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        You are here: Home / Archives for Master Executive Council (MEC)

        AFA Update – March 19, 2021

        March 19, 2021 17:00

        In This Edition

        • How the First Amendment Applies in the Workplace
        • Benefits Enrollment Upon Returning from a Leave of Absence (including EVF or ELOA)
        • What’s the Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia?
        • REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

        How the First Amendment Applies in the Workplace

        Grievance Committee

        The Grievance Committee is hearing a lot of chatter from Flight Attendants believing they are exempt from discipline from harassment or discrimination due to their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion.  We’d like to give a brief overview of how the Amendment actually affects one who works for a private employer such as Alaska Airlines.

        The First Amendment of the United States Constitution prevents the government from making laws which regulate an establishment of religion, or that would prohibit the free exercise of religion, or abridge the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

        The key word in the Amendment is government.  Alaska Airlines is a private rather than governmental employer.  It can legally establish system regulations or people policies enforcing its behavioral and disciplinary standards providing these policies do not violate state and/or federal law.  

        Present federal law protections from discrimination regarding employment decisions are based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender (including pregnancy), disability, age (if the employee is at least 40 years old), and citizenship status.  The Equality Act is also adding protections based on one’s sexual orientation and gender identity.  These protections safeguard people who fit those categories from being discriminated against regarding employment decisions based on that status.  For example, Alaska Airlines couldn’t refuse to hire an otherwise qualified candidate only because s/he is 41 years of age.  

        What the law doesn’t allow for is using your protected status as a defense to harass or discriminate against others.  For example, someone over 40 years of age may not harass another person based on their race because they believe themselves to be an “old school thinker” and are basing their actions on beliefs/feelings from when they were younger or when things “were different.”  This becomes an issue of harassment and/or discrimination and the harasser is not protected from discipline because they fall into the protected class of age.  This applies to all protected classes. 

        The Alaska Airlines People Policy clarifies what constitutes harassment and discrimination, and the Grievance Committee has seen the Company discipline based upon those policies and the law.  While one may not intend to harass or discriminate, Alaska Airlines typically looks at the impact on the person being harassed and not the intent of the harasser.  So, while everyone is entitled to their private opinion or to share their opinion with their government, one can be disciplined for sharing an opinion deemed harassing, discriminatory or intolerant in the workplace or via social media if such nexus can be made to your private employer.  We share this information in the attempt to educate our fellow members and prevent any further discipline or terminations.

        Questions?

        Please contact your Local Grievance Committee if you have any questions.


        Benefits Enrollment Upon Returning from a Leave of Absence (including EVF or ELOA)

        Benefits Committee

        As a reminder, Flight Attendants returning from a leave of absence, including EVF or ELOA, must complete the enrollment process again in order to maintain or reinstate company health benefits.  Optional coverages which were not in place during the leave such as FSA contributions or Supplemental Short-Term Disability must be re-added to your coverage.  Previously elected benefits do not resume automatically.  It is essential to contact Alaska Airlines Benefits at (844) 231-3476 or visit www.myalaskabenefits.com within 31 days from the date of returning to work to verify, enroll or make changes to benefits.  If enrollment is not completed during this window, no changes are able to be made until the next open enrollment period and your current health benefits may terminate, even if you maintained coverage during your EVF or other leave. 

        Questions?

        If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Local Benefits Committee.


        What’s the Difference Between a Fear and a Phobia?

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        Phobias come in many different forms. Acrophobia is the fear of heights. Trypanophobia is the fear of needles. Hodophobia is the fear of traveling.  Phobias are one of the most common mental health disorders with 11% of people experiencing at least one phobia over her/his lifespan.  So, what is the difference between a fear and a phobia? 

