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        You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News / AFA News Now

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

        August 31, 2026 17:00 Leave a Comment

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, August 25, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, PBS Committee member —Krystal Kehrli, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative Julie Thornton, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

        The Committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Performance & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Colin Beard, ITS Technical Product Owner Nathan McFerren, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), and payroll.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 29.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        Local Committee Chairperson Reports

        SEA (Seattle)

        • System Monitoring:
          • Monitored Open Time on August 16, 2026.
          • Technical issue identified: Server 1 faced difficulties transferring operations to Server 2.
          • Upcoming discussion on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheduled for September 3, 2026.
          • Flight Attendants were encouraged to file tickets with Information Technology Services (ITS).
        • Hotel Compensation:
        • Current wait times at hotels remain an issue. Financial compensation efforts led by a designated AFA representative resulted in successful compensation in several cases.
          • Active disputes remain regarding compensation for rolling delays and situations where hotel accommodations are denied, particularly after delays of four hours or more.
        • Over Duty Pay:
          • Confusion was reported among Flight Attendants regarding expectations for overduty pay.
          • Clarification provided on waivers and premiums outlined in section 8.T.
          • The Committee’s stance is to never waive contractual rights.
        • Pay Guidelines Update:
          • Request for a comprehensive review and update of the Pay Guidelines due to outdated content.
          • Suggested communication to all Flight Attendants to ensure clarity on pay structures.
        • Transportation Review: Issues regarding transportation times to/from JFK require immediate review. An email has been sent addressing ongoing concerns.
        • Low Bid Options:
          • Bases report on high block hours without sufficient transfers back to the SEA base.
          • Preference expressed for Staffing Adjustment Leaves (SAL) among bases.

        PDX (Portland)

        • Open Tickets:
          • Several tickets remain unresolved concerning discrepancies in compensation. Clarification on differences in ticket handling is being sought. Flight Attendants should use crew access as the system of record, not B2B or other public-facing applications. 
          • Trade Ticket Issue: Another ticket under review pertains to a trade and the correctness of messaging involved when Flight Attendant received an incorrect error on Crew Access. 

        SAN (San Diego)

        • No significant operational or compensation issues are reported currently.

        ANC (Anchorage)

        • Hotel Issues: Complaints regarding a lack of available rooms and extended wait times after redeye flights are forwarded to the hotel committee for review.

        LAX (Los Angeles)

        • Day Room Request: A request made for a day room in PDX on August 7 faced timing issues. Scheduling called the hotel at 16:32, leaving only 1 hour and 56 minutes before the crew needed to report. Compensation was denied as the crew declined due to timing constraints. Since the crew declined the day room, no additional compensation was paid. 
        • Sit Pay Denials: Multiple instances have been reported in which sit pay has been denied. Notably, during maintenance delays, aircraft were towed away, affecting sit pay recognition. Specific case: Flight 1635 on August 10, where aircraft maintenance caused delays.
          • Hotel Capacity Issues: Concerns raised about hotel assignments to locations with insufficient capacity. Pilots were assigned to a hotel with only 24% occupancy, raising questions about decision-making processes regarding crew accommodations.

        SFO (San Francisco)

        • Line Averages & LBO:
          • Current line averages remain steady at 80 tfp (Trip Flight Pay).
          • Ongoing discussions regarding low bids (LBO) and potential reductions in line averages to improve crew satisfaction.

        PBS Subcommittee Update

        • September Bidding Month:
          • The September bidding process was active, with numerous inquiries related to low bids and changes in the bid packet.
          • Low Bids: First month processed since 2020. The process was reviewed to ensure contractual compliance watching bid windows.
          • Normal High Bid windows. Adjustments were made to accommodate reserve percentages and ensure lines were awarded within legal windows.
          • Coverage percentages have shown to be comparable across bases to past years.
        • Bid Protests: Had many valid bid protests due to late CB submissions from Special Projects that should have been on Flight Attendant lines before bids were processed
        • Monthly PBS Meetings: Monthly meeting held on August 6, discussing Skywise/NAVBLUE

        Pairing Construction Update

        • October Solutions:
          • Parameters for minimum connections have been modified to enhance efficiency.
          • Collaborative efforts with crew planning are planned for the following month.

