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AFA Alaska News in Review – February 4, 2022

In This Edition

  • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000
  • Celebrating Black History Month
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2022
  • Introducing Our Negotiating Committee
  • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000

Originally posted January 31, 2022

Today we reflect on the tragic loss that occurred on January 31, 2000, when Alaska Airlines Flight 261, flying between Puerto Vallarta and San Francisco, went down in the Pacific Ocean between Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island off the coast of Southern California.

We will never forget Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco and Allison Shanks; Captain Ted Thompson; First Officer William Tansky; Sheri Christensen, Rachel Janosik, Ileana Ost, Sarah Pearson, Anjesh Prasad, James Ryan and Stacy Schuyler.

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Celebrating Black History Month

Originally posted February 1, 2022

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced a week-long event to build awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals.  Read more about Black History Month, learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.  Join the celebration by wearing your Black History Month AFA Pin during the month of February.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2022

Originally posted February 2, 2022

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, January 25 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!

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Introducing Our Negotiating Committee

Originally posted February 2, 2022

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted final interviews this week for three Negotiating Committee Member positions who will represent us in upcoming contract negotiations with the Company. Our MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. 

After thorough deliberation, the voting members of your MEC, consisting of the six directly-elected LEC Presidents, have appointed Sandra Morrow, James Bozanich, and Kiara Jenkins to the positions. 

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Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Originally posted February 3, 2022

Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 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.   

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Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 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, February 1, 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), Heather Milner (LAX), and Denise Sheldon (SAN).  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 Director of Fuel* Lauren Kriegler, Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management. 

* Within the company’s supply chain management division, fuel and uniforms are managed by the same group of people. 

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:

  • Results from the recent wear test of a prototype warm weather/Aloha shirt that was conducted by the Uniform Committee and ASHSC.
  • Concerns that management does not involve the Uniform Committee early enough in the process of developing new uniform components and policies, resulting in unnecessary time and/or expense when problems are identified by Flight Attendants after initial development is in progress or complete.
  • Proposal by AFA to expand the ability to wear boots in order to improve Flight Attendant health and safety.
  • Status of backordered uniform items and projected availability.
  • Ongoing uniform quality issues, specifically about recent reports of zippers breaking off.
  • Concerns about sweaters in the female uniform collection being perceived as too thin and not providing enough warmth.
  • Requests for pockets in maternity uniform pieces.
  • Requests for improvements to the transition jacket, specifically increased warmth and wind resistance.
  • Concerns regarding inconsistent enforcement of uniform policies and standards by management. 
  • Continued requests to simplify uniform policies and guidelines to improve clarity and make compliance easier for Flight Attendants.
  • Status of AFA request for non-binary/gender non-conforming uniform and appearance standards.
  • Possible expansion of crew luggage program to include a spinner-type suitcase.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Improving the Uniform Boot Policy. Working with management and the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to allow for a broader range of Arctic boots, to allow Arctic boots in Alaska any time there is snow or ice on the ground, and to allow boots outside of terminals and the aircraft anytime there is inclement weather (policy not yet in effect).
  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. Uniform Wear Testing.  Participating in wear testing of new or modified uniform pieces under consideration by management, including providing in-depth feedback and promoting changes that make pieces easier to wear and care for.  

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. 

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2022

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, January 25 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, January 25, 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Virginia Fritz (SFO), Brie Donoghue (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN).  Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey.  The committee met with Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Denia Pisia, Manager of Crew Planning Mac Patterson, and other management representatives from Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning. 

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:

  • Snow Operations – Precancellation, reassignments, diversions, stranded and hotel/transportation concerns reported by Flight Attendants through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.
  • Regional aircraft flying within the State of Alaska and the lower 48. How it affects our bases and block hours. 
  • Filing Activity Claim Forms within Rainmaker to assist Flight Attendants with pay related questions.   Scheduling representatives do not have access to individual Flight Attendant Rainmaker profiles and need to request screenshots when assisting with pay.  
  • Contactability requirements of Section 8.Q. Reviewed when Flight Attendants are required to be contactable and return calls to scheduling.  Also being available for ground time while on duty. 
  • El Paso flying locked in SEA base March through May 2022. 
  • Sick Leave and staffing, if sick leave is reduced could potentially add more line holders and reduce the overall reserve staffing system wide. 
  • Flight Attendants with ground time on more than 4 hours need to request day rooms.  Scheduling will wait to book the room until the Flight Attendant makes contact.  
  • Pyramiding Pay – premium, holiday, over duty, winter incentive

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Information Technology Improvements.  Including, but not limited to, Block2Block/Inflight Mobile, Flight Attendant website performance, JCTE performance, Open Time statistics and trade processing times, JCTE releases, and Crew Scheduling/Crew Admin items (non-JCTE).
  2. Reassignment Flow Chart.  Developing an easy-to-follow flow chart to help explain how reassignments work, similar to the pre-cancellation flow chart. 
  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. Sunset of NAVBLUE ClassBid PBS.  Conducting PBS base sits to help support Flight Attendants in preparation for the cutover.

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.

AFA Alaska News in Review – January 28, 2022

In This Edition

  • MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Interviews
  • 2022 College Scholarship Opportunities
  • Shared on Social

MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Interviews

Originally posted January 28, 2022

As preparations for contract negotiations continue, our MEC is seeking candidates for the position of MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson.  The Mobilization Committee works to provide support to the Negotiating Committee through coordinated solidarity activity and two-way communication between the membership and the committee.  The MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Mobilization Committee across all six bases.  Interviews will be held during the April Regular MEC Meeting on April 13, 2022.  Interested candidates should complete the online expression of interest form and submit a resume by Tuesday, April 5 at 5 PM Pacific time.

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2022 College Scholarship Opportunities

Originally posted January 28, 2022

As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least three different scholarships.  An additional opportunity, the Union Plus Free College Benefit, offers the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books.  Check out the links below for eligibility requirements, application information, and other important details for each opportunity.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Negotiating Committee Final Interviews

On Wednesday, January 26, our Master Executive Council (MEC) met to conduct final interviews with the candidates for the three Negotiating Committee Member positions who will represent us during upcoming contract negotiations with the Company. Our MEC would like to express their appreciation for all of the candidates who stepped forward and expressed a desire to serve our Flight Attendants. Given the importance of the decision, the MEC agreed to take additional time over the weekend to consider the candidates and will meet again on Tuesday, February 1 to continue with the selection process. 

2022 College Scholarship Opportunities

AFA International

  • As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least three different scholarships.
  • An additional opportunity, the Union Plus Free College Benefit, offers the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books.
  • Check out the links below for eligibility requirements, application information, and other important details for each opportunity.

As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least three different scholarships, and the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books.  The time for applying is now!

Brought to you by our Union, these benefits of union membership have become very popular with members.  Please see the respective links for detailed information, and good luck in obtaining financial assistance.

AFA Scholarship Fund

The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university.  The deadline for applications is April 10.  Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30.   Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

Union Plus Scholarship Program

Union Plus provides a suite of scholarships, educational discounts, and loans available for union members.  You can find information at https://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing.  One additional “click” brings up the scholarship applications that may be submitted online by the deadline of January 31.

Union Plus Free College Benefit

In addition, there is a free college benefit available through Union Plus for active and retired Members and their families with the opportunity to earn an associate degree completely online – for FREE.  Details and an application are online at https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org.  This benefit can save you thousands of dollars.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

On Monday, April 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Barry Spitzer (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

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 […]

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