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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, June 27 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!

Tuesday, June 27, 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), Martin Vance (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 Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management, Brittany Audette, Managing Director Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaella Littman, 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 July 25, 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 June we saw utilization around 80-90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention there is an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates up to 12.9%. We see a high percentage on weekends. We’ve asked to increase TSN and personal drops for flexibility but were told that is doubtful unless sick leave is reduced. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation and you are able to filter for premium trips using filters.
  • No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on the contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Leaves. There were no leaves for July. Crew planning is working on August pairings. The line averages are around 80.1 TFP. We will see a reduction in the schedule for the fall and hope there will be leave opportunities during that time.
  • 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 the help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding please email them.
  • 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. 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 and will send out a communication.
  • 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 FAs are surprised they combine 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.
  • Business Model. Company is saying they are focused on leisure travel and they haven’t seen an increase in the business consumer. Announcement of new routes and frequencies. Our network is getting longer, not shorter in relation to route structure.
  • MyTravelApp. This is active and a great tool for flight attendants.
  • Personal Drops. AFA is aware of situations where personal drops are not being assigned in order. If you believe a drop was awarded out of order please file a claim with AFA and provide documentation so we are able to research these potential violations.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. Base sits took place in July.
  2. Crew Access Filters. Filters were implemented but due to processing errors retracted. We are working on testing the filters and a new update expected around September 2023.
  3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow users to post trips for trade on Crew Access and accept/decline offers submitted. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. The Committee participated in a presentation and testing of the new feature.
  4. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we completed a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management occurred July 5, 2023. A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled.

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.

Council 30 – RED HOT Week of Solidarity

Our Red-Hot Summer is Heating Up!

Week of Solidarity – Red AFA Pins! 


This week, there are activities happening at all bases encouraging solidarity. Some bases, as you may have heard, are having “Pop-Up Pickets”. Unlike our System-Wide planned picket on August 15th, these are smaller events and planned to be more of a “surprise”. In ANC, we did not have ample time to obtain the necessary permits to allow an event such as this to happen. However, we will be participating in this Week of Solidarity in a different way.

What will that look like? 

Your Local Officers and members of the Mobilization Committee will be in the airport throughout the day on July 21st to:

  • Distribute Red Pins!
  • Provide guidance on how FAs can best support negotiations in the months ahead
  • Encourage Engagement and Solidarity
  • Provide live sign-up assistance for the August 15 picket
  • Answer questions from FAs about what to expect at the picket

August 15th – Show Your Solidarity!

Remember to mark your calendars for August 15th!  We will be picketing from 2pm-3pm (AKST) on the departure level of the airport. We will be gathering everyone and staging at 1:30pm. All FAs should be in a compliant uniform with RED PINS! Any family joining should show support by wearing RED shirts!  RAIN or SHINE, we will all need to SHOW UP to send a loud message to management! Obtaining an Industry Leading Contract MUST be worth an hour of your time! Thank you to ALL who bid this day off, looking forward to walking that picket with each and every one of YOU!

Get Involved!

Become a Mobilization Volunteer!  

Share reliable information and help promote solidarity and mobilization events!
Learn more here.  

Wear your RED AFA pin proudly while flying and at all company events, including training and special events.

Stay Informed!


**RED HOT SUMMER  (stay up to date with all activities)

**Picketing FAQs

Bookmark the official AFA Alaska Negotiations website https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/

Update your newsletter subscription at afanewsletters.org.

In Red-Hot Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

AFA Alaska News in Review – July 14, 2023

In This Edition

Tell Management: We Deserve Better!

Originally posted July 10, 2023

It’s time to let management know we won’t accept a contract that doesn’t respect and value our contributions to the company’s success. Take action now and send a letter to executive management telling them to deliver a proposal that puts Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants at the top of the industry. Keep track of our progress on the campaign page and encourage your flying partners to join in!

Read More >

Protect Our Contract – Don’t Perform Duties Belonging to Other Work Groups

Originally posted July 12, 2023

In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups. Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made. Similarly, only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Read More >

Pop-Up Pickets Start Next Week!

Originally posted July 14, 2023

As our Red Hot Summer continues, we’re putting pressure on management to return to the negotiating table with a deal recognizing our contributions to Alaska Airlines’ success. Our next activity will do just that! Starting next week, our Mobilization Committee will launch a series of pop-up picketing events!

Read More >

“Summer of CARE” Employee Events

Originally posted July 14, 2023

Management has a long tradition of hosting summer events for company employees, family members, and friends. This year is no different; management sent an all-employee email earlier this week with information about this year’s “Summer of CARE” events. Many people have asked our Negotiating Committee about participating in these events. 

Read More >

Shared on Social

Almost 6000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 11, 2023

Almost 6000 letters sent in a little over one day?!? 🤯

Let’s keep this momentum going and hit 7000 today! Check in with your crew to see if everyone has sent their letter!

Over 7000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 12, 2023

Our solidarity is strong! Over 7000 letters have been sent in just a little over two days. Check with your flying partners and other Flight Attendant friends to see if they’ve sent their letter. If not, now is the time!

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, July 17Pop-Up Pickets Begin
Thursday, July 20Alternate 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!

