This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, May 8, 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). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with 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, August 14.

Topics of Discussion 

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

• Uniform Guidelines and Updates
  • As of May 12, management has started progressive disciplinary steps for uniform violations. 
  • If management discusses a uniform violation with you, they must inform you that it is being documented as a Record of Discussion (ROD) and follow the proper procedures. 
  • If a Flight Attendant has concerns after receiving an ROD, please contact your LEC President or Local Grievance Committee.
• A special bulletin released on April 18 states that the combination of the quarter-zip sweater and summer shirt is not allowed. The updated uniform style chart reflects this change.
• Current Open Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Item:
  • Issues regarding exchange settlements and reimbursement denials: Management acknowledges there is no time limit for uniform repairs. However, they claim they are not obligated to repair uniforms that were traded, swapped, or lack a Unisync order history. AFA disagrees, noting that there has been a longstanding practice of trading and swapping uniforms, and the contract does not exempt these situations.
• Current Closed ADR Item:
  • Hairstyles based on federally protected classes: Flight attendants may submit a reasonable accommodation request for uniform guidelines. Examples of federally protected uniform violations that can be addressed through this request (though not exhaustive) include:
    • Head coverings such as hijabs, tichels, African headwraps, and kipahs;
    • Jewelry such as Indian bangles, Tibetan/Buddhist mala beads and bracelets, Catholic rosaries/Saint medals, crucifixes, crosses, Star of David necklaces/bracelets, Native American turquoise, and Māori/Meso American/East Asian/Egyptian jade;
    • Hairstyles such as Native Alaskan/American mohawks and Sikh hair; 
    • Cultural tattoos such as Ta moko, Tatau, Mandala, Sak Yant, Irezumi, African scarification/fraternal branding, Mehndi, Batok/Batek/Patik/Batik, and kākau.
  • Please remember that to make a request, you must be part of one of the following federally protected classes regarding your request: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and associated medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical), genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and ancestry.
• Open Requests Made to Management:
  • Development of a Uniform App on IMD that allows reporting issues and accessing policies/style guides.
• Requests Made for Merged Uniforms/Dual Branding:
  • “Off the neck” apron style.
  • Small hoop-style nose rings.
  • Year-round boot options.
  • Better-fitting pants.
  • Making hosiery optional.
  • Hooded transition jacket.
  • More breathable fabric options.
  • Making the transition jacket compliant with all uniform pieces.
  • Introducing a cape/wrap/coat to be worn during boarding or on red-eye flights for added warmth.
  • A less restrictive accessory policy regarding watch band colors, nail polish colors, designs, etc.
  • Easier access to alterations.
  • Providing photos of models alongside their sizes for each piece to assist Flight Attendants in finding the right fit.
  • Option for a wrap dress.
  • An added summer shirt option that is not tropical-themed.
  • A longer torso design for the summer shirt option (especially for the Aura cut).
  • Collared and tailored shirts that can be worn untucked.
  • A waterproof trench coat with a usable hood.
  • Expanding shoe color options for dresses and skirts, as compliant navy shoes are difficult to find.
• For those with sensitive skin, the retractable lanyard is a uniform-compliant option, provided you wear a Oneworld pin. 
• Lanyards have been restocked and are available at all bases. You may request a lanyard at any base, regardless of your home base location.
• If you do not have original company-issued luggage, you may use your personal luggage; however, it must be approved by a supervisor. Please email your supervisor for approval.
• The Aura Blazer and Aura dress will not be reordered. Once the current stock is sold out, they will no longer be available for order.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Arctic Stuff Sack: Sourcing a suitable stuff sack has proven difficult, but it remains a priority on our agenda.
2. Updated Uniform Links: The Committee noticed several broken or inaccurate links on the Uniform subsite. All links have now been updated, including the most recent alterations guidelines.
3. Hemlines: If you have already ordered the “tall” size and your hemline is still not compliant, please contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson for assistance.

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.