AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News / AFA News Now

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2024

Hotel Committee

  • On September 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management and representatives from the company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Thursday, September 12, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Virginia Fritz (SFO), and Chris Cardenas (LAX), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, and Managing Director Inflight Ops South (LAX, SAN, & SFO) & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman from management. Representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), hosted the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management and API. Much of the conversation during these Quarterly Business Reviews focuses on financials and the state of the hotel industry. Some items discussed include:

  • MyCrewCare App Features
    • “News” tab in layover city
    • Tweaking of the crew feedback prompts to make them more user friendly so that feedback can be obtained
  • API Process Improvements
    • Phone systems migrating to the cloud for better workflow
    • JetRFP – will be programmed to allow a hotel to bid on a block of business if they are unable to accommodate the full rooms per night request. Will potentially allow for more hotel options for crew accommodation
  • Request to improve the timelines when it comes to placing crew hotel information into the bid packets and Crew Access.
  • Crew complaints and transportation issues
  • Concerns surrounding the utilization of rideshares (Uber/Lyft)
  • Unpaid hotel incidentals – reminder for crews to settle their hotel incidentals before checkout

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Ad Hoc list review. Our crew hotels have been inspected, endorsed and are contracted properties. Occasionally crews need to be relocated for various reasons, such as known hotel blackout dates, planned property maintenance, fire alarm testing, irregular operations, etc. When our contracted properties cannot take the usage, Crew Hotels and API reference the ad hoc list for alternate accommodations. The Hotel Committee reviews this list periodically to ensure the properties listed still meet our standards.
  2. Conducting hotel site visits. The Hotel Committee visits hotels that are under consideration by management, and we advocate for management to select hotels that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. By the end of 2024, your Hotel Committee will have conducted site visits in 32 cities. For 2025, there are 40 markets that will be reviewed. Contract expirations, crew complaints and cost saving opportunities are the primary drivers that trigger a market review. Depending on the outcome of the market review, a site visit may be scheduled in that city.
  3. Investigating MyFeedback (CrewCare) reports. Reviewing crewmember feedback and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change or ground transpiration change.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (AS), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

September 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, September 16, and Tuesday, September 17, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9.

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) held its regular meeting for September 2024 on Monday, September 16, and Tuesday, September 17. These meetings, required under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, provide an important opportunity for the MEC to discuss and address issues and concerns affecting our Union and Members at the airline level. Your directly elected LEC President (or their designee) attends these meetings as your representative and votes on your behalf when decisions need to be made.

During the meeting, the MEC received updates from the MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, and Grievance Committee. Additionally, the MEC reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons detailing their current work and activities.

Meeting with Management

This month, our MEC met with company executive management and Union leaders from other union-represented workgroups within the company. These meetings typically occur once every quarter to receive management updates and discuss issues and concerns faced by all employees. Management provided updates during the meeting on the current financial state of the company and the industry, expected aircraft deliveries, and the upcoming merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines Merger

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) discussed the final regulatory approval and subsequent financial transaction closing in the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Since AFA also represents Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, these milestones mark the beginning of the process of merging AFA Master Executive Councils (MECs) for the two airlines. According to Section X of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, within 30 days of the merger’s financial closing, the AFA International President will convene a joint session of the MECs of both airlines to outline the process of merging them into a single MEC. More information about the merger of the Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will be shared as it becomes available.

Additionally, the MEC scheduled time to conduct interviews for the AFA Alaska members of the Seniority Merger Integration Committee and Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) during the November Regular MEC Meeting. These committees, which will be made up of both Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants, will be responsible for providing representation in key areas of the merger process. More information about these roles, including the interview schedule and how to express interest in serving, can be found by clicking here.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

Joint Negotiating Committee and Seniority Merger Integration Committee Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Tuesday’s announcement of the final regulatory approval and subsequent financial closing of the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines mark important milestones. As per Section X [Merger Policy and Related Employee Protective Provisions] of the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws (C&B), the AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) will now begin the process of electing Members in good standing to serve on the Seniority Merger Integration Committee and Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). More details about these positions and how to express interest are provided below.

