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Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2024

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, February 22 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Thursday, February 22nd, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.

The committee also met with Director – Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Sr Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Red AFA CONTRACT NOW lanyards are here! AFA believes that your right to wear a Union lanyard is protected by the Railway Labor Act. However, if you are directed by a supervisor to remove the lanyard, we recommend that you do so because we don’t want you to be disciplined. Please then fill out the Management Interference Report form. Note: The OneWorld pin is still a requirement, so please ensure you have the OneWorld pin on your lanyard or outer-most uniform piece.
  • During the annual AFA Uniform Allotment Review, it was discovered that the allotment needed to be adjusted due to an increase in value of several pieces. The Company agreed and an additional $60.62 was deposited for a total allotment value of $760.62 for the 2024-2025 cycle.
  • The mockneck sweater is now available and must be worn per the style guide. The committee has asked for the following improvements in the style guide: the ability to wear it untucked from the skirt and the ability to wear it under the vest. Until AFA receives a formal response to these requests, Flight Attendants will still be held to current uniform standards during a uniform check. AFA reported quality concerns of cuffs splitting at the seam and the neck hole being too small. Please follow care instructions for the sweater and do not dry them in the dryer as they will shrink.
  • The Aura vest is intended to be in stock in June with a possible preorder date of May. This is a tentative timeframe.
  • The Company is working with Travelpro to possibly design a hardside 4-wheel spinner that is Crew quality. They are also open to exploring other vendors, but will not sacrifice quality and durability for the spinner design.
  • Wings/name tag order process may take up to 90 days. Name tags are a Minimum Order product and are done in once-a-month batches. Once the orders are placed, it may take up to 60 days for the Flight Attendant to receive their wings. If a Flight Attendant submits their order form on the day after Management has submitted their monthly order, the request will be held until the following month. AFA discussed the possibility of creating blank wings for the interim. Please order wings (max of 4 per type) if you have 2 or less as the turn time may be longer than expected. The Committee is also exploring the possibility of having supervisors order wings once a year for every Flight Attendant.
  • The Company is considering possibly creating How To videos on care for the uniform in order to help Flight Attendants get longevity out of their pieces during an allotment cycle.
  • An issue with no return labels in uniform orders has been resolved. All orders should come with a UPS return label.
  • The Uniform survey closed on 11/07/2023 and results were shared with AFA. Uniform improvements will be made based on the data received.
  • The Fit Center highly recommends scheduling appointments even though walk-ins are allowed. There will be new back-to-back classes of both Flight Attendants and pilots this year that may reduce the Fit Center’s ability to accept walk-ins (if any at all). AFA and the Company will work together to notify Flight Attendants when class fittings will occur in order to avoid the likelihood of being turned away due to unavailability. Please ensure you are signed up for base updates through your local council as this information will be included in your base newsletters.
  • If you have any quality concerns, please submit your issue using the Quality Concern Form on Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality > Here [SSO required] so Unisync and AFA can track recurring issues. Changes can only be made if the vendor is provided with sufficient data and proof of quality concerns.
  • AFA Uniform policies change requests:
    • Shorter apron- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
    • Allowing brown leather gloves if you are wearing brown shoes- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
    • Allow patriotic neckwear on 9/11- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
    • More modest skirt that is below-the-knee for religious accommodation (FAs can order tall skirts, but some sizes may still hit above the knee)- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
    • Offer the Travelpro backpack as an alternative to the tote- The Company will consider this and review with stakeholders.
    • Piercings & Tattoos- The Company is inclined to adjust current policies to be more relaxed based on the Uniform Survey results, but will not be doing so prior to the Hawaiian merger & acquisition as our uniform standards are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
    • Allow the Franco Sarto loafers (without the tassel) but with the tan stripe and stitching- The Company is not inclined to make an exception, however, FAs are allowed to color or dye the stitching and stripe a navy color in order to make them compliant.
  • AFA brought up concerns about uniform compliance checks being done during boarding/pre-departure safety duties. Management stated they are not specifically going to aircraft to do compliance checks. However, if a Flight Attendant is noncompliant, they will have a discussion. These discussions will continue any time Flight Attendants are on duty and may be subjected to performance steps of discipline if multiple Records of Discussion (RODs) are issued. The main areas of concern receiving discipline are:
    • Outerwear – Noncompliant coats
    • Nose rings (hoops) and earrings that are larger than approved size of a quarter
    • Hemlines – Too short
    • Shoes with white soles or stitching (you can use a navy/brown permanent marker or leather dye on the white stitching to make them compliant)

May 31, 2024 will see the ban of popular lug-style shoes and discipline may be issued for noncompliance. AFA has gone all the way up through marketing (including Luly Yang) in attempts to advocate for the shoe to remain in compliance. The final decision is that these shoes will not be allowed. (this previously stated the cutover is March, which was incorrect)