        Fears have a protective purpose.  They make us alert to danger and prepare us to deal with it.  Phobias involve the experience of persistent fear that is excessive and unreasonable. A fear of being hit by lightning during a thunderstorm will result in most of us leaving the beach when a thunderstorm pops up. Most would call this a reasonable, if not healthy fear.  Once the thunderstorm clears, we go back onto the beach.  Those with a phobia about being struck by lightning, which is called astraphobia, may find it difficult to even venture outside with a concern that a thunderstorm could pop up anytime.   The key to distinguishing a fear from a phobia is whether the person is physically and/or psychologically impaired by her/his worry.  In short, a phobia is a fear of being afraid. It results in a person limiting or eliminating normal life activities just to avoid the triggering objector event.  

        Most people generally don’t seek treatment for phobias. Only 6% of people with a phobia ever go in for treatment.  This low treatment rate is due in part because those with a phobia are not totally disabled by it. Many are able to successfully create routines to avoid their trigger(s).  Not before a person’s phobia is extremely severe or life limiting does one typically seek help.

        Even though phobias can be very disabling and downright exhausting, the great news is that phobias in children, adolescents and adults are also very treatable. If you’d like confidential assistance with a phobia or other anxiety disorders, call one of your Local EAP Committee Members. You can find contact information on the EAP Committee page of afaalaska.org.


        REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

        AFA International

        In a previous AFA Update sent out on January 22, information was shared about scholarship opportunities available to AFA and CWA Members as well as certain eligible dependents.  Details about both scholarships, as well as information on how to apply, can be found by following the links below. 

        AFA Scholarship Fund

        The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university.  The deadline for applications is April 10.  Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

        CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

        The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30.   Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

        Filed Under: Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Grievance Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2021, Benefits, ELOA, EVF, First Amendment, LOA, scholarship

        AFA Update – February 19, 2021

        February 19, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • COVID Vaccine Information for Flight Attendants
        • REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities
        • Free Training to Former Cabin Crew Transitioning into Job Market
        • Relaxation Exercises – An Essential Tool for Flight Attendants

        COVID Vaccine Information for Flight Attendants

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        On February 10, AFA International published an AFA Interactive e-mail newsletter with an overview of COVID vaccine information for Flight Attendants. There is a state-by-state listing of aviation work priority for receiving the vaccine and a link to the respective state’s vaccine portal. 

        The newsletter also includes a link to send a letter to the governor of your state calling upon them to move essential aviation workers to phase 1B (or equivalent), in line with other non-medical essential workers and essential transportation workers. AFA Alaska signed onto a joint letter from Alaska Air Group management and labor leaders advocating to Governor of Washington Jay Inslee and Governor of Oregon Kate Brown for essential aviation workers to be in phase 1B. (Essential transportation workers are in phase 1B or the equivalent in Alaska and California.)

        You can read the complete AFA Interactive article and view the list of state vaccine information on the AFA International website.

        Many Flight Attendants are having success securing a vaccination by using the Vaccine Prioritization Letter supplied by Alaska Airlines management (AAG SSO required). Print the form in advance and make sure to bring your Crew ID!


        REMINDER: Scholarship Opportunities

        AFA International

        In a previous AFA Update sent out on January 22, information was shared about scholarship opportunities available to AFA and CWA Members as well as certain eligible dependents.  Details about both scholarships, as well as information on how to apply, can be found by following the links below. 

        AFA Scholarship Fund

        The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university.  The deadline for applications is April 10.  Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

        CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

        The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30.   Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.


        Free Training to Former Cabin Crew Transitioning into Job Market

        AFA International 

        For those who have recently left our profession, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is offering an online training course to help displaced airline cabin crew members re-enter the job market. This course will be offered free of charge for those who register between now and February 23. More information about the three-hour course, titled Cabin Crew – Leveraging Professional Skills, can be found on the IATA training course website.


        Relaxation Exercises – An Essential Tool for Flight Attendants

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        There are many benefits to being able to induce the “relaxation response” as soon as you begin to experience warning signs of stress, anxiety or agitation.  Some benefits include a reduction of generalized anxiety, prevention of cumulative stress, increased energy, improved concentration, reduction of some physical problems, and greater mood stability.   Relaxation exercises can be a powerful physical and emotional weapon against life’s stressors.  Given the events of 2020 and now 2021, being able to invoke a greater sense of calm is a critical skill for Flight Attendants.  

