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Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 21 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Management continues to experience challenges in many locations that are affecting the correct loading on onboard catering supplies and retail products.  Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  

On Wednesday, September 21, our AFA Local Inflight Service 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 Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN).  Also present was MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett.  The committee met with Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Managing Director of Guest Products Todd Traynor-Corey, and other management representatives from the food & beverage, catering operations, and inflight mobile teams. 

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:

  • The main topic of discussion was the ice issue. It is now currently being addressed by management with an in-depth focus to determine the root cause.  Failure of ice provisioning, quantity, and quality has contributed to a lack of confidence by Flight Attendants in the catering operation. 
  • Management is considering upgrading first class product, specifically food and service, to allow Alaska to be more competitive.  Attention to providing Flight Attendants the opportunity to be successful needs to be taken into account when changes are being contemplated.
  • Plastic food toppers should be returning, first class menus are scheduled to return also, and upgrades in the snack basket number and quality of products are expected.  A new Bloody Mary Mix is being researched.  Again, we are dependent upon the supply chain. The committee recommends a soft launch for new products.
  • At this time management has confirmed the small cans of soda are here to stay.
  • Revision of the layout of the seatback card has been requested and would include alaskareceipts.com and not include pictures of non-available fresh products interspersed with what is actually offered onboard without pre-order.
  • Refreshed interior enhancements of the 737-800 were presented by management.  The first aircraft will probably be on-line in mid 2023 or sooner. 
  • Satellite Wi-Fi will be coming to most of the fleet in several months (depending upon supply issues) with the exclusion of the 737-700.  
  • The Hawaii arrival announcement has been changed and there are some minimal changes to the service announcements as well.  The service announcements will advise passengers that certain retail items are available for purchase.  
  • The State of Hawaii is interested in a digital arrival agriculture form and the company is working with them to bring this to fruition. At the inception, paper forms would be available onboard as well.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Addressing ice issues.  Continuing issues reported through Block2Block and other reporting channels, voicing Flight Attendant frustration with the quality and quantity of ice are continually brought forward. We are focusing on holding management accountable for not providing a basic component for required service.  
  2. Providing input on tools necessary for optimum service is currently pinpointed.  The committee is requesting new trays that are sturdier and more suited for delivering service items. In addition, a request to management has been made to research and replace the carafes as soon as possible.  The committee’s focus is to remind management to recognize that the Flight Attendant needs for appropriate tools should be prioritized in management budgets. We will continue to make management aware that tools are a necessary part of doing business. 
  3. Advocating for realistic service levels.  The committee continues to advocate against the addition of a third beverage cart on premium long-haul flights based on operational and logistical factors.

We Want to Hear from You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block.  If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Inflight Service Committee is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the Inflight Service Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification.

Click here for the Alaska Airlines Pilots TA Quick Guide (September 2022) >

At a quick glance, the TA contains impressive improvements to scope, compensation, work rules, hours of service, retirement, and other additional improvements.

Regardless of the outcome of the ratification vote, this TA raises the bar for Alaska Airlines pilots — and raises our expectations of Alaska Airlines management in Flight Attendant negotiations!

In Solidarity,

Jeff

AFA Alaska News in Review – September 23, 2022

In This Edition

Negotiating Committee Blog

Originally posted September 21, 2022

Negotiations are underway!  Our Negotiating Committee has published the Negotiating Committee Blog to keep our workgroup informed.  Review the Contract 2022 website for frequently asked questions and other resources.

Read More >

This Week’s Blog Questions

Shared on Social

We CARE about an industry leading contract!

Make sure to show your solidarity at the CARE Retreat by wearing your AFA pin. Let management know – we CARE about an industry leading contract!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 27Monthly Scheduling 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!

AFA Alaska News in Review – September 16, 2022

In This Edition

We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

Originally posted September 11, 2022

Read More >

Power of the Pin

Originally posted September 13, 2022

All in, wear your pin!  Let’s show management we are ready for an industry leading contract.  Wear your AFA pin with pride every time you come to work to show that we stand together in support of our Negotiating Committee.  Need an AFA pin?  Be on the lookout for Mobilization Volunteers in your base or contact your Local Council for information about how to obtain a new one.