Though the MEC is starting the process of electing members for the Joint Negotiating Committee and Seniority Merger Integration Committee, our immediate focus remains on returning to the negotiation table to achieve a second tentative agreement. Our AFA Alaska Negotiating Committee is preparing an opening proposal based on the TA2 survey results. Please stay updated by following AFA Alaska social media accounts and contract2022.afaalaska.org for the latest news and information.

Joint Negotiating Committee

2 POSITIONS

Pursuant to Section X.D [Merger Policy and Related Employee Protective Provisions: Contractual Protection] of the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws (C&B), the AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) is seeking two Members in good standing (dues current) to serve on the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for merged contract negotiations.

Purpose & Scope

Members of the committee are authorized to negotiate as one of the two pre-merger airline members of the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement covering Hawaiian and Alaska Flight Attendants as specified in Section 10.D.2 of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws.

The Joint Collective Bargaining Negotiating Committee (JNC) is comprised of four members, two of whom are appointed by the Hawaiian MEC and two by the Alaska MEC. The MEC Presidents of the Hawaiian and Alaska MECs shall serve as ex-officio members of the JNC.  

Election

  • Any person seeking a position on the negotiating committee must submit a willingness to serve and resume to the MEC by the announced deadline.
  • Applicants should be willing to devote a substantial amount of time to this committee during negotiations.
  • Applicants should have a good working knowledge of the current contract (if applicable) and of the policies and operation of the airline.
  • If possible, the committee should have a member or members with previous negotiations experience.
  • The MEC selects two negotiating committee members from among the applicants in good standing.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Attend AFA-CWA joint contract negotiations training.
  • Conduct a review of the respective agreements to identify commonalities, differences, benefits of each agreement and unique issues associated with specific air service.
  • Review collective bargaining agreements and employment terms at comparable airlines.
  • Assess the priorities and needs of the members through surveys and union meetings.
  • Work jointly as members of the JNC to develop an opening proposal for the joint collective bargaining agreement.  
  • Be familiar with AFA-CWA policy and industry standards and trends. 
  • Communicate the negotiating objectives to the membership.
  • Attend negotiations sessions and assist in preparing proposals and counter-proposals. 
  • Willingness to travel extensively and adjust schedule to meet the needs of the negotiations.  
  • Update the members and the MECs throughout negotiations. 
  • Remain available as a resource for education on new contract provisions and interpretation of the JCBA. 

Expectations/Qualifications

  • Appointed by the AFA Alaska MEC and terms are served to completion at the approval of the MEC. Takes direction from the chairperson of the JNC with input from the AFA International Collective Bargaining Department (i.e. staff negotiator) and Legal Department (i.e. staff attorney). After successful ratification of the JCBA will continue to serve as a contract interpretation resource for the JCBA.
  • Maintain a complete record of negotiations including proposals, notes and communications, and such record is the property of AFA-CWA.
  • Public interactions (including social media) must reflect favorably on AFA Alaska. If requested by AFA Alaska, JNC members must be willing to reasonably limit social media interactions for the duration of JCBA preparation, negotiations and implementation.
  • Ability to tolerate controversy amongst one’s peers.
  • Willing to travel for training, preparation, negotiations, roadshows and other meetings as needed.
  • Must be willing to adjust her/his schedule as needed, sometimes with very little notice.

Flight Pay Loss & Expense Reimbursement

  • 6 TFP for each 8 hours of work (0.75 TFP per hour)
  • 5% override on TFP in lieu of per diem
  • Travel time is unpaid; exceptions will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
  • Meal & incidentals and other expenses to be reimbursed according to AFA Alaska Policy Manual and AFA-CWA C&B.

