AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2025

Scheduling Committee

  • On February 25, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, February 25, 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 MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

The committee met with Crew Planning Analyst Lead John Bumanglag, Manager of Crew Planning Jeffery Hunt, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels and Admin Manager Nichole Turner, Crew Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, March 25.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Pay Discrepancies: Scheduling Committee Chairpersons have needed to step in and advocate for pay owed when not correctly done. 
  • Pairing Construction: Discussion of desired pairings and impact of Network Planning.
  • Bidding and Awards: Recap of ongoing base sits and upcoming changes to NAVBLUE.
  • Implementation Timelines of TA2 If Ratified: Clarification on how the Committee will support and what changes will be implemented. 
  • Operational Challenges: Discussion of impact of PDX snowstorm and other operational factors impacted Flight Attendants in the past month.

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.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on February 20 to represent Flight Attendants’ interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee met with management to discuss and receive updates on issues and problems faced by Flight Attendants onboard.
  • The Committee continues to work with management to address catering concerns and improve processes in the future. Please report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

On Thursday, February 20, our AFA 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), Kelly Kochanek (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN). MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett, MEC Vice President-elect Brice McGee, and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer were also in attendance.

The committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Principal Cabin Product and Experience Manager Chris Dela Rosa, Director of Food and Beverage Products Mita Padhi, Manager of Food and Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Senior Food and Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, Food and Beverage Planning Systems Manager Gayatri Watwe, F&B Planning Systems Manager Andrea Carns, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, Service Strategy Product Manager Jesse Starmer, and Marketing/Sales, IT Contractors Chris Pettigrew and Chris Daniels, and Ann McCurties. Management guests from Hawaiian Airlines included Senior Manager of Inflight Service & Mobile Technology Wendy Kong and Food & Beverage Planning System Manager Kanoe Yama, who are both a part of the Alaska Air Group Product and Planning Team. 

The next committee meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 15.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee discussed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some of the items included:

  • Redesigned Coffee Brew Baskets: Several members of the Inflight Service Committee tested the redesigned coffee brew baskets during regularly scheduled flights. There were no issues with the new brew baskets during the testing process. A Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) has been completed, and the new brew baskets will be installed on Classic and Endura coffee makers starting in late April 2025.
  • Morning Beverage Snack for First Class: Based on Flight Attendant feedback, the Committee requested that management implement a morning beverage snack for First Class passengers. Management will add a warm pastry on premium long-haul flights (including Hawaii). Passengers will receive a Biscoff cookie with their first beverage on long-haul and medium-haul flights.
  • Improvement of Galley Loading: The Committee will continue to work with management to improve galley loading opportunities. Catering has already implemented a request for a change in the loading of pre-departure beverage items, and they are receiving favorable feedback from Flight Attendants. Additionally, a design change for wine cans, featuring a different-colored can top as recommended by the Committee, will be adopted to facilitate easier loading by catering and use by Flight Attendants.
  • Introduction of Thermal Ice Bags: Thermal ice bags have been designed and manufactured to address concerns related to improving ice quality throughout the network. They have been tested and found to adequately insulate ice for return flight segments. Loading at downline stations will continue throughout the rollout of the new bags. Information regarding catering and clarification on using the bags will be communicated to all Flight Attendants. Management intends to use the new bags on all main cabin 5-cart galley configurations.
  • Increase in Pre-Departure Beverage Orange Juice: Management inquired about the use of the pre-departure beverage orange juice product. The Committee responded that supplies need to be increased for pre-departure use.
  • Service Levels Review: Management will soon conduct a comprehensive system-wide review of current service levels.
  • POG Brand Change: The POG brand is changing to Aloha Maid, which is currently served on Hawaiian Airlines.
  • Catering Operations Team Coordination: The Catering Operations Teams from Alaska and Hawaiian are coordinating to work as a unified team.
  • Catering Operations Focus Areas: Alaska Catering Operations currently has three focus areas: kitchen audits, engaging Flight Attendants through the Block2Block (B2B) Flight Attendant comment system, and implementing an ice plan for the warmer months. Kitchen audits are now underway. Catering Operations encourages Flight Attendants to use the B2B Flight Attendant comments to report issues, which will help find solutions. An ice plan is in place for almost all stations during the summer months.
  • Flight Attendant Comments Tool Upgrade: The Flight Attendant Comments reporting tool is being upgraded, and the Committee has requested to be included in the Flight Attendant-facing portion of this project.
  • Standard Process for Aircraft Swaps: The Committee is advocating for a standardized process for aircraft swaps system-wide.
  • Fleet Refresh Project: The Fleet Refresh Project is ongoing and aims to standardize the first-class cabin to 16 seats on all Boeing 737-800, -900, MAX-8, and MAX-9 aircraft. Placarding for the MAX lavatory trash bins should be installed soon.
  • MAX 10 Galley Options: New galley options may be available for the MAX 10, and work on galley planning will soon commence.
  • Tech Updates: The Committee initiated a discussion about the status of updates for B2B and resolving issues related to flight information becoming unavailable when a tech stop occurs. Management shared a prototype of the next version of B2B, which is currently in development. The Committee believes the proposed B2B updates will be intuitive. The issue of information loss during tech stops is recognized and is being addressed. A joint platform for Alaska and Hawaiian is being developed to provide easily updated service flow information, eliminating the need to rely on the onboard service handbook (OSH) for some service flow data.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Enhanced Packaging for Onboard Products: The Committee looks forward to working with management on new onboard products. It’s essential for the Committee that discussions include considerations of safety, packaging, sustainability, ease of use, and acceptance by both Flight Attendants and passengers.
  2. Improved Beverage Cart Loading: The Committee is actively seeking creative solutions for effective space utilization and will prioritize safety when recommending additional products, loading strategies, and service changes.
  3. Addressing Flight Attendant Concerns with Management: The primary goal of the Inflight Service Committee is to enhance the service tools available to all Flight Attendants.

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 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.

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on February 13, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee met with management to discuss uniform issues reported by Flight Attendants, including quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you encounter issues with uniform quality or construction, please report them to Unisync as soon as possible and include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson to help track any trends.

On Thursday, February 13, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). MEC Vice President-elect Brice McGee and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with Director of Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • The wear test for the transition jacket began on February 14 and will run until March 14.
  • The Committee is collaborating with the Benefits Committee to find an alternative solution for non-medical grade compression nylons (previously supplied by OccuFit). Flight Attendants can continue to obtain medical-grade compression nylons through their insurance.
  • An issue regarding uniform exchanges and reimbursements for alterations has been escalated to the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process. Our MEC is strongly opposed to denials based on Flight Attendants not having an order history for a specific piece. There is no contractual language stating that Flight Attendants must only wear pieces obtained through the uniform subsite or their Unisync account. All alterations and exchanges should be approved by management, regardless of how the pieces were acquired. The Committee has suggested an update to the reimbursement form, requiring Flight Attendants to include the batch number of the piece they are altering to verify it is a uniform item. Management responded that they will continue to deny requests, stating that they believe this is not in line with the spirit of the intended language.
  • The Uniform Policy Guide will be updated to reflect additional combinations for the ¼ zip cardigan.
  • Management has released new “Uniform Care” videos to provide guidance on extending the longevity of uniform pieces.
  • Name tags are now individually wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent damage during shipping, which should reduce the incidence of wings arriving broken.
  • The results of the sweater shell and cardigan wear test did not yield sufficient feedback regarding durability to justify a change in production.
  • Management has received reports of non-compliant uniform wear from social media sites, including yoga pants and lug-style shoes. Purchasing these items is highly discouraged, as you will be out the money and may also face progressive disciplinary action during uniform checks. Management has initiated a uniform coalition, and uniform checks will be increasing across all workgroups in the near future. For the most up-to-date policies, please refer to the Uniform Policy Guide in your IMD or TeamAAG and contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson.
  • The tote exchange program remains effective for qualifying classes.
  • Open requests include:
    • A stuff sack for the puffer parka.
    • Photos of models and their sizes next to each clothing piece to give Flight Attendants an idea of what size would work best for their body, similar to those on the Uniqlo, Gap, and Madewell websites (e.g., Model Ailani is 5’7″, wearing size D).
    • Coordination with HR and a pantyhose company to offer items on PerkSpot (or a similar platform) so that Flight Attendants are not paying full price out of pocket.
    • Addition of a Uniform Quality Report on IMD or a related link on the Flight Attendant website.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Better Sizing Guides. Requesting pictures that illustrate sizes to help Flight Attendants order pieces more accurately.
  2. Wear Testing. Wear testing for a more versatile transition jacket will run from February 14 to March 14.
  3. Tote Exchange Program. Specific to the post-COVID classes who were not given the normal selection process for totes due to supply chain issues. Please see your supervisor if you would like to exchange your bags.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? 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 contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

AFA Alaska News in Review – February 21, 2025

In This Edition

TA2 Voting: How to Request a Replacement Activation Code

Originally posted February 18, 2025

Voting on TA2 has been open for one week, and there is just over one week to go before the vote officially closes! Have you voted yet? If you have still not received your ballot, request a new activation code by clicking here.

Read More >

Shared on Social

TA2 Vote Updates

Find all TA2 information including the full text, provision change videos and graphics, the roadshow and Q&A recordings, and voting information at contract2022.afaalaska.org/ta2. 

Tuesday, February 18 – 52.5% 
Wednesday, February 19 – 60%
Thursday, February 20 – 64.4%
Friday, February 21 – 68.4%

Voting closes on February 28 at Noon PT.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, February 25Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 27Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Friday, February 28TA2 Voting Closes @ 12 PM PT

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 – February 14, 2025

In This Edition

TA2 Voting is Now Open

Originally posted February 11, 2025

Your ballot has been mailed to your home address on file with the company in Peoplesoft. Replacement codes will be available through Membership Services starting Tuesday, February 18. Although the paper ballots state that polls close on February 28 at 12 PM ET (9 AM PT), voting will end at 12 PM PT (3 PM ET) to remain consistent with the closing time of previous ballots.

Read More >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – February 2025

Originally posted February 13, 2025

On February 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants. The Committee met with management to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation. If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through the feedback function in the MyCrewCare app. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

Read More >

Shared on Social

TA2 Vote Update

Originally posted February 14, 2025

As of today, 32% of eligible Alaska Flight Attendants have voted on TA2.

Find all TA2 information including the full text, provision change videos and graphics, the roadshow and Q&A recordings, and voting information at contract2022.afaalaska.org/ta2. 

The vote closes on February 28 at Noon PT.

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, February 20Quarterly Inflight Service 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!

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 […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates