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August 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Thursday, August 11 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 to take place on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

The August 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Thursday, August 11.  The meeting consisted of updates provided by our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, and Grievance Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. 

Meeting with our Negotiating Committee

Our MEC briefly met with the Negotiating Committee to receive an update on the committee’s preparations for upcoming contract negotiations with management.  Preparatory work is ongoing and the committee is anticipating the results of our negotiations survey once it closes on Friday, August 19.  The Negotiating Committee is scheduled to present their draft opening proposal to the MEC for review and approval at a Special MEC Meeting on Thursday, August 25.

Meeting with Management

As part of this meeting, the MEC met with company executive management and a group of union leaders from the other union-represented workgroups within the company.  The intent of these meetings, usually held once per quarter, is to receive updates from management and allow for a broader discussion of issues and concerns facing all company employees.  Some of the items that were brought forward by our MEC include:

  • Management’s lack of further updates or communication regarding their plan regarding California meal and rest break requirements following the Supreme Court ruling in the Bernstein v. Virgin America case.
  • The ongoing compressed timeline for Flight Attendant initial training and the implications to our work group.  The initial training program needs to be reevaluated in order to create the best possible learning environment, provide practical experience onboard operating aircraft as part of training (e.g. service flights), and set new hires up for success on the line.
  • Concerns about non-rev travelers being left behind when a flight has to be closed out to meet management’s door closure timeline and metrics.  Request that management review technology and procedures to keep flights from going out with open seats when there are non-revs on the standby list.
  • Issues with the company’s vendor that provides leave of absence management functions and a lack of responsiveness by the vendor.  Flight Attendants are not receiving timely responses to emails, phone calls, and other communications.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please reach out to your LEC President.

AFA Alaska News in Review – August 5, 2022

In This Edition

AFA Alaska Negotiations Update – August 3, 2022

Originally posted August 3, 2022

In this update:

  • Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions Recap:
    (1) List of known priorities/top issues, and
    (2) A clarification about posting contract ideas on social media
  • Productivity Premium Program (PPP) vs. L-VX Incentive pay comparison
  • “A” Pay vs. L-VX Inflight Team Leader (ITL) pay comparison
  • Our negotiations survey will launch shortly!
  • Negotiating for Our Future

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022

Originally posted August 3, 2022

Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 2 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.   

Read More >

Our Negotiations Survey Is Now Open

Originally posted August 3, 2022

The survey is open now and will close on Friday, August 19th at 12 PM (noon) Pacific Time.  As we prepare for upcoming contract negotiations, we ask that you take the time to complete this survey.  Your participation is very important because your responses will be used by your AFA Negotiating Committee to develop the strategy and priorities/objectives for bargaining. We need to know your priorities, so the time you spend in completing the survey will make a difference in shaping our collective future as Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants.   

Read More >

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022 

Originally posted August 5, 2022

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, August 4 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!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Mobilization Committee Chairs Attend Training

Yesterday, our Local Mobilization Committee Chairpersons attended training as they prepare to begin their work supporting our Negotiating Committee. The training, conducted by MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Justin Wetherell, focused on ways to promote active information sharing, encourage two-way communication, and build solidarity among our Flight Attendant group.  Be on the lookout for more information coming soon about how you can get involved as a Mobilization Volunteer!

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, August 11Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, August 11Quarterly Hotel Committee 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!

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022 

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, August 4 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, August 4, 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 Matt Cook (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Melissa Osborne (SFO), and Louise Borras (LAX).  Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.  The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman and Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert from management. 

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:

