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Save the Date: Tentative Merger Agreement Roadshows

As mentioned in the previous merger negotiations update, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is scheduled to meet in Seattle the entire week this coming week (February 5-9) as a final push towards completing a Tentative Merger Agreement. The JNC is pleased to report that we are confident we will be able to close out the remaining open items this week.

The JNC is planning to present the comprehensive full text agreement to the Master Executive Council (MEC) on Monday, February 12. If the MEC votes to release the tentative agreement (TA) for membership ratification, then the TA will go out for a vote. AFA would not normally publish a contract roadshow schedule at this point in the process, but pre-merger Virgin America (pmVX) Flight Attendants are bidding for March right now and pre-merger Alaska Airlines (pmAS) Flight Attendants will be bidding for March shortly. Consequently, the MEC is supportive of releasing a proposed roadshow schedule prior to the formal presentation of the full text TA by the JNC to the MEC.

To recap, the proposed roadshow schedule is based on these assumptions:

  1. The JNC will finalize all provisions with management and the parties will complete a comprehensive full text TA prior to the JNC’s presentation to the MEC, and
  2. The MEC approves the TA for membership ratification.

*** The following proposed roadshow schedule is subject to change or cancellation if the above conditions are not met. ***

Morning: 9 am – Noon, Afternoon: 1 pm – 4 pm (All times local.)

Tu 3/6 – ANC – Morning & Afternoon

Th 3/8 – SEA 1 – Morning & Afternoon

F 3/9 – PDX – Morning & Afternoon

Sa 3/10 – SEA 2 – Morning & Afternoon

M 3/12 – SFO 1 – Morning & Afternoon

Tu 3/13 – SFO 2 – Morning & Afternoon

W 3/14 – LAX 1 (LAX) – Morning & Afternoon

Th 3/15 – LAX 2 (SNA) – Morning & Afternoon

F 3/16 – SAN – Morning & Afternoon

Any pmAS or pmVX FAs are welcome to attend any and all sessions. Please be aware that only AFA members in good standing may vote on the TA, so it is extremely important that pmAS FAs are current on their dues and pmVX FAs have completed an AFA membership application prior to the vote. We are anticipating that voting would open shortly after the completion of roadshows in mid-March and would end in early April.

More updates to follow pending the outcome of this week’s session!

In Solidarity,

Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

[pmAS] Additional Transportation Options Between Domiciles/Co-Terminals/Out Stations

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants

Due to several recent flight diversions and how crew member transportation was handled in those situations, AFA has worked with management to clarify what options Flight Attendants have for transportation in these situations.  A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Company putting this clarification in writing.

If your flight is diverted and passengers and crew members are transported by ground, you have the contractual right to be transported separately from the passengers per §22.B of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement.  The new MOU gives you the additional option to use the transportation provided for passengers in such a situation if you choose to do so.

If you have any questions about the MOU, please contact your Local Council Officers.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones

Follow Up To AAG Non-Revenue Travel “Embargo”

Last week on Wednesday, January 24, Alaska Air Group management issued an Alaska’s World article (AAG sign-on required) indicating that the company would be implementing an “embargo” on non-revenue travel in conjunction with the cutover to a single Passenger Service Computer System (PSS) at the end of April.  AFA subsequently posted a response to this embargo and committed to addressing the issue with management.

Shortly after the original Alaska’s World article was posted, management updated the article to provide additional clarification that the “embargo” is in fact a voluntary request by management for employees not to engage in non-rev travel during the week of the PSS cutover.  Commuters, those traveling for company business, and those who have booked PST tickets are not being asked to avoid travel during this period.  Non-revenue travel pleasure (including employees traveling with companions) will not be restricted during this time period. The only actual travel that will be embargoed will be guest pass travel (referred to as buddy pass travel under the VX travel program) and non-rev travel by employees of other airlines, who will not be permitted to travel from April 24 through April 30.

Management has provided email addresses should you have any questions regarding employee travel during the PSS cutover or need support.  For Alaska and Horizon travel, contact employee.travel@alaskaair.com; for Virgin America travel, contact vx.team.travel@alaskaair.com.  You may also contact your Local Council Officers should you need assistance.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

[pmAS] Maternity Leave Grievance Survey

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants

Last September, AFA published information about management granting our grievance #36-99-2-24-17 (Violation of Section 15.M.1.a & 2.a, Failure to Allow Minimum Coordination While on Maternity Leave) and grievance #36-99-2-25-17 (Failure to Allow Minimum and/or Maximum Coordination While on Maternity Leave).