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. AFA CONTRACT NOW Lanyards. Trying to work in coordination with the Mobilization Committee to ensure all Flight Attendants have a lanyard.
  2. Transition Jacket. AFA believes we may have found a solution to make the navy parka packable. We will explore this more. The committee’s outwear focus is now geared toward sourcing a transition jacket that is suitable for all-weather purposes (similar to the former Legacy-VX transition jacket).
  3. Quality Concerns. We would like Unisync to make quality improvements to their sewing and material based on FA feedback; however, there is not sufficient enough data to support our requests because Flight Attendants are not submitting quality concern reports. Please submit a formal request so improvements can be made.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include the “PO” number from the tag, attach photos of the issue and the tag, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket at AFA Alaska Support so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? 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 website.

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2024

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, February 22, 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, February 22, 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 Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Annie Madsen (ANC), Trista Vanta (SFO), Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Lala Davis (LAX HRC Committee Member). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with 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 Monday, May 6, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • The ability for Flight Attendant names to be spelled phonetically on our IMD.
  • The ability for Flight Attendants to have their choice of pronoun on their wings.
  • Concerns about Inflight Management coming to the aircraft during our crucial time of boarding, as it’s very distracting and interferes with our boarding duties. 
  • Loss of the Spanish speakers on our International routes.
  • A resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts).
  • Arrival “Land Acknowledgement” announcements. “We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.” As this can be applied for all landings, recognizing Indigenous People and their traditional territories.

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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On February 20, 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, February 20, 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, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Ops Staffing & Resource Mgt Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on March 26, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • SWGCO – Completed communication about making up days in PDX domicile.
  • Request for blocked seats for DH crews.
  • Researching options for creating names for blocked seats.
  • Concerns about nighttime flying and fatigue.
  • Request from AFA for balance in Redeye flying.
  • Confusion about commuter policy and handling of retimed charter.
  • Discussions about ground commuting vs severe weather policies.
  • Issues with pairing cancellations and pay adjustments.
  • Requests for more consistency in pairings.
  • Questions about crew pay adjustments and confusion.
  • Safety concerns raised about long sit times on aircraft.
  • PBS Bidding in February: Release 23.7.8 loaded, Bid Awards fast, Bid Protest normal/light.
  • PBS Meetings: Updates on pilot calls, focus on prioritizing FA’s after pilot, new release installed with fixes.
  • PBS Future Releases: Estimated in April, Base Sits completed with form to fill out.
  • Pairing selection challenges and frustrations with changing targets monthly.
  • Updates on SRB issues, night rule discussions, and new contract discussions.
  • Updates on upcoming classes, probation completion, and graduation plans.
  • Crew Planning for April: Staffing adjustments, commutability stats, and dealing with 737 Max delays.
  • IROP recovery planning initiatives: Teaming with pilots, In and Backs strategy, and Ice Event post mortem details.
  • Network planning updates: Redeye flying breakdown, route structure changes, and hotel arrangements.
  • AFA seeks discussion on assisting Crew Schedulers in commuting training for Flight Attendants inquiring about air, ground commuting, and severe weather.
  • Crew Scheduling management addresses challenges in scheduling, including high sick leave, reserve utilization, and flexibility levers. Notable points include premium low for February TFP, personal drops, and bulletin drops.
  • Agenda items cover email format concerns with pre-cancels, debrief inconsistencies, and the need for improved communication with CSAs.
  • Commuting issues are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continued learning for schedulers and proper handling of commuter queries.
  • Discussions on MBL processes, ground commuting delays, and the need for training to address disconnects in communication.
  • Efforts to track and address commuter issues effectively are emphasized by Crew Scheduling and other team members.

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.

Alaska Management Refuses to Remove Dangerous Coffee Makers From Service Despite Injury Risks to Flight Attendants

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Several Flight Attendants have been injured recently due to older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers spewing hot coffee and grounds.
  • Management denied an AFA request to discontinue using these coffee makers despite the risk to Flight Attendant and passenger safety.
  • A formal complaint is being filed with the FAA, and a contractual grievance will be filed against the company.

Over the past several months, at least nine Flight Attendant injuries have been reported, caused by scalding hot coffee and grounds spewing from the brew basket of older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers on various aircraft. This is an alarming situation that requires immediate attention. It’s suspected that the recent changeover in coffee served onboard, which is packaged differently than the old product, may be contributing to this issue. Management has begun investigating the root cause and has identified some potential solutions to address the problem. However, it will likely take significant time to implement the mitigations fully.