        ITS Update

        • AI Crew Solutions (vendor) Initiatives for vacation bidding:
          • Discussions on implementing user interface for crew management:
          • Next meeting set for fall 2026 to discuss vacation awards and slots.
          • Ongoing testing of user acceptance testing (UAT) processes.
        • Trade Response Times:
          • System has maintained a high response rate for trades:
          • 99.17% of trades responded to in under 10 seconds.
          • A decrease in overall trade volume by 568 compared to July 2026.
        • Webnode Issues:
          • Brief issues with webnode 2 being unreachable have been resolved.
          • Ongoing memory leak issue under investigation, prioritized for resolution with Jeppesen.
        • Upcoming Releases:
          • Release version 10.0.7 scheduled for early September:
          • Focused on core fixes for advertised trip pool depopulation during high activity periods. No ETA, but high priority. 

        Payroll Update

        • Query Volume:
          • Total of 3,703 queries recorded in July:
          • Many queries originated from Flight Attendants submitting questions before trip completion.
          • Discussions about enhancing the user guide to clarify views on pay buckets
        • Training Initiatives: Suggestions for creating video tutorials to help Flight Attendants understand pay structures.

        Crew Planning Update

        • Block Hours Analysis:
          • Anticipated block hours for September: 310,850, with an increase to 316,804 expected in October.
          • Current reserve coverage stands at 20%, with low bids in place.
        • Commutability Review:
          • Analysis indicates SEA, PDX, and ANC are best suited for 3-day trips, while SEA, PDX, and SAN are optimal for 4-day trips.
          • LAX and SFO face the most significant scheduling challenges.
        • IRROP Mitigation for Summer
          • Various adjustments were made to start and end duty times in response to:
          • Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements.
          • Increased layover times in specific locations to accommodate crew rest.
        • Hawaii Neighbor Island Flying
          • Management anticipates increased hotel costs and the need to review hotel accommodations.
          • Pairings appear to be multi-day trips with short rest periods in HNL during some overnights. 
          • We expect these pairings to be reviewed monthly and the operation of the pairings to change over the next several months. 
          • The Flight Attendant and pilot pairings should remain the same for October 2026 to keep the flight crews together and minimize operational disruption. 

        Crew Scheduling Update

        • Sick Leave Trends:
          • Sick leave rates for July recorded at 12.2%, with August trending higher at 14.2%.
          • Reserve utilization is projected to increase from 11.7% in July to 13.6% in August.
        • Absence Volume:
          • Total absences have increased by approximately 18%:
          • A significant rise in the reserve population is driving this increase.
          • Notable peaks in absence rates were observed during June and July.
        • Premium Pay Cost Analysis:
          • July marked the highest premium spending month recorded:
          • Significant costs attributed to specific demand drivers such as special events (e.g., FIFA) and weather-related disruptions.
          • Awarded premium pay constituted over 84% of the total premium TFP.

        Announcements

        • Upcoming Meetings:
          • A comprehensive schedule of meetings has been established from September 2026 through December 2027, including:
          • Regular updates and specific focus meetings on ADR and pairing selection.
        • JCTE Updates: Future updates on JCTE processes and timelines are anticipated for late Q3 2026.

