate Runoff Election
        • Community Resources for Those in Need

        MEC Resolution on Gender Equality

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        AFA has long been a champion of equality both in and out of the workplace.  Over the course of many years, we have made achievements in our struggle to realize fair treatment for all.  There is still much work to be done, however, and we continue with our efforts to achieve workplace equality almost daily.

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) recently adopted a resolution in support of gender equality, specifically in regard to the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and gender expressions.  As a part of the resolution, the MEC is calling upon Alaska Airlines management to make much needed changes to company policies in order to recognize, accept, and include non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.  You can view the complete language of the resolution on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

        What Are Gender Identity and Gender Expression?

        Gender identity refers to how you view your gender internally (e.g., man, woman, or another gender).  Gender expression refers to how you present your gender on the outside through your behavior, mannerisms, the clothing you wear, your voice, and other characteristics. Gender non-conforming is a broader term that describes people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.

        In our society, many people identify and express themselves as either male or female.  This is often referred to as the “gender binary”, meaning that it has two parts—male and female.  People who are non-binary have a gender that doesn’t fall into one of these two categories. They may have a gender that blends both male and female elements, is different than male or female, or they may not identify with any gender.

        If you’d like to read more to further understand non-binary and gender non-conforming people, you can find additional information using the links below:

        • Pride at Work – Union Guide to Discussing LGBTQ People and Issues
        • National Center for Transgender Equality – Understanding Non-Binary People

        A Request for Immediate Action

        Earlier this week, the MEC sent a formal letter to management requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the resolution and begin the process of working to study, review, and update company policies as quickly as possible.  We have requested that the frontline employee uniform and appearance standards be reviewed first as they are one of the most significantly impactful areas of inequality for those who are non-binary and/or gender non-conforming.

        Questions?

        Please contact your LEC President with any questions about the MEC Resolution.


        CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before

        Government Affairs Committee

        We’ve rallied, marched, called, emailed, tweeted, and more to demand our members of Congress extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Our activism is forcing lawmakers to publicly come out to support #ReliefNow for Flight Attendants and essential aviation workers and urge their colleagues to take action. 

        Throughout the next 7 days, we have to be louder than we’ve ever been before

        The $908 billion bipartisan proposal on emergency relief has significant support across Congress, but there are a few outstanding issues unrelated to PSP. Our action and voices are critical to getting this legislation over the finish line.

        Congress is gearing up to depart Washington, D.C. for the holidays and before they leave, they must pass a government funding bill by Friday, December 11th, to avert a government shutdown. Congress is expected to extend that deadline to December 18th. That is unfortunate because every day counts for those out of work and all the disruption and suffering caused for people without relief – and even those on the job under these conditions. We need to continue to demand #ReliefNow. Every day counts! This is a bridge of emergency relief for the whole country for four month. Stimulus discussions for recovery would be renewed in the New Year. More relief will be needed for our country to recover.

        Our members of Congress must hear from us, our family members and friends, every day

        SENATE: (888) 848-4824
        HOUSE: (888) 907-9365

        “Hello, I am a constituent calling to tell my (Senator/Representative) that we need emergency relief and an extension of the Payroll Support Program TODAY. We are out of work and without healthcare. Do not leave Washington, D.C. without passing emergency relief for our families. Do your job. Thank you.”


        Georgia Senate Runoff Election

        Government Affairs Committee

        On January 5, voters in Georgia will have the opportunity to vote in an election to determine who will represent them in the United States Senate.  Georgia voters will have the opportunity to send two candidates to Washington who support working Americans through the right to organize and bargain collectively.  This election is critical as the outcome has the ability to affect the balance of power in the Senate.

        With judicial nominees, a stimulus deal, infrastructure and health care measures, and tax and spending policies all on the line, the Senate races in Georgia are likely to take on an intensity that mirrors the presidential race that just ended.  We need to do everything possible to encourage Georgia voters to vote and get the word out about pro-worker candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

        Our fellow AFA and CWA members will be working to reach out to Georgia voters through phone banking activities every Tuesday until the election as well for several days prior to the election itself.  You can help make a difference and get the word out by signing up for a shift and joining the phone bank!  Available shifts are:

        Tuesday, December 15th2 to 5 PM PST 
        Tuesday, December 22nd2 to 5 PM PST
        Tuesday, December 29th2 to 5 PM PST
        Sunday, January 3rd9 AM to 5 PM PST
        Monday, January 4th2 to 5 PM PST
        Tuesday, January 5th (Election Day)9 AM to 3:30 PM PST
        Click here to sign up for a shift

        Signing up for just one shift can make a difference and you’re welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like.  After you sign up for shifts, you’ll receive Zoom information about how to connect to the phone bank.

