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Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2023

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, May 24 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, May 24, 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 Administrations 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 September 20, 2023, where we will return to in-person meetings.

Topics of Discussion

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

Food & Beverage

  • In response to both guest and crew feedback, pre-departure beverages were discussed in depth.
  • May 10th service change complexities were discussed.
  • There is a global shortage of green grapes and other fruit may be substituted on meal trays.

Catering

  • During our 1st Quarter meeting, the Committee requested a solution to a shortage of trash and recycle bags, and a better placement of service trays. 
    • Service trays will be moved into beverage carts on June 21st.
    • Rolled trash and recycle bags are ready for testing and if all goes well, they will be onboard aircraft in the fall.
    • We greatly appreciate the solutions the Catering Ops team developed.
  • Ice contracts for 15 outstations and trash removal processes have been well received.
    • Catering will focus on ice, especially for the summer months and going forward.

Stationery and Flight Attendant Kits

  • Discussed contents and potential modifications (e.g., wipes).

Service Training

  • There are plans to incorporate service training into 2024 Recurrent Training.
  • The goal is to bring “fun” back into our roles as Flight Attendants, and ensure we have all the necessary resources to provide great service.
  • An Onboard Service Handbook is currently being designed, with quick reference guides and checklists.
  • Management recognizes the “why” behind the “what” is important to Flight Attendants.

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.

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

Human Rights Committee

  • June 1st 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. 
  • Read more about LGBTQ Pride Month, learn about the history of the LGBTQ rights movement, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin during the month of June.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

June 1st marks the first day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month in the United States.  The celebration originated to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.  The Stonewell Uprising is recognized as a major milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.  On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary on the Stonewall Uprising and the last Sunday in June continued to be celebrated as “Gay Pride Day”.  Over time, the single day event eventually grew to an entire month of events and activities.

Learn More About LGBTQ Pride Month

You can learn more about the history of LGBTQ Pride Month and the history of the LGBTQ rights movement through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin

In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution in recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride month.  A special commemorative pin was subsequently designed for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of June.

For more background on the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  If you’d like to get a pin of your own, be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers for information about availability.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 23 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, May 23, 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, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with 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 next Scheduling Committee Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Reserve Utilization. In May we saw utilization around 90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates. Typically reserves are 60% AM and 40% PM, however in June for SEA/ANC it will be around 50/50. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation. 
  • No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Hotel wait time/assignment. AFA is aware there are issues with wait times and transportation. If you are required to share rooms, stay at a non-approved hotel, or wait in the hotel lobby more than one (1) hour, please file a Crew Care Report, and contact your local Hotel Committee Chairperson and Scheduling Committee Chairperson. AFA and management are reviewing the processes in place for IROPS and Severe IROPS with the intent to improve wait times and bookings. 
  • Leaves. There will be no leaves for June/July. Crew planning is working on August pairings.  The line averages are around 80.1 TFP.  
  • Van Times. Pilots and Flight Attendants sharing transportation should have the same van times. There were reports of crews waiting in the van for pilots. Pilot Scheduling/Crew Scheduling should coordinate any transportation changes on behalf of the crews. 
  • NavBlue Pattern Bidding. In July we are anticipating adding a new feature that will allow pattern bidding. Look for more information on how to utilize this new option. The PBS Committee is updating help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding, please email the committee. 
  • Per Diem. In some circumstances you will see taxed layover per diem based on state/federal requirements. Rainmaker is programmed to process the taxes automatically based on the limits. You can review taxation on CONUS Rates. The company is required by law to process the taxation. 
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. AFA sent a request to Labor Relations and Inflight management asking for communication on when/how pilots are able to adjust block in/out times. Crew members are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request. 
  • Retimes. There are several flights that will require being retimed/rescheduled. This could cause several pre-cancellations. Scheduling will be working on these as they receive updated information. 
  • Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows crew members to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the FA will receive the full protections under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication. 
  • Base Turns. Each month some Flight Attendants are surprised after combining 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.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. We are waiting for further details.
  2. Crew Access Filters. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. Look for additional communication from management. 
  3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow Flight Attendants to post trips for trade on Crew Access and accept/decline offers submitted. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. 
  4. 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. A meeting with management is set for June 5, 2023.

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.

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2023

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Tuesday, May 9, our AFA Local Uniform 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Salá McDaniel (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN).

The committee met with Director of Procurement Eric Phillipson, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Senior Project Manager Megan Low, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, and SEA Base Manager Omar Torres.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is scheduled on Tuesday August 8, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Ongoing uniform quality issues (i.e., name bars falling off wings, pilling, holes in sweaters, seams coming undone).
  • Asking to be included in the new uniform policies and provide feedback for the new “Approved Looks”.
  • Continuing to advocate for changes in the boot, hosiery, grooming and tattoo policies. 
  • Requesting uniform policies and wear guidelines be clearer and more readily available.
  • Asking management to find a quality, 4-wheel “Spinner” bag that can be included as an approved option. 
  • Results of the updated feminine shirt and cardigan wear test:
    • The shirt redesign was nixed due to more than 50% preferring the current resign. 
    • The redesigned cardigan had issues with the pockets. The design team will work to make the necessary changes and retest.
  • Reasons for the long backorders:
    • Supply Chain has upped the number of pieces that are ordered at a time to hopefully circumvent this happening in the future.
    • Once an order is placed it takes 9 months for the items to be produced and shipped to the distribution center.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Wear Testing
    • Gender-Neutral Mock Turtleneck. Wear testing of the gender-neutral mock turtleneck ended May 17th. Testers will be surveyed to help determine decisions and changes
    • Feminine Vest. The new feminine tailored vest began testing on May on 26th, and will run for 30 days. Wear testing for a gender neutral “Aura Vest” will also take place on a yet-to-be-determined timeframe.
    • Pride Scarf Redesign. A new redesign has been chosen and wear testing will take place in July. If results are positive it will hopefully roll out by Summer of 2024.
    • General. Advocating for a uniform that suits all body types requires available wear testers. The Committee is seeking volunteers who have gender neutral, petite, tall, and/or plus sizes to test uniform redesigns and additions.
  2. New “Approved Looks”
    • The committee is asking to be more involved the new look guidelines as we can provide valuable feedback from our peers to management.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync directly at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include photos, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please also consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

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

AFA Alaska News in Review – May 26, 2023

In This Edition

Supplemental Update: Sick Leave & Attendance Policy

Originally posted May 24, 2023

We received many questions about tentative agreements on Section 16: Sick Leave/On the Job Injury and Section 32: Attendance Policy. This update helps explain legal requirements of sick leave and clarify the proposed differences between State Bank and CBA Bank. We also discuss the bargaining priorities management had for this section, and summarize where we ended up: which provisions were improved/gained, which were maintained, and which were modified.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 30Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, June 1Scheduling Review Board

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!

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

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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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