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Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 14, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Thursday, December 14, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Louise Borras (LAX), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Sylvia Newbill (PDX). Annie Madsen (ANC), and Trista Vanta (SFO). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.

The committee met with VP Operations Matt Prainto, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Managing Director of Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Thursday February 22, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • On December 8, 2023 Freddy Vega was selected as the new Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson for Council 19 SEA. Freddy brings an abundance of experience and education surrounding Human Rights. We thank Yan Yan Teague for her years of service as the former Local Chairperson. Yan Yan will continue as a Committee Member.     
  • October 9, 2023 Bulletin: ELP Spanish Announcement And International Flyer. As a result of our Flight Attendants bringing attention to the Human Rights Committee, some of our Non-Speaking ELP/SEA guests were arriving at SEA with no knowledge of SEATAC and/or resources available. This was brought to our training department for discussion. As a result, Flight Attendants now have resources (a flyer) on board those flights to assist our guests not only with navigation about SEATAC but also with food and beverage options we offer on board. This information is also available on our IMD. The Spanish Announcement has been temporarily removed pending review. Along with ELP we asked that AUS, PHX, TUS and SAT be added. Allen will inquire about our request. 
  • Opportunity to have pronoun’s added to our wings. The optional pronoun would be under the name on the wing. Trista is working on developing this.   
  • Concerns why our speakers are being removed from some of our Mexico flights. Matt informed us the speakers were originally placed on board the flights to assist with  necessary paper that was required to be completed by our guests. Alaska has since moved towards an automated format, eliminating the need for any assistance on the aircraft.

Other Committee News

January 12-15, 2024 Some of the Human Rights Committee members will be attending the 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference in Montgomery Alabama – Joining AFA International VP Keturah Johnson and other AFA Human Rights Committees. 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference (themlkconference.org)

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. International Flyer. Adding more routes to use the International Flyer as well as additional resources for the upcoming year.  
  2. Committee Participation. Participation with Alaska’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department Heritage Months and other projects.   
  3. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Issues with Crew Access: December 16, 2023

Scheduling, Grievance, and Hotel Committees

  • Hotel reservation details are not populating in pairings. 
  • The “Drop” (to Open Time) drop-down was reported by a few (but not all) Flight Attendant as not visible prior to Open Time opening.
  • Drops to Open Time were not functioning for January 24-30, 2024, for all domiciles except Seattle until just before 2 PM PT.

What will come as no surprise to anyone, Crew Access is malfunctioning once again. So far, there are three issues identified:

  1. Hotel reservation details are not populating in pairings, 
  2. The “Drop” (to Open Time) drop-down was reported by a few (but not all) Flight Attendant as not visible prior to Open Time opening, and 
  3. Drops to Open Time were not functioning for January 24-30, 2024, for all domiciles except Seattle until just before 2 PM PT. (Reminder: January 31 is the first day of the February bid month.) Seattle appeared to open normally at 2 PM PT.

Hotel reservation details not populating in pairings

This outage is specific to Jeppesen and not related to API. Outdated or no hotel information is being displayed. However, Crew Scheduling (CS) is manually updating hotel information in Crew Access. Additionally, the hotel information in the My Crew Care (API) app is importing correctly and is accurate.

[Update: This issue has been resolved as of 12/16/2023 @ 18:36 PT ^MECP Jeff]

Drop to Open Time not visible prior to Open Time opening for some Flight Attendants

So far, this does not appear to be a widespread issue, and Alaska ITS is investigating.