        MEC Committee Chairperson Report

        • Crew Backlog Review: Scheduled review of crew backlogs on August 27, 2026.
        • Crew Access Issues: Ongoing discussions regarding known crew access issues, with meetings to address these concerns pending.
        • Fatigue Review Board: Meetings planned to address fatigue concerns, scheduled for September 3, October 1, November 5, and December 3, 2026.
        • Pyramiding Pay Dispute:
          • Ongoing discussions related to overduty pay and associated compensation issues.
          • Grievances have been filed regarding specific disputes over night rule compensation and redeye flights.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Discussions are ongoing through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules for over-duty pay and day-off violations. Our Grievance Committee is filing grievances regarding several concerns with pyramid pay. These discussions are still ongoing with Labor Relations management. AFA has filed several grievances and still has not received a pyramiding pay chart from payroll or labor relations and our requests go unanswered. 
        2. Vacation Bidding: Representatives from the Committee met with management to discuss the new vendor, AI Crew Solutions. It was determined that when a Flight Attendant either doesn’t hold a bid or forgets to bid, they will be allowed to bid in the 2nd round of vacation. The current process assigns slot 1 and slot 2. We will provide educational material and information when bidding begins next year on the new platforms. We have additional meetings to discuss implementation and buddy bidding. We are currently testing and reviewing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. This is scheduled for implementation in the 4th quarter of 2026. 
        3. Flow Charts: These are posted on the AFA website to help guide you through contractual understanding and irregular ops here: 2025-2028 AFA Alaska CBA Reference Documents 01.26.2026
        4. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability: Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle. Every Flight Attendant must check B2B at the end of every duty period (not trip) and make positive contact if a message is sent prior to block-in of the last flight of the duty period per §8.Q.2.e. We are actively working with management to post an updated bulletin. 
        5. Compensation: Follow up on crew pay issues and reassignment policies. Please give Flight Attendant Crew Pay a minimum of a week to update compensation for irregular operations. 
        6. Pairings: Continue to address pairing and scheduling concerns with management.
        7. Software: Monitor upcoming software implementations and their impacts on operations. We will have another JCTE update in August 2026. 
        8. Sick Leave Tracking: Continue monitoring sick leave trends and review strategies to mitigate operational impacts. 
        9. Notifications: Addressing communication issues regarding flight changes and notifications. 
        10. AFA Alaska Online Support Center Tickets: Local AFA Representatives do not have access to your schedules, Rainmaker, or pay stubs. When filing a ticket, please screenshot as much information as possible, such as trip details, reports, and Rainmaker buckets, to assist them in their research into your concerns. 

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 18 – August 2026

        August 31, 2026 13:00 Leave a Comment

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        • Our JNC met with management last week on August 24 to August 27 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for September 8 to September 10
        • This session focused on Section 30 (Training) and its association to Section 19 (Grievance)

        Negotiations Update

        Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from August 24 to August 27 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

        Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
        Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
        Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberRyan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
        Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
        Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
         Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

        Your JNC met last Saturday and Sunday to resume our comprehensive review of the Reserve sections of both contracts as we continue to prepare for upcoming discussions.

        On Monday, the company responded to our last Section 30 (Training) proposal. The Negotiating Committee evaluated past proposals that had been tabled to look for ways to settle any remaining issues. Both sides agreed to package Section 30 (Training) and Section 19 (Grievance), which had previously been tabled, in an effort to move negotiations forward. The JNC worked on both sections together in an attempt to resolve these matters.

        Your JNC spent a significant amount of time working through those proposals, making changes, and working toward an agreement that would address the remaining concerns. The JNC completed multiple rounds of discussions to reach an agreement. While we made progress on a number of items, we were ultimately unable to reach an agreement with the company to close out these sections. Both Section 30 (Training) and Section 19 (Grievance) are still open for discussion.

        Section by Section Progress

        The Alaska CBA is being used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

        Sections discussed in this session:

        • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
        • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

        Sections in ongoing discussion:

        • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
        • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
        • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
        • Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
        • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
        • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
        • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

        Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

        • Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
        • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

        JCBA Negotiations

        As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

        • Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
        • Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
        • Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

        For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

        What’s Upcoming

        Our next session with management is scheduled for August 24 to August 26.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), pmAS, pmHA

        AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Wednesday, September 23

        August 27, 2026 13:00

        Don’t miss your chance to connect, share your thoughts, and be heard! Our upcoming AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall is happening Wednesday, September 23. Stay informed with the latest AFA updates and engage directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—AFA Representatives will be ready to provide answers.

        The Details

        What: AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall
        When: Wednesday, September 23 – 11 AM to 12:30 PM PT
        Where: Zoom

        Register Now!

        The Town Hall will take place on Zoom, so you can join from home or while on a layover. Advance registration is required and ensures you get a Zoom link to join the meeting and event reminders. As with all AFA meeting and activities, the AFA mutual respect policy applies during the Town Hall.

