AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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

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

TwinHill Uniform Litigation Information

April 10, 2013

  Dear Flight Attendants,

  The Master Executive Council (MEC) is writing to inform you that the law firm of Emerson Poynter LLP is representing several Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants who have brought suit against TwinHill. The legal action is against TwinHill only and not against Alaska Airlines. Be advised that the Association of Flight Attendants is providing this information as a courtesy to our members and that we are not in any way endorsing the terms of representation, the law firm or the attorneys involved, or the merits of the pending litigation.

  If you believe that you have been harmed by the TwinHill uniform, you may wish to contact Emerson Poynter as soon as possible. AFA has been informed that the statute of limitations for filing a suit may be quickly approaching depending on the individual’s state of residence (especially California) and particular circumstances. For some Flight Attendants, the window of opportunity could be closing early next week.

  If you need more information, contact the law firm of Emerson Poynter. You will find contact information, terms of representation and other content at http://www.flightuniformlitigation.com.

On a separate note, the MEC is updating our “uniform reaction database” with recent survey information and will be sharing this data with the membership in the coming days.

  In solidarity,

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

“Five Bases, One Voice”

AFA Committee Focus Month: Government Affairs

As Flight Attendants, we wear many hats, but at our core, we are aviation’s first responders. The moment we step onboard, our training takes over—not just to get passengers seated and doors closed, but to fulfill our primary role as safety professionals. We’re the ones who calmly handle onboard medical events and emergencies, manage the […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, August 25, 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 Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 18 – August 2026

This week, the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian JNC engaged in four days of collective bargaining with management in Seattle. Despite presenting a comprehensive proposal to address Section 19 (Grievance) and Section 30 (Training), the committee and the company were unable to reach an agreement. The JNC remains dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our members.

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Wednesday, September 23

Don’t miss your chance to connect, share your thoughts, and be heard! Our upcoming AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall is happening Wednesday, September 23. Stay informed with the latest AFA updates and engage directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—AFA Representatives will be ready to provide answers. The Details What: AFA Alaska + […]

Staying Safe On Layovers

A joint message from our AFA Hotel Committee; Air Safety, Health & Security Committee (ASHSC); and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee. Your safety matters to us—and we want you to come home from every trip safe and well. Most layovers go smoothly, and you can keep it that way by staying aware and trusting […]

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 (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) 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 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 + Hawaiian 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