AFA Alaska

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Los Angeles (Council 18)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Portland (Council 39)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • San Diego (Council 15)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Seattle (Council 19)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • San Francisco (Council 35)
      • Officers
      • Committees

    • More About Local Councils >>
    Close
  • Master Executive Council
    • Officers
    • Close
  • Committees
      • Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC)
        • Air Quality
      • Benefits
      • Communications
      • Employee Assistance Program & Professional Standards
      • Government Affairs
      • Grievance
      • Hotel
      • Human Rights
      • Inflight Service
      • Inflight Training
      • Membership
      • Mobilization
      • Reserve
      • Retirement
      • Scheduling
        • Pairing Construction
        • Preferential Bidding System (PBS)
      • Uniform

    • More About Committees >>
    Close
  • Contract
      • Contract Home
        • Current Contract
        • Ask Contract Questions
      • Contract Resources
        • Read Contract Q&A
        • Explanatory Videos
      • Contract Negotiations
    • Close
  • Resources
      • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
      • Issues & Campaigns
      • Newsroom
        • AFA Alaska News Now
        • Message from the MEC President
      • Event Calendar
      • Membership Services
      • New Members
      • About
      • Links
      Close
    • Negotiations
      • Picketing
      • Close
    • Contact Us
    You are here: Home / Archives for Master Executive Council (MEC) / Message from the MEC President

    Response to the November 18th Inflight Town Hall Webcast

    November 18, 2022 12:00

    California meal & rest breaks

    Management’s continued scare tactics and speculative “what-if’s” as put forward during the Inflight Town Hall webcast today regarding California meal & rest breaks are unnecessary and extremely disappointing. Although it is true there are some challenging aspects of compliance with California meal & rest break laws for commercial aviation, AFA International continues to partner with Alaska Airlines management, other labor groups and the wider aviation industry to achieve a legislative fix. Alaska Airlines management, if you want AFA’s continued partnership on this issue, then maybe you can lay off the specific gloom and doom scenarios for now?

    From our perspective, management is nowhere near implementing the following for California-based Flight Attendants: clocking in and out during a duty period, attesting to meal & rest break opportunities, restricting 4k flying, or downsizing or closing California domiciles. Remember earlier this year when management was adamant that they would have to take drastic efforts in response to Bernstein v. Virgin America? It’s been mostly crickets since then. Meanwhile, staffing has started to increase in California – and other carriers have yet to make any discernible changes to their operations.

    Management is unnecessarily freaking you out – don’t fall for it!

    Filed Under: Message from the MEC President Tagged With: Bernstein, California meal & rest

    ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

    September 23, 2022 18:00

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

    The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification.

    Click here for the Alaska Airlines Pilots TA Quick Guide (September 2022) >

    At a quick glance, the TA contains impressive improvements to scope, compensation, work rules, hours of service, retirement, and other additional improvements.

    Regardless of the outcome of the ratification vote, this TA raises the bar for Alaska Airlines pilots — and raises our expectations of Alaska Airlines management in Flight Attendant negotiations!

    In Solidarity,

    Jeff

    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Message from the MEC President Tagged With: ALPA, negotiations, pilots, TA, tentative agreement

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 16:41

    The CDC and TSA report the federal mask mandate is no longer in effect after today’s court ruling. The Administration is still reviewing its legal options for addressing the issue of executive authority to issue public health initiatives. 

    Additionally, Alaska Airlines management just announced via multiple channels that the mask mandate is lifted effective immediately on all aircraft. This policy change has been picked by media outlets, so it is very likely that passengers will be reading this information possibly before crews hear about it.

    We have asked management to push an ACARS message to all aircraft, which we are told should be happening soon–if it hasn’t already.

    Filed Under: Message from the MEC President Tagged With: 2022, mandate, masks

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap

    December 8, 2021 17:00

    December 2021 MEC Meeting Recap

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

    Just wrapped up chairing our monthly MEC meeting yesterday and today.

    As usual, your AFA committee chairs and reps provided written reports to the MEC about the latest developments in their areas, and we received live briefings regarding dispute resolution & grievances, scheduling, FA pay, and fatigue. Lots going on out there!

    Meeting w/ COO + Inflight + Labor Relations + FA Crew Pay

    Notable topics discussed:

