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AFA Alaska News in Review – January 19, 2024

In This Edition

January 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted January 15, 2024

The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10. Our MEC discussed mobilization efforts surrounding the ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13. Our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows this week to share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide information about CHAOS™.

Read More >

NTSB Investigation of Alaska Flight 1282

Originally posted January 17, 2024

The NTSB plays a vital role in ensuring aviation safety through thorough investigations. AFA is a party to the investigation. Party status allows relevant organizations to help facilitate the gathering of information pertinent to the investigation. The NTSB’s YouTube channel provides updates on ongoing investigations. The NTSB report timeline estimates an initial report in 60 to 90 days and a final report in 12 to 18 months following an accident.

Read More >

February 13 Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action – RSVP Now!

Originally posted January 17, 2024

Are you ready to be a part of history? On February 13, Flight Attendants from around the world are coming together to bring our collective struggle to the public eye. Together, we’re taking a stand against corporate greed and fighting for the contracts we’ve rightfully earned. It’s time to send a message to management that we won’t tolerate their stall tactics and disrespect any longer. 

Join us in solidarity as we picket at over 30 airports worldwide. As one voice, we’ll show management that more than 100,000 Flight Attendants are ready to push our careers forward. Don’t miss out on this historic moment. RSVP now and let us know you’re standing with us!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows Are This Week

In the dark about our strike vote? Let our Negotiating Committee shed some light on the subject at one of this week’s Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows! 🔦

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into our contract negotiations and discover the power of CHAOS™! This is your chance to get your questions answered and receive first-hand information about our strike vote.

🗓️ Tuesday, January 16 @ 9 AM or 1 PM PT
🗓️ Saturday, January 20 @ 9 AM or 1 PM PTRegister now using the links at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/#roadshows

Strike Vote Update and Week 2 Recap

As of Tuesday morning, 53.2% of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants had participated in the Strike Authorization Vote – are you one of them??

As of Friday morning, the participation rate reached 62.2%. Our Mobilization Volunteers around the system provided information and assisted with the voting process. Tag your Strike Vote photo with #AFAAlaska #AlaskaFAContract #PayUsOrCHAOS !

Voting ends February 13 – make sure to vote FOR the Strike Authorization before voting closes!

Voting information: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/

See the Instagram Post >

Strike Vote Replacement Activation Codes

If you’re still waiting for your voting materials, NOW is the time to request a replacement activation code. You can request a new code by filling out this online form: https://afacwa-elections.org/request-new-activation-code. Don’t wait until the last minute to cast your vote. Vote FOR the Strike Authorization!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, January 23 – Thursday, January 25Contract Negotiations
Tuesday, January 23Monthly Scheduling 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!

NTSB Investigation of Alaska Flight 1282

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • The NTSB plays a vital role in ensuring aviation safety through thorough investigations.
  • AFA is a party to the investigation. Party status allows relevant organizations to help facilitate the gathering of information pertinent to the investigation.
  • The NTSB’s YouTube channel provides updates on ongoing investigations. The NTSB report timeline estimates an initial report in 60 to 90 days and a final report in 12 to 18 months following an accident.

NTSB Investigations

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent agency responsible for investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States. Their mission is to determine the probable cause of each accident and issue vital safety recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

Stages of an investigation:

  • On-Scene Data Gathering: This first phase involves collecting evidence at the scene and interviewing relevant personnel, including the crew.
  • Data Analysis and Reconstruction: Investigators meticulously analyze gathered data, including flight recorders and maintenance records, to piece together the sequence of events.
  • Public Briefings and Reports: Throughout the investigation, the NTSB shares updates through public briefings and releases preliminary and final reports outlining their findings and safety recommendations.

The Role of “Parties”

The NTSB designates other organizations whose employees, functions, activities, or products were involved in the accident as parties to the NTSB investigation to facilitate the rapid and complete acquisition of all relevant information. This includes entities such as manufacturers, airlines, labor unions, and regulatory agencies.

AFA requested and was granted party status in the NTSB investigation of Alaska Flight 1282 alongside Boeing, Alaska Airlines, the FAA, and others.

There are specific limitations on the parties:

  • No Speculation Allowed: Parties cannot publicly comment on the accident’s probable cause.
  • Confidentiality is Key: Sharing investigative details outside of the participants in the investigation is strictly prohibited.

Staying Informed on the Investigation

For publicly available NTSB updates on the Alaska Flight 1282 investigation, please visit the investigation’s NTSB page at: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA24MA063.aspx

NTSB Report Timeline

Here’s the typical timeline for NTSB reports following an accident:

  • 60-90 Days: An initial report summarizing the facts is released, potentially including urgent safety recommendations.
  • 12-18 Months: The final report, outlining the probable cause, contributing factors, and detailed safety recommendations, is published.

Please remember that this timeline is an estimate and may be subject to change based on new information uncovered during the investigation.

Sources and Additional Resources

January 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10.
  • Our MEC discussed mobilization efforts surrounding the ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13.
  • Our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows this week to share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide information about CHAOS™.

The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.

No Meeting with Management This Month

There was no scheduled meeting with management during this month’s MEC meeting.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a comprehensive discussion with MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff regarding the mobilization efforts surrounding our ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13. Flight Attendants can expect to see Mobilization Volunteers at the airport in our six bases at varying times throughout the week to encourage members to vote, answer questions, and provide resources to help with replacement activation codes and technical assistance.

