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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Crew Access Open Time Performance – June 16, 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • Flight Attendants are facing technical issues with Crew Access and Open Time trading/dropping, causing stress and frustration.
  • Management plans to resolve these issues with server upgrades in June and July and will monitor the system closely during July Open Time.
  • Our Scheduling Committee has requested a meeting with management to discuss long-term solutions for the ongoing Crew Access challenges.

Recently, many Flight Attendants have been experiencing technical issues with Crew Access and Open Time trading/dropping. These problems have been causing growing frustration and stress, both professionally and personally. Our Scheduling Committee acknowledges the significant impact and is committed to finding effective solutions while holding management accountable for maintaining systems that operate effectively and reliably.

Management has acknowledged the problems and expressed their commitment to tackling them head-on. As a first step, the JCTE servers are scheduled to undergo an upgrade. New firmware is set to be installed by June 24, followed by upgraded hardware by July 10, or possibly sooner. These enhancements are anticipated to enhance performance and overall system capacity significantly.

To ensure proactive oversight, the Information Technology Services (ITS) team will work closely with Jeppesen to monitor the JCTE platform during the upcoming Flight Attendant Open Time on July 16. This initiative is a step towards resolving the current issues and improving the operational experience for all Flight Attendants.

Furthermore, we expect management to deliver thorough and detailed updates on the measures taken to resolve the server load issues. Clear communication and a comprehensive breakdown of the implemented solutions and improvements are essential to ensure transparency. This will help our Scheduling Committee monitor progress and provide Flight Attendants with accurate, up-to-date information.

To address the more extensive and systemic ongoing challenges with Crew Access, our Scheduling Committee has formally requested a meeting with management to discuss the issues further. This meeting is a critical opportunity for dialogue and exploring concrete solutions to ensure an uninterrupted and contractually compliant experience for Flight Attendants.

Our Scheduling Committee is fully dedicated to actively addressing JCTE-related issues in order to restore operational normalcy and alleviate the challenges faced by Flight Attendants. We appreciate your continued patience and support throughout this process. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Scheduling Committee.

AFA Alaska News in Review – June 14, 2024

In This Edition

Negotiation Session 22

Originally posted June 13, 2024

Next week, we take our fight to Washington, DC! Our Negotiating Committee will fly to Washington, DC for our 5th mediation session. Typically, when negotiations get to final stages, the NMB will want to meet with the parties before progressing to any next steps under the Railway Labor Act (RLA). Convening mediation in DC continues the process toward a tentative agreement Flight Attendants can ratify. We said, “We Won’t Wait,” and we mean it! Today, we are kicking off this Red Hot Solidarity Summer with the second Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, to show we are more united than ever!

Read More >

Our Day Of Action Sends A Clear Message To Management: We Won’t Wait!

Originally posted June 14, 2024

What a day yesterday was! We all came together yet again – thousands of Flight Attendants from across the industry showing strength and unity on an unprecedented scale. We made it crystal clear that we refuse to be undervalued any longer. Our voices were strong and unwavering, sending a powerful message to management across the industry that we are determined to secure the contracts and improvements we rightfully deserve.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Our Day of Action Is Tomorrow!

Originally posted June 12, 2024 – for reference only

Join us on the picket line tomorrow as Flight Attendants worldwide are standing strong against corporate greed. Together, 80,000 flight attendants are uniting in a historic fight against airline management to demand respect for aviation’s first responders.

Flight Attendants cannot afford to wait any longer for these agreements and neither can the airlines. While airlines have boasted record passenger numbers and revenue, contract negotiations for Flight Attendants have been ongoing for years! Tell airline management, it’s time to get this done, NOW!

June 13 Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action – Day of Event Information

Originally posted June 13, 2024 – for reference only

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants won’t wait for the contract we are due. And we’re taking our fight to the picket line to show management we’ll do whatever it takes! 🪧📢💪

Today is our Day of Action, and Flight Attendants from across the industry are coming together for informational picketing events at over 30 airports worldwide. Dive into this post for all the important details, including meeting points, times, and contact information for Alaska bases. Swipe through to learn more about the virtual picket and grab resources to join in.

Still have questions or need more info? Hop over to the Day of Action event page at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/june-13-action/ to get all the answers you need. Let’s come together and make our voices heard – we’ve got this!

June 13 Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action Recap

Today was an incredible day of solidarity at SNA and over 30 airports worldwide! Flight Attendants, together with our families, friends, and allies, stood together to make history once again. We raised our voices against corporate greed and demanded the contracts we have rightfully earned. Our collective strength and unwavering unity sent a clear message to management: we won’t wait for what’s rightfully ours. We demonstrated the incredible force of our collective power and showed that we will do whatever it takes to secure our careers and our futures!

See The Post From: ANC | LAX | ONT | PDX | SAN | SEA | SFO | SNA

Next Week’s Events

Monday, June 17 – Tuesday, June 18Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, June 18 – Thursday, June 20Contract Negotiations (Mediation)

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!

