When we hear about or experience a tragedy of this magnitude, the brain and central nervous systems Immediately respond. They cover our emotions with a protective “blanket” we sometimes call shock. Shock allows us to try and function in our lives while trying to process the tragedy of this event. For some, shock recedes very quickly and for others, it hangs on.

We are all different and there is no right or wrong way to experience shock. As shock falls away, emotions will make their way to the surface. It is very normal to feel a “roller coaster” of emotions following the shock stage. Emotions may ebb and flow. Emotions may feel manageable one second and out of control the next.

You don’t have to be alone with your shock and emotions. Contact your AFA Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Program (EAP) committee representative at 1-949-470-0493 or eap@alaskamec.org. Their number can also be found at www.afanet.org or through the AFA International EAP toll free help line 1-800-424-2406.

April 15, 2013 @ 1550 PDT

 Dear Flight Attendants,

 All crews outbound from Boston have been contacted and are safe. There are several off-duty Flight Attendants who were competing in or were spectators at the marathon and so far all are reported as fine, although at least one missed the affected area at the finish line by only a few minutes. Public transportation in downtown Boston has been disrupted but the airport is operating normally at this time. This will be the last special update unless circumstances change.

 In solidarity,

   Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

 “Five Bases, One Voice”

 www.alaskamec.org

April 15, 2013

Dear Flight Attendants,

As many of you now know, there were two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon earlier today. Tragically, there are several confirmed injuries and deaths. Although there are multiple Flight Attendant crews on layovers in Boston, we have heard that most are safe. Alaska Airlines management is working to account for the remaining crews. So far all Flight Attendants who we know participated in or were present at the marathon are okay as well. All BOS airport operations are normal at this time.

 We will update you if there are any significant developments. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Boston today.

 In solidarity,

  Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Terry Taylor, Yvette Gesch, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

“Five Bases, One Voice”

www.alaskamec.org

April 14, 2013

 Dear Flight Attendants,

 As promised, the Master Executive Council (MEC) is sharing the latest statistics regarding health concerns with the TwinHill Flight Attendant uniform. Starting nearly two years ago, AFA began keeping a database of those affected. As of this writing, 597 out of 3113 Flight Attendants have reported some form of health concern correlated with the TwinHill uniform. See the following table for a summary of the types of reactions experienced by those 597 Flight Attendants.

You will find three different tables linked below in ‘References’: (1) a uniform reaction database summary (the same as above), (2) the complete uniform reaction database (with identifying information removed of course), and (3) uniform cross contamination survey results. The uniform cross contamination survey results are from responses to a recent survey sent out to everybody in our uniform reaction database. The survey asked those who have transitioned out of the TwinHill uniform to respond. A copy of the the survey can also be found linked below in ‘References’.

  To summarize where we are with the TwinHill uniform, AFA filed a grievance back in November alleging management’s failure to provide a safe and healthy workplace and demanded the recall of the TwinHill uniform. AFA continues to work through the details of this particularly complex grievance. Meanwhile, AFA leadership and members of the Uniform and Safety, Health and Security Committees are working with management to procure a new uniform as quickly as possible. It our understanding that the Uniform Procurement Taskforce is getting closer to selecting a new uniform vendor.

  We hope you will find the data eye-opening and informative. If you are wearing the TwinHill uniform and believe you are experiencing a correlated health issue, send an email to alternateuniform@alaskamec.org for instructions regarding what to do next.

  In solidarity,

  Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Yvette Gesch, Terry Taylor, Melanie Buker, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn and Sandra Morrow

“Five Bases, One Voice”

www.alaskamec.org

References:

AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Contamination Survey Mar 2013:

AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Reaction Survey Mar 2013

AFA ALA FA Uniform Cross Contamination Survey Results Apr 2013:

AFA ALA FA UNIFORM CROSS CONTAMINATION SURVEY RESULTS Apr 2013

AFA ALA FA Uniform Reaction Database Apr 2013:

AFA ALA FA UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE Apr 2013

AFA ALA FA Uniform Reaction Database Summary Apr 2013:

AFA ALA FA UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE SUMMARY Apr 2013

AFA International Press Release: “Union Demands Recall of Uniforms and Files Grievance Alleging Management’s Failure to Provide a Safe and Healthy Workplace”:

110912 ALA UNIFORM.doc – 110912 ALA UNIFORM