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Personal Strategies For Managing The Anniversary Of September 11th 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Anniversaries of tragedies can be difficult times for many people.  For some, the anniversary of 9/11 continues to be a powerful reminder of loss.  For others, who thought they had put the tragedy behind them, the anniversary may produce unexpected anxiety or grief. The anniversary and the media replay of that day’s losses may stir strong emotions and difficult memories in many of us.  But there are ways to cope:

  • Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you.  Connecting with others who shared your impact, getting involved in memorial activities and talking about the events of that day are all important coping strategies, but taking time to be by yourself – to think and reflect – can be helpful and healing as well.
  • Limit television and social media as much as possible.  The visual images of the losses that day can prompt especially strong reactions.  Be prepared to take a digital vacation or frequent time-outs  in and around the anniversary to minimize or all together avoid these visual triggers. 
  • If you start to feel overwhelmed, talk with a friend, family member, or your AFA EAP.  Often, talking about your fears and feelings is enough to relieve stress and realize that other people share your feelings.  Taking action is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
  • Recall other times you’ve experienced strong emotions.  Identify which coping strategies have worked for you in the past, and use them.
  • Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th anniversary.  Everyone experiences and copes with stress differently.  Try not to judge people’s emotions by their outside appearance.
  • If you have strong feelings that haven’t or won’t go away, seeking help from a professional may prove useful.  Your AFA EAP can provide you with referrals.
  • Share this information with a flying partner who may be struggling with the upcoming anniversary.

However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it. We’re just a phone call away.  

Please call AFA Alaska EAP at (949) 470-0493 for assistance or contact your Local AFA EAP Committee listed at afaalaska.org/eap.

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, August 28, 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, August 28, 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), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.

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

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  

Topics of Discussion

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

  • The Committee has been engaged in ongoing conversations about ways to support passengers who don’t have a clear plan or assistance upon arrival at their destination. Many of these passengers do not speak English, and Flight Attendants have requested resources to assist them. The inflight training department reported that resources are being developed and may be available as early as 2024. The Committee is also working to contact Casa Latina, a non-profit organization that advances the power and well-being of Latino immigrants, to seek out additional resources that Flight Attendants can provide to passengers who may need them. 
  • SEA Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson Yan Yan Teague recently represented AFA Alaska as a voting delegate at the Biennial Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) Convention, held August 3 through 5. APALA was founded in 1992 and is the first and only national organization of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers. APALA works to address the workplace issues of AAPI Union Members and serves as the bridge between the broader labor movement and the AAPI community. For more information about APALA or to become a member, please reach out to Yan Yan Teague at sea.humanrights.chair@afaalaska.org
  • The Committee brought forward concerns about inconsistency with dress code requirements for traveling on the Flight Attendant jumpseat when not in uniform. The verbiage in the Flight Attendant Manual and Employee Travel Handbook has been updated to reflect new guidance. However, the Customer Service Manual (the manual used by CSAs) has not. The CSM still uses gender-specific terminology to define acceptable attire. The Committee has requested that the CSM be updated to align with the FAM so that everyone is on the same page in the future.
  • The Committee is seeking more consistency and communication related to the Inflight Diversity & Inclusion Listening Session series. The session schedule so far has been sporadic, with several close-in cancellations of some sessions. In addition, the Committee has asked that management more actively promote the sessions across multiple channels to encourage broad participation.