        Tips for Relaxation

        Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted for at least 20 minutes.  Turn off the phone and give yourself permission to devote some time to self-care. Research shows that relaxing the body will relax the mind, and vice versa. If you struggle with racing or intrusive thoughts, it might help to focus on the body. If you have a lot of physical tension or pain, it may be better to work on relaxing the mind. It’s hard to predict which exercises will work for whom; it’s best to try different relaxation exercises until you find the one that feels right. Remember that you are practicing a skill – like playing the piano. The more you practice, the more effective your relaxation work becomes. It is important to work toward an attitude of acceptance of whatever occurs in your session, rather than growing impatient if you don’t achieve a given result. Below are two relation exercises that are easy to do in most settings.

        Sample Progressive Relaxation Exercises

        Favorite Place

        Find a comfortable position. Let your shoulders drop, your arms relax, let your buttocks sink into the chair, let your legs relax, and feel your feet planted on the floor. Imagine a place in your mind that you like. It could be a beach, your room, a forest…take a moment to find that place.  If you haven’t found a place, don’t worry…just keep your eyes closed and breathe deeply. As you are in your favorite place, notice how the air feels, the temperature, notice what you see, notice any smells or sensations in your body as you stay in this place…feel your body relaxing….just enjoy where you are….take a moment to notice anything else you’d like about this place… know you can come back here at any time….take what you want and come back into the room. 

        Breathing and Centering

        • Take two to three deep, even breaths.
        • Visualize the word “relax” in a calming color
        • Think this calming word to yourself as you continue to breathe deeply: 
        • Breathe in…think “relax”; as you breathe out think “relax” 
        • PAUSE*
        • Breathe in…think “relax”; as you breathe out think “relax” 
        • PAUSE
        • Now breathe 8 more times, slowly and deeply.

        *Be aware of how your body feels at the PAUSE.  This is the “centering” piece.  Feeling centered means you are feeling calm and focused. 

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, novel coronavirus, scholarships

        AFA Special Update – February 1, 2021

        February 1, 2021 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Celebrating Black History Month

        Celebrating Black History Month

        Human Rights Committee

        Carter G. Woodson

        February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  The celebration has a long tradition that can be traced back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week”, which sought to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals to society and the world.  It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month.

        Learn More About Black History

        You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

        • National Archives – African American History Month Resources
        • National Endowment for the Humanities – African American History and Culture in the United States
        • National Park Service – Black History Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African American History & Culture
        • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Black History Month
        • Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies and Advocates (ABEA) – Black History Month Virtual Discussions (AAG sign-on required)

        Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

        In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of February as Black History Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of February.

        For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

        Filed Under: Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2021, Black History Month

        AFA Update – January 22, 2021

        January 22, 2021 12:00

        In This Edition

        • Letters of Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding
        • REMINDER: Reserve Availability & Commuting
        • College Scholarship Opportunities

        Letters of Agreement and Memorandums of Understanding

        Grievance Committee

        Our Master Executive Council (MEC) occasionally enters into letters of agreement (LOAs) with management to address situations that were not anticipated or did not exist during contract negotiations.  The MEC also enters into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with management in order to clarify existing contractual language.  Both LOAs and MOUs are binding agreements and are fully enforceable documents.

        LOAs and MOUs are accessible on the current contract page of the AFA Alaska website and can also be accessed on the IMD through the Goodreader app (ASFA Supplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement).

        Recent LOAs and MOUs

        Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) – outlines how the company’s FRMP will be structured, including how reports will be coded and handled as well as disciplinary protections.  Also guarantees AFA representation on the Fatigue Review Board (FRB).

        Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) – renews the ASAP program (FAA requires that the ASAP MOU be renewed every two years).

        COVID-19 Agreements Extension – Through March 2021 – extends the Temporary Waiver of Discipline Delivery Confirmation MOU (04/14/2020) and Commuter Policy and Utilizing Other Airline (OAL) Carriers During COVID-19 Schedule Disruptions LOA (04/07/2020).  Both will remain in effect through March 31, 2021. 

        Boeing 737 MAX 9 Proving Activities – outlines Flight Attendant involvement in FAA-required proving activities for the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and ensures AFA participation in the process.

        Questions?

        If you have questions about LOAs or MOUs, please contact your LEC President or Local Grievance Committee.


        REMINDER: Reserve Availability & Commuting

        Reserve Committee

        There have recently been some instances where Reserve Flight Attendants were disciplined for not being physically present in their domicile during their entire availability period.  Contractually, reserve availability periods run from 00:00 to 14:00 for AM reserve, 10:00 to 23:59 for PM reserve, and 00:00 to 23:59 for ER reserve.  During these times, a Reserve Flight Attendant must be present in their domicile, contactable, and available to report for an assignment within two hours.

        Even if a Reserve Flight Attendant has self-assigned or otherwise already been given an assignment, this does not relieve them of the requirement to be in their domicile during their entire reserve availability period.  There are certain circumstances when they may be removed from the assignment and given another assignment as indicated in the CBA.  Crew Scheduling has the right to utilize this contractual language and does so on a regular basis.

        Example: Reserve Flight Attendant has a 4-day block of PM reserve days starting on the 20th of the month.  On the 19th, they self-assign a 4-day trip with a report time of 21:00 on the 20th.  The Reserve Flight Attendant is still required to be contactable starting at 10:00 on the 20th and be able to accept an assignment and report within two hours.  Even though the F/A has self-assigned a trip, Crew Scheduling retains the right to contact the F/A at or after 10:00, remove the self-assignment as indicated in the CBA, and give the F/A another legal assignment.

        Release on Last Day of Reserve Block

        Section 11.C.5 of the CBA provides Reserve Flight Attendants with the right to request release from the remainder of their reserve obligation on the last day of a reserve block after the last Company-operated flight that the Reserve would be legal to fly has departed the domicile.  In order to take advantage of this contractual provision, a Reserve Flight Attendant must call Crew Scheduling and request to be released from the remainder of their reserve availability period.  Once released by Crew Scheduling, the Reserve Flight Attendant is free from further duty and may commute home.  If a Reserve Flight Attendant does not request release, they are still considered on duty and are obligated to physically remain in domicile until the end of their reserve availability period.

        Questions?

        If you have questions about commuting while on reserve, please contact your Local Reserve Committee.


        College Scholarship Opportunities

        AFA International

        As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least three different scholarships, and the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books.  The time for applying is now!

        Brought to you by our Union, these benefits of union membership have become very popular with members.  Please see the respective links for detailed information, and good luck in obtaining financial assistance.

        AFA Scholarship Fund

        The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university.  The deadline for applications is April 10.  Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

        CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

        The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30.   Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

        Union Plus Scholarship Program

        Union Plus provides a suite of scholarships, educational discounts, and loans available for union members.  You can find information at https://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing.  One additional “click” brings up the scholarship applications that may be submitted online by the deadline of January 31.

        Union Plus Free College Benefit

        In addition, there is a free college benefit available through Union Plus for active and retired Members and their families with the opportunity to earn an associate degree completely online – for FREE.  Details and an application are online at https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org.  This benefit can save you thousands of dollars.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers

        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Reserve Committee Tagged With: 2021, LOA, MOU, Reserve Committee

        AFA Update – December 11, 2020

        December 11, 2020 12:00

        In This Edition

        • MEC Resolution on Gender Equality
        • CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before
        • Georgia Senate Runoff Election
        • Community Resources for Those in Need

        MEC Resolution on Gender Equality

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        AFA has long been a champion of equality both in and out of the workplace.  Over the course of many years, we have made achievements in our struggle to realize fair treatment for all.  There is still much work to be done, however, and we continue with our efforts to achieve workplace equality almost daily.

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) recently adopted a resolution in support of gender equality, specifically in regard to the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and gender expressions.  As a part of the resolution, the MEC is calling upon Alaska Airlines management to make much needed changes to company policies in order to recognize, accept, and include non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.  You can view the complete language of the resolution on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

        What Are Gender Identity and Gender Expression?

        Gender identity refers to how you view your gender internally (e.g., man, woman, or another gender).  Gender expression refers to how you present your gender on the outside through your behavior, mannerisms, the clothing you wear, your voice, and other characteristics. Gender non-conforming is a broader term that describes people who do not follow other people’s ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex they were assigned at birth.

        In our society, many people identify and express themselves as either male or female.  This is often referred to as the “gender binary”, meaning that it has two parts—male and female.  People who are non-binary have a gender that doesn’t fall into one of these two categories. They may have a gender that blends both male and female elements, is different than male or female, or they may not identify with any gender.

        If you’d like to read more to further understand non-binary and gender non-conforming people, you can find additional information using the links below:

        • Pride at Work – Union Guide to Discussing LGBTQ People and Issues
        • National Center for Transgender Equality – Understanding Non-Binary People

        A Request for Immediate Action

        Earlier this week, the MEC sent a formal letter to management requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the resolution and begin the process of working to study, review, and update company policies as quickly as possible.  We have requested that the frontline employee uniform and appearance standards be reviewed first as they are one of the most significantly impactful areas of inequality for those who are non-binary and/or gender non-conforming.

        Questions?

        Please contact your LEC President with any questions about the MEC Resolution.


        CALL CONGRESS: We’re Closer to #ReliefNow Than Ever Before

        Government Affairs Committee

        We’ve rallied, marched, called, emailed, tweeted, and more to demand our members of Congress extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP). Our activism is forcing lawmakers to publicly come out to support #ReliefNow for Flight Attendants and essential aviation workers and urge their colleagues to take action. 

        Throughout the next 7 days, we have to be louder than we’ve ever been before

        The $908 billion bipartisan proposal on emergency relief has significant support across Congress, but there are a few outstanding issues unrelated to PSP. Our action and voices are critical to getting this legislation over the finish line.

        Congress is gearing up to depart Washington, D.C. for the holidays and before they leave, they must pass a government funding bill by Friday, December 11th, to avert a government shutdown. Congress is expected to extend that deadline to December 18th. That is unfortunate because every day counts for those out of work and all the disruption and suffering caused for people without relief – and even those on the job under these conditions. We need to continue to demand #ReliefNow. Every day counts! This is a bridge of emergency relief for the whole country for four month. Stimulus discussions for recovery would be renewed in the New Year. More relief will be needed for our country to recover.

        Our members of Congress must hear from us, our family members and friends, every day

        SENATE: (888) 848-4824
        HOUSE: (888) 907-9365

        “Hello, I am a constituent calling to tell my (Senator/Representative) that we need emergency relief and an extension of the Payroll Support Program TODAY. We are out of work and without healthcare. Do not leave Washington, D.C. without passing emergency relief for our families. Do your job. Thank you.”


        Georgia Senate Runoff Election

        Government Affairs Committee

        On January 5, voters in Georgia will have the opportunity to vote in an election to determine who will represent them in the United States Senate.  Georgia voters will have the opportunity to send two candidates to Washington who support working Americans through the right to organize and bargain collectively.  This election is critical as the outcome has the ability to affect the balance of power in the Senate.

        With judicial nominees, a stimulus deal, infrastructure and health care measures, and tax and spending policies all on the line, the Senate races in Georgia are likely to take on an intensity that mirrors the presidential race that just ended.  We need to do everything possible to encourage Georgia voters to vote and get the word out about pro-worker candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

        Our fellow AFA and CWA members will be working to reach out to Georgia voters through phone banking activities every Tuesday until the election as well for several days prior to the election itself.  You can help make a difference and get the word out by signing up for a shift and joining the phone bank!  Available shifts are:

        Tuesday, December 15th2 to 5 PM PST 
        Tuesday, December 22nd2 to 5 PM PST
        Tuesday, December 29th2 to 5 PM PST
        Sunday, January 3rd9 AM to 5 PM PST
        Monday, January 4th2 to 5 PM PST
        Tuesday, January 5th (Election Day)9 AM to 3:30 PM PST
        Click here to sign up for a shift

        Signing up for just one shift can make a difference and you’re welcome to sign up for as many shifts as you’d like.  After you sign up for shifts, you’ll receive Zoom information about how to connect to the phone bank.

        Questions?

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


        Community Resources for Those in Need

        Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

        Your AFA EAP Committee has compiled the below list of websites that may prove helpful with the financial strains of our times.

        Food Banks, Housing and Utility Assistance, Clothing Closets, Veteran Services etc.  

        • United Way and Local Assistance Resources in your Area  www.211.org
        • State by state resources and benefits to replace lost wages, housing and food assistance, resources to assist workers impacted by COVID   https://aflcio.org/covid-19/state-resources

        Health Care

        • Low-cost/no cost local health care services for adults and children: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
        • Insurance for children if parents don’t have coverage for them. www.insurekidsnow.gov
        • Open Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act – (open Season 11/1-12/15) www.healthcare.gov
        • Hill-Burton free or low cost hospitals/medical facilities. https://www.hrsa.gov/get-health-care/affordable/hill-burton/facilities.html
        • Join a Study/Trial- Find a study by disease, country, state that is actively recruiting participants. www.clinicaltrials.gov

        Behavioral Health Care

        • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Website for sliding fee or no cost mental health services. https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

        Prescription Assistance Programs

        • Partnership for Prescription Assistance: A program sponsored by drug companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations, and civic groups. It helps low-income, uninsured patients get free or low-cost, brand-name medications. http://www.pparx.org  Ph: 888-477-2669 
        • NeedyMeds: A nonprofit group that has an extensive database of information about patient assistance programs, state assistance, drug discount programs, and free or low-cost medical care. You can search the database for free on its website. The site also has information on thousands of programs to help consumers through the application process. www.needymeds.org
        • RxAssist: An online database of drug company programs that provide free or affordable drugs and copay assistance. www.rxassist.org
        • RxHope: A web-based resource where you can search by medication to find assistance programs. It also offers help with the application process. www.rxhope.com
        • RxOutreach: A mail-order pharmacy for people with little to no health insurance coverage. www.rxoutreach.org

        Questions?

        Contact your Local EAP Committee if you’d like more personalized assistance in understanding and accessing these or other resources.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Human Rights & Equity Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2020, community resources, election, furlough, gender equality, gender expression, gender identity, Georgia Senate Runoff, Payroll Support Program

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        Latest News

        • Sick Leave Survey Now Open
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025
        • AFA News in Review – October 24, 2025
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025
        • AFA News in Review – October 17, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results
        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

        Sick Leave Survey Now Open

        October 28, 2025

        Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) prioritizes your health and well-being and seeks to understand which aspects of our paid sick leave policy matter most to you. We encourage you to participate in the survey, which is open until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT, to ensure your voice is heard in shaping our support for your healthcare needs.

        SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

        October 27, 2025

        This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

        October 27, 2025

        During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

        Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

        October 23, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

        Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

        October 22, 2025

        We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

        Recent Posts

        • Sick Leave Survey Now Open
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025
        • AFA News in Review – October 24, 2025
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025
        • AFA News in Review – October 17, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results
        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
        • U.S. Customs & Border Protection Gender Code Requirement
        • Hawaiian Brand Inflight Service Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • AFA News in Review – October 10, 2025
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025
        • Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

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