Last week, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) sent management an official request to discontinue using B/E Aerospace coffee makers until physical mitigations can be implemented. Despite the inconvenience this may cause by leaving some aircraft with fewer or no coffee makers to use, the Committee believes that potentially seeing multiple Flight Attendants injured while waiting for long-term fixes is unacceptable. Disappointingly, management denied the request, knowingly putting the physical safety and well-being of employees and passengers at risk for the sake of a few more cups of coffee.

This decision by management is a clear violation of their own core value of “owning safety” and displays a shocking level of negligence. Given the gravity of the situation, we will be taking immediate action by filing a formal complaint with the FAA to escalate the issue. Additionally, our Grievance Committee will file a contractual grievance based on management’s violation of section §25.B of our collective bargaining agreement (“The Company will provide a safe and healthy workplace…”).

Flight Attendant and passenger safety must not be compromised. It’s reckless and unacceptable for management to put Flight Attendants at risk by keeping hazardous coffee makers in operation. Removing these coffee makers from service is the right thing to do and the only responsible action for management to take. It’s our right to work in a safe environment, and we demand that this right be upheld.

February 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The February 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, February 14.
  • Our MEC debriefed on the successful Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, which received extensive media coverage and brought our fight further into the public eye.
  • The strike vote results were reviewed, where 99.48% of Flight Attendants voted in favor of authorizing a strike. Thank you to our Mobilization Volunteers for their hard work and contribution to achieving this outcome!

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) held its regular meeting for February 2024 on Wednesday, February 14. 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, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Additionally, the MEC reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons detailing their current work and activities.

Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action

Our MEC debriefed the previous day’s Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action informational picketing events. The events were wildly successful, with incredible participation by Alaska Flight Attendants at all six bases (including the SNA and ONT co-terminals) and several other participating airports around the country. Coupled with the announcement of our strike vote results, we gained significant local and national media coverage, bringing our fight further into the public eye. Read more about the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, including a summary of media coverage, by clicking here.

Strike Vote Results & Mobilization Volunteer Thank You

Our MEC reviewed the results of our strike vote, where a resounding 99.48% of Flight Attendants voted in favor of authorizing a strike! This overwhelming mandate is a major milestone in our ongoing battle for an industry-leading agreement, and it empowers AFA leadership to request a release from the National Mediation Board if management fails to agree to significant improvements at the negotiating table. Thank you to everyone who voted and made their voices heard!

Additionally, our MEC would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering dedication and hard work of our Mobilization Volunteers. Their tireless efforts in encouraging and helping Flight Attendants to vote were critical to the success of our strike vote. From sharing voting information and resources, answering questions, joining airport outreach sits and terminal walks, and assisting with the text messaging campaign, they truly made a difference in achieving the incredible voter turnout. We are stronger together because of their commitment to our collective voice. A special thank you to all our Mobilization Volunteers!

Contract Now Lanyards

Last week at the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action picketing events, we introduced bright red AFA Contract Now lanyards to bring even more visibility to our fight for an industry-leading contract. A supply of lanyards has been provided to Mobilization Volunteers and others for distribution. Flight Attendants can expect to see Mobilization Volunteers at the airport in our six bases at varying times to hand out lanyards. Look for additional information from your Local Council about when and where to find Mobilization Volunteers with lanyards. As a reminder, if you face any attempt from management to interfere with our ability to wear a Union lanyard, report it immediately using the Management Interference Report form.

Contract Negotiations/Mediation

Our MEC was updated on the negotiation session that took place the previous week with the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board (NMB). The update included a discussion about negotiation logistics and upcoming scheduling. You can find more information about the session here.

Questions?

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

787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants For decades, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have defined the Spirit of Aloha. We take pride in delivering world-class service, but management’s current Boeing 787-9 service model is threatening that legacy. It isn’t just inefficient—it’s an unsustainable pace that undermines the quality our passengers expect and the professional […]

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Thank you to everyone who joined our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! We created this interactive session to share practical contract tips and help you feel more confident about reserve life. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel using the link below. Please note that […]

Wrapping Up Membership Engagement Focus Month: Stronger Together

July was a remarkable month for our Membership Engagement Committee. We set out with a clear purpose: to bring our Flight Attendant community closer together, share valuable resources, and build authentic connections throughout our system. Over the past four weeks, we explored what it means to be engaged in our AFA family. We kicked things […]

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Wednesday, July 22, our pre-merger Alaska Benefits Committee Chairpersons met for their regular monthly meeting. This meeting was an internal AFA-only meeting and did not involve management.  Representing you at the meeting were Ava McWilliams Ellington (LAX), Linda Gunselman (PDX), Sonia Quackenbush (SAN), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), […]

Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

As part of Membership Engagement Committee Focus Month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our core missions: empowering you with knowledge and confidence to participate more fully in our Union. When we understand how our Union works, we strengthen our collective voice and create a more engaged community. To help you on this journey, we’re […]

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