        Click here to register ➔

        When you register, use your personal email address. If you use an alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com email, your registration will be canceled. Only Members in good standing can attend, and membership status will be verified before the event. If you’re unsure about your status, you can check anytime on the AFA Membership Hub.

        After you register, you’ll get a unique Zoom joining link by email. This link is just for you and will only work on a single device, so be sure to save it. Each person who wants to attend needs to register separately, since Zoom links can’t be shared.

        For details on how to join a Zoom meeting or to check system requirements, please visit the Zoom support website.

        Have Questions? Send Them Ahead of Time!

        Share what’s on your mind! Use our online form to submit your questions before the Town Hall. This allows us to address your concerns—whether about negotiations, contract matters, or any other topics you’d like to discuss.

        Click here to submit a question ➔

        We look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall on September 23!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Featured, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: town hall

        Staying Safe On Layovers

        August 27, 2026 09:00

        A joint message from our AFA Hotel Committee; Air Safety, Health & Security Committee (ASHSC); and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee.

        Your safety matters to us—and we want you to come home from every trip safe and well. Most layovers go smoothly, and you can keep it that way by staying aware and trusting your instincts. If something feels off, step away. Your vigilance is your best protection on the road. Here are some practical reminders to help you stay safe, whether you’re overnighting in Anchorage, Honolulu, New York City, or anywhere else your flying takes you.

        If a situation ever feels unsafe, whether on a layover or in transit, call local emergency services first (911 in the U.S.). Next, contact Crew Scheduling—they can connect you with an Inflight Supervisor or an AFA Representative if you need additional support.

        Around The Hotel

        • Maintain a low profile. Don’t share that you’re a crewmember or which airline you work for, and never say your room number out loud—remember, you never know who may be listening.
        • Stick to well-lit, main areas and use the main entrance, especially at night. Skip back stairwells and dark corners around the property.
        • Know where the exits are.
        • If you feel like you’re being followed or watched anywhere in the hotel, head straight to the front desk and stay there until staff can assist you.
        • Don’t flash cash or jewelry, and lock valuables in the hotel safe. See something suspicious? Tell the front desk or a hotel staff member.

        In Your Room

        • When you first walk in, check the closet, bathroom, and windows, and confirm every lock works, including sliding doors, windows, and any connecting-room door.
        • Keep the door locked the entire time you’re inside, and use every locking device provided.
        • When possible, perform room checks in pairs with another crew member outside the room with the door propped open while you check your room.
        • Find your nearest exit and count the doors between it and your room, noting which side of the hall it’s on. In a dark or smoke-filled hallway, that count may be how you find your way out.
        • Keep your key, ID, and other must-grab items on the nightstand so you can leave fast if you have to.
        • Don’t open your door to anyone you can’t verify. If someone says they’re hotel staff, call the front desk to confirm before letting them in. Never invite strangers into your room.
        • Keep your key on you, don’t display it in public, and tell the front desk immediately if it goes missing.

        When You Head Out

        • Use the buddy system. Walk in pairs at night on nearby streets and in parking lots.
        • Going out alone? Tell a crewmember where you’re headed and when you expect to be back. If you’re not staying at the crew hotel, leave your contact info and location with someone.
        • Never assume an unfamiliar area is safe to walk or run. Wear practical shoes, skip the earbuds, and keep your head up—stay aware of your surroundings.

        Getting To And From The Hotel

        • Your assigned transportation provider is listed in your trip information.
        • Buckle up if the van or shuttle has seat belts, and mind your footing when getting in and out. If you need a hand, ask a fellow crewmember.

        Watch Your Drink

        Drink spiking or slipping a drug into someone’s beverage or food is a real risk, and the substances used are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless. A few habits go a long way towards stopping this from happening:

        • Order directly from the bartender or server, and watch your drink being made when you can.
        • Never leave a drink or food unattended. If you walk away from it, get a fresh one.
        • Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know well.
        • Know your limits. The more you drink, the harder it becomes to recognize if something isn’t right.
        • If it looks, smells, or tastes off, don’t finish it.
        • Stay with your crew and look out for one another.
        • For added safety, drink covers as well as GHB and Rohypnol detection test kits are available for purchase online. These products can provide an additional layer of protection when attending bars, clubs, concerts, or other social events where beverages may be left unattended.

        Take it seriously if you suddenly feel far more impaired than what you drank would explain: sudden dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, extreme drowsiness, nausea, or gaps in your memory. If you think your drink was spiked, tell someone you trust right away, get to a safe place, don’t try to drive, and seek medical care quickly. Some drugs clear the body within hours. If you believe a crime occurred, report it to the local police.

        If Something Happens

        For any safety concern involving your hotel or crew transportation, file a report through the MyCrewCare (API) app on your IMD and complete a Safety Report. That documentation is what lets us hold hotel properties and transportation vendors accountable and push for change.

        And you don’t have to carry a bad experience alone. Our AFA EAP Committee offers confidential support, resources, and referrals. You can reach the AFA EAP helpline anytime at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.

        Trust your instincts, look out for one another, and don’t hesitate to act if something doesn’t feel right. Safe travels!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee

        Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

        August 19, 2026 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Thursday, August 13, our pre-merger Alaska AFA 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), Diana Berni (PDX),  Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN). MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson David Jelinek was also present.

        The committee met with SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis, SEA Fit Center Supervisor Ashley Sentner, Senior Director of Sourcing & Procurement Christine Wakayama, Alaska Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, Brand Partnerships and Uniform Manager Janelle Bayne, and Manager of Flight Attendant Experience Dre Gohlke.

        The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 12.

        Topics of Discussion 

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

        • Shoe Exemptions
          • Flight Attendants seeking a medical exemption should begin by contacting HR and completing a Disability Accommodation Request form. HR will review each request and provide guidance on next steps.
          • There are a few styles of pre-approved shoes.
          • Management’s ADA team will review the healthcare provider’s recommendations and determine whether the recommended shoe meets the guidelines. If it doesn’t, they will work with the Flight Attendant to find a shoe that meets the guidelines.
        • Uniform Compliance Checks
          • The Committee has observed inconsistencies in how compliance checks are conducted across different bases and among individual supervisors.
          • Management shared reports indicating that the actual number of records of discussion (RODs) issued is not as high as social media comments suggest.
          • The Committee emphasized the importance of consistent understanding and application of policies across all levels of management when conducting compliance checks.
          • Conversations between supervisors and Flight Attendants should remain grounded in established written policies, rather than a supervisor’s personal interpretation.
          • During a compliance check, Flight Attendants should have the opportunity to adjust their uniform before coaching is provided. This is particularly important regarding hem length, as uniforms are known to shift and ride up during normal movement.
          • Management says they are working each month to train supervisors on the policies and on how to conduct compliance checks.
          • Upper management requires supervisors to conduct at least 10 compliance checks per shift. 
          • Management is trying to use a face-to-face “coach to compliance” approach; however, if an in-person conversation is not possible, an email may be sent. 
          • With email coaching, a Flight Attendant has no ability to correct the noted infraction; however, an ROD will not be issued via email. 
          • When speaking with a supervisor, the Flight Attendant should be allowed to address the infraction.
          • The MEC Committee Chairperson discussed with management the need to clarify that “assistance to help” emails are not RODs to minimize confusion.
        • Hosiery (Zappos)
          • Hosiery has been added to the Alaska portal on Zappos.
          • Find the Zappos link on the Team AAG uniform page, and sign in with your company email. Alaska discounts will apply. 
        • Update on Inventory and Backorders
          • Shirts and pants are the most common backordered items. A new shipment of both has just arrived.
          • When pants are ordered, they must be hemmed to the specified inseam before shipping. The pants are hemmed in the US before being shipped to the Flight Attendant. This step takes a few days and creates a longer lead time for pants. 
          • Skirts and A-line dresses are in production, arriving in December (check Unisync site for back order expected date)
          • The Committee expressed concerns about maintaining sufficient inventory for regular orders while supporting new-hire classes arriving in the fall. Management has stated that preparations are in place for the expected demand. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
        • Wings
          • Wings can be ordered through your supervisor. Wings are ordered in packs of two. 
          • Wings are bulk ordered by the supervisor and picked up at base; however, some bases offer direct shipping to the Flight Attendant’s home. When shipped to the home, wings appeared to have less protective packaging and often arrive broken. If you receive broken wings, let your supervisor know and have another set ordered. 
        • New Uniform Timeline update
          • The next information update from management will come out next week.
          • The vendor for the new uniform will be announced soon. 
          • “Meet the Coalition” and “Meet the Designer” videos are planned for Q3 and Q4. These will showcase the progress being made by all workgroups, including Alaska, Hawaiian, and Horizon. 
        • Alterations
          • The Fit Center has received an increasing number of expense reimbursement requests that exceed the allowable alteration limits.
          • Many of these requests are for alterations that fall outside approved expenses, such as tapering pants, modifying the A-line dress design, or altering the vest.
          • Before submitting an expense request, ensure the alteration is pre-approved and within the allowable reimbursement amount.
          • Alterations are intended to improve fit only and cannot change the design of a uniform piece.
        • Fit Center
          • Flight Attendants who have made an appointment at the Fit Center and need transportation to the GTC may schedule a shuttle using the Alaska Campus Shuttle. The Campus Shuttle App can be found by searching AAG Campus Shuttle in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
          • Fitting Process
            • When a Flight Attendant comes to the Fit Center, they are asked to walk, reach, and bend while wearing uniform pieces. 
            • Sizes are recommended for each piece and recorded. A copy is retained by the fit center that can be referenced later if needed. 
            • If a Flight Attendant comes to the fit center looking for a specific piece, they are asked to try it on to ensure it’s the correct size. 
            • It is the Fit Center’s policy not to sell a piece to a Flight Attendant that they do not believe is a compliant fit. This approach is designed to protect Flight Attendants from potential issues, such as receiving an ROD related to a non-compliant item in the future.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Easier Reporting of Quality Concerns: Management is working to add the ability to report quality concerns directly from your IMD in Comply365. We were getting closer; however, with the ongoing merger-related changes, it was pushed down the queue. 