Drops to Open Time were not functioning for January 24-30, 2024

Alaska ITS and Jeppesen appeared to resolve the issue just before 2 PM PT, which meant that Seattle opened normally at 2 PM. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and management have agreed to an initial remedy to help mitigate the impact of this outage (for all domiciles except Seattle):

Overview:

In chronological order, CS will review the Flight Attendants who attempted to drop trips to Open Time on these days but were unsuccessful. CS will offer to manually drop their trip into OT. CS will work down the list until they meet the contractually required number of Threshold Sequence Number (TSN) trips for the respective base. ITS has a report of all Open Time drop transactions, so they can replicate who attempted to drop trips first. This report will become available at 2:30 PM PT, but they will need time to prepare the report into a workable format for these purposes. Inflight Crew Scheduling Management will begin to contact Flight Attendants this evening to see if they wish to drop their trip. This process will preserve the integrity of the first-come, first-serve method of Open Time to give those who attempted to drop first the flexibility they attempted to achieve.  

Details:

  1. CS will place the identified sequence (processed in chronological order) in Open Time and hide the pairing until they can make positive contact with the Flight Attendant to confirm that they still want the trip dropped. The Flight Attendant will see a FCR (pre-cancellation) on their line until they confirm the drop. The use of FCR is to protect legalities should the Flight Attendant decide they wanted the sequence back and not dropped into Open Time anymore.
  2. Once CS confirms the Flight Attendant wants the pairing dropped, they will unhide it in Open Time.
  3. If FA does not want the trip dropped, CS will put it back on their roster and move down the list.
  4. The timeframe for Flight Attendants to call back will be 24 hours. If the Flight Attendant does not call CS back within 24 hours, then their sequence will be placed back on their roster and CS will move down the list.
  5. If the Flight Attendant who is first on the list no longer has the pairing they attempted to drop for that date, CS will move down the list.
  6. This process will be completed until the TSN max equivalent is met for each base.

Ongoing dispute resolution

This situation is completely unacceptable, and our top priority is ensuring our contractual provisions are adhered to and protected. The tools that you rely on for contractual flexibility should work. Our Grievance Committee will continue to seek appropriate remedies via the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.

Upcoming Day of Solidarity

Looking for an outlet to vent your frustrations? Join us on the picket line or via virtual picket on Tuesday, December 19. For more information, click here.

AFA Alaska News in Review – December 15, 2023

In This Edition

Setting the Record Straight

Originally posted December 11, 2023

AFA did not cancel the December mediation session. Our Negotiating Committee is meeting today and the rest of this week as originally scheduled. We’re counting on you to show up on December 19 for the picket. Management has given us 1.9 billion reasons to demonstrate!

Read More >

Get Ready for Our Day of Solidarity – Tuesday, December 19

Originally posted December 12, 2023

Don’t forget to RSVP for our Day of Solidarity informational picketing events next week on Tuesday, December 19. As a reminder, Flight Attendants scheduled to work during the events must refrain from participating. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can join our virtual picket using the resources on the contract website.

Read More >

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted December 12, 2023

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 7, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants. The Committee also met with management to review specific concerns that Flight Attendants brought forward. Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, clarify contractual language, or help resolve reserve-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

Supplemental Negotiations Update – December 2023

Originally posted December 15, 2023

This week’s mediation session was canceled due to a personal tragedy of our assigned mediator. Our Negotiating Committee met internally, using the time to review progress and prepare for mediation in January. Although the negotiations landscape has changed in recent months, the Committee remains focused on essential contractual provisions. Get ready for some big news next week! A major announcement will be made next week on Tuesday, December 19, in conjunction with our Day of Solidarity informational picketing.

Read More >

Shared on Social

1.9 Billion Reasons

Alaska Airlines management gave us 1.9 billion reasons this week to join the picket line on December 19! We will not be distracted from our goal of an industry-leading contract for our Flight Attendants.

RSVP now at https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/dec-19-picketing-ala

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Southwest Flight Attendant Ratification Re-Vote

We learned today that Southwest Flight Attendants will conduct a re-vote on their recent Tentative Agreement Ratification. TWU Local 556 was unable to certify the vote results due to several potential technical issues with their voting system, TrueBallot. Additionally, voter information was not secure – individuals were potentially able to identify names, emails, and vote records of members.