Other Committee News

  • Our Human Rights Committee meets monthly with AFA International VP Keturah Johnson and staff and the Human Rights Committee from other AFA carriers to collaborate on subjects surrounding human rights and protection for our Flight Attendants. During our August meeting, issues surrounding Flight Attendants traveling to certain countries where safety is a concern were discussed. Some countries do not permit certain items like medications, representational symbols, electronics, etc., which is a concern, especially among our charter carriers. The AFA Human Rights Committee will create a reporting system for locations where safety or other human rights concerns may exist. The system will allow issues to be reported and addressed by the airlines.
  • In collaboration with our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, a training series has been developed to support, educate, and advocate for AFA leaders and Members based on issues brought to the Human Rights and EAP Committees. The first training session in July focused on microaggressions and their impact on the workplace. These virtual sessions provide a way to have group conversations and build a more inclusive culture in our workplace. They will be ongoing with Human Rights and EAP Committees across AFA.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Exploring Collaboration and Shared Goals. Working with the company’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I) department to build relationships with the company Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.
  2. Supporting Passengers. Discussing reports of some passengers traveling between specific city pairs without a clear plan or assistance upon arrival at their destination. The Human Rights Committee and management are currently working on potential resources our Flight Attendants can use to help in these circumstances.
  3. Clarifying Company Policy on Cultural and Religious Tattoos. Working to discuss the current uniform tattoo policy with management decision-makers and advocating for the incorporation of allowances for tattoos with cultural or religious significance.

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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 22 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, August 25, 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (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 of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on September 26, 2023.

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:

  • Block hours reduction. For the fall of 2023, we will see line averages reduced. You should notice a difference when bidding your September schedule. Line averages could be 75-78 depending on the amount of leaves offered by base. 
  • JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and “trade handshake” in September 2023. 
  • Leaves. Management has reviewed the anticipated block hours and decided to offer leaves. This is a change from last month’s update. If you are interested in a leave of absence please review the recent bulletin. Management is reviewing all options of staffing adjustment leaves (SAL) and Low Bid lines to determine the best business decision.  
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. A bulletin bundle was issued from management providing a recent update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until we install a permanent resolution. As of today there were 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
  • Base Turns. Each month, Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and discover some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences, together refer to Section 8.T. There are also issues with splitting base turns that require Crew Scheduling assistance. 
  • Vacation Bidding. Prepare for 2024 vacation bids. Find dates for 1st round bidding, 2nd round bidding, and Open Time the in bulletin bundle.   
  • Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants are trading into/out of trips with this label, the premium will disappear. Flight Attendants can contact Crew Scheduling if they notice a trip in Open Time that is labeled as “ISA” but doesn’t show premium and request removal of the ISA or require the premium be added back onto the trip. Crew Scheduling has the discretion to choose which action they choose. 
  • Hotel wait times. If you are waiting in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel, please ensure you are keeping in contact with Crew Scheduling and opening a ticket with AFA through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  
  • Charter Retimes. LAX BRO Charters and retimes require pay protection and rebid. There were some tickets opened regarding compensation and contractual requirements. These are being reviewed and resolved. Reminder to know your contractual obligations and compensation. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS subcommittee is preparing to have more base sits and presentations for Flight Attendants. We will provide dates/times/locations in a future update. Stay tuned. 
  2. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management set for June 5, 2023  A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming.  Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (Flight Attendants and pilots) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. 
  4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network Planning and Crew Planning are reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to alleviate phone calls. It would be Flight Attendant-initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management and AFA MEC leadership.

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.

Join The Picket Line: Support American & United Flight Attendants

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • It’s time to stand in solidarity with our Flight Attendant families at American and United Airlines as they head to the picket lines.
  • American Flight Attendants are conducting a strike authorization vote and will hold a systemwide informational picket on Wednesday, August 30.
  • United Flight Attendants are holding a systemwide Day of Action on Thursday, August 31, to address ongoing contractual violations.

The spirit of solidarity is alive and well this summer as Flight Attendants and workers everywhere unite to push back against corporate greed and mismanagement. Hundreds of fellow union members joined our picket lines during our Day of Solidarity events, and their support helped to amplify our message to management and make our voices even louder. Now, it’s time for us to stand with our Flight Attendant families at American and United as they ramp up their fights. Keep reading to learn how you can help!

American Airlines Flight Attendants

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been negotiating a new contract since January 2019. However, American Airlines management is continuously trying to undermine the hard work and dedication of American Flight Attendants by offering concessionary proposals that seek to erode the decades of progress achieved through collective bargaining. To top it off, APFA submitted a comprehensive economic proposal to management on March 7, and management has yet to respond, let alone offer a counterproposal.