        Questions?

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


        Community Resources for Those in Need

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        Your AFA EAP Committee has compiled the below list of websites that may prove helpful with the financial strains of our times.

        Food Banks, Housing and Utility Assistance, Clothing Closets, Veteran Services etc.  

        • United Way and Local Assistance Resources in your Area  www.211.org
        • State by state resources and benefits to replace lost wages, housing and food assistance, resources to assist workers impacted by COVID   https://aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources

        Health Care

        • Low-cost/no cost local health care services for adults and children: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
        • Insurance for children if parents don’t have coverage for them. www.insurekidsnow.gov
        • Open Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act – (open Season 11/1-12/15) www.healthcare.gov
        • Hill-Burton free or low cost hospitals/medical facilities. https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton/facilities.html
        • Join a Study/Trial- Find a study by disease, country, state that is actively recruiting participants. www.clinicaltrials.gov

        Behavioral Health Care

        • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website for sliding fee or no cost mental health services. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

        Prescription Assistance Programs

        • Partnership for Prescription Assistance: A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications. http://www.pparx.org  Ph: 888-477-2669 
        • NeedyMeds: A nonprofit group that has an extensive database of information about patient assistance programs, state assistance, drug discount programs, and free or low-cost medical care. You can search the database for free on its website. The site also has information on thousands of programs to help consumers through the application process. www.needymeds.org
        • RxAssist: An online database of drug company programs that provide free or affordable drugs and copay assistance. www.rxassist.org
        • RxHope: A web-based resource where you can search by medication to find assistance programs. It also offers help with the application process. www.rxhope.com
        • RxOutreach: A mail-order pharmacy for people with little to no health insurance coverage. www.rxoutreach.org

        Questions?

        Contact your Local EAP Committee if you’d like more personalized assistance in understanding and accessing these or other resources.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, community resources, election, furlough, gender equality, gender expression, gender identity, Georgia Senate Runoff, Payroll Support Program

        AFA Alaska Special Update – November 2, 2020

        November 2, 2020 15:00

        AFA Alaska Special Update – November 2, 2020

        In this Edition

        • Vote!
        • The Jobs Crisis Does Not Stop for the Election

        Vote!

        Government Affairs

        High voter turnout by union members helps increase the power of our solidarity. Visit vote411.org/afacwa for helpful election information. Election Day is Tuesday—please vote on or before November 3rd!


        The Jobs Crisis Does Not Stop for the Election

        Government Affairs

        WATCH: AFA International President Sara Nelson’s most recent update >

        We absolutely should have had our Payroll Support Program (PSP) extension prior to the Senate being adjourned. There is overwhelming bipartisan support for our PSP extension — because of our actions. Instead, 100,000 aviation workers are still without a paycheck, some without healthcare. 

        This crisis does not stop because of an election, and we cannot wait until a new Congress for relief. We are not giving up. We are continuing to demand relief and right now our airlines are sticking with us. 

        #ReliefNow #ExtendPSP #EveryDayCounts

        Click here for more information about what you can do >

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2020, election, vote

        AFA Update – September 4, 2020

        September 4, 2020 19:00

        In This Edition

        • #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
        • National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
        • A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

        #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8

        Government Affairs Committee

        On Tuesday, September 8th, the AFA Council 19 Government Affairs Committee will be hosting a #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle to demand a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program. We will be rallying outside the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell at 12 PM Pacific. An extension of the Payroll Support Program will provide job security for hundreds of thousands by requiring airlines continue their promise of no furloughs through March of 2021. With hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line, including hundreds here at Alaska, we ask that you join us in rallying and demanding an extension.  

        What: Seattle #ReliefNow Rally
        When: Tuesday, September 8 a 12 PM Pacific
        Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174

        This event is open to all, including Flight Attendants laying over in Seattle as well as friends and family members.  Not able to join in Seattle?  Visit the #ReliefNow page to find an event near you.

        Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!

        Flight Attendants continue to pressure Congress to put in place #ReliefNow. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talked about extending aid to airlines but acknowledged that Congress must act — executive orders will not save our jobs. Congress is set to return to D.C. on September 8th. We have to keep up the pressure this week with one message: #ReliefNow for aviation workers and all Americans. Get it done. 

        Make three calls every day this week. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.

        SENATE: 888-848-4824
        HOUSE: 888-907-9365

        Sample Script:

        “Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

        You can also find local office information by looking up your Representative and Senators at house.gov and senate.gov.


        National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs

        Benefits Committee

        Most Company-offered supplemental insurance coverage continues while on COVID-19 leaves or furloughs, and the premiums for such insurance are double-deducted upon return to service or are direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company depending on the situation. However, premiums for supplemental insurance offered by National Group Protection (NGP) / Continental Accident Insurance Company (CAIC) and payroll deducted as “Continental Insurance (CAIC)” are not double-deducted or direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company.

        In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NGP has offered a generous continuation of coverage and a six-month suspension of premiums for Flight Attendants on leaves or furloughs beginning in May and for the remainder of 2020. The six months are not required to be consecutive and the waiver of premium may continue into 2021 if the Flight Attendant is on leave or furlough as of December 31, 2020.

        No action is required in order to maintain coverage. CAIC will honor claims during this time (subject to policy provisions/language and documentation requirements). NGP will communicate directly with Flight Attendants who are expected to exhaust the waiver of premium.

        If you have any questions, you may contact NGP directly at 1-800-344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.


        A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions.  September 11, 2020 will be no different.  Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials.    For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th.  For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans. 

        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 local EAP Committee Member contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.  Remember, we’re just a phone call away.  

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: #ReliefNow, 2020, EAP, Government Affairs, Payroll Support Program, September 11th

        AFA Update – August 28, 2020

        August 28, 2020 20:00

        In This Edition

        • Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires
        • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS
        • Update on Our PSP Extension Fight
        • Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

        Disaster Relief Assistance Information for California Wildfires

        Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating wildfires that continue to affect the state of California. For any Flight Attendants who reside in the declared disaster area who have been directly impacted, several resources are available to provide assistance.

        AFA Disaster Relief Fund

        The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since its beginning in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.

        To request assistance from or make a donation to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund, please visit https://www.afacwa.org/disaster_relief_fund.

        CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund

        As a CWA member, affected by the California Wildfires, you may be eligible for emergency financial assistance from the CWA District 9 Disaster Wildfire Relief Fund. This emergency assistance is based on availability of funds and need. 

        Please review the application for assistance on the CWA website and return the completed application to your LEC President.

        AFA Employee Assistance Program

        As always, members of the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee are also available to provide assistance.  You can find AFA EAP contact information at https://afaalaska.org/eap.


        Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS

        Scheduling Committee

        It is with sadness that we announce that Steve Poynter, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS, will be retiring from both his AFA position and Alaska Airlines, effective October 1, 2020.  Throughout his career, Steve has been involved in AFA in various roles including Negotiating Committee Member.  Steve was instrumental as a key AFA representative during the transition from paper line bidding to the preferential bidding system (PBS) in 2007 and since 2013 has served as the Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson for the PBS Subcommittee.  His contributions have benefitted countless Flight Attendants and he will certainly be missed. Steve wants to thank all of you for your support and kind words over the years and looks forward to seeing you from a passenger seat!

        Effective October 1, Adam Clarey will assume the role of MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS for the duration of the term of appointment.  Adam currently serves as a PBS Subcommittee Member and is the Alternate PBS Subcommittee Chairperson.  He will continue to work with PBS Subcommittee Members Sheri Rochel and Virginia Fritz to oversee the bidding and bid award processes on behalf of AFA.


        Update on Our PSP Extension Fight

        AFA International

        Flight Attendants and other aviation workers will not accept inaction from Congress. Even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has recessed the Senate, both he and Speaker Pelosi have stated they will bring Congress back to vote if an overall COVID-19 relief deal is reached. Congressional staff is still working and leadership is still able to meet.

        We have to continue to demand a relief package now. “When you say Congress does nothing, you give them permission to do nothing and that’s not okay.”

