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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 22 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, August 25, 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 of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of 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 September 26, 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 amount 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. 
  • 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 staffing adjustment leaves (SAL) and Low Bid lines to determine the best business decision.  
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. A bulletin bundle was issued from management providing a recent update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until we install a permanent resolution. As of today there were 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
  • Base Turns. Each month, Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and discover 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 dates for 1st round bidding, 2nd round bidding, and Open Time the in bulletin bundle.   
  • Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants are trading 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 choose which action they choose. 
  • 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 through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  
  • Charter Retimes. LAX BRO Charters and retimes require pay protection and rebid. There were some tickets opened regarding compensation and contractual requirements. These are being reviewed and resolved. Reminder to know your contractual obligations and compensation. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS subcommittee 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 set for June 5, 2023  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 (Flight Attendants and pilots) 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. 
  4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network Planning and Crew Planning are reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to alleviate phone calls. It would be Flight Attendant-initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with Alaska Airlines Labor Relations management and AFA MEC leadership.

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.

AFA Alaska News in Review – August 25, 2023

In This Edition

Wildfire Smoke Safety

Originally posted August 21, 2023

Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has coordinated with management to establish a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep us safe during wildfire season. Key protections include the availability of N95 masks, layover hotel safety, and accommodations for sensitive groups.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support American & United Flight Attendants

Originally posted August 22, 2023

It’s time to stand in solidarity with our Flight Attendant families at American and United Airlines as they head to the picket lines. American Flight Attendants are conducting a strike authorization vote and will hold a systemwide informational picket on Wednesday, August 30. United Flight Attendants are holding a systemwide Day of Action on Thursday, August 31, to address ongoing contractual violations.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Fair Skies for All: Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Demand Equal Recognition of Our Value

Alaska Airlines management recently agreed to a generous one-time exception to the market rate adjustment language in the pilot contract, which will result in a minimum rate increase of approximately 11.2% for pilots, effective September 1, 2023.

Management must wholeheartedly commit to elevating the pay scale of Flight Attendants as generously as they have with the pilots. Rejecting this responsibility by dismissing our bargaining priorities as not “economically feasible” isn’t an option.

Not only are Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants essential to passenger safety, but we are also instrumental in delivering the high-quality service that distinguishes our airline. Fair compensation is not just a matter of justice; it’s an investment in a motivated and skilled customer-facing workforce that directly impacts Alaska Airlines’ brand reputation and profitability. 

Alaska Airlines management must do better by recognizing the vital role of Flight Attendants by agreeing to a contract that reflects our true value. We will accept nothing less!

Next Week’s Events

Monday, August 28Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 30APFA Systemwide Picketing
Thursday, August 31United AFA Day Of Action Picketing
Thursday, August 31Alternate 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!

Join The Picket Line: Support American & United Flight Attendants

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • It’s time to stand in solidarity with our Flight Attendant families at American and United Airlines as they head to the picket lines.
  • American Flight Attendants are conducting a strike authorization vote and will hold a systemwide informational picket on Wednesday, August 30.
  • United Flight Attendants are holding a systemwide Day of Action on Thursday, August 31, to address ongoing contractual violations.

The spirit of solidarity is alive and well this summer as Flight Attendants and workers everywhere unite to push back against corporate greed and mismanagement. Hundreds of fellow union members joined our picket lines during our Day of Solidarity events, and their support helped to amplify our message to management and make our voices even louder. Now, it’s time for us to stand with our Flight Attendant families at American and United as they ramp up their fights. Keep reading to learn how you can help!

American Airlines Flight Attendants

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been negotiating a new contract since January 2019. However, American Airlines management is continuously trying to undermine the hard work and dedication of American Flight Attendants by offering concessionary proposals that seek to erode the decades of progress achieved through collective bargaining. To top it off, APFA submitted a comprehensive economic proposal to management on March 7, and management has yet to respond, let alone offer a counterproposal.

American Flight Attendants are in the process of taking a strike authorization vote set to end on August 29. On August 30, they’ll hold a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to fight for the contract they have earned. Plan now to stand in solidarity with them! Let’s show management at American Airlines that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are together in the fight and demanding our fair share of the pie.

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Wednesday, August 30

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET
DFW, ORD: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
LAS, LAX, PHX: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

United Airlines Flight Attendants

United Airlines Flight Attendants are facing a chaotic, ill-equipped, and entirely unsustainable working environment, with staffing shortages in critical areas causing significant problems on the front line. Management is either unwilling or incapable of resolving the issues and running their own operation. During recent operational meltdowns, hold times for Crew Scheduling have regularly exceeded several hours and peaked with some Flight Attendants left waiting on hold for more than an entire day. Instead of hiring additional Crew Schedulers and implementing automated processes as recommended by the United Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), Flight Attendants have been left to fend for themselves as management completely disregards the contract.

Enough is enough! United Flight Attendants are taking their fight public and inviting everyone to join them in a systemwide Day of Action on Thursday, August 31. Let’s stand in solidarity and send a message to United Airlines management that their incompetence and refusal to act will not be tolerated. Plan to join the picket line and show your support!

United AFA Day Of Action Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, August 31

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

Click here for event details and to RSVP >

Wildfire Smoke Safety

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
  • Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has coordinated with management to establish a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep us safe during wildfire season.
  • Key protections include the availability of N95 masks, layover hotel safety, and accommodations for sensitive groups.

As we enter peak wildfire season in many parts of the country, it’s important to be mindful of the risks that come with it. Not only are wildfires dangerous in and of themselves, but the smoke they produce can also be hazardous to our health. Wildfire smoke contains a variety of harmful particles and gases, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into our lungs. Therefore, taking precautions to protect ourselves from the dangers of wildfire smoke is crucial.

Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has worked with management to develop and implement a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep Flight Attendants safe during wildfire season. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches or is expected to exceed 200 at a given airport, inflight management will post an alert on the inflight website, and the protocol will go into effect for that location. When the protocol is triggered, the following will apply:

Availability of N95 Masks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a properly worn N95 mask will offer some protection from wildfire smoke. Management will make N95 masks available at impacted stations and all Flight Attendant bases.

Layover Hotels

Management will evaluate air quality in hotel rooms located in affected areas. Alternative lodging options will be identified in case relocation becomes necessary. Hotels in evacuation zones will not be used. Flight Attendants will be notified of any hotel changes by Crew Scheduling.

Accommodations for Sensitive Groups

Individuals especially vulnerable to poor air quality due to pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or lung disease (including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or diabetes), making them sensitive to poor air quality as defined by the AQI, are part of the Sensitive Group. Flight Attendants who are part of the Sensitive Group will not be required to layover at stations that are experiencing or are forecast to experience an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 200.

Process for requesting an accommodation:

  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group must self-identify to Inflight Base management to receive an accommodation.
  • To request a wildfire smoke accommodation, Flight Attendants must call Inflight Base management after an alert is posted.
  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group will be removed or SIP’d from trips that layover in impacted stations with an AQI 200 or greater with a management drop, no points. 
  • For lineholders, Crew Scheduling management will SIP the sequence prior to the affected RON either at a SIP if there is one or by ending the trip early and deadheading the Flight Attendant back to base.
  • If on reserve, Flight Attendant may be assigned additional flying or returned to the LTFA as applicable.

Note: Flight Attendants must send eligible documentation for pre-existing conditions to Absence Management’s secured email within seven business days. If documents are not received within seven business days or are denied, the management drop will accrue points.

Additional Information

The complete Inflight Wildfire Smoke Protocol can be found on the Flight Attendant website under the safety tab or in GoodReader on the IMD in the FAM Supplemental Folder. Both locations also contain information about mask usage.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local ASHSC.

AFA Alaska News in Review – August 18, 2023

In This Edition

AFA Disaster Relief Fund – Hawaii Wildfires

Originally posted August 12, 2023

The devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Hawaii is truly heartbreaking. The loss and damage inflicted on the community are immense, and our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster. For impacted Flight Attendants whose primary residence is in Maui County, Hawaii, we want to remind you that the AFA Disaster Relief Fund can assist during this difficult time. We hope this support can provide some relief as you navigate through the aftermath of this crisis.

Read More >

Red Bag Tags

Originally posted August 15, 2023

A new red AFA luggage tag is being introduced today as another way to demonstrate our solidarity in the fight for our Contract. Flight Attendants who participate in today’s picketing will receive a bag tag at the end of the event. Later in the week, they’ll be available from Mobilization Volunteers in base. When you get your red bag tag, place it in a visible place on your luggage before your next trip.

Read More >

Our Day of Solidarity Was A Resounding Success!

Originally posted August 16, 2023

Yesterday, thousands of Flight Attendants and our allies showed up to send management our loudest and strongest message yet. In no uncertain terms, our voices are clear: we are ready for a contract that values the hard work and sacrifice we have endured to make Alaska Airlines successful! We are united and will do whatever it takes to achieve the pay and work rule improvements that respect our value and worth. We will not back down from this fight!

Read More >

Negotiation Session 18

Originally posted August 17, 2023

Our Day of Solidarity this week was a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate! Negotiations resumed this week, coinciding with our Day of Solidarity informational pickets. Six sections of the contract remain open in addition to our overall economic package. We do not intend to reopen the entire contract, other than a few proposed adjustments to sections we have tentatively agreed upon. Both parties intend to jointly file for mediation this month, and we have other mobilization activities in the works.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Our Day of Solidarity Is Tomorrow!

Originally posted August 14, 2023

Tomorrow marks a day of collective strength for all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. It is an opportunity for us to unite and demonstrate unwavering support for our Negotiating Committee as they continue the fight for a contract that recognizes our worth and contributions. Let’s overwhelm management with our solidarity as we stand together to demand the contract we deserve!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 22Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting

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!

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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