American Flight Attendants are in the process of taking a strike authorization vote set to end on August 29. On August 30, they’ll hold a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to fight for the contract they have earned. Plan now to stand in solidarity with them! Let’s show management at American Airlines that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are together in the fight and demanding our fair share of the pie.

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Wednesday, August 30

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
DFW, ORD: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
LAS, LAX, PHX: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

United Airlines Flight Attendants

United Airlines Flight Attendants are facing a chaotic, ill-equipped, and entirely unsustainable working environment, with staffing shortages in critical areas causing significant problems on the front line. Management is either unwilling or incapable of resolving the issues and running their own operation. During recent operational meltdowns, hold times for Crew Scheduling have regularly exceeded several hours and peaked with some Flight Attendants left waiting on hold for more than an entire day. Instead of hiring additional Crew Schedulers and implementing automated processes as recommended by the United Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), Flight Attendants have been left to fend for themselves as management completely disregards the contract.

Enough is enough! United Flight Attendants are taking their fight public and inviting everyone to join them in a systemwide Day of Action on Thursday, August 31. Let’s stand in solidarity and send a message to United Airlines management that their incompetence and refusal to act will not be tolerated. Plan to join the picket line and show your support!

United AFA Day Of Action Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, August 31

Locations: BOS, CLE, DEN, EWR, FLL, GUM, HNL, IAD, IAH, LAS, LAX, LHR, MCO, ORD, PHX, SAN, SFO, TPA

Click here for event details and to RSVP >

Wildfire Smoke Safety

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
  • Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has coordinated with management to establish a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep us safe during wildfire season.
  • Key protections include the availability of N95 masks, layover hotel safety, and accommodations for sensitive groups.

As we enter peak wildfire season in many parts of the country, it’s important to be mindful of the risks that come with it. Not only are wildfires dangerous in and of themselves, but the smoke they produce can also be hazardous to our health. Wildfire smoke contains a variety of harmful particles and gases, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into our lungs. Therefore, taking precautions to protect ourselves from the dangers of wildfire smoke is crucial.

Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has worked with management to develop and implement a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep Flight Attendants safe during wildfire season. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches or is expected to exceed 200 at a given airport, inflight management will post an alert on the inflight website, and the protocol will go into effect for that location. When the protocol is triggered, the following will apply:

Availability of N95 Masks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a properly worn N95 mask will offer some protection from wildfire smoke. Management will make N95 masks available at impacted stations and all Flight Attendant bases.

Layover Hotels

Management will evaluate air quality in hotel rooms located in affected areas. Alternative lodging options will be identified in case relocation becomes necessary. Hotels in evacuation zones will not be used. Flight Attendants will be notified of any hotel changes by Crew Scheduling.

Accommodations for Sensitive Groups

Individuals especially vulnerable to poor air quality due to pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or lung disease (including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or diabetes), making them sensitive to poor air quality as defined by the AQI, are part of the Sensitive Group. Flight Attendants who are part of the Sensitive Group will not be required to layover at stations that are experiencing or are forecast to experience an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 200.

Process for requesting an accommodation:

  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group must self-identify to Inflight Base management to receive an accommodation.
  • To request a wildfire smoke accommodation, Flight Attendants must call Inflight Base management after an alert is posted.
  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group will be removed or SIP’d from trips that layover in impacted stations with an AQI 200 or greater with a management drop, no points. 
  • For lineholders, Crew Scheduling management will SIP the sequence prior to the affected RON either at a SIP if there is one or by ending the trip early and deadheading the Flight Attendant back to base.
  • If on reserve, Flight Attendant may be assigned additional flying or returned to the LTFA as applicable.

Note: Flight Attendants must send eligible documentation for pre-existing conditions to Absence Management’s secured email within seven business days. If documents are not received within seven business days or are denied, the management drop will accrue points.

Additional Information

The complete Inflight Wildfire Smoke Protocol can be found on the Flight Attendant website under the safety tab or in GoodReader on the IMD in the FAM Supplemental Folder. Both locations also contain information about mask usage.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local ASHSC.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Monday, September 8, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary […]

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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