Read More >

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

Originally posted September 15, 2022

September 15th marks the first day of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1968 when legislation was signed into law first recognizing Hispanic Heritage week.  Read more about Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Hispanic-Latinx Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.  Join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

September 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted September 15, 2022

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.  As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight and crew planning management to discuss issues and concerns that are facing our work group and need to be addressed.  The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

Read More >

First Negotiation Session

Originally posted September 15, 2022

Our Negotiating Committee and Master Executive Council met with management for the first negotiation session.  Both parties exchanged Opening Proposals and began discussions.  Flight Attendants around our system showed solidarity by wearing AFA pins.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Negotiation Session 1 Recap Video

Hear from our Negotiating Committee how the first session of contract negotiations went, including updates on Tentative Agreements and relevant discussions.

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, September 21Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 22SAN Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, September 22Alternate 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!

September 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight and crew planning management to discuss issues and concerns that are facing our work group and need to be addressed.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

The September 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14.  The meeting consisted of updates provided by our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. 

Joining our Negotiating Committee for Opening of Contract Negotiations

Our MEC joined our Negotiating Committee for the opening of contract negotiations on Tuesday.  As a show of support, the MEC sat in as the Negotiating Committee and management exchanged opening proposals.  After the introductory portion, the MEC adjourned to continue the MEC Meeting and the Negotiating Committee proceeded with discussions at the bargaining table.  More information about this week’s contract negotiations will be posted on the Contract 2022 website after the session concludes.

Meeting with Management

As part of most Regular MEC Meetings, our MEC meets with management to review current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants are facing.  Attendees from management this month included Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow, Director of Inflight Training and Standards Thomas Kaminski, and Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette.

Some of the topics that were discussed include:

  • Plans for changes to Initial Training.  Management provided an extensive update on Initial Training and the classes held so far this year.  They also shared plans for changes to the Initial Training program for upcoming classes, including the reintroduction of service flights.  
  • Plans for 2023 Recurrent Training.  Management also shared plans for the 2023 Recurrent Training (RT) program.  RT 2023 will include a return to two full days of classroom training.
  • Domicile staffing & base transfers.  Management indicated that they plan to grant additional Flight Attendant domicile transfers over the next several months and will be working to clear the base transfer waiting lists.
  • Quality of pairings.  Our MEC once again shared that Flight Attendants are looking for improvements to pairing quality.  In particular, there are concerns with changes made to the schedule by network planning that affect the ability of Flight Attendants to achieve desired productivity and additional commutability concerns.
  • Concerns with the current absence management vendor.  Our AFA Benefits Committee and LEC Presidents have received reports that the company’s current absence management vendor is not responsive, has provided incorrect information, and has made errors that have impacted Flight Attendants.
  • CARE Retreat concerns.  Our MEC shared some specific concerns about the CARE Retreat, including issues with some Flight Attendants not receiving pre-event communications and questions about how management plans to address possible environmental allergies that some people may have to some of the items being given to attendees.
  • Drug testing policies and procedures.  Our MEC brought concerns forward about possible discrepancies in how random DOT drug tests were being conducted and asked for clarification about the procedure.

MEC Policy & Procedure Manual Amendment

This month, our MEC took action on one agenda item for amendment of the MEC Policy & Procedure Manual.  The agenda item incorporates new language establishing structure within the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to support the new Inflight Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) program. This agenda item has been incorporated into the manual and posted to the AFA Alaska website.

Questions?

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

Single PSS Is Coming: What It Means For You

Tonight, the Alaska and Hawaiian merger will reach another major milestone—the integration of both airlines into a single passenger service computer system (PSS). While this change will affect Flight Attendants less than other groups—like Customer Service Agents and airport staff—there are still important updates you should know. Block2Block App and Onboard Service Pre-merger Hawaiian Flight […]

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for […]

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

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