AFA does not use TrueBallot – we use EBallot. When you cast your vote in EBallot, your identifying information is separated from your vote. This is why your vote cannot be changed once cast. Members ineligible to vote (e.g., members not in good standing) will be unable to vote on EBallot. However, AFA members can still become eligible during the balloting period (e.g., by setting up a dues payment plan).

We hope this allays any fears of technical issues or unsecured voter information once we reach a ratification vote. After the final outcome of the ratification vote is known, we will communicate how the outcome relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy. AFA has never had a similar issue using the EBallot vendor.

Shareable Day of Solidarity Graphic

It’s time to ensure your friends and family join you on the picket line! Share this graphic to your Instagram and Facebook story and spread the word about our December 19 Day of Solidarity.

United AFA Day of Action – December 14, 2023

Yesterday’s United AFA Day of Action informational picketing events witnessed an overwhelming display of solidarity and strength by United Airlines Flight Attendants. With holiday travelers taking to the skies, they showcased their immense power and demonstrated that they are ready to do “Whatever It Takes” to get the contract they have rightfully earned! United management can’t ignore the unity displayed by United Flight Attendants, labor allies, and supporters.

United Flight Attendants have rightfully earned contractual pay and work rule improvements, and it’s time for United management to deliver a contract that recognizes their value. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants stood in proud solidarity with our United counterparts on the picket lines, and we will continue to stand together, as their fight is our fight! Our collective voice is strong, undeniably powerful, and demands to be heard by management across the industry!

Something Big is Coming

Be prepared for big news next week. Our Negotiating Committee is all set to make a major announcement on Tuesday, December 19, in conjunction with our Day of Solidarity informational picketing. This news is a game-changer and will significantly impact our ongoing negotiations for the contractual pay and work rule improvements we are fighting for.

Join our Day of Solidarity events on December 19 and be among the first to know about the upcoming news. Our Negotiating Committee and your fellow Flight Attendants are counting on your support and participation to help amplify the impending announcement. You can find all the information about Tuesday’s picketing events, including the link to RSVP, on this page of the negotiations website.

Spread the word among your friends, family, and flying partners and encourage them to join you on the picket line. Now is the time to stand together to show management that we are a force to be reckoned with and will not back down until we get the contract we deserve!

Next Week’s Events

Monday, December 18 – Tuesday, December 19AFA Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 19Day of Solidarity Informational Picketing
Thursday, December 21Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, December 21Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

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!

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 7 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, December 7, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Brandi Urban (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present was MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with the Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint and Supervisor of Inflight Crew Scheduling Derrick Bernard.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Plans for Initial Training classes for 2024. Management has pushed the class 1 start date to the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2, but they still intend to hire more Flight Attendants in 2024. However, the number of classes and the specific number of students in each class will depend on the delivery of new aircraft.
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access that are affecting Reserve Flight Attendants. Review of where known issues are documented and newly added/ fixed issues. 
  • Review of upcoming updates to Crew Access software and associated fixes to current issues and other improvements prioritization for programming fixes.
  • Support for probationary Flight Attendants through the Probationary Buddy Program. We have had three classes complete probation, and the remaining four classes will all be off probation by mid-April 2024. Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Buddy for answers to contract and work rules questions.
  • Increase in Lineholders picking up reserve days, which has resulted in increased flexibility for Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics for November, where approximately 85.3% of Reserves were used in all bases.
  • Review of personal drops: for November, they have been able to award 931 Flight Attendant personal drops.
  • Review of reserve-related scheduling issues that have occurred recently.
  • Review of reserve-related issues that have been escalated to the Scheduling Review Board (SRB) and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.
  • Reminder to new hire Flight Attendants about the AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Probationary Buddy Program. Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Probationary Buddy program. Growing support in all bases with more buddies & new useful tools. 
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns. Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring management is complying with our contract. If not compliant taking issues through the SRB & ADR process to ensure compliance.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Reserve Committee is your voice to management.  You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

AFA Alaska News in Review – December 8, 2023

In This Edition

Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know

Originally posted December 3, 2023

Today, Alaska Air Group (AAG) management has announced its intent to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, while maintaining the unique identity of both brands.

