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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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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!

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Inflight Service Committee

  • 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!

On Wednesday, November 29, 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). MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett was also present. 

The committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Inflight Product and Experience Director David Scotland, Principal Cabin Product and Experience Manager Chris Dela Rosa, Director of Onboard Food and Beverage Services Dean Courtelis, Senior Food and Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, Manager of Food and Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Senior Onboard Food and Beverage Specialist Andrea Lockett, Principal Product Manager ITS Apps Ranjita Prasad, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, and other management representatives from the food & beverage and catering operations. 

The next scheduled Inflight Service Committee meeting is Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Local Committee Chairperson Discussion. During the AFA-only session, some items discussed were the snacks, brewing the new coffee, testing the Apple tap-to-pay process, catering loading, and service flow.
  • MAX 8 Galleys. The diagrams for the MAX 8 galleys were reviewed. Galley 4 will have an expanded trash bin on aircraft right, and catering loading will need to be modified. Discussions included the ability to have completely separate supplies for legs 1 and 2.
  • Aircraft Interiors. Management is continuing to work on refreshing interiors across the fleet.
  • Onboard Service Procedures. Management noted that the completion rate of the pre-departure beverage service has improved. However, the service flow was identified as difficult to complete. Premium Class has many service components that contribute to delivering a positive experience for passengers, which will continue to be discussed. There will be an emphasis on enhancing the Premium Experience for 2024.
  • Catering Products. The catering team has successfully transitioned to Stumptown Coffee and is working on improving the brewing process. Feedback from passengers suggests that those traveling in first class are enjoying the “greatest hits” menu, which has been received positively. Additionally, new products have been introduced, including changes to the flavors of Stellar Snacks, Freemont Brewing’s Cloud Cruiser IPA, non-alcoholic beer, Polar cranberry-lime seltzer, and oat-milk creamers.
  • Catering Operations. The management team has recently made some improvements to the glassware cleaning process. They have also introduced some logistical changes to make catering supplies more readily available on the aircraft. The Committee was introduced to the new Director of Catering Operations, Andrew Moyer. Going forward, the Committee will work closely with him to address any catering-related issues or concerns.
  • IMD Updates. Management is in the process of introducing software-based payment options through a Tap-to-Pay feature. This option eliminates the need to swipe credit cards physically and simplifies transactions. On December 20, a Block2Block update will be released with a fix for current bugs and functionality to provide timely flight delay information to crewmembers and passengers. Additional updates, including the release of version 3.0 of Block2Block, will be available in April.

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 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.

December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • 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.

The December 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Wednesday, December 6. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.

Meeting with Management Delayed

In conjunction with this meeting, our MEC was supposed to meet with company executive management and a group of union leaders representing the other workgroups. These meetings, usually held once every quarter, provide an opportunity to receive updates from management and engage in a broader discussion of issues and concerns that impact all employees within the company. However, due to the recent merger announcement and other scheduling conflicts, management postponed the meeting until next week.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a highly productive meeting with AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo regarding the recent Alaska-Hawaiian merger announcement, the status of negotiations and mediation, and upcoming mobilization activities. We are more than ready for our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines with full force. Let’s send an unwavering message to management that we are strong, united, and fiercely committed to fighting for the contractual pay and work rule improvements we have rightfully earned.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

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

Master Executive Council (MEC)

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!

United AFA Day Of Action Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, December 14

Locations: AUS, BOS, CLE, DEN, EWR, FLL, GUM, HNL, IAD, IAH, LAS, LAX, LGA, LHR, MCO, ORD, PHX, SAN, SFO, TPA

Click here for event details and to RSVP >

Housing & Food Assistance Resources

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • 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.

Starting a career as a Flight Attendant is a significant and challenging life change, especially in today’s industry. The ever-increasing pace of inflation and lagging pay rates that haven’t kept up with the cost of living makes it difficult for many new hires to make ends meet. Finding affordable housing and healthy food options in newly assigned bases, located in some of the most expensive cities in the country, can be overwhelming and stressful for many new Flight Attendants. 

Our Negotiating Committee recognized the need for immediate financial improvements to help Flight Attendants address these challenges, and they approached management for an interim pay increase when negotiations first got underway in late 2022. Unfortunately, management declined even to discuss the request. This is highly disappointing, considering that Flight Attendants are falling further and further behind every day.

We want you to know that if you are struggling, you are not alone, and our EAP Committee is here to help. To assist those currently facing housing and food challenges, we’ve created a new website page with comprehensive information on resources to help Flight Attendants overcome these obstacles. You can find the page by clicking here or through the links section of the EAP Committee page on afaalaska.org. The page provides useful information on affordable housing options, food banks, and other resources to help ease your worries and offer much-needed relief.

We realize that the need for housing and food assistance can be sensitive, and we want to ensure you have a safe, supportive, and confidential environment to access these resources. Our new website page will provide tools and resources to help you overcome these challenges and find comfort and security. If you have any questions or are looking for support, please get in touch with our AFA EAP Committee. Call (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee at afaalaska.org/eap.

Housing & Food Assistance Resources

Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is committed to prioritizing your nutrition during the work day through our crew meal provisions. We are eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of crew meals are most meaningful to you, as we continue to advocate for […]

Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results

Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 43 LEC Officers, representing Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants based in Honolulu. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Kela Chong IVLEC Vice President: Martin GusmanLEC Secretary: Soon Kim View the certified election results here >> These newly elected […]

Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results

Polls closed at 11 AM PT today for the election of Council 39 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Portland. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Krystle Shae BerryLEC Vice President: Melodie AnderesLEC Secretary: Kevin Sharp View the certified election results here >> These newly elected […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

On Monday, May 11, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee […]

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