        To streamline reporting, the Committee’s top recommendation is to add a bookmarked link to the IMD home screen. This will make it much quicker and easier to access the Quality Concern Form through Team AAG. Creating a new survey isn’t possible right now because the existing survey questions are necessary for tracking consistent age and manufacturing details. We’ll share an update as soon as the new link goes live.

        While we wait for the new IMD feature, please continue submitting quality concerns through the Quality Concern Form (Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality [AAG SSO required]). Your reports help Unisync and our AFA Uniform Committee identify patterns and address recurring issues. Remember, change is only possible when we can provide vendors with sufficient data to act.

        2. AFA Alaska Uniform Committee Page: The Committee is working to update the AFA Alaska Uniform Committee page with resources to help Flight Attendants, such as the maternity process, sensitivity uniform options, and links to other sites and policies. 

        3. New Uniform Wear Testing: The new uniform remains on track for a Q4 2028 launch. Management has selected a vendor and will share that news in the next few days. There will be three wear tests: the first, beginning in Q4 2026, will focus on a variety of fabrics, overall fit, and design. The second will help refine choices and address any issues that surface.

        The final look and design of the new uniform will be revealed next year, and a third wear test will take place to ensure there are no issues with the final selections. 

        The Committee has raised concerns that the garments used for wear testing will be manufactured in the same factories as the production uniforms. Management will provide more information as contacts with vendors and manufacturing facilities are signed. 

        Management has not yet provided information on how many wear testers will be needed. The Committee appreciates the enthusiasm of Flight Attendants who have reached out asking to be wear testers. Until we have the details, we cannot anticipate how many volunteers will be able to participate in the test. Unfortunately, we cannot include everyone who has contacted us, but we will reach out in the coming weeks as more details are shared.

        4. Seasonal Boot List: The Committee has asked management for an update to the seasonal boot list. If you find a pair that falls within the policy but isn’t listed, share it with your supervisor for approval. A reminder about guidelines for boots: must be navy; must have a navy or black sole; the top of the boot must fall below the kneecap, and all other shoe policies apply (e.g., heel height, materials, etc.).

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on Team AAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson.

        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 + Hawaiian website. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Uniform Committee Tagged With: committee meeting, pmAS

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