    • Recent leadership change and the path forward
    • Acting on FA feedback – Management to communicate administrative details to FAs as soon as possible in the next bulletin
      • 1.5x pay for all  DHD conversions (i.e., including unscheduled DHD conversions) November 1, 2021 – January 2, 2022 – There is no mechanism in Crew Access to track all conversions, so FAs must manually submit in Rainmaker. (November flight activity will process soon, so please submit ASAP if you want November conversions to be paid in December!)
      • Forgiving attendance points for all FA COVID+ absences (i.e., up to 10-day Single Continuous Occurrence substantiated by a positive COVID test that includes the FA’s name, testing facility and date) – Use the COVID+/Vaccine Reaction Points Forgiveness Form (AAG SSO required: Inflight –> Admin –> Performance –> COVID+/Vaccine Reaction Points Forgiveness Form)
      • Removing time restrictions for submissions of the COVID+/Vaccine Reaction Points Forgiveness Form (i.e., no longer a requirement to submit by the end of the next sequence and retroactive 18 months) – Management is researching whether records for previous timeliness denials can be used to retroactively approve.
    • Q4 Computer Based Training (CBT) aka Annual Compliance Training (ACT) – Due December 31st. More than 3000 FAs have not yet completed this.
    • Existing inflight service and pending additional offerings – FAs are exhausted, frustrated, and anxious. Due to pandemic-related concerns, they do not want to be out in the cabin more right now. There is no room for trash. In the MEC’s opinion, Alaska FAs will grow even more upset and mobilized unless management provides additional relief.

    I hope you found this recap timely and informative.

    In Solidarity,
    Jeff

    Filed Under: Latest News, Message from the MEC President Tagged With: 2021, CBT, COVID-19, Inflight Service

    Inflight Leadership Change and the Path Forward

    December 6, 2021 12:10

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

    Now that is has been officially announced that Travis will be stepping away as leader of the Inflight division, I thought Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants might want to hear from their MEC president.

    I may not always be at liberty to communicate the details of every conversation advocating on your behalf that I have with executive management, but I would like to assure you that those conversations occur regularly and will continue as such. On that note, I have been in communication with Ben, Constance, and Travis, and it is clear that the decision was not made lightly. It is gratifying to see management be so responsive to our concerns.

    Although the leadership change introduces additional uncertainty within Inflight, at least in the near term, it also offers potential opportunity for improvement. It will be interesting to see how this all works out—especially with negotiations less than a year away!

    /jeff

    Filed Under: Latest News, Message from the MEC President Tagged With: 2021

    • 1
    • 2
    • Next Page »

    Need Help?

    Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

    Instagram

    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!
    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.
    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!
    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!
    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.
    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.

    Latest News

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 8, 2023
    • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
    • December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14
    • Housing & Food Assistance Resources
    • Air Quality Quick Reminders
    • Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 1, 2023
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2023
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    December 8, 2023

    Inflight Service Committee 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 […]

    December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

    December 8, 2023

    Master Executive Council (MEC) 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 […]

    Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14

    December 7, 2023

    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 […]

    Housing & Food Assistance Resources

    December 6, 2023

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Starting a career as a Flight Attendant is a significant and challenging life change, especially in today’s industry. The ever-increasing pace of inflation and lagging pay rates that haven’t kept up with the cost of living makes it difficult for many new hires to make ends meet. Finding affordable […]

    Air Quality Quick Reminders

    December 5, 2023

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) As Flight Attendants, our top priority is ensuring everyone onboard the aircraft has a safe and comfortable experience. However, despite our best efforts, unexpected situations can still arise. One such situation is a fume event, which can be caused by smoke, fumes, or a strong odor in the […]

    RSS Negotiations News

    • Mobilization Expands: Direct Passenger Outreach Begins Today
    • December 19 Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now
    • Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19
    • Why has the Negotiating Committee yet to publish a pay step chart for what we proposed in our comprehensive economic proposal?
    • Negotiation Session 20
    • Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization
    • Negotiation Session 19
    • Understanding Negotiations: What Is Mediation?
    • Negotiation Session 18
    • Our Day of Solidarity Was A Resounding Success!

    Recent Posts

    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 8, 2023
    • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
    • December 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, December 14
    • Housing & Food Assistance Resources
    • Air Quality Quick Reminders
    • Alaska-Hawaiian Announce Merger: What Flight Attendants Need to Know
    • AFA Alaska News in Review – December 1, 2023
    • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2023
    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

    Local Councils

    • Anchorage
    • Los Angeles
    • Portland
    • San Diego
    • San Francisco
    • Seattle

    Master Executive Council

    • MEC

    Negotiations

    • Contract 2022 Home
    • Negotiating Committee
    • Negotiations Feedback
    • Negotiations News
    • Negotiations Process

    Contract

    • Contract Home

    Committees

    • Air Safety, Health, & Security
    • Benefits
    • Communications
    • EAP/Professional Standards
    • Government Affairs
    • Grievance
    • Hotel
    • Human Rights
    • Inflight Service
    • Mobilization
    • Reserve
    • Retirement
    • Scheduling
    • Uniform

    News By Month

    News By Category

    AFA Alaska News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Want To Stay In The Loop?

    Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
    Sign Up for Emails
    Sign Up for Text Updates

    Connect With AFA

    • Contact Us
    • Online Support Center
    • AFA International
    • CWA
    • AFA Alaska Social Media Guidelines
    • AFA-CWA Mutual Respect Policy

    Copyright © 2013-2023 Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO