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Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2022

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 1 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, December 1, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants.  Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN).  Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton and MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeill.  The committee also met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Sara Cook 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:

  • Plans for Initial Training classes for next year.  Management has indicated intent to hire more Flight Attendants. Number of classes and specific numbers of students in each class will be dependent on delivery of new aircraft.
  • Service flights and service training will continue in Initial Training for next year.
  • Top cause of occurrences for probationary Flight Attendants is forgetting to check in for trips and APSB on Block2Block.
  • Increase in requests for assistance with PBS and bidding from new hires.  
  • Reminder to new hire Flight Attendants about the AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.
  • Management staffing within Crew Scheduling.  Four new Crew Scheduling Supervisors started this fall and they are in the process of interviewing for a Director of Crew Scheduling and one additional manager to help support operations. 
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics in all bases.
  • Status of management’s new upgraded telephone system in Crew Scheduling. Management provided statics on call volumes, wait times, and call duration times.
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access that are affecting Reserve Flight Attendants.  Review of where known issues are documented and newly added issues. 
  • Update on topics of interest that were reviewed at the monthly Scheduling Committee meeting.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 9.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Reserve Buddy Program.   Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Reserve Buddy program.
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management is compliant with our contract. 
  3. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for New Flight Attendants.  Working to create a plan to provide more user friendly, easy-to-access resources about the CBA and other job-related information for new Flight Attendants.

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 Reserve Committee is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2022

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, November 30 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.
  • The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously improve onboard catering and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

On Wednesday, November 30, 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 Senior Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience Sangita Woerner, Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Managing Director of Guest Products Todd Traynor-Corey, Inflight Product and Experience Director David Scotland, and other management representatives from the food & beverage and catering operations. 

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:

  • Elite comping program changes.  Flight attendants have asked for a change to the Elite Comping Program and a small modification is coming soon.
  • Marketing focus on California.  Marketing has shared a renewed focus on California.  Efforts will target the Bay Area first and will then shift to Southern California.  Marketing is building brand awareness with new initiatives. 
  • Onboard entertainment. The new holiday music is being loaded in the next few days.  Streaming entertainment will have movies from Paramount and Universal and the movies will be available a little bit longer on our flights.  There will be increased entertainment from HBO and other TV shows.  Many improvements to the fleet Wi-Fi are taking place which will lead to better performance of our systems.  The IT team is attempt to be more proactive at notifying passengers when there may be a possible interruption in the Wi-Fi service.  Flight Attendants are also being notified in advance of issues with the system.  The Committee is appreciative that we are all receiving advanced notice as to further be able to assist passengers.
  • Coffee. The Committee is hopeful that aft galley coffee showers will be a thing of the past.  A new brew basket has been designed and the first aircraft install is early this week.  New coffee carafes that will keep coffee at the correct serving temperature are also being reviewed.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Addressing ice issues.  The Committee has been invited by management to participate in a workshop to explore solutions for ice issues.  All opportunities for improvement will be examined.  Flight Attendant reporting has been instrumental in pinpointing the issues with both dry ice and wet ice .  The Committee is pleased that work is starting on this project early in 2023.  The goal is that ice problems be resolved prior to summer. 
  2. Providing input on tools. The Committee is working with management to review new tools and equipment.  The new slotted trays for the Premium Class and water service should be available soon on aircraft serving premium long haul routes. We will continue to advocate for tools that allow us to provide excellent service in a safe manner.
  3. Advocating for realistic service levels.  The Committee continues to advocate for testing proposed service level changes prior to their inception to ensure the changes meet passenger needs and safe service standards.  Committee Members will be testing the tray/water service with the new slotted trays as soon as practical.

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. 

Setting the Record Straight on KCM Rumors

AFA International

  • Though the name of the KCM program is changing, it is not going away and will continue to offer the same risk based alternate screening for crewmembers.
  • The program will transition to full oversight by the TSA which had been planned for some time.
  • Crewmembers can help ensure the continued success of the program by fully complying with all program rules and regulations.  Do not carry prohibited items or another person’s property through KCM access points and do not use KCM when any portion of your travel itinerary contains personal international travel.

Unfounded rumors and blogs have been swirling this week about the future Known Crew Member. Let’s set the record straight.

KCM is NOT going away, even if there is a name change to the program. The same risk based alternate screening for crew will remain in place.

TSA will continue the planned transition of the agency’s full oversight of the program – previously it has been administered by A4A and ALPA.

Official statement from TSA:

TSA is continuously working with our aviation partners to ensure Known Crewmember® Program (KCM) compliance. KCM is a risk-based security program that provides eligible crewmembers with an alternative entry point into the airport sterile area, which may be separate from the passenger security-screening lanes. TSA has been exploring options to continue to modernize operations of the program as it transitions to assume complete oversight of the program capabilities and operations. This transition will continue over the next few years. TSA will continue to work with our industry partners to seek ways to minimize compliance violations and ensure eligible crewmembers are utilizing the program as it was intended.

