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AFA Alaska News in Review – October 6, 2023

In This Edition

LOSA Observations Continue

Originally posted October 5, 2023

We are entering the next phase of our Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program. Starting October 8, 2023, LOSA observations will occur over six continuous days each month. Like the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary, and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data. If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.

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Shared on Social

President Biden’s Speech At The Tempe Center for the Arts

On September 28, 2023, President Biden delivered a speech about the state of democracy at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. The White House invited 40 Union leaders from the Arizona AFL-CIO, who, in turn, selected Melissa Osborne, LEC President of Council 35 (SFO), and Majo Tanco, LEC Secretary of Council 18 (LAX), to attend the event.

The event’s main focus was to announce the dedication of a local library to the late Senator John McCain. The audience had the opportunity to hear from various notable speakers, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Ambassador Cindy McCain (Senator John McCain’s widow), and President Biden himself. Other attendees included Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Phoenix City Mayor Kate Gallego, and more.

In his speech, President Biden emphasized the importance of unity in a country struggling with division and eroding democracy. He urged Americans to unite under a common cause and work together to maintain and protect the freedom our founding fathers secured for us. Union members in the room felt the message of solidarity and unity was not lost on them.

This year, the US labor movement has been a shining example of the power of solidarity. As we approach the end of the year, Flight Attendants all over the country are ready to stand together and fight for our right to fair wages and working conditions. We recognize that we can accomplish more when we help each other, regardless of the airline or Union we belong to.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 10 – Wednesday, October 11Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, October 12LAX Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, October 12Alternate 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!

LOSA Observations Continue

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • We are entering the next phase of our Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program. Starting October 8, 2023, LOSA observations will occur over six continuous days each month.
  • Like the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary, and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data.
  • If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.

As previously communicated, AFA and management agreed to a Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program to help improve safety for Flight Attendants, other crewmembers, and passengers. The LOSA program is jointly administered by AFA and management as outlined in the Inflight Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) Program letter of agreement.

The information collected from LOSA observations will help us better understand how Flight Attendants manage threats and errors, evaluate compliance with standard operating procedures, and gain valuable insight into our day-to-day line operations from a safety perspective.

LOSA Observers are line Flight Attendants trained to perform LSOA observations. They are prohibited from recording Flight Attendant names, flight numbers, or dates in the collected data, as confidentiality is critical to this process. Any data collected is sent directly to the AFA LOSA Coordinator to ensure it is fully de-identified before being released for analysis by the LOSA Steering Committee. AFA and management will receive a final report outlining what went well and what can be better, identifying procedures that should be modified or re-emphasized.

Flight Attendant LOSA Observer may ask to join your flight to conduct an observation. Participation is entirely voluntary; however, we encourage you to participate in this valuable effort. You will also be able to provide your LOSA Observer with safety-related feedback during the flight.

Questions?

More information about LOSA can be found in the September 25, 2023 Bulletin Bundle (AAG sign-on required). If you have any other questions about the LOSA program, please reach out to the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee at losa@afaalaska.org.

October 2023 Council 30 Update

In this edition:

  • Summer of Mobilization Recap
  • Upcoming Important Dates
  • Membership Dues
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • AFA International HRE Committee

Summer of Mobilization Recap

It has been a busy summer for our LEC/MEC and Mobilization Volunteers! With Red Hot Summer systemwide events in July and August at Alaska, American, Southwest and United, and surprise pop up events in LAX and PDX in September, we have made sure management knows wherever they go, AFA will find out and we will be there. And we will keep being there until we achieve an agreement that properly recognizes our contribution to the success of the company!

Be on the lookout for ANC Mobilization Committee members who continue to hand out red pins and bag tags. 

Many thanks to the members who have volunteered at our events and helped make them a success! You can keep up to date with the latest negotiations information here News (afaalaska.org)

Upcoming Important Dates

Save the Date – October 25, 2023 –  Council 30 Meeting

Our next Council meeting will be Wednesday, October 25, 10:30am to 12pm at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK. Members must be active status and in good standing (dues current) to attend local council meetings.

PBS Base Sits

Members of the ANC Scheduling and Reserve Committees will be hosting PBS base sits in the ANC Crewroom from 10/5, 6, 7, 8, 9 from 10am – 4pm each day.  

National Group Protection – Open Enrollment

You should have received a couple of mailings from National Group Protection regarding open enrollment for Group Supplemental Benefits, including Accident and Critical Illness benefits. You can enroll online at www.ngp-ins.com/alaska-afa or call (800) 344-9016.

Second Round Vacation Bidding

Second round opened October 3rd and closes the 17th. Don’t forget to bid! Awards will be posted on October 25th. 

Government Affairs Base Sit – November 2

ANC Government Affairs Committee members will have a base sit on November 2 to educate members on current ballot measures affecting our labor group. They will also provide information and locations pertaining to in person and mail in voting.

