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MEC Special Update April 15, 2013 @1550 PDT: Explosions at the Boston Marathon

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

MEC Special Update April 15, 2013: Explosions at the Boston Marathon

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

MEC SHSC Uniform Update April 14, 2013: Uniform Reaction Data

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.

UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY
       

BODY PARTS & SYSTEMS AFFECTED*

NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES

PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CASES

PERCENTAGE BY TOTAL NUMBER OF FAs

597

3113

SKIN

460

77%

15%

EYES

102

17%

3%

HEAD

27

5%

1%

RESPIRATORY

113

19%

4%

CARDIAC

6

1%

0%

SCALP/HAIR

69

12%

2%

THYROID

28

5%

1%

AUTOIMMUNE

7

1%

0%

FATIGUE

57

10%

2%

OTHER**

65

11%

2%

NO DATA ***

65

11%

2%
       

*REFER TO UNIFORM REACTION DATABASE FOR SYMPTOMS AND MORE DETAILED INFORMATION.
       

**OTHER: Reproductive/Nausea/Vomiting/Numbness/Tingling/ Odor sensitivity/Gastrointestinal/Liver/Metallic taste/Etc.
       

***NO DATA: Reported adverse reaction to uniform but did not provide symptoms.
       

FACT: CURRENTLY 19% OF OUR FA WORKGROUP HAS REPORTED AN ADVERSE REACTION TO THE TWINHILL UNIFORM.

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

Management Disallows Our New AFA Pin at Alaska Airlines

April 13, 2013

 Dear Flight Attendants:

  As you know, AFA recently distributed pin backers to be worn behind our AFA pin that states “Show Us the Money.” On April 10, 2013, in compliance with the AFA Constitution and By-Laws, the Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) passed a resolution adopting the pin and its backer as our official union pin/insignia.

 Yesterday, Vice President of Inflight Services Andy Schneider requested the MEC to rescind the pin backer. We subsequently received notice that management would issue directives to Flight Attendants prohibiting them from wearing the AFA pin with the “Show Me the Money” pin backer. The MEC unanimously voted to retain the new pin design and informed her as such this morning.

  In yesterday’s meeting, Andy stated that Flight Attendants who refuse to comply with the directive by removing the pin backer would be disciplined. Inflight bulletin #2013-0081 “Uniform Standards Update” was subsequently issued as a “must-read” around 1pm Pacific Time today. The bulletin more or less states the same, although the disciplinary aspect is not overtly indicated but rather implied.

 How can management be so concerned over a small plastic disc? The intent was for Flight Attendants to wear as a sign of support for our Negotiating Committee and to express dissatisfaction with management’s disappointing compensation proposal last session and our expectation that future proposals be greatly improved. Obviously, it is not the backer itself or even the message on it that is the cause of such anxiety. The truth is that management is scared of our solidarity!

 While the MEC believes that Flight Attendants have a legal right to wear the authorized union pin while on duty, we also do not want Flight Attendants to be disciplined. Please comply with any directive issued to you. AFA will address the issue through the grievance procedure or other appropriate legal means. You cannot be issued a directive to remove the pin itself. You can and should continue to wear your AFA pin without the backer.

 We disagree with management in regards to wearing this harmless little plastic disc. However, absolutely AFA agrees with the following statement (from the bulletin): “Another thing that is very important to us is that we retain and continue our exemplary award winning company service.” This is very true. One of the best things you can do to assist the Negotiating Committee is to continue to provide the same level of award-winning service each and every day—while wearing your now “classic” AFA pin, of course! 😉

 At the end of the day, it really does not matter what the legal outcome of the pin backer may be because its purpose has already been fulfilled. (However, be assured that we will not just let the issue drop!) The message was delivered loud and clear to management: we expect them to come to the table with proposals that your Negotiating Committee can actually work with and we will not hesitate to make our displeasure more widely known if our expectations are not met.

 If you have any questions, please contact a VOICE representative or one of your local officers. If you are questioned or disciplined about your wearing of the pin or backer, contact a grievance representative immediately.

  In solidarity,

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

Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

 Your VOICE Committee – Adam Clarey, Lisa Pinkston, Shannon Hyde, Shawn Grill, Stacey Uebelhor and all the men and women who help get out the word

“Five Bases, One Voice”

www.alaskamec.org

New AFA Pin at Alaska Airlines!

April 11, 2013

  Dear Flight Attendants,

  The Master Executive Council (MEC) is pleased to announce that we passed a resolution to change the appearance of our AFA pin at Alaska Airlines. As a sign of solidarity with the Negotiating Committee, the AFA pin will be worn in combination with a 1 1/4” diameter dark green pin “backer” that reads “SHOW US THE MONEY” in white font. The pin backers are being distributed effective today. Please contact a VOICE committee member or AFA officer to receive a backer and special instructions for wearing it. A higher resolution photo of the new pin may be found linked below in ‘References.’

 The next negotiations session is scheduled for next week: April 15-18, 2013, in which we expect management to respond to AFA’s comprehensive proposal and show us the money!

In solidarity,

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

   Your Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetters, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

   Your VOICE Committee – Adam Clarey, Lisa Pinkston, Shannon Hyde, Shawn Grill, Stacey Uebelhor and all the men and women who help get out the word

 “Five Bases, One Voice”

 

www.alaskamec.org

References:

AFA ALA Show Us the Money Pin 2013

AFA ALA Show Us the Money Pin 2013

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – June 2026

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 […]

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Update – May 2026

With three domiciles now operated by pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, the Seattle Domicile Negotiating Committee would like to clarify how out-of-domicile pickups and trades work. Trips in the ETCH folder must be cleared in their home domicile before they are available for pickup or trade by Flight Attendants from other bases. Additionally, if you wish to pick up a SEA 787-9 pairing but are not based in SEA, you must order the Dreamliner uniform through Affinity Apparel.

AFA Committee Focus Month: EAP/Professional Standards

We’re excited to launch our first AFA Committee Focus Month this month. This program will help you get to know the different AFA Committees, all made up of volunteer Flight Attendants, the work they do for us, and the resources available to you. We’re starting by highlighting our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, which lines […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

The JNC continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance […]

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