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AFA Alaska News in Review – November 17, 2023

In This Edition

December 19 Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now

Originally posted November 13, 2023

Our December 19 Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the holidays. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, as well as Washington, D.C. (DCA), and RSVP now using one of the links below to let us know you’ll be there!

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Mobilization Expands: Direct Passenger Outreach Begins Today

Originally posted November 15, 2023

Mobilization Volunteers will begin distributing leaflets today to Alaska Airlines passengers across all six bases, inviting them to keep up with our contract fight. Passengers can stay informed by scanning a QR code on the leaflets and signing up for email updates. If passengers ask questions on the aircraft about picketing, negotiations, or leafleting, they should be redirected to Alaska Listens. Do not discuss negotiations with passengers while on duty.

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November 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted November 16, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management. The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

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Shared on Social

Direct Passenger Outreach Off to a Successful Start

We’re making it easy for passengers to support our contract fight and stay informed about upcoming actions that may impact their travel plans. Today, our Mobilization Volunteers launched a campaign to distribute informative leaflets among our passengers across all six bases. Several Local Councils will continue to conduct leafleting activities over the next few days. Leaflets included a QR code that directs passengers to the community support page on the contract website, where they can find a link for an email signup form for the public to receive email updates.

American Airlines Flight Attendant Informational Picketing

American Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), held informational picketing events nationwide yesterday to send American management a message: they are ready to strike! They’ve set today as the final deadline for American management to come to the table with a satisfactory economic proposal. If American management doesn’t, the APFA Board of Directors will vote on approving a request to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for release from mediation and into a thirty-day cooling-off period.

AFA Flight Attendants from Alaska and other airlines joined the picket line in support. Management across the industry is watching, and our solidarity is powerful! When we fight together, we win together!

Next Week’s Events

No events scheduled

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!

November 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management.
  • The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

Our MEC held its regular meeting for November 2023 on Tuesday, November 14. The MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates during the meeting. The MEC also reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their ongoing work.

Meeting with Management

Our MEC was initially scheduled to have a meeting with management this month. However, it was decided to cancel the meeting to show our full support for the Negotiating Committee’s decision to cancel the November negotiations session. This decision was made in response to management’s insulting proposals at the bargaining table. Instead of the meeting, the time was utilized to discuss contract negotiations and strategize our mobilization efforts.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a productive meeting with the Negotiating Committee and MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson to discuss yesterday’s direct passenger outreach preparations and our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing. We are confident about plans for the December 19 event, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines. We also had an in-depth discussion about plans for other forthcoming mobilization activities yet to be announced.

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 – November 10, 2023

In This Edition

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Originally posted November 6, 2023

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

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Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Originally posted November 9, 2023

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

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Shared on Social

Southwest Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Congratulations to Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants (represented by TWU Local 556) on their tentative agreement (TA)! Our Negotiating Committee will meet next week to discuss the agreement and its implications on our ongoing contract negotiations. We plan to release a more comprehensive communication after our meeting, outlining how the agreement relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Bidding Reminder – Systemwide Informational Picketing on Tuesday, December 19

Remember to bid Tuesday, December 19 off for our systemwide informational picket! Ratchet up our collective pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity, fighting for the contract we deserve and earn every day! This pressure brings our negotiations to the attention of the public, media, and investors. We will continue to push for what we deserve- a fair contract now!

More information, including meet-up locations and RSVP links, will be coming soon.

Negotiating Committee Statement On The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Our Negotiating Committee met this week to prepare for the upcoming negotiations session in December with a mediator. During this session, we also discussed the recent Tentative Agreement (TA) for Southwest (WN) Flight Attendants, who are represented by TWU Local 556. Out of respect for the ratification process, our Negotiating Committee will not weigh in on the particulars of the WN TA at this time. Southwest Flight Attendants have the right to consider and vote on their TA without undue external influence. After the result of the ratification vote is known (currently scheduled for December 8), we will communicate how the outcome relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Industry Leading?

Alaska Airlines is industry-leading across the board–except for its Flight Attendant contract. It’s time for management to make Alaska Airlines an industry leader in taking care of its employees by delivering the improved pay and work rules that Flight Attendants have earned!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 14Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, November 15Retirement Board Meeting
Thursday, November 16American Airlines Flight Attendant (APFA) Informational Picketing
Thursday, November 16PDX Base Safety 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!

Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

American Flight Attendants have had enough of these delaying tactics and are taking action! On November 16, they’ll conduct a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate they are unified, committed, and ready to fight for the contract they deserve. It’s time to stand up and show American Airlines management that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are united in demanding an end to corporate greed. Be on the lookout for a picket line near you, and plan to show your solidarity!

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, November 16

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11 AM – 1 PM ET
ORD, MSP: 11 AM – 1 PM CT
DFW: 3:30 – 5:30 CT
PHX: 9 – 11 AM MT
LAS, LAX: 11 AM – 1 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Benefits Committee

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

Re-Enrolling After A Leave

While we disagree that one should have to re-enroll in Health Benefits when returning from Staffing Leave, we strongly suggest that you do so. Check to make sure that all your prior coverages are in place. To do so, you can call your health plan directly or visit www.MyAlaskaBenefits.com and check your coverage. We’ve also been advised that once you re-enroll, it can take several days for the coverage to update. You should also have received an email in your company Outlook email regarding health benefits when returning from SAL.

Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

Health benefits premiums, like payroll, are deducted in the subsequent month (i.e., in October for September). When on a Staffing Leave, these deductions do not take place. Flight Attendants are advised to review their pay statement to determine whether or not deductions were taken from October 20th paychecks.

Direct Billing Notice Errors

Those on Staffing Adjustment Leave should have received a direct bill from Cobra Management Services (CMS) with instructions to self-pay the employee contribution for September Health Benefits. We are aware that some Flight Attendants DID receive this notice, and it was correct. We are also aware that many did NOT receive a direct bill and that some did receive bills for very strange amounts that do not reflect the usual employee contributions.

No Direct Bill Received

If you did not receive a direct bill, or if you did not have a correct bill or a deduction from your October 20 paycheck, please contact CMS. The balance owed must be paid to continue coverage. You can contact CMS at:

Phone: (425) 452-9889, ext. 145 or (866) 527-7580, ext. 145
Email: services@cobramanagement.com

Service Charges May Apply

Payments made by credit card or electronic funds transfer have an added service charge applied by the vendor. You might prefer to mail a check to avoid these.

Reporting Issues And Questions

If you’re having challenges with any of these issues, please email management at tiffany.perry@alaskaair.com and emmit.elliott@alaskaair.com and cc our AFA Benefits Committee at benefits@afaalaska.org. Our Benefits and Grievance Committees are continuing to work to resolve these issues.

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for […]

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

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