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Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2024

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, May 6, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Monday, May 6, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Annie Madsen (ANC),Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Louise Borras (LAX). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman and Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Friday August 30, 2024. 

Topics of Discussion

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

  • High Deductible Insurance Plans: Concerns of having to pay the full deductible prior to paying for the benefit of certain medications. SEA Local Committee Chairperson Chair Freddy Vega will be reaching out to our AFA Benefits Committee about the Committee concerns. Inflight Management wasn’t aware of this possible change and are also looking into this with Alaska HR/Employee Benefits.
  • Spanish speakers on international flights. Flight Attendants have the translate option on their IMD as a resource if there aren’t any Spanish speaking individuals on the flight.
  • Discussions of May & June heritage events.
  • Flight Attendant listening sessions will resume in June. Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons will co-facilitate the sessions along with inflight management. The Committee and management have asked a representative from our various 13 BRGs (Business Resource Groups) to also attend. June will be hosted with LAX Local Committee Chairperson Louise Borras, Inflight Management, and a BRG Representative. The first session will give Flight Attendants an opportunity to learn more about our BRGs, how to join, and what opportunities are available.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement” announcements.
  3. Resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts) on the AFA Website.
  4. The ability for Flight Attendant names to be spelled phonetically on our IMD.
  5. CSA manual being more gender neutral. Removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non rev travel.
  6. Formal change of the Human Rights Committee (HRC) name to be inline with AFA International Human Rights Equity (HRE) name.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Human Rights Committee

  • May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage week the following year.
  • Read more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month of May.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  The celebration originated when Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1978 to honor the first ten days of May in 1979 as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week”.  It was expanded to an entire month by Congress in 1990 and was finally designated to take place during the month of May in 1992.  The month of May was selected to recognize both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States (May 10, 1869), which was accomplished primarily through work done by Chinese immigrants.

Learn More About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

You can learn more about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of May.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

Alaska & Hawaiian MECs Meeting – April 26, 2024

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • On April 26, our AFA International President convened a virtual meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MECs).
  • The group met to review progress on the demands set by the MECs’ previous unanimously adopted resolution. While there has been progress, the first demand — an industry-leading AFA Alaska contract — has not been met.
  • The group passed a resolution extending the deadline for determining our support, opposition, or neutrality to the merger. The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene the week of May 20th to evaluate conditions and review management’s action/inaction to review our position.

On April 26, 2024, our International President convened a virtual meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC). This includes the directly elected Local Council Presidents and MEC officers at each airline. Our AFA professionals from Legal, Collective Bargaining, Government Affairs, and Communications were in attendance to support the elected Flight Attendant representatives.

The group met to review progress on the demands set by the MECs’ previous unanimously adopted resolution. While there has been progress, the first demand — an industry-leading AFA Alaska contract — has not been met. The group passed a resolution extending the deadline for determining our support, opposition, or neutrality to the merger. Read the full resolution.

The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene the week of May 20th to evaluate conditions and review management’s action/inaction to review our position.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On April 23, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, April 23, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director Ops Staffing & Resource Mgt Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Staffing Nicholas Giles, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Sr Mgr Product Management Rick Mitchell, Manager Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on May 21, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Reassignments/Delays
    • FA’s seeing increase in Reassignments over past two months
    • Reassignments happening in base or after check-in with little notice
    • Delays on overnights reported close to report time
  • Rest Concerns
    • Flight attendants who did not waive rest are frustrated that their check in is delayed to allow rest rather than the Flight Attendant being removed from trip due to short staffing
  • Pay Issues
    • Trend in seeing delays in confirmation that corrected pay has been applied
  • Trading Issues
    • All bases discussed the open tickets regarding the JCTE trading issues and calendar display
  • Hotel Issues
    • Crews had incorrect information on pairings regarding their hotels creating lengthly waits for hotel rooms and short rest periods. All Local Scheduling Committee Chairs continue to fight for additional pay when applicable
    • Crews having non-contractual rooms
    • See Hotel Hotline for each hotel’s contract language as well as file an API report when issues arise
  • PBS Bidding
    • Request that PBS in-person bidding continue especially with new classes arriving

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose.
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases. 

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 website.

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – June 2024

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our 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.
  • 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 a term of appointment that begins on July 1, 2024 and concludes on June 30, 2026.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the June Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around this date or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted in person or using Google Meet videoconferencing at the candidate’s discretion.

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, June 11, 2024. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative 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.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

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We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

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Vacation Survey Now Open

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working diligently to understand and improve the vacation benefits for our Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian. Your input is essential in ensuring that the vacation provisions we adopt reflect your needs and preferences. To gather your perspectives, […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were: Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants   […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, […]

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