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AFA Alaska News in Review – November 3, 2023

In This Edition

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Originally posted November 1, 2023

November 1st marks the first day of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century when proclamations were adopted by various organizations and state governments celebrating American Indian Day. Read more about Native American Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Native Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

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Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19

Originally posted November 1, 2023

Ratchet up the pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity for the contract we deserve and have earned! Management’s first economic counter-proposal was offensive and unacceptable. Their proposals fail to reflect our value as Flight Attendants. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 19 and plan to bid the day off for informational picketing in all bases.

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Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Originally posted November 2, 2023

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

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Shared on Social

Horror Story 2023

AFA Alaska presents ‘The Horrors of Corporate Greed’! Follow for more scary and true stories from Alaska Flight Attendants.

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

New Negotiating Committee Blog Post

A new response is now published on the Negotiating Committee Blog! Read this week’s post for information on proposed pay scales in the context of the overall economic proposal.

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Next Week’s Events

Thursday, November 9Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, November 9Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

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!

Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

  1. Legal Issues: In many countries and states, psilocybin is illegal, and possessing or using it, even in small amounts, can lead to legal consequences. Even though some US states have legalized psilocybin, it is still considered a Schedule 1 substance at the federal level (just like marijuana).
  2. Lack of Standardization: Psilocybin content in magic mushrooms can vary significantly between species and even individual mushrooms. This makes it difficult to accurately control dosage, potentially leading to unintended and unpredictable effects. Obtaining a reliable source of psilocybin for microdosing can be challenging. Ensuring the quality and purity of the substance is also crucial to avoid potential contaminants or impurities.
  3. Interactions with Medications: Psilocybin may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. These interactions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to serious health consequences. Psychological Effects: While the doses in microdosing are sub-perceptual, some individuals may still experience unwanted psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or mood swings.
  4. Dependency and Tolerance: There is a potential for developing a tolerance to psilocybin with regular microdosing, meaning that over time, one might need to increase the dose to achieve the same effects.
  5. Misuse and Self-Medication: Microdosing is often promoted as a remedy for various mental health issues. Using it as a substitute for proper mental health treatment can delay or prevent individuals from seeking necessary help from qualified professionals.
  6. Undesirable Physical Effects: Even though micro-doses are sub-perceptual, there can be mild physical side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
  7. Individual Variability: Responses to microdosing can vary greatly among individuals. What works well for one person may not have the same effects for another, and some people may experience adverse effects.

If you are struggling with a well-being issue, please reach out to your AFA EAP Committee for access to evidence-based treatments. Your Local EAP Committee can be reached using the contact information at afaalaska.org/eap or by calling (949) 470-0493. Remember, all calls are confidential.

AFA Alaska News in Review – October 27, 2023

In This Edition

  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2023
  • Contactability Flow Charts
  • Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2023

Originally posted October 25, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, October 24 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Contactability Flow Charts

Originally posted October 25, 2023

Our Scheduling Committee has created some new tools to help you better understand contractual language. These tools consist of two flowcharts that illustrate when you are required to be reachable by Crew Scheduling. One flowchart addresses situations when you are on duty, while the other covers times when you are on a RON/layover, on call as a Reserve, or off duty. Both flowcharts are available on the Scheduling Committee page of afaalaska.org for reference as needed.

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Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted October 26, 2023

On Tuesday, October 24, the AFA Benefits Committee Chairpersons held a meeting to discuss their continued efforts in assisting Flight Attendants with work-related benefits such as insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and address concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants. If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Benefits Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

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Shared on Social

United AFA Day of Action – October 26, 2023

Yesterday, United Airlines Flight Attendants conducted a powerful Day of Action with informational picketing events systemwide. United management continues investing in new planes, gates, service, and lounges. Meanwhile, United Flight Attendants are still without a new contract recognizing the hard work and sacrifice they’ve put in to make the company successful.

It’s time for United management to recognize the value of their Flight Attendants and deliver a contract with the improvements they have earned. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants proudly stood in solidarity with our United counterparts on the picket lines, and we will continue to stand together—their fight is our fight! Our collective voice is strong and cannot be ignored!

#AFAAlaska #ContractNow #PayUsOrChaos #SolidaritySeason #1u

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, November 2SFO Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, November 2Scheduling 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!

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Benefits Committee

  • On Tuesday, October 24, the AFA Benefits Committee Chairpersons held a meeting to discuss their continued efforts in assisting Flight Attendants with work-related benefits such as insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. 
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and address concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Benefits Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Tuesday, October 24, representatives from our Local AFA Benefits Committees met to discuss their ongoing work related to Flight Attendant work-related benefits, including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Majo Tanco, (LAX), and Sonia Quackenbush (SAN). Also present were MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Terry Taylor and MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams.

The committee met with the following management representatives: Mike Link, Senior Labor Relations Program Manager; Josh Madsen, Director – Health and Absence Management; Tiffany Perry, Health and Welfare Program Manager; Leah Ables, Director-Payroll, Margo Fincher, Manager-Absence Management; and Tracy Middleton and Stevie Ray Brown, from the Absence Management Department.

The committee’s next meeting will be scheduled for early January.

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:

  • Difficulty connecting with the Inflight FA Leave Team, either via telephone, returned message, or email. Should you encounter this problem, please reach out to your Local Council Benefits Representative. 
  • Challenges with the Return to Work process. Once you are released to return to work, you must send your written release to FA.Leave@alaskaair.com, as well as to Hartford or Sedgwick.
  • Introduction and description of new AirGroup EAP provider, Lyra. This program will take the place of Active Support starting January 01, 2024. Lyra will offer 10 free counseling sessions per covered employee/family member, per situation. They will offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Those who are currently using Active Support counselors can complete the current six offered Active Support Sessions and will still be eligible for 10 sessions with Lyra starting in January.
  • An electronic version of the Pay Preference form has been in development for some time. This will be very helpful to those employees who do not have access to a printer. It is expected to be available by the end of the year.
  • Washington Paid Family Leave will go into effect for our work group in January 2024. Premiums are partially paid by the company, and partially payroll-deducted. This plan requires online application through the State of Washington. Oregon Paid Family leave went into effect in June of this year, with premium contributions starting that month. Each state has an ‘hours worked’ minimum requirement for eligibility.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Health Benefits following Staffing Adjustment Leave (SAL). We disagree with the new process requiring re-enrollment in health benefits following SALs. We are working to resolve this issue.
  2. Implementation of Washington Paid Family Leave, Oregon Paid Family Leave, and Washington Paid Sick Leave. We have requested the company communicate their processes and intent with implementation, application, and administration of these programs.
  3. Calculator Challenges. We continue to hear from members who believe the TFP calculators are inaccurate. The recent Flight Attendant Website Alert (10/20/23) indicated the company is aware of this and is working on it. As the end of the year draws closer we need these tools repaired and accurate.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you have any feedback or concerns that you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your Local Benefits Committee is here to assist and represent you to management. You can find our contact information on the Benefits Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. We are committed to helping you in any way we can!

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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