We know that everyone has questions and concerns about the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Mergers take time. Nothing will happen overnight. But right now we must stick together because the airlines are very clear about how this will benefit shareholders, consumers, and employees but together we can claim clarity in black and white for our jobs and the improvements we can expect. 

Read More >

Air Quality Quick Reminders

Originally posted December 5, 2023

Fume events can occur on flights for various reasons, such as oil leaks or mechanical issues. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of air quality, fume, and hypoxic events, so you know what to do if you suspect one is happening. More resources are available on the Air Quality Subcommittee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Read More >

Housing & Food Assistance Resources

Originally posted December 6, 2023

Starting a career as a Flight Attendant is more challenging than ever due to low pay rates that haven’t kept up with the cost of living. Many new Flight Attendants face difficulties securing housing and food in expensive cities where they are based. Our EAP Committee has created a new website page with comprehensive information on resources to help Flight Attendants overcome these obstacles.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14

Originally posted December 7, 2023

On December 14, 2023, United Airlines Flight Attendants will take to the picket line – their holiday spirit of unity and solidarity burning brighter than ever. They are determined to strengthen their power and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to securing a contract that genuinely values their work and contributions to United Airlines. As holiday travelers take to the skies, United AFA Flight Attendants will ensure their voices are heard loud and clear. They are unified and ready to do “Whatever It Takes” to get the contract they have rightfully earned!

Join United Flight Attendants on the picket lines during their upcoming Day of Action, and let’s show our unwavering solidarity! Together, we can send a powerful message to United Airlines management and the entire airline industry that we demand nothing less than the best for Flight Attendants. It’s time to take bold action and demand the respect and recognition we all truly deserve. So, RSVP now and get ready to make our voices heard loud and clear!

Read More >

December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted December 8, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Wednesday, December 6, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC’s quarterly meeting with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups was postponed due to the merger announcement and other scheduling conflicts. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, and Wednesday, January 10.

Read More >

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted December 8, 2023

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on November 29 to represent Flight Attendants’ interests related to catering and onboard service/sales. The Committee met with management to discuss and receive updates on issues and problems faced by Flight Attendants onboard. The Committee continues to work with management to address catering concerns and improve processes in the future. Please report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Cancelled

Alaska Flight Attendants are struggling to afford living expenses, let alone enjoy holiday shopping for their loved ones. It’s time for Alaska management to prove they care with an industry leading contract!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

1.9 Billion Reasons

December 19th. See you there #PayUsOrCHAOS #AlaskaFAContract

See Our Post >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, December 12 – Thursday, December 14Contract Negotiations
Thursday, December 14Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 14United AFA Day of Action Informational Picketing

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!

2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention: What You Need To Know

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members will attend the 53rd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Convention in Portland, Oregon. They will join representatives from other AFA airlines to address our Union’s business at the international level. Watch […]

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update

Management currently requires Flight Attendants to provide proof of relocation to receive the flat-rate moving expense, a policy that the AFA is formally challenging through the grievance process. While this dispute is ongoing, Flight Attendants able to submit proof of relocation must submit two forms of documentation, such as a lease or updated driver’s license, within 60 days of transfer if they wish to be paid under management’s terms. The union continues to advocate for a fairer process and encourages members to keep records of all related interactions.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

During this negotiation session, we made progress on Sections 15 (Leaves of Absence) and 22 (Expenses). The JNC advocated for positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA to strengthen our proposals. We also introduced our initial proposal for Section 28 (Domiciles) and remain committed to meaningful improvements in all areas of discussion.

Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!

Mark your calendar—Tuesday, March 3, is almost here! There’s still time to register for our Alaska + Hawaiian Town Hall and hear directly from your MEC Officers: MEC President Tim Green, MEC Vice President Brice McGee, and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Ikioka. Join us for the latest updates and get answers to your questions. The Details What […]

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, February 19, our 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), Bob Moore (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes […]

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