  • Ongoing efforts to increase diversity and representation within the Flight Attendant Special Projects Pool.  
  • Upcoming celebrations of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15) and Native American Heritage Month (November)
  • Management has added a link on the inflight website directly to the AFA Human Rights Committee website.  The link can be found under Administration > AFA > Human Rights Committee.
  • Management will soon be launching a new email introducing diversity champions.
  • Management’s proposal to conduct DEI listening sessions with Flight Attendants in each base; discussion about involvement of the AFA Human Rights Committee.
  • Upcoming plans by management to introduce gender neutral uniform pieces.
  • Participation by Human Rights Committee Members in the upcoming CWA Human Rights Conference and Pride at Work Convention.
  • Plans to conduct a Human Rights Committee survey to help determine priorities for the committee based on Flight Attendant feedback.
  • Review of management’s current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics.
  • Update on current program of work from the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRG).  The BRGs are working to encourage more participation from front-line employees.
  • Ongoing concerns about employees using gendered language in announcements.  Request that management issue a reminder.
  • Concerns about availability of emergency healthcare for pregnant employees in locations where regulations may impose limitations on healthcare providers given the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Friday, November 18, 2022.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Developing a Framework for Diversity & Inclusion Listening Sessions.  Discussing proposed plans with management to have our AFA Human Rights Committee facilitate sessions in each base that would allow Flight Attendants to discuss diversity and inclusion topics and concerns with management.
  2. Promoting Increased Diversity Within the Flight Attendant Special Projects Pool.  Advocating for management to create a Special Projects Pool that is reflective of our overall work group, starting with a focus on those who are selected to participate in Flight Attendant recruiting and hiring. 
  3. Building Relationships with the Company’s Business Resources Groups (BRGs).  Continuing to work to establish relationships with leaders of the Company’s BRGs to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.

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 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. 

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 2 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 Tuesday, August 2, our AFA Local Uniform 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), and Heather Milner (LAX).  Also present were MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Todd Scarlett; MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom; and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Uniform Programs Manager Ashlyn Pham, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Senior Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management. 

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:

  • Feedback from the recent wear test of a new prototype warm weather shirt.  Some Uniform and Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Members tested the new prototype recently.  The Committee also put forward a request that any new warm weather shirt be permitted to be worn with either pants or the skirt.
  • Expanded timeframe of when the patriotic tie and scarf can be worn.  Management recently announced allowing the neckwear pieces to be worn on additional dates surrounding Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day rather than just the holidays themselves.
  • Request to remove the policy requirement that uniform shoes have a defined heel.  Management agreed to further review the request but would like examples of shoes that would meet appearance standards with no defined heel.
  • Review of the accommodation process for Flight Attendants who are medically unable to wear shoes that meet uniform policy guidelines.  Current process is to initiate a request for exemption through a base supervisor.
  • Concerns with availability of navy colored shoes in the marketplace (due to seasonality and supply chain issues) and request to expand color options to be worn with feminine uniform pieces.  Management says that they have recently updated the Zappos shoe portal with additional style options and will be working with Zappos to request that more items be made available year round.
  • Discussion about plans for upcoming gender neutral uniform pieces.  Management has held some employee focus groups and will continue to hold additional focus groups as the pieces progress through the design process.
  • Request to designate certain existing pieces as gender neutral until specific gender neutral uniform pieces are available.
  • Concerns that the policy requiring that hosiery be worn with the uniform skirt and dresses is outdated.  The Committee brought forward a recent policy change at American Airlines that removed the requirement to wear hosiery and requested that management make changes to match.
  • Request for a packable, insulated jacket that provides more substantial warmth than the transition jacket in a similar form factor.
  • Request for clarification about the winter hat policy.
  • Ongoing uniform quality issues.  Management indicates that they are not receiving much feedback about quality issues and concerns.  The Committee brought forward issues with the current process of submitting feedback, how it is not user friendly for Flight Attendants, and that many problems are likely not being reported.
  • Ongoing request to review the current process for Flight Attendants to provide feedback related to uniform pieces.  The requirement to compose an email to Unisync is not consistent with how Flight Attendants report issues in other areas and is unnecessarily cumbersome.  The Committee suggested that management develop an online form that could be easily accessed using a dedicated link on the IMD.
  • Concerns with product shortages and items that are backordered for extended periods of time.  Management states that the shortages are due to supply chain issues as well as greater than expected hiring of new employees that they did not project for.
  • Concerns with new hire Flight Attendants not be provided with effective training and support regarding uniform policies and guidelines during Initial Training.
  • Ongoing concerns with product shortages and items that are backordered for extended periods of time.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Cold Weather Improvements.  Working to expand policies and improve uniform pieces in anticipation of upcoming cold weather months.  This includes advocating for improvements to the uniform boot policy, a warmer packable jacket, and clarification of the winter hat policy.
  2. Simplification of Uniform Policies.  Advocating for an overall simplification of company uniform policies through clearer guidelines, removal of excessive or unrealistic restrictions, and other common sense changes.
  3. Streamlining the Uniform Feedback Process.  Working to develop an easy-to-use, online form that Flight Attendants can use to provide feedback about uniform issues and concerns that automatically routes to management, Unisync, and our AFA Uniform Committee.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues you are experiencing.  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include photos if you can.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