Grievance #36-99-2-24-17 applies to the time period of 6/8 weeks post-birth to the 120th day post-birth.  It mandates that management follow our contractual provision to allow a Flight Attendant to use minimum coordination with sick leave and/or vacation from 6/8 weeks’ post-birth to 120 days’ post-birth.  Previously management required maximum coordination with at least 70 TFP of sick leave monthly.

Grievance #36-99-2-25-17 encompasses 121st day post-birth up to one to eight months leave post-120th day.  Again, this mandates that management follow our contractual provision to allow a Flight Attendant to coordinate minimum or maximum sick leave and/or vacation from one month up to eight months following the 120th day post-birth.

As part of the resolution process, AFA is collecting information from Flight Attendants who may have been affected by the grievance. If you were on maternity leave any time between December 2014 and now, we ask that you complete the survey below to provide us with additional details regarding your leave.

Click here to access the Maternity Leave Grievance Survey

If you have already completed this survey in paper form, there is no need to complete the survey again.  The survey will be available through Monday, February 12, 2018.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams

Introducing Your Inflight Training Committee

Your Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews last week for three positons for the new Inflight Training Committee: one chairperson position and two committee member positions. The MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. After thorough deliberation, the MEC has appointed Megan Brown to the chairperson position and Steven Vincent and Samuel Clifton to the committee member positions.

About The Committee Members

Megan Brown, Inflight Training Committee Chairperson

Megan started her Flight Attendant career in 1991.  After Flight 261, she decided to get involved with the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  She spent 10 years as the Local EAP Chair/Co-Chair for Council 19 in Seattle.  In 2004, she joined the inflight training department where she was an initial instructor and recurrent instructor, which she enjoyed.  In 2016, Megan stepped out of the classroom, but continued to support training by performing Probationary Observations and IOEs. She has recently stepped back into the classroom and hopes to support Flight Attendants’ training needs and concerns.

Megan’s greatest accomplishment is her son, Zane.  When she’s not flying, she spends her time with her family.  She looks forward to learning and supporting her fellow coworkers in her work with AFA.

Steven Vincent, Inflight Training Committee Member

Steven attended initial training in June 1981.  He initially became involved with AFA just after probation, starting with involvement on the Safety Committee.  He also became the chairperson of the AFA International Aircraft Technical Committee immediately after probation. In this role he worked with Regulatory committees and Aircraft Manufactures. He also provided accident support for the International committee and the member airlines representing AFA Flight Attendants.

In 1983, he joined the training department in preparation for the MD-80 aircraft arrival. He has worked on development and presenting training for the MD-80, 737-400 and Russian extended overwater flying for 727-200, MD-80 and support for ETOPS certification of the 737. He also has conducted Initial training since mid-80s.

Previously, Steve participated in the development and implementation of merger training for pre-merger Jet America Flight Attendants. In Alaska/Virgin America merger, he has supported pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants by participating in the blending of emergency procedures, manuals and training for FAM revision cycle 4 in SFO.

In this new role, Steve hopes to represent the entire membership as we merge to become one Flight Attendant group.

Samuel Clifton, Inflight Training Committee Member

Sam has been with Virgin America since May 2007 as an Inflight Team Leader and Inflight Instructor, mainly teaching recurrent training but has also taught several new hire training classes.

Prior to working at Virgin America, Sam worked at American Trans Air (ATA) from 1989 through 2007.  While at ATA, he was a Flight Attendant and also taught recurrent training throughout the system.  He was an active member of AFA and served on the LEC Informational Committee during contract negotiations.

From 1986-1989 Sam served in the United States Air Force as a C-5 Aircraft Crew Chief.

Sam has always had the aviation bug!  When not working he enjoys being at home in the Bay Area taking his miniature Australian Shepherd for walks on the Bay Trail.  Something interesting about Sam is he has a small collection of vintage Barbies ranging from 1959-1968.

He is extremely excited to be serving on the Inflight Training Committee and hopes to be a strong voice for his fellow instructors.

About The Inflight Training Committee

The Inflight Training Committee is an MEC-level committee responsible for working with management to advocate for Flight Attendant interests in all matters pertaining to Flight Attendant training programs and to represent the unique needs and interests of Flight Attendants who are involved in Flight Attendant Initial and/or Recurrent Training and training-related special projects.  Additional information about the Inflight Training Committee can be found at http://afaalaska.org/inflighttraining.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

On Monday, February 9, 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), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO & MEC ASHSC Vice […]

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Tuesday, March 3

This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be heard! Join us at an AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3. Get the latest AFA news and connect directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers directly from AFA Representatives. The Details What: AFA Alaska + […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), […]

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