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Alaska Flight 1282 and MAX 9 Aircraft FAA Action Update

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are true heroes who displayed quick thinking and bravery during an explosive decompression incident that occurred during takeoff from PDX last night. Thanks to their exceptional skills, all passengers and crew were able to reach the ground safely. We proudly commend the entire crew for their outstanding performance, and our union fully supports them. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives were privileged to sit in on a debrief today with these brave Flight Attendants.

AFA Officers and Representatives have been in constant meetings with management starting last night, continually advocating for transparency and timely communication with our workgroup. Although we fully acknowledge the constantly evolving situation, we are beyond disappointed that it took most of the day to receive detailed communication from management. Management must do better! 

We are diligently and rigorously monitoring the situation to ensure that no aircraft are returned to service until they are deemed completely safe. AFA is taking an active and robust role in the NTSB investigation, and we stand fully behind the process for obtaining comprehensive safety findings and implementing necessary actions. We realize that you may have questions about the incident, and many of these may only be answered once the NTSB has completed its investigation and issued its report.

The MAX 9’s temporary grounding has caused some flight cancellations and reassignments. Flight Attendants should refer to the relevant sections of the contract for clear instructions on reassignment, hotel bookings, and return to base requirements.

Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders — trained for emergencies, and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. We fly only when it’s safe.

AFA EAP is always available to support any Flight Attendant in need at (949) 470-0493.

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Decision To Temporarily Ground 737-9 MAX Fleet

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Alaska Airlines has announced the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft fleet after the recent incident on Alaska Flight 1282. Our Union strongly believes this decision is a prudent and necessary step toward ensuring the utmost safety of all crewmembers and passengers. We will closely monitor the maintenance and safety inspection process by management to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all.

The temporary grounding of the 737-9 MAX fleet will inevitably lead to flight cancellations, reassignments, and strandings. Flight Attendants should review sections 10.S (Pre-Cancellations) and 10.R (Reassignments) of our contract, as well as the Pre-Cancellation and Reassignment flowcharts available on the AFA Alaska website, to understand your obligations and options in these situations. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Scheduling Committee.

AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our Union is taking immediate action and providing support to the Flight Attendants on board Alaska Flight 1282 at PDX. Flight Attendants described the decompression as explosive, and one Flight Attendant sustained minor injuries. The situation could have turned catastrophic without the exceptional skills and professionalism of the working Flight Attendants and pilots. We commend the entire crew for their outstanding work under such trying circumstances.

We are working closely with AFA Safety and EAP and have already established contact with the NTSB and the FAA. As this is a serious incident, Alaska Airlines management must take all necessary and immediate action required to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers in light of today’s events. Our Union will closely monitor management’s response and ensure their actions live up to the company’s value of “owning safety.”

We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the heroic actions of the Alaska Flight Attendants in handling the situation with utmost bravery and composure. We will keep everyone updated as more information becomes available. AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – December 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, December 26 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Tuesday, December 26, 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, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on January 23, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • There was one OT issue reported that resulted in the withholding of a trip for more than 15 minutes during a shift change. CS needs to follow up with schedulers regarding accountability. Flight Attendants may call regarding trips withheld under Section 12.E.1.d.
  • SWGCO LOA implementation has improved with proactive steps to provide ride shares and hotels during severe weather. This is specific to recent events affecting the Anchorage base.
  • There is a known issue with the co-terminals filter not receiving text alerts.
  • It was reported earlier in the month that the personal calendar is not syncing with crew access. This appears to be resolved. 
  • Reassignment issues for holiday pay. When Flight Attendants are reassigned or pay protected, provisions in Section 21.H can assist with understanding compensation. 
  • Concerns with last minute hotel changes in CUN and other destinations. Crew members are picking up trips to layover at specific hotel locations. 
  • Increase in reassignments and pre-cancellations. Flow Charts are available on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA website. 
  • Issues with base turns and crew pay reconciliation. If Flight Attendants combine or split trips, payroll will reconcile the base turn prior to the next pay cycle.
  • The December PPP bonus, if applicable, pays $350. Review Section 21.R.
  • Positive feedback received for the extended bidding period due to the PBS adjustment and contractual violation for January 2024 bid period. 
  • PBS Bidding: The process was smooth until the 8th of December with a one (1) hour fifteen (15) minute outage. We received feedback that FAs would have appreciated a quicker response via email regarding the delay. Bid awards were difficult for reserves due to overstaffing. No confirmed evidence of the outage affecting bids.
  • PBS Meetings: Various meetings held with our representatives regarding Adhoc and Navblue. Testing and installation of new releases ongoing.
  • Payroll Updates: End of year concerns with FAs attempting to meet 480/960 TFP thresholds. Reassignments and questions regarding pay protection, flying above scheduled, and stranded pay.
  • CBTs are due at the end of the month.
  • ITS Update: PBS testing in progress with automation completed. JCTE testing for release in January with anticipated improvements in trading and performance.
  • Vacation bidding under review for improvement for 2025 bidding.
  • Work ongoing for B2B features.
  • Demo of crew access while using a new function called buddy roster feature. More information to be provided when installed. Feature would allow you to opt in and share your roster with approved crew members (Flight Attendant or pilot).
  • November 2023 was a good month with increased TSN and drop availability. In December we experienced more mechanical issues than usual and increased sick calls.
  • Management has concerns about staffing and sick calls.
  • Crew planning is beginning to work on March 2024 schedule planning and wants feedback on teaming.
  • Working with API to try improving layover crews remain at the same hotels. 
  • Line average for February 2024 around 77 TFP, while Reserve is around 19%.
  • Staffing Adjustment Leave information provided and updated.