Use It or Lose It – Uniform Allotment

Our current uniform allotment will expire at the end of 2023. If you fail to use the allotment by the end of the year, you will lose the funds. Each FA will receive a new allotment on January 1, 2024. 

If you are out of allotment funds and in need of uniform pieces or have allotment funds that will go unused, please reach out to ANC Uniform Committee Chair, Kim Mazzolini at kim.mazzolini@afaalaska.org.

Membership Dues

As we get closer to reaching an agreement on a new contract, it is important to make sure you are current on your membership dues. In order to have your vote counted on a new tentative agreement (TA) you must be an active member in good standing (dues current.) If you have questions about your dues status, please reach out to our Council 30 LEC Secretary, Annie Madsen at annie.madsen@afaalaska.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month officially started on September 15th and runs through October 15th. If you didn’t get a Hispanic Heritage AFA pin last year, reach out to a local AFA officer. Currently, we are recommending all members wear the red AFA pin to support our Negotiating Committee during ongoing contract negotiations.

AFA International HRE Committee

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care.

We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together, we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people. 

CLICK HERE to view the latest HRE Committee Newsletter

If you are interested in joining the HRE Committee, please contact send an email to anc@afaalaska.org. 

In Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

AFA Alaska News in Review – September 29, 2023

In This Edition

  • Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization

Originally posted September 27, 2023

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) has decided to split the duties of the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson into two positions. Current MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Justin Wetherell will move into a new MEC Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative position. Council 15 (SAN) Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff will take on the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson position.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023

Originally posted September 29, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Mobilization Pop Up at Management Meeting in Portland

Surprise! Our Mobilization Volunteers just happened to pop up at Alaska management’s annual leadership summit being held this week in downtown Portland. They handed out 100 Grand and Payday bars (fun size, of course) to members of management as a reminder that Flight Attendants are still waiting for a contract that provides meaningful work rule improvement and industry-leading pay rates. Who knows where our Mobilization Volunteers will pop up next!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 3Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, October 5Quarterly Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting
Thursday, October 5Scheduling 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!

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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!

On Tuesday, September 26, our AFA Scheduling 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on October 24, 2023.

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:

  • Block hours reduction. For the fall of 2023 we will see line averages reduced. You should notice a difference when bidding your September schedule. Line averages could be 75-78 depending on the number of leaves offered by base. 
  • JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and “trade handshake” in September 2023. This was rescheduled for September 26, 2023. Please refer to the recent bulletin bundle for updates. 
  • Staffing Adjustment Leaves. Management has reviewed the anticipated block hours and decided to offer leaves. This is a change from last month’s update. If you are interested in a leave of absence please review the recent bulletin. Management is reviewing all options of SAL and Low Bid to determine the best business decision.  
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. Management recently issued a bulletin bundle providing an update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until a permanent resolution is installed. As of today, there have been 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
  • Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together refer to Section 8.T. There are also issues with splitting base turns that require Crew Scheduling assistance. 
  • Vacation Bidding. Prepare for 2024 vacation bids. Find 1st round, 2nd round and Open Time dates in the applicable bulletin bundle. First round of vacation bidding is complete.  Approximately 1500 Flight Attendants did not bid in the first round but will have an opportunity in the 2nd round for Slots 7 and 8.
  • Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants trade into/out of trips with this label the premium will disappear.  Flight Attendants can contact Crew Scheduling if they notice a trip in Open Time that is labeled as “ISA” but doesn’t show premium and request removal of the ISA or require the premium be added back onto the trip. Crew scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. The ability to trade these trips was added to ADR for further discussion.
  • Hotel wait times. If you are waiting in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel, please ensure you are keeping in contact with Crew Scheduling and opening a ticket with AFA.  
  • Crew Scheduling Error. We do have approximately 39 schedulers in Crew Scheduling, some of whom are new to the position. Scheduling management appreciates Flight Attendants reporting contractual violations so they are able to coach/train. Please remember to fly now and grieve later. We’ve seen pre-cancellations, reassignments, domicile rest and other contractual provisions that were violated by accident and remedied through discussions with Crew Scheduling management. 
  • PowerPoint Presentations. Each month management from Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning provide the scheduling committee with updates. These are shared with your MEC/LEC officers. The information includes but is not limited to Reserve utilization, sick leave, sick leave by base, winter operations, personal drops, trip commutability, trip length distribution and what to expect in the near future. Some of the information contained in the presentation is under our non-disclosure agreements but AFA continues to engage in the topic discussions.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is preparing to have more base sits and presentations for Flight Attendants. We will provide dates/times/locations in a future update – stay tuned. 
  2. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management was set for June 5, 2023 and a follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming.  Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (pilots/Flight Attendants) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. You will see this in December pairings. We’ve asked management to send out a communication about teaming.
  4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network/Crew planning is reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Alaska management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendantss could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft teams to alleviate phone calls. This would be Flight Attendant initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA.

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 Scheduling 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 Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

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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