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AFA Alaska News in Review – November 10, 2023

In This Edition

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Originally posted November 6, 2023

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

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Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Originally posted November 9, 2023

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

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Southwest Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Congratulations to Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants (represented by TWU Local 556) on their tentative agreement (TA)! Our Negotiating Committee will meet next week to discuss the agreement and its implications on our ongoing contract negotiations. We plan to release a more comprehensive communication after our meeting, outlining how the agreement relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Bidding Reminder – Systemwide Informational Picketing on Tuesday, December 19

Remember to bid Tuesday, December 19 off for our systemwide informational picket! Ratchet up our collective pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity, fighting for the contract we deserve and earn every day! This pressure brings our negotiations to the attention of the public, media, and investors. We will continue to push for what we deserve- a fair contract now!

More information, including meet-up locations and RSVP links, will be coming soon.

Negotiating Committee Statement On The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Our Negotiating Committee met this week to prepare for the upcoming negotiations session in December with a mediator. During this session, we also discussed the recent Tentative Agreement (TA) for Southwest (WN) Flight Attendants, who are represented by TWU Local 556. Out of respect for the ratification process, our Negotiating Committee will not weigh in on the particulars of the WN TA at this time. Southwest Flight Attendants have the right to consider and vote on their TA without undue external influence. After the result of the ratification vote is known (currently scheduled for December 8), we will communicate how the outcome relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Industry Leading?

Alaska Airlines is industry-leading across the board–except for its Flight Attendant contract. It’s time for management to make Alaska Airlines an industry leader in taking care of its employees by delivering the improved pay and work rules that Flight Attendants have earned!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 14Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, November 15Retirement Board Meeting
Thursday, November 16American Airlines Flight Attendant (APFA) Informational Picketing
Thursday, November 16PDX Base Safety Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

American Flight Attendants have had enough of these delaying tactics and are taking action! On November 16, they’ll conduct a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate they are unified, committed, and ready to fight for the contract they deserve. It’s time to stand up and show American Airlines management that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are united in demanding an end to corporate greed. Be on the lookout for a picket line near you, and plan to show your solidarity!

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, November 16

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11 AM – 1 PM ET
ORD, MSP: 11 AM – 1 PM CT
DFW: 3:30 – 5:30 CT
PHX: 9 – 11 AM MT
LAS, LAX: 11 AM – 1 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Benefits Committee

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

Re-Enrolling After A Leave

While we disagree that one should have to re-enroll in Health Benefits when returning from Staffing Leave, we strongly suggest that you do so. Check to make sure that all your prior coverages are in place. To do so, you can call your health plan directly or visit www.MyAlaskaBenefits.com and check your coverage. We’ve also been advised that once you re-enroll, it can take several days for the coverage to update. You should also have received an email in your company Outlook email regarding health benefits when returning from SAL.

Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

Health benefits premiums, like payroll, are deducted in the subsequent month (i.e., in October for September). When on a Staffing Leave, these deductions do not take place. Flight Attendants are advised to review their pay statement to determine whether or not deductions were taken from October 20th paychecks.

Direct Billing Notice Errors

Those on Staffing Adjustment Leave should have received a direct bill from Cobra Management Services (CMS) with instructions to self-pay the employee contribution for September Health Benefits. We are aware that some Flight Attendants DID receive this notice, and it was correct. We are also aware that many did NOT receive a direct bill and that some did receive bills for very strange amounts that do not reflect the usual employee contributions.

No Direct Bill Received

If you did not receive a direct bill, or if you did not have a correct bill or a deduction from your October 20 paycheck, please contact CMS. The balance owed must be paid to continue coverage. You can contact CMS at:

Phone: (425) 452-9889, ext. 145 or (866) 527-7580, ext. 145
Email: services@cobramanagement.com

Service Charges May Apply

Payments made by credit card or electronic funds transfer have an added service charge applied by the vendor. You might prefer to mail a check to avoid these.

Reporting Issues And Questions

If you’re having challenges with any of these issues, please email management at tiffany.perry@alaskaair.com and emmit.elliott@alaskaair.com and cc our AFA Benefits Committee at benefits@afaalaska.org. Our Benefits and Grievance Committees are continuing to work to resolve these issues.

AFA Alaska News in Review – November 3, 2023

In This Edition

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Originally posted November 1, 2023

November 1st marks the first day of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century when proclamations were adopted by various organizations and state governments celebrating American Indian Day. Read more about Native American Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Native Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

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Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19

Originally posted November 1, 2023

Ratchet up the pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity for the contract we deserve and have earned! Management’s first economic counter-proposal was offensive and unacceptable. Their proposals fail to reflect our value as Flight Attendants. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 19 and plan to bid the day off for informational picketing in all bases.

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Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Originally posted November 2, 2023

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

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Horror Story 2023

AFA Alaska presents ‘The Horrors of Corporate Greed’! Follow for more scary and true stories from Alaska Flight Attendants.

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

New Negotiating Committee Blog Post

A new response is now published on the Negotiating Committee Blog! Read this week’s post for information on proposed pay scales in the context of the overall economic proposal.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, November 9Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, November 9Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

  1. Legal Issues: In many countries and states, psilocybin is illegal, and possessing or using it, even in small amounts, can lead to legal consequences. Even though some US states have legalized psilocybin, it is still considered a Schedule 1 substance at the federal level (just like marijuana).
  2. Lack of Standardization: Psilocybin content in magic mushrooms can vary significantly between species and even individual mushrooms. This makes it difficult to accurately control dosage, potentially leading to unintended and unpredictable effects. Obtaining a reliable source of psilocybin for microdosing can be challenging. Ensuring the quality and purity of the substance is also crucial to avoid potential contaminants or impurities.
  3. Interactions with Medications: Psilocybin may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. These interactions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to serious health consequences. Psychological Effects: While the doses in microdosing are sub-perceptual, some individuals may still experience unwanted psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or mood swings.
  4. Dependency and Tolerance: There is a potential for developing a tolerance to psilocybin with regular microdosing, meaning that over time, one might need to increase the dose to achieve the same effects.
  5. Misuse and Self-Medication: Microdosing is often promoted as a remedy for various mental health issues. Using it as a substitute for proper mental health treatment can delay or prevent individuals from seeking necessary help from qualified professionals.
  6. Undesirable Physical Effects: Even though micro-doses are sub-perceptual, there can be mild physical side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
  7. Individual Variability: Responses to microdosing can vary greatly among individuals. What works well for one person may not have the same effects for another, and some people may experience adverse effects.

If you are struggling with a well-being issue, please reach out to your AFA EAP Committee for access to evidence-based treatments. Your Local EAP Committee can be reached using the contact information at afaalaska.org/eap or by calling (949) 470-0493. Remember, all calls are confidential.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

On Monday, October 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (pmAS SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

Reserve Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs. The survey […]

Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants this Wednesday, October 14

This Wednesday, October 14, Horizon Air Flight Attendants will take to the picket line to demand the fair contract they rightfully deserve. During our own contract fight, Horizon Flight Attendants never hesitated. They showed up for us on our picket lines, stood shoulder to shoulder with us at every rally, and proved what true solidarity […]

Reserve Survey Now Open

Our JNC encourages all members to participate in the Reserve survey, regardless of your current Reserve status. Whether you are on Reserve now, pick up Reserve days occasionally, or have not been on Reserve recently, your input is valuable. The survey will be open until Tuesday, October 20 at Noon PT.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 29, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

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