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. They are looking at dates and times in February 2024 for in person and virtual meetings to assist with bidding. 
  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 occured 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. Teaming: Crew Planning is currently reviewing pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (pilots and Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments. Currently, the system teams around 10-15% of crews, but enhancements were made to increase this to 20-35% for winter operations. The changes were reflected in December pairings. Management provided communication regarding teaming. In December 2023, approximately 23% of sequences were teamed together, while 52% of duty periods were teamed. We didn’t receive any teaming information for January during the meeting today. 
  4. In and Backs. Network/Crew Planning is reviewing initiatives to restart operations when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. The 2023/2024 IROPs plan was reviewed by Alaska management in September/October, creating opportunities to adjust flight schedules on the day of operations.
  5. 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. 
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management. You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 14, 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 Thursday, December 14, 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 Louise Borras (LAX), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Sylvia Newbill (PDX). Annie Madsen (ANC), and Trista Vanta (SFO). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.

The committee met with VP Operations Matt Prainto, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Managing Director of Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Thursday February 22, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • On December 8, 2023 Freddy Vega was selected as the new Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson for Council 19 SEA. Freddy brings an abundance of experience and education surrounding Human Rights. We thank Yan Yan Teague for her years of service as the former Local Chairperson. Yan Yan will continue as a Committee Member.     
  • October 9, 2023 Bulletin: ELP Spanish Announcement And International Flyer. As a result of our Flight Attendants bringing attention to the Human Rights Committee, some of our Non-Speaking ELP/SEA guests were arriving at SEA with no knowledge of SEATAC and/or resources available. This was brought to our training department for discussion. As a result, Flight Attendants now have resources (a flyer) on board those flights to assist our guests not only with navigation about SEATAC but also with food and beverage options we offer on board. This information is also available on our IMD. The Spanish Announcement has been temporarily removed pending review. Along with ELP we asked that AUS, PHX, TUS and SAT be added. Allen will inquire about our request. 
  • Opportunity to have pronoun’s added to our wings. The optional pronoun would be under the name on the wing. Trista is working on developing this.   
  • Concerns why our speakers are being removed from some of our Mexico flights. Matt informed us the speakers were originally placed on board the flights to assist with  necessary paper that was required to be completed by our guests. Alaska has since moved towards an automated format, eliminating the need for any assistance on the aircraft.

Other Committee News

January 12-15, 2024 Some of the Human Rights Committee members will be attending the 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference in Montgomery Alabama – Joining AFA International VP Keturah Johnson and other AFA Human Rights Committees. 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference (themlkconference.org)

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. International Flyer. Adding more routes to use the International Flyer as well as additional resources for the upcoming year.  
  2. Committee Participation. Participation with Alaska’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department Heritage Months and other projects.   
  3. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.

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.

Sick Leave Survey Now Open

Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) prioritizes your health and well-being and seeks to understand which aspects of our paid sick leave policy matter most to you. We encourage you to participate in the survey, which is open until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT, to ensure your voice is heard in shaping our support for your healthcare needs.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

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

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

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