AFA Alaska News in Review – June 7, 2024

In This Edition

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

Originally posted June 1, 2024

June 1 marks the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States. The tradition recognizes the events of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. You can use the resource links below to explore more about LGBTQ Pride Month, delve into the history of the LGBTQ rights movement, and discover events you can take part in. Join the celebration by wearing an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin during June. Contact your Local Council for more information on obtaining a pin.

Read More >

We Won’t Wait!

Originally posted June 5, 2024

We’ve started another summer flying season without a tentative agreement. Alaska Flight Attendants can’t afford to wait! And we won’t wait for the contract we are due.  

Management has said, “we remain focused on closing existing gaps swiftly to reach an improved agreement you can begin working under as soon as possible.” It’s time to make good on this promise. 

We’re ready to push forward over the next two weeks during our negotiations sessions to reach a tentative agreement that Alaska Flight Attendants can ratify. And if management won’t make the deal, we’re preparing for next steps under the Railway Labor Act. 

Read More >

One Week To Go – Worldwide Day of Action, Thursday, June 13

Originally posted June 6, 2024

Don’t forget to RSVP for our Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action informational picketing events next week on Thursday, June 13. Encourage your family, friends, and other allies to join us on the picket line! As a reminder, Flight Attendants scheduled to work during the events must refrain from participating. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can join our virtual picket using the resources on the contract website.

Read More >

Shared on Social

We Won’t Wait!

We’ve started another summer flying season without a tentative agreement. Alaska Flight Attendants can’t afford to wait! And we won’t wait for the contract we are due. We need your action to back up our Negotiating Committee and push management to get this done.

Get out on the picket line next Thursday, June 13! RSVP here!

Be sure to wear your Red AFA Pin and Contract Now lanyard on every flight. Call your Senators and ask them to sign on to the letter to the NMB for our right to strike. 

See the Post >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, June 11 – Wednesday, June 12Contract Negotiations
Thursday, June 13Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action
Thursday, June 13Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 13Scheduling 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!

AFA Alaska News in Review – May 31, 2024

In This Edition

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2024

Originally posted May 28, 2024

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on May 21 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 >

Negotiation Session 21

Originally posted May 31, 2024

This week, we tentatively agreed to Section 10.R-S, which closes out the operational components for Reassignments and Pre-Cancellations. We also presented a comprehensive proposal to management. While the parties are closer together, there is more work to be done. Next month we have a mediation session scheduled, as well as an added negotiation session without the mediator.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Financial State

Alaska Flight Attendants struggle, Alaska management boasts. How can management continue to tout their excellence while knowing 79% of the Financial Survey respondents face financial insecurity due to the airline’s pay rates? Or that 5% were homeless in the last year?? Make it make sense.

Watch Our Reel >

Where’s the CHAOS™?

We have mediation and negotiation sessions scheduled through September at this time. If an impasse in negotiations is reached, our Negotiating Committee is fully prepared to request the release to strike from the National Mediation Board.

Watch Our Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, June 6Alternate 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!

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2024

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on May 21 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 Tuesday, May 21, 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 Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Principal Cabin Product and Experience Manager Chris Dela Rosa, Director of Food and Beverage Mita Padhi, Manager of Food and Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Senior Food and Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, Food and Beverage Systems Manger Andrea Lockett, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, Managing Director of Guest Products Todd Traynor-Corey, Senior Product Manager of Guest Products Megan Low, Food and Beverage Planning Systems Manager Gayatri Watwe, and IT Vendor Christopher Pettigrew. 

The next scheduled Inflight Service Committee meeting is Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee discussed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some of the items included:

  • Packaging for Main Cabin meals, including hot meals and their labeling.
  • The impact on service due to temporary product substitutions.
  • Progress on updating older aircraft furnishings and current enhancements for the cabins, addressing issues with lavatory trash, and placing mirrors from the aft jump seat.
  • Ensuring the safety of future coffee brewing, which included discussing modifications to the brew basket.
  • Discussion with Catering Operations to ensure plans for summer ice loading are in place and that new seasonal routes are correctly catered.
  • Management reported on upcoming Block2Block (B2B) updates, and glitches were discussed. The Committee received updates on B2B functions, including a new training mode, tap-to-pay issues, and screen switching for payment processing.
  • Discussion and review of catering issues causing crew confusion.
  • Email notifications to passengers regarding the ability to pre-order are improving the process and increasing pre-order counts.
  • The overall service flow and process were discussed.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Correct product labeling. The Committee is working with catering to ensure that meals are clearly labeled, especially the new Main Cabin hot meal options for long-haul, medium-haul, and short-haul flights.
  2. Adjusting product levels. Committee Members are working with management to modify product quantities to enhance service and reduce waste.
  3. Working with management on Block2Block (B2B). Committee Members have been informed that a new version of B2B will soon be available and are looking forward to pre-testing it. The Committee is actively involved in suggesting improvements.
  4. Enhancing snack basket contents. Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons will work with management to update the contents.

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.

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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