Seniority Merger Integration Committee

2 POSITIONS

One of the most important aspects of any merger of airlines is the integration of the seniority list.  The AFA Constitution and Bylaws provides for the Master Executive Council (MEC) to appoint two Seniority Merger Integration Committee Representatives. Seniority Merger Integration Committee Representatives have complete and full authority to act on behalf of the Flight Attendants of their respective airline for the purpose of compiling necessary employment data and a single flight attendant seniority list. More information about duties and responsibilities of merger representatives are spelled out in section X.C of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Determine seniority numbers for each Flight Attendant by reviewing and determining date of bidding for seniority, initial training date, number of days of initial training, and if seniority was accrued for training (and if so, how many days were accrued).
  • Evaluate all protests to determine seniority, determine validity, and adjudge accordingly.
  • Compile and certify a combined system seniority list.

Qualifications

  • Must be a current Alaska Flight Attendant and AFA member in good standing (i.e., dues current).
  • Ability to analyze written data and information with high attention to detail.
  • Ability to commit time necessary to complete assigned responsibilities, including flexibility to meet on short notice.  Some travel will be required.

Expressing Interest & Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the November Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13. 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 in SeaTac, WA.

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 5, 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 positions or application process should be directed to the MEC Officers at officers@afaalaska.org.

We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

Master Executive Council (MEC)

AFA Never Forget Website

United Flight 175

Robert J. Fangman
Amy N. Jarret
Amy R. King
Kathryn LaBorie
Alfred G. Marchand
Michael C. Tarrou
Alicia N. Titus
Captain: Victor Saracini
First Officer: Michael Horrocks
Customer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez

United Flight 93

Lorraine G. Bay
Sandra Bradshaw
Wanda A. Green
CeeCee Lyles
Deborah Welsh
Captain: Jason Dahl
First Officer: Leroy Homer

American Flight 11

Barbara Arestegui
Jeffrey Collman
Sara Low
Karen Martin
Kathleen Nicosia
Betty Ong
Jean Roger
Madeline Sweeney
Dianne Snyder
Captain: John Ogonowski
First Officer: Thomas McGuinness
Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell

American Flight 77

Michele Heidenberger
Jennifer Lewis
Kenneth Lewis
Renee May
Captain: Charles Burlingame
First Officer: David Charlebois

Honoring Your Feelings On The Anniversary Of 9/11: A Message For Flight Attendants

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

For Flight Attendants, the anniversary of September 11th holds deep emotional significance. Whether you were flying that day, knew someone personally affected, or joined the profession afterward, the weight of that tragic day is often felt across the industry. The emotions that surface on this anniversary can vary widely—ranging from grief and sadness to pride and resilience. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and find ways to honor them.

You’re not alone in how you feel. The aviation community shares a unique bond, and this anniversary is often a time when Flight Attendants, pilots, ground staff, and all those connected to the industry come together in solidarity. Reaching out to colleagues can provide a sense of comfort and shared understanding. Sometimes, simply talking about your feelings with someone who understands can bring relief. By honoring your own feelings and supporting one another, you help carry forward the legacy of resilience and unity that defines the aviation community.

While honoring the memory of 9/11, it’s equally important to care for your own well-being. The emotions stirred on this day can be heavy, so take time for self-care. This might include spending time with loved ones, engaging in activities that bring you comfort, or simply giving yourself permission to step away from any overwhelming emotions.

If you feel the need for more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Local AFA EAP Committee representative.  You can connect to one through AFA Alaska EAP at (949) 470-0493. You can also find the listing of your Local AFA EAP Committee with their contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.

Staying Balanced During The Holidays

Let joy, not pressure, lead the way. The holiday season is a special time for joy, connection, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, even for the most grounded among us. With family gatherings, work commitments, and financial worries, finding balance isn’t always easy. Here are some practical tips to […]

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their […]

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives, who will begin their roles on January 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged Inflight Training Committee for both airlines. They’ll ensure that the voices of […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 47 LAX (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates