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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, May 27, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were Council 15 (SAN) Local Hotel Committee Chairperson Kanani Vallot, 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 Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, June 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

PBS June Bid Period

  • Bidding Trends: There was a noticeable repetition of “Prefer off” lines during the bidding process, where a single mention would have sufficed in most instances. Additionally, many questions were raised regarding new lineholder bidding.
  • Bid Award: The June bid awards revealed relatively high lows at the ANC, SAN, and SFO bases, ensuring sufficient reserves were available.
  • Bid Protests: Ongoing issues with incorrectly assigned reserve trip assignments have impacted bid awards. These issues were addressed and resolved during the bid protests.

PBS Base Sits

  • The Subcommittee hosted PBS Base Sits in ANC in May, which assisted many new hires.
  • Upcoming PBS Base Sits:
    • June 5-6: SEA
    • June 9: PDX
    • July 7 SAN
    • July 8: SFO
    • July 9 LAX
    • August 7-9: SEA
    • September 5 PDX
    • September 8-9: ANC
    • October 5-6: SEA
    • October 7 PDX
    • November 8-9: ANC
    • December 5: SAN
    • December 6: SFO
    • December 7: LAX

Pairing Construction

  • Training and Development: Attended an advanced Crew Optimization class in Sweden, which provided insights into effective run analysis. 
  • Attended the Crew Operations and Development Partners Forum in Sweden focused on upcoming sales and program advancements for products we can utilize or enhance.

Contract Implementation Update

  • Holiday Pay: Challenges are anticipated regarding holiday pay for July 4. Flight Attendants should monitor holiday RON (Remains Overnight) and EOR (Extended Overnight Rule) statuses, as data pulls will be necessary. However, this process is not yet automated.

Information Technology (ITS) Update

  • NAVBLUE Testing: Testing for version 25.1 is complete. Crew calendars are still under evaluation for requirements needed by the start of next year.
  • Data Processing: There has been an increase in JCTE/Open Time trade volume, with 98.6% of requests processed in under 10 seconds.
  • Release Cycle: The upcoming release cycle includes testing for reserve holiday and surface transport, with 4K and boarding pay planned for the following release. The default filter has been fixed, but the premium filter still needs adjustments.

Crew Pay Update

  • Rainmaker Inquiries: In April, 1,514 out of 2,930 inquiries submitted were resolved, indicating some stabilization in inquiry volume.
  • Categorical Adjustments: Unnecessary categories have been identified; a bulletin outlining what needs to be submitted has been issued, and plans are to streamline these categories in June.
  • Sick Leave Issues: Two discrepancies regarding state sick leave bank management were noted. Affected individuals should contact pay analysts regarding conversion accuracy. The Committee recommends checking your state bank transfer to ensure no more than 40 TFP was transferred on May 1, 2025.

Crew Planning Update

  • July Block Hours: Block hours are expected to increase by about 15,000 in July. Reserve staffing is 20.7%, with a projected adjustment of 107 leaves.
  • Pairing Breakdown: Only 10 single 1-position pairings are currently being flown solo, ensuring crews fly together more than separately. There is a significant percentage of redeye flights across bases, ranging from 12% to 30%.
  • Commutability Analysis: SEA, ANC, and SAN show favorable commutability for 3-day pairings, while SFO faces the most challenges.

Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Usage: Overall sick leave usage for May was at 10.3%, with notable increases over weekends. SEA and SAN reported the highest usage.
  • Fatigue Management: There were 10 calls regarding fatigue issues from reserves and six from lineholders in May. The team is actively reviewing these concerns and working on mitigation strategies.
  • Operational Adjustments: In May, 571 reassignments were noted, primarily due to recrewing in EWR. Adjustments are being made to taxi times and layover durations to reduce fatigue-related delays.

Additional Notes

  • Transportation Adjustments: To align with CBA language, transit times will be adjusted based on the day of the week, varying on weekends. For more details, refer to the May 2025 Hotel Committee Meeting Recap.
  • Drug Testing Reporting: Any concerns regarding drug testing should be reported through the ReportIt! system using a FAIR, which will be forwarded to the drug abatement team for resolution.
  • JFK Operations: Adjustments to operations at JFK have been implemented. Ride shares are only allowed to pick up at Terminals 1 and 8 for after-hours drug testing, necessitating the use of the AirTrain for other terminals. Please coordinate with Crew Scheduling if you are being tested and need transportation.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee preparing for a new release of NAVBLUE. Once received they will test before the release is implemented. The Committee is also continuing to provide in person and virtual base sits so that all Flight Attendants may attend and get answers to all PBS bidding related questions.
  2. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations 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.
  3. Crew Planning. Crew Planning shared a monthly presentation about Pairing Statistics. Crew Planning is focused on anticipating increased block hours as the summer season approaches, with specific strategies to optimize trip lengths and identify commutability for flight crews. The team is also collaborating with operational analytics to develop dashboards that facilitate better decision-making and efficiency in scheduling.
  4. Crew Pay. Crew pay is working on additional communications aimed at improving clarity and addressing the high volume of queries surrounding pay discrepancies. The payroll team is committed to resolving ongoing issues quickly to ensure crew members receive their compensation accurately and on time.
  5. AFA Payroll Representative. The Committee has been advocating for a streamlined process to resolve outstanding pay issues for crew members efficiently. The focus is on ensuring timely compensation and improved communication.

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.

Seniority Merger Integration Committee Update – May 2025

History And Importance Of AFA’s Seniority Integration Policy

The pre-merger Hawaiian and pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants cannot be combined and begin working together until FAA oversight of safety policies and procedures is completed, a joint contract is ratified, and our seniority lists are merged and accepted.

Nearly 35 years ago, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) established a seniority integration policy designed to minimize division among Flight Attendants during a merger. Having a clear and transparent policy allows us to focus on our other priorities such as maintaining job stability, improving pay, benefits, work rules, and the quality of life at the merged airline.

Following the merger of TWA and American Airlines, where all TWA Flight Attendants were placed at the bottom of the combined seniority list, our Union pushed for a law to ensure “fair and equitable” seniority integration for airline workers affected by mergers.

To address this inequity the McCaskill-Bond Amendment was enacted in 2008, mandating fair seniority integration practices. This law ensures that AFA’s Constitution and Bylaws seniority integration policy is followed, providing a standardized approach during mergers when AFA represents Flight Attendants from both pre-merger airlines.

How Will Our Two Seniority Lists Be Integrated?

The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) consists of representatives from each pre-merger airline: two Hawaiian Flight Attendants and two Alaska Flight Attendants, along with assistance and oversight from the AFA International Office. 

As the SMIC works to combine the seniority lists for the merged Alaska-Hawaiian Flight Attendant group, they will: 

  • Compile employment data for all Flight Attendants from their respective airlines
  • The C&B only allows changes for initial Flight Attendant training [Section X.C.3.c]
  • Send out a Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) to each Flight Attendant to confirm your current seniority date
  • A verification period will allow each Flight Attendant to review their seniority date before the list is finalized
  • Adjust seniority dates to align with the first day of Flight Attendant Training
  • Determine a consistent method for integrating initial classes with the same start date
  • Maintain everyone’s existing seniority order; no Flight Attendant may leap-frog over anyone else
  • Generate our integrated seniority list based on each Flight Attendants adjusted seniority date
  • The AFA Seniority Merger Integration Process does not permit changes to seniority dates that have been handled through a grievance
  • The SMIC cannot change previous seniority integrations

Solidarity Always

Your AFA SMIC, Joint Negotiating Committee, MEC, and International Officers are working to ensure that our rights are protected, and Flight Attendants benefit from this merger. While mergers are often stressful as employees work through integration and many things we cannot control, we must focus on those things that we can; how we react and how we treat each other. Commit to having each other’s backs and lets eradicate any “us” versus “them” thinking as we are all on this journey together.

Seniority Integration Timeline

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – July 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for one (1) Member to serve on the pre-merger Alaska AFA System Board of Adjustment.

Scope

Members are to serve on the System Board of Adjustment for the purpose of arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise under the terms of the Agreement between Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines and its Flight Attendants.

Policy/Responsibilities

  • There will be two members selected by the MEC from active members in good standing to represent the Association. Members will be selected at-large without regard to Local Council or domicile. 
  • Until such time as a joint collective bargaining agreement is ratified, separate System Boards of Adjustment will be maintained for pre-merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants and pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants.
  • Any person seeking a position as a System Board of Adjustment Member must submit a resume. Candidates must interview with the MEC.
  • System Board Members will be selected for a two (2) year election period in accordance with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws. At least one election will be reviewed in June of each year. Selection will be made, insofar as possible, to ensure that both members will not be new at the same time.  
  • The System Board Members will act in the best interest of the membership and the Association and will be consistent with the Agreement between the Flight Attendants and Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines.
  • The MEC President will have the ability, in the event of an emergency, to appoint a qualified member in good standing to fill an ad hoc position on the Board.
  • The MEC on an ad hoc basis, by majority vote, may appoint an expert as a substitute for one member of the System Board of Adjustment.

Qualifications

  • Current Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant
  • Willingness to attend the requisite grievance training(s)
  • In depth knowledge of the contract
  • Understanding of the principles of just cause
  • Adherence to Grievance Committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information
  • Maintenance of member-in-good-standing status
  • Ability to remain in good standing with the company
  • Ability to analyze written data and information with high attention to detail
  • Strong written and communication skills
  • Strong computer skills.

Term of Office

The selected candidate will serve a term of office that begins on August 1, 2025, and concludes on June 30, 2027.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the July Regular MEC Meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around this date or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted in person in Seattle, WA or using Google Meet videoconferencing at the candidate’s discretion.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume using the online expression of interest form. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

Please note that to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions regarding the position or application process should be directed to pre-merger Alaska MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams at stephanie.adams@afaalaska.org.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons held two meetings recently. The first meeting occurred on Monday, May 12, when they had their monthly video call with management. The agenda included updates on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discussions about ongoing concerns.

The second meeting occurred on Wednesday, May 21, in PDX. This meeting was the API Quarterly Business Review (QBR) and involved a broader discussion with management, representatives from the crew accommodations management vendor API, and representatives from ALPA. Dori Marron (ANC), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich represented you at this meeting. AFA Hawaiian MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson Matt Michell was also present.

The Committee met with Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams, Hawaiian Airlines Crew Hotel Support Specialist Tamotsu “Tomo” Hirai, Manager of Crew Hotels Diane Szubert, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, June 9.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Transportation Time Adjustments: To fully abide by the CBA requirements for ground transportation for both AFA and ALPA, Crew Hotels has compiled and reviewed data in all of our layover cities to determine where changes need to be made. They will set different ground transportation times for time of day and day of week/holidays to ensure the crews are not arriving at the airport more than 15 minutes before report time (CBA §34.B.3). Nineteen of our layover cities will have these changes made starting June 1, and Crew Hotels will continue with this cadence every month until all cities have updated ground transportation times. Crew Hotels will also closely monitor the delays to ensure they have these times set correctly.   The hotel hotline will be updated accordingly. Please ensure you are writing a CrewCare report when you have a van time discrepancy so that changes can be made if necessary.  
  • Internal Processes: Much of the meeting focused on internal processes for administering the ad hoc list, processes for pre-site visit work, process changes for site visit flow, a central hosting platform for all city-specific hotel information, and MyCrewCare updates. The Crew Hotel and API team are also growing due to the AS+HA merger. We discussed the roles and responsibilities of the new team members.  
  • MyCrewCare Enhancements: One exciting enhancement to the MyCrewCare app launching in Q3 is the “Track My Ride” link. This link connects to our ground transportation provider, DART, to give real-time GPS information regarding your van, similar to how Uber displays information about your ride. You will be able to see the van location and driver and van information. This will enhance the safety of your ride, so there is no mistaking which transportation is yours. DART provides 60% of our ground transportation needs network-wide, so this will be a significant enhancement for our crew members. API is also reaching out to Allied Transport and Desert Coach about incorporating their location services into the MyCrewCare app. Another app feature discussed was the “Are You Safe” communication tool that crews can use to let Crew Scheduling know they are safe if a safety or security event happens in a layover city. This has not yet been activated for Alaska crew.   
  • Relocations:  Relocations will be necessary in PVR (due to renovations, July through October) and LIR (due to bridge asphalt resurfacing, time frame TBD). The Hotel Committee discussed options for these relocations. Crews will also experience temporary layovers in OKC from mid-July to mid-August, and a suitable hotel was discussed for these layovers. As a reminder, we cannot disclose hotel information on a public forum. Hotel changes will be communicated through an Informational Bulletin or the Hotel Hotline.   

Important Information from the Hotel Committee

  • When Something Isn’t Right: We cannot express the importance of filing a CrewCare report and, for more significant issues, an AFA Alaska Online Support Center ticket when something is not right. With a recent relocation in MCO, crews were involuntarily moved by the hotel (“walked”) from the relocated property to a non-contractually compliant property. This is a CBA violation, and the Grievance and Scheduling Committee will need an AFA Alaska Online Support Center ticket filed to aid them in bringing this forward for resolution. Other examples are ground transportation providers using one shuttle but stopping at multiple hotels, extended hotel wait times, etc. If you are ever in doubt about your situation, please contact your Local Hotel Committee for guidance on what reporting route to take.  
  • Transportation Safety: Crews should never be required to be transported in company-provided transportation when the shuttle cannot safely accommodate all crew members and luggage. We have seen reports of Suburbans/large SUVs being sent for a complement of six crew members, which requires luggage to be stored on laps or at the feet. This is not safe. We have also seen transportation scheduled for extended surface deadheads that is inadequate for crew comfort. If there is any doubt about your ride, please contact Crew Scheduling immediately and inform them of the problem so that alternate or additional transportation can be arranged.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Scheduled site visits include RSW (June), SEA (June), and FAT (July). We do not anticipate many site visits will be scheduled for the second half of 2025. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee met with Labor Relations led by Carmen William and Mike Link on May 12 for the first Hotel Gainshare investigatory meeting. Company subject matter experts (SMEs) Brittany Audette, Trisha Bennet, Diane Szubert, and Sara Cook also attended. The purpose of the meeting was to begin discussions on the program’s feasibility at Alaska. Hotel data was presented, and each side identified research items needed to further the conversation. The group will meet again on June 12 to review these items and discuss the next steps.      

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

AFA Alaska News in Review – May 23, 2025

In This Edition

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

Originally posted May 19, 2025

Progressive discipline for uniform violations? Learn about important updates from the recent AFA Uniform Committee meeting that impact uniform guidelines and other changes that could affect you!

Read More >

Introducing Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

Originally posted May 19, 2025

Changes are underway as we welcome our first group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons! Discover how these representatives plan to amplify the voices of Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants in their new roles.

Read More >

Council 18 (LAX) LEC Officer Election Results

Originally posted May 20, 2025

Los Angeles-based Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants elected new LEC Officers as polls closed this week. Meet the team set to start representing the Local Council on July 1.

Read More >

Council 35 (SFO) LEC Officer Election Results

Originally posted May 21, 2025

San Francisco-based Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants elected new LEC Officers this week. Meet the team that will represent the Local Council beginning July 1.

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 3 – May 2025

Originally posted May 23, 2025

As the JCBA negotiations continue, we focused on non-economic sections, exchanging proposals with management and uncovering complex issues that require careful consideration. We formalized a buddy bidding practice for training, allowing Flight Attendants to waive seniority and train alongside junior colleagues. Our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 17 to 19.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, May 27Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)

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!

Vacation Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on October 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Tuesday, September 16, 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 Nyachan Chuar (ANC), LaLa Davis (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Trista Vanta (SFO). […]

AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025

In This Edition Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Originally posted September 15, 2025 Join us in celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, a time dedicated to honoring the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Discover the history, participate in special events, and grab your commemorative Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

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