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Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 7 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, December 7, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Brandi Urban (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present was MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with the Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint and Supervisor of Inflight Crew Scheduling Derrick Bernard.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

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:

  • Plans for Initial Training classes for 2024. Management has pushed the class 1 start date to the end of Q1 or the beginning of Q2, but they still intend to hire more Flight Attendants in 2024. However, the number of classes and the specific number of students in each class will depend on the delivery of new aircraft.
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access that are affecting Reserve Flight Attendants. Review of where known issues are documented and newly added/ fixed issues. 
  • Review of upcoming updates to Crew Access software and associated fixes to current issues and other improvements prioritization for programming fixes.
  • Support for probationary Flight Attendants through the Probationary Buddy Program. We have had three classes complete probation, and the remaining four classes will all be off probation by mid-April 2024. Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Buddy for answers to contract and work rules questions.
  • Increase in Lineholders picking up reserve days, which has resulted in increased flexibility for Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics for November, where approximately 85.3% of Reserves were used in all bases.
  • Review of personal drops: for November, they have been able to award 931 Flight Attendant personal drops.
  • Review of reserve-related scheduling issues that have occurred recently.
  • Review of reserve-related issues that have been escalated to the Scheduling Review Board (SRB) and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.
  • Reminder to new hire Flight Attendants about the AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Probationary Buddy Program. Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Probationary Buddy program. Growing support in all bases with more buddies & new useful tools. 
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns. Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring management is complying with our contract. If not compliant taking issues through the SRB & ADR process to ensure compliance.

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 Reserve 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 Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

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 >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, August 13, our pre-merger Alaska AFA 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), Diana Berni (PDX),  Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

On Monday, August 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely 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), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants For decades, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have defined the Spirit of Aloha. We take pride in delivering world-class service, but management’s current Boeing 787-9 service model is threatening that legacy. It isn’t just inefficient—it’s an unsustainable pace that undermines the quality our passengers expect and the professional […]

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Thank you to everyone who joined our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! We created this interactive session to share practical contract tips and help you feel more confident about reserve life. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel using the link below. Please note that […]

Wrapping Up Membership Engagement Focus Month: Stronger Together

July was a remarkable month for our Membership Engagement Committee. We set out with a clear purpose: to bring our Flight Attendant community closer together, share valuable resources, and build authentic connections throughout our system. Over the past four weeks, we explored what it means to be engaged in our AFA family. We kicked things […]

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