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Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, September 14 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, September 14, 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), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton and MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeil.

The committee met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Manager Goose Hlaingmyint and Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Derrick Bernard.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 7.

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. Number of classes and specific numbers of students in each class are dependent on 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 update 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. Buddies are very busy supporting new Flight Attendants. Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Buddy for answers to questions about contract and work rules.
  • Reminder to new hire Flight Attendants about the AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.
  • Ongoing concerns with ISA coded trips that are not labeled as premium. Please reference bulletin #2023-074. If you have any issues please report through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so AFA representatives can follow up with management. 
  • 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.

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.
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns. Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring management is complying with our contract.

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.

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 13 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously improve onboard catering and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

On Wednesday, September 13, our AFA Inflight Service Committee 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 Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN). Also present was MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett.

The committee met with MD Inflight Services and Inflight Administration Gloria Chang- Vanderwell, MD Guest Products and Passenger Food and Beverage Todd Traynor-Corey, GM Catering Operations and Passenger Food and Beverage Service Jenny Connett-Schreiber,  Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Inflight Product and Experience Director David Scotland, Principal Cabin Prod & Exp Mgr. Chris Dela Rosa, Director of Onboard Food and Beverage Dean Courtelis, SR Food and Beverage Product Mgr. Jessica Johnston, Mgr. F&B Planning and Programs David Rodriquez, and other management representatives from the food & beverage and catering operations.

The next scheduled Inflight Service Committee meeting is November 29, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Cabin refresh for our AC to include convenience features for our passengers. We were pleased to hear that the 3 aft lavatories will remain on refurbished AC. 
  • Streamlining the service was discussed to improve consistency for passenger experience. Catering concerns were brough forward and their impact on flight attendants and passengers was discussed.
  • Marketing/Catering appreciates ISC feedback regarding timing service increments. This helps determine the amount of service that can be safely accomplished.
  • Product changes will start being available on our AC in the fall. ISC attendees were treated to tasting teas that we will see on our flights. We look forward to serving these options. 
  • New containers were discussed for hot meals in the MC. There will be testing to determine if they meet our serving and disposal needs.
  • Catering Ops has faced many difficulties with the performance of the kitchens. They are instituting practices to help improve the situation. Catering Ops provided a demonstration of the FAC system which collates B2B entered comments.
  • The new Onboard Service Handbook, one location for all service offered, was discussed. An overview of the 2024 Service Refresh training was also presented.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block. If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

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

AFA Alaska News in Review – September 15, 2023

In This Edition

We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

Originally posted September 11, 2023

Read More >

Grievance Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted September 12, 2023

Our Grievance Committee protects all Flight Attendants from arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and upholds our collective bargaining agreement. This update briefly summarizes the committee’s work over the past quarter. Management has issued discipline lately for a variety of reasons. Read on for more information about why management is disciplining and terminating Flight Attendants. If you’ve faced a situation that you believe might be a contractual violation, please report the issue through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support Southwest Flight Attendants

Originally posted September 13, 2023

It’s time to stand in solidarity with our Flight Attendant family at Southwest Airlines as they head to the picket line. Southwest Flight Attendants will be holding an informational picket in Denver on Wednesday, September 20, to address their ongoing fight for a fair contract. If you’re going to be in the Denver area, plan now to join the picket and sign up using the link below.

Read More >

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Originally posted September 15, 2023

September 15th marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to 1968 when legislation was signed into law first recognizing Hispanic Heritage Week. Read more about Hispanic Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, and learn about events you can participate in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic Heritage Month AFA Pin. Check with your Local Council if you need a pin.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Surprise Pop-Up Picket At Alaska Airlines Event In Los Angeles

Despite issuing a public statement that our Negotiating Committee’s financial proposals were “economically unfeasible,” Alaska Airlines management decided that it was economically feasible to hold a swanky reception at a Marina Del Rey luxury hotel for company executives, elite frequent flyers, and Los Angeles area civic leaders today [Wednesday, September 13]. Our Mobilization Volunteers crashed the party with a surprise pop-up picket outside the hotel to ensure CEO Ben Minicucci and others attending the event heard our message. This example of corporate greed is a slap in the face to hard-working Flight Attendants who are long overdue for pay and work rule improvements that we have earned!

Next Week’s Events

Monday, September 18 – Tuesday, September 19Contract Negotiations
Monday, September 18 – Tuesday, September 19Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, September 20TWU Local 556/Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Informational Picketing (Denver, CO)

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!

Join The Picket Line: Support Southwest Flight Attendants

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • It’s time to stand in solidarity with our Flight Attendant family at Southwest Airlines as they head to the picket line.
  • Southwest Flight Attendants will be holding an informational picket in Denver on Wednesday, September 20, to address their ongoing fight for a fair contract.
  • If you’re going to be in the Denver area, plan now to join the picket and sign up using the link below.

This summer, the spirit of solidarity is thriving as Flight Attendants and workers all over the country unite against corporate greed and mismanagement. Our Day of Solidarity events received immense support from fellow Union Members who joined our picket lines. Their backing helped to make our message to management louder and clearer. It’s time to stand with our Flight Attendant family at Southwest as they escalate their fight for better pay and working conditions. Keep reading to find out how you can help!

Flight Attendants at Southwest Airlines, part of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), have been working under a contract that became amendable in November 2018. They have been facing the brunt of operational failures and meltdowns, while Southwest executives have been receiving bonuses, and shareholders have been given dividends and stock buybacks. Management continues to drag their feet in negotiations and has failed to bring to the table a contract that honors the dedication of Flight Attendants with fair pay and working conditions.

On September 20, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants will hold an informational picketing event in Denver, CO, to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to fight for the contract they deserve. Plan now to stand with them in solidarity and demand that management at Southwest Airlines Make It Right for their Flight Attendants. Let’s come together and show management at Southwest that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere stand united in this fight and demand the pay and working conditions we have rightfully earned.

TWU Local 556 Picketing Event Information

Date: Wednesday, September 20
Location: Denver, CO
Check-In: Begins at 15:00 (local time)
Picketing: 16:00 to 19:00 (local time)

Click here to Register >

Supplemental Benefits Program

National Group Protection, Inc. will be onsite in Anchorage September 13—15 to communicate and service the supplemental benefits programs offered to AFA members at Alaska Airlines.  They were last onsite in 2019 and are excited to have a representative coming back to ANC.  Below are some highlights regarding the enrollment and benefits—

  • One benefits counselor will be onsite in the crew lounge on the above dates from 7:30-11:00am and 1:30-5pm each day. 
  • You can meet with the counselor to get information on the plans, enroll in coverage and or get assistance with filing claims/wellness benefits
    • Please note, they can help members retroactively file claims/wellness benefits
  • In addition to the onsite enrollment, members will also have the opportunity to enroll in coverage through a self-serve website or call center
    • Please see attached flyer for information

Benefit Features

  • Supplemental—these plans supplement existing benefits and pay in addition to all other insurance or sources of income
  • Voluntary—members choose to participate
  • Limited Underwriting—no medical exams or physicals 
  • Family Coverage—available with all plans 
  • Benefits—paid tax free directly to the member 
  • Portable—members can continue coverage if they retire or leave their employer for any reason 

Plans Offered

Below are the plans that are currently offered.  Members can pick and choose what plans might be a fit.

  1. Accident
  2. Hospital Indemnity
  3. Critical Illness
  4. Whole Life

If you have questions, please call National Group Protection at 800-344-9016.

 Alaska AFA – mailer2023.pdf

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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