        WATCH AFA on The Today Show: Flight Attendant Jobs are in Jeopardy, Congress Needs to Take Action Now >

        Your calls, emails, and tweets have worked. We have built broad bipartisan support for our Payroll Support Program (PSP) Extension from the House of Representatives, to the Senate, and even the President. Read this summary >

        But our PSP extension won’t happen unless an overall deal is reached. We must keep pushing on a PSP Extension. Regardless, we’ve got to get the extension locked in because it is the best way to protect our jobs, keep our airlines intact, continue serving all of our communities, and have the ability to recover once the virus is contained.

        Flight Attendants have seen crises before and this time we know the importance of preventing bankruptcies and other fallout. That is why we will not stop.  

        Take Action

        SENATE: 888-848-4824
        HOUSE: 888-907-9365

        Sample Script:

        "Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

        After you call, sign this letter to your Representative and Senators >


        Managing the Uncertainty of 2020

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. While many things remain outside your control, your mindset is key to coping with difficult circumstances and facing the unknown.

        The Role Of Uncertainty In Life

        Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than today. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. Yet as human beings, we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.

        We’re all different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives, while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and worry, it’s important to know that you’re not alone; many of us are in the same situation at this time. It’s also important to realize that no matter how helpless and hopeless you feel, there are steps you can take to better deal with uncontrollable circumstances, alleviate your anxiety, and face the unknown with more confidence.

        Learning To Cope With Uncertainty

        To cope with all this uncertainty, many of us use worrying as a tool for trying to predict the future and avoid nasty surprises. Worrying can make it seem like you have some control over uncertain circumstances. You may believe that it will help you find a solution to your problems or prepare you for the worst. Unfortunately, chronic worrying can’t give you more control over uncontrollable events; it just robs you of enjoyment in the present, saps your energy, and keeps you up at night. Below are few tips to consider in developing healthier ways to cope with uncertainty. 

        Tip 1: Take Action Over The Things You Can Control

        Much about life is uncertain at the moment—and many things remain outside of your control. But while you can’t control the spread of a virus, the recovery of the economy, or whether you’ll have a pay check next week, you’re not totally powerless. Whatever your fears or personal circumstances, instead of worrying about the uncontrollable, try to refocus your mind on taking action over the aspects that are within your control.

        By focusing on the aspects of a problem that you can control in this way, you’ll switch from ineffective worrying and ruminating into active problem-solving. Of course, all circumstances are different and you may find that in some situations all you can control is your attitude and emotional response.

        Tip 2: Actively Deal With Your Emotions

        When circumstances are out of your control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. When you can do nothing else about a situation, you can still actively face your emotions—even the most negative and fearful ones. If you allow yourself to feel fear and uncertainty, they will eventually pass. Focus on the present moment and your breathing and allow yourself to simply feel and observe the uncertainty you’re experiencing. Take some slow, deep breaths or try a meditation to keep you anchored in the present.

        Tip 3: Identify Your Uncertainty Triggers

        Some uncertainty can be generated by external sources, especially at times like this. Reading media stories that focus on worst-case scenarios, spending time on social media amid rumors and half-truths, or simply communicating with anxious friends can all fuel your own fears and uncertainties. Notice what scenarios or people raise your anxiety levels and try to reduce your exposure to them. 

        Tip 4: Focus On The Present

        Uncertainty is often centered on worries about the future and all the bad things you can anticipate happening. It can leave you feeling hopeless and depressed about the days ahead, exaggerate the scope of the problems you face, and even paralyze you from taking action to overcome a problem.

        One of the surest ways to avoid worrying about the future is to focus on the present. Instead of trying to predict what might happen, switch your attention to what’s happening right now. By being fully connected to the present, you can interrupt the negative assumptions and catastrophic predictions running through your mind.

        Tip 5: Seek Assistance 

        The uncertainties of our time are new to all of us.  There is no ready template to instruct us how to navigate them.  Be open to asking for help.  Your AFA EAP is just a phone call away.  We are ready to help and we are confidential.  You can access your Local EAP Committee Members by calling (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap .

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News, Preferential Bidding System (PBS), Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2020, AFA Disaster Relief Fund, California Wildfires, Payroll Support Program, PBS

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