Protect Our Contract – Don’t Perform Duties Belonging to Other Work Groups

Grievance Committee

  • In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups.
  • Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made.
  • Only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Note: this is an updated version of a post previously published in an AFA Alaska Update on July 30, 2021.

Over many decades, we have all worked hard to improve our working conditions and strengthen our collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These improvements have been achieved through several avenues, including demonstrating solidarity during contract negotiations, lobbying management to make changes that benefit our profession, and rigorously enforcing the contractual language we have already achieved. We must continue to protect and defend our contract and hold management accountable for what has been agreed upon between our Flight Attendants and the company.

Over the past few years, management has made it known they’ve had challenges recruiting and retaining frontline employees in various locations throughout the route network. This includes staff who the company directly employs, those employed by company subsidiaries (e.g., McGee Air Services), and contract vendors who provide above- and/or below-the-wing services at various stations. The situation has caused a noticeable impact on the company’s operations and resulted in some on-the-ground functions being adjusted or modified due to staffing in some cases. 

We all know Alaska Airlines focuses on hiring Flight Attendants who exhibit kindness and are willing to help. Because these traits are such a pervasive part of our culture, it may be tempting to want to jump in and assist our coworkers from other work groups when we see that they are short-staffed. Unfortunately, this causes more harm than good for several reasons. 

As previously mentioned, it’s up to each of us to protect the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement. Section 24.D of the CBA says in part, “A Flight Attendant will not be required to perform work normally assigned to a cleaner, provisioner, ramp or operations agent.” Just as we expect other work groups to honor our contractual language by not performing Flight Attendant duties and responsibilities, it’s similarly important that we respect other work groups and their typically assigned scope of work. Doing so protects the security of both Flight Attendant jobs and the jobs of our coworkers in other departments.

Customer service, ramp, mechanics, pilots, fleet service, catering, and other work groups receive specific training to perform their duties that Flight Attendants don’t have. We must allow our colleagues to do the work they’ve been trained to do to ensure it complies with applicable regulations and company standards. If there are concerns with staffing in a particular department, management needs to receive the corresponding reports of flight delays, complaints from passengers, and performance audit results. These are all indicators management uses to make adjustments and ensure our colleagues in other departments have the support they need. If this data is skewed to show no problems exist, management will make no changes to ensure proper staffing and service levels.

The best way Flight Attendants can show support for other work groups who may be experiencing short or inadequate staffing is by reporting the issue to ensure it gets attention from the proper levels of management. This can be accomplished by submitting a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) detailing the date, flight number, and specifics of the situation (e.g., areas that were skipped/missed, etc.).

Only Flight Attendants May Perform Flight Attendant Duties

Closing the overhead bins, confirming luggage is stowed correctly, and making passenger announcements during boarding are all duties that traditionally define our work but are only a fraction of what we are ultimately responsible for. When supervisors* or other employees perform this undisputed Flight Attendant work, it violates our contract.

If someone who isn’t a Flight Attendant assigned to pre-board or work the flight begins to perform Flight Attendant duties, calmly advise them the work will be completed before the aircraft door is closed, consistent with all applicable policies and regulations. Reassure them that the crew is aware of their duties and responsibilities that need to be accomplished. If this approach is ineffective, advise them they’re violating our contract and respectfully ask them to stop.

If you encounter a supervisor or another employee performing Flight Attendant work onboard the aircraft, please report the situation by opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. The purpose of this isn’t to get anyone in trouble but to ensure that any misunderstanding is promptly corrected. Quickly addressing the issue helps protect our jobs and prevent management from assigning our work to other work groups or vendors simply because it’s easier or less expensive for them to do so.

*Inflight management who hold an FAA Flight Attendant certificate may perform Flight Attendant duties only during a check-ride or IOE, when assigned to pre-board a flight if minimum crew is not available, or if assigned to work the flight as a Flight Attendant consistent with the limits of our contract.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

AFA Alaska News in Review – July 7, 2023

In This Edition

Bidding Reminder: Day of Solidarity – August 15

Originally posted July 6, 2023

Remember to bid Tuesday, August 15 off for our Day of Solidarity informational picketing! If you can’t bid the day off, you can also bid around the picketing time for your base. Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the first negotiation session since the expiration of management’s promise of industry-leading pay. More information, including meet-up locations for each base, will be coming soon!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Red AFA Pins Are Red HOT!

Red AFA pins are spreading like fire throughout the system! Once you receive your red AFA pin, wear it whenever you fly, attend training, or participate in a company event. Tag #SelfiesForSolidarity when you post pictures of you or your crew with red AFA pins on so we can feature you!

Do you need a red AFA pin? Mobilization Volunteers are working hard to get pins into everyone’s hands ASAP. Want to know when Mobilization Volunteers will be out at your base? Check your Local Council’s Facebook page for information, or contact your Local Mobilization Committee Chairperson.

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 12CWA Convention
Thursday, July 13Quarterly Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting
Thursday, July 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!

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

Building on the momentum of our Membership Engagement Committee introduction video and this week’s look at the committee’s history, we’re excited to introduce the next feature of our July Committee Focus Month. Today, we’re launching an in-depth interview that offers an inside look at the mission and people powering the Membership Engagement Committee. What You’ll […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants As a follow-up to our June 23 save-the-date announcement, we’re excited to share full details and open registration for our August pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?” when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement

July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day. Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), […]

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