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 our contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

AFA Alaska News in Review – July 29, 2022

In This Edition

  • How to Share Your Thoughts & Ideas With Our Negotiating Committee
  • Grievance Committee Update – 1st and 2nd Quarters 2022
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2022
  • Our Negotiations Survey Launches Next Week!
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

How to Share Your Thoughts & Ideas With Our Negotiating Committee

Originally posted July 25, 2022

Our Negotiating Committee is working to gather your thoughts, ideas for change and improvement, and any other feedback about upcoming contract negotiations.  They’ll be using this feedback to help prepare our AFA opening proposal.  Our Negotiating Committee and management will exchange opening proposals when negotiations begin and use these as a starting point for discussions at the bargaining table.  Sharing your thoughts and ideas is easy! Check out the ways that you can make sure that our Negotiating Committee receives your feedback and that your voice is heard!

Read More >

Grievance Committee Update – 1st and 2nd Quarters 2022

Originally posted July 27, 2022

Our Grievance Committee works to protect all Flight Attendants from arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and to uphold our collective bargaining agreement.  This update provides a short summary of the committee’s work over the past two quarters.  Management has issued discipline lately for a variety of reasons.  Read on for more information about the reasons why management is disciplining and terminating Flight Attendants.  If you’ve faced a situation that you believe might be a contractual violation, please report the issue through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  AFA Representatives review each report submitted and will follow up to help you determine options and a course of action. 

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2022

Originally posted July 28, 2022

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 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!

Read More >

Our Negotiations Survey Launches Next Week!

Originally posted July 29, 2022

Our Negotiations Survey will launch next week!  The survey will open on Wednesday, August 3rd and close on Friday, August 19th.  It’s critically important that all Flight Attendants participate in the survey to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.  The survey will be sent out to all Flight Attendants using contact information on file with AFA.  If your contact information has recently changed, make sure to update it as soon as possible so you’re able to receive your invitation to complete the survey.

Read More >

Shared on Social

REMINDER: Claim Your Alaska Airlines 90th Anniversary Gifts

ALASKA F/A REMINDER: The deadline to enter your Mileage Plan number into Peoplesoft to receive the 90,000 mile giveaway from Alaska Airlines is Monday, August 1 at 11:59 Pacific time.  The deadline to make your selection of either a $90 Company Store gift certificate or $90 Yiftee gift card is also Monday, August 1 at 11:59 Pacific time.  Take action today to make sure that you don’t miss out!

More information is on Alaska’s World (AAG sign-on required): https://splash.alaskasworld.com/news/2022/07/mileage_plan_instructions.asp

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 2Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 2Scheduling Review Board (SRB)
Wednesday, August 3Negotiations Survey Opens
Wednesday, August 3Local Mobilization Committee Chairperson Training
Thursday, August 4Quarterly Human Rights Committee 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!

 

MEC Officer Election Results

With the current Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers’ term ending on December 31, 2025, our MEC held elections this week for the next term. According to the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws, each of the eight Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents casts one vote for each officer position. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected […]

Sick Leave Survey Deadline Extended

Our JNC has received reports that some Flight Attendants may not have received the Sick Leave Survey email due to technical issues. Please check your spam or junk folder. The survey deadline has been extended to Friday, November 21, at Noon PT, allowing everyone to participate.

Sick Leave Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the Sick Leave Survey that will help shape future provisions. Our JNC is eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of our paid sick leave policy are most meaningful to you, as we strive to improve our support for your needs. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT.

Council 30 (ANC) LEC Officer Election Results

Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 30 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Anchorage. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: LeiLauni ScheidemanLEC Vice President: Heather ReierLEC Secretary: Anne Madsen View the certified election results here >> These newly elected officers […]

Apps To Help You Save Money On Food

Our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee recognizes that Flight Attendants may be facing increasing challenges when it comes to accessing affordable food, whether on the road or at home. We want you to know that you are not alone. In response to these difficulties, we have compiled a list of apps to help […]

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