This week, our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows, where they will share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide valuable information about CHAOS™. Each roadshow session will offer a comprehensive review of our current negotiation status, the reason behind our decision to take a strike vote, and what members can expect in the future. A portion of each session will be dedicated to answering questions directly from those in attendance.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

AFA Alaska News in Review – January 12, 2024

In This Edition

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Originally posted January 5, 2024

Our Union is taking immediate action and providing support to the Flight Attendants on board Alaska Flight 1282 at PDX. Flight Attendants described the decompression as explosive, and one Flight Attendant sustained minor injuries. The situation could have turned catastrophic without the exceptional skills and professionalism of the working Flight Attendants and pilots. We commend the entire crew for their outstanding work under such trying circumstances.

Read More >

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Decision To Temporarily Ground 737-9 MAX Fleet

Originally posted January 6, 2024

Alaska Airlines has announced the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft fleet after the recent incident on Alaska Flight 1282. Our Union strongly believes this decision is a prudent and necessary step toward ensuring the utmost safety of all crewmembers and passengers. We will closely monitor the maintenance and safety inspection process by management to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all.

Read More >

Alaska Flight 1282 and MAX 9 Aircraft FAA Action Update

Originally posted January 6, 2024

The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are true heroes who displayed quick thinking and bravery during an explosive decompression incident that occurred during takeoff from PDX last night. Thanks to their exceptional skills, all passengers and crew were able to reach the ground safely. We proudly commend the entire crew for their outstanding performance, and our union fully supports them. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives were privileged to sit in on a debrief today with these brave Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Our Strike Vote Is Open—Vote Now!

Originally posted January 8, 2024

It’s time to make our voices heard! Our strike vote is officially open, and we need everyone to participate to send management a powerful message that we’re not backing down. The voting process is simple and secure – use the activation code sent to you in the mail to cast your electronic secret ballot. If you have questions about voting eligibility, need a replacement activation code, or require technical assistance, keep reading for all the information you need to make your vote count!

Read More >

Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows

Originally posted January 9, 2024

Get ready to gain valuable insights into the contract negotiations process and learn about CHAOS™! All Members in Good Standing are invited to join our Negotiating Committee for a Strike Vote Virtual Roadshow. This is a unique opportunity to have your questions answered with confidence and receive information about our strike vote directly from the source.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Bidding Reminder – Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on Tuesday, February 13

Make sure to bid for February 13th!

Flight Attendants across the industry are fighting to raise the standards for our career. No matter the uniform we wear, our fight is the same. Join us on February 13 for picketing at over 30 airports worldwide. Stand in solidarity with us to demand that airline management stop the stall tactics and negotiate the contracts we are due.

History Repeating

It has been 30 years since Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants last voted to authorize a strike. Now, our negotiations have hit a critical stage once again. With one voice, we will tell management: Pay us or CHAOS™!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Vote Online

A small number of Flight Attendants informed us they had difficulty voting over the phone. We promptly addressed these concerns with AFA International. Although we believe the issue is resolved, we recommend you submit your vote online. Please vote FOR the Strike Authorization!

Voting information: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/

Strike Vote Week 1 Recap

Flight Attendants around the system have already voted FOR the Strike Authorization! Voting began on Monday, January 8 and closes Tuesday, February 13. Make sure to join your flying partners and VOTE. We will send a message with one unified voice – we are ready for the contract we deserve! Pay us or CHAOS™!

Tag #AFAAlaska with your strike vote photo!

Voting information: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, January 16Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows (9 AM and 1 PM PT)
Thursday, January 18Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Saturday, January 20Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows (9 AM and 1 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!

Alaska Flight 1282 and MAX 9 Aircraft FAA Action Update

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are true heroes who displayed quick thinking and bravery during an explosive decompression incident that occurred during takeoff from PDX last night. Thanks to their exceptional skills, all passengers and crew were able to reach the ground safely. We proudly commend the entire crew for their outstanding performance, and our union fully supports them. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives were privileged to sit in on a debrief today with these brave Flight Attendants.

AFA Officers and Representatives have been in constant meetings with management starting last night, continually advocating for transparency and timely communication with our workgroup. Although we fully acknowledge the constantly evolving situation, we are beyond disappointed that it took most of the day to receive detailed communication from management. Management must do better! 

We are diligently and rigorously monitoring the situation to ensure that no aircraft are returned to service until they are deemed completely safe. AFA is taking an active and robust role in the NTSB investigation, and we stand fully behind the process for obtaining comprehensive safety findings and implementing necessary actions. We realize that you may have questions about the incident, and many of these may only be answered once the NTSB has completed its investigation and issued its report.

The MAX 9’s temporary grounding has caused some flight cancellations and reassignments. Flight Attendants should refer to the relevant sections of the contract for clear instructions on reassignment, hotel bookings, and return to base requirements.

Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders — trained for emergencies, and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. We fly only when it’s safe.

AFA EAP is always available to support any Flight Attendant in need at (949) 470-0493.

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO & MEC ASHSC Vice […]

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Tuesday, March 3

This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be heard! Join us at an AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3. Get the latest AFA news and connect directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers directly from AFA Representatives. The Details What: AFA Alaska + […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

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