That said, random screenings will continue. Crew should expect that this will especially increase as there are violations of the program. KCM is a privilege – not a right. It is critical that we continue to encourage crew to follow the rules of the program.

TSA continues to see a steady rate of KCM compliance violations in three main categories.

  • Prohibited Items: The items that you can or cannot bring through the secured area may be found in the Prohibited Items List on the TSA website. The only exemption allowed for Flight Attendants while in uniform is from the 3-1-1 Liquids, Aerosols and Gels rule. Every Flight Attendant should check to ensure that they have not inadvertently left a prohibited item in their belongings before they bring them to the KCM entry point.  If you have questions about whether an item is prohibited, refer to the TSA website.
  • Other Person’s Property: KCM may be used for the crewmember and their personal property only.
  • Personal International Travel: KCM regulations explicitly prohibit use for personal international travel.

Every Flight Attendant should check to ensure that they have not inadvertently left a prohibited item in their belongings before they bring them to the KCM entry point. Your cooperation will strengthen the crew screening program for the benefit of all.

AFA Alaska News in Review – November 25, 2022

In This Edition

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2022 

Originally posted November 22, 2022

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, November 21, 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 >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2022

Originally posted November 23, 2022

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 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!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 29 – Thursday, December 1Contract Negotiations
Tuesday, November 29 – Thursday, December 1Special MEC Meeting (MEC Committee Position Interviews and Elections)
Wednesday, November 30Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 1Quarterly Reserve 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!

 

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2022

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 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, November 22, 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), Martin Vance Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton. The committee met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

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:

  • Review of D position pairings, distribution by domicile, and hotel/transportation within the United States.
  • Holiday Premium as outlined in CBA Section 21.H.
  • Minimum Days as outlined in CBA Section 10.E.1.a./b.
  • Reassignment pay under 10.R.5.
  • Reminder that filing for Stranded pay under 21.N is not automated.
  • Identified TFP discrepancies and auditing mileage.
  • Care Retreat.  The last chance to bid is January for March.  Management will assign training if not bid.
  • Line holders picking up reserve days may be assigned to Care Retreat. See Care Retreat 2022-2023 LOA.
  • Changes coming to PBS web hosting.  The PBS website will have a new URL.  The current website will be set up to direct Flight Attendants to the new location.  Refer to PBS Info page.
  • Accessing sick leave balances in Rainmaker.  The balances show total accrued and estimated accrual. Refer to Rainmaker guide on the Flight Attendant website.
  • Flight Attendant contactability requirements per the FAA and collective bargaining agreement.
  • Review of Crew Scheduling phone systems and how irregular operations are handled.
  • Staffing changes and management job postings within Crew Scheduling.
  • Crew Access Known Issues and JCTE Errors.  Upcoming expected release in December 2022. 
  • Future planning, scheduling, and aircraft delivery/retirement in 2023.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Scheduling a meeting with Network Planning.  The Committee would like to meet with Network Planning in 2023 to discuss our contract, legalities and suggestions. We want to provide management with the Flight Attendant perspective and in an effort to improve our quality of life. 
  2. Review of JCTE/Crew Access transaction performance.  Each month, ITS provides the Committee with data on performance and transactions within JCTE/Crew Access.  The Committee reviews these reports to ensure our service levels are maintained at the appropriate thresholds.
  3. Scheduling Quality of Life Improvements.  Reviewing ways to improve Trip Length Distribution (TLD) and other quality of life options.  Working with management to develop a quality of life survey to determine Flight Attendant scheduling priorities. 
  4. Review of user guides and links of Flight Attendant website.  Ensuring information is still accurate in existing resource materials, links are still active and working, etc.
  5. Updating Crew Access videos.  Working with management and ITS to update the Crew Access instructional videos to reflect updates and changes to the user interface.

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.

Behind the Scenes: What Goes Into Bringing Our MEC Town Halls to Life

Since launching our MEC Town Halls in March, we’ve focused on making these sessions a clear and effective way to connect with everyone. In June, we adjusted our approach to a more dynamic, interview-based, and conversational format to make these sessions even more engaging. But what does it take to move from an initial concept […]

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

Building on the momentum of our Membership Engagement Committee introduction video and this week’s look at the committee’s history, we’re excited to introduce the next feature of our July Committee Focus Month. Today, we’re launching an in-depth interview that offers an inside look at the mission and people powering the Membership Engagement Committee. What You’ll […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants As a follow-up to our June 23 save-the-date announcement, we’re excited to share full details and open registration for our August pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?” when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement

July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day. Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

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