AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Master Executive Council (MEC)

AFA Special Update – February 1, 2021

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.

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.

AFA Update – January 22, 2021

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

AFA Update – December 11, 2020

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:

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.  

Health Care

Behavioral Health Care

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.

AFA Special Update – September 9, 2020

In This Edition

  • Health and Safety Concerns with Onboard Service

Health and Safety Concerns with Onboard Service

Master Executive Council (MEC)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.  The spread predominantly occurs between people who are in close contact with others (within about 6 feet).  Guidance from the CDC also indicates that people who don’t live in the same household should maintain 6 feet of distance from one another and that a mask is not a substitute for social distancing.  Though management has implemented a policy requiring the use of face coverings by passengers and employee onboard the aircraft, it is practically impossible for Flight Attendants to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet from other people in the aircraft cabin, especially while conducting onboard service. 

On July 16, management rolled out a significant expansion of onboard service which involved the addition of several additional beverage choices, including the return of hot beverages including coffee and tea.  This expansion was followed up by further additions on August 16 coupled with the return of ice on the beverage cart.  The addition of so many components of onboard service seems counterintuitive during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Flight Attendants Are Unnecessarily Being Put At Risk 

By requiring unnecessary interactions with passengers that are not related to safety of the flight, management continues to place Flight Attendants at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 by increasing required interactions with passengers and mandating additional time in the aisle to complete the increased service.  Though management now allows Flight Attendants to bring and wear their own protective eyewear or face shields from home, this is not a substitute for the CDC recommendation to maintain physical distancing. 

These concerns were resoundingly echoed by data collected from the AFA COVID-19 Onboard Service Survey.  Over 1300 Flight Attendants responded to the survey, which was conducted between July 28 and August 2.  Several key points from the survey include: 

  • Only 18% of those surveyed answered affirmatively* that they believe management considered the safety and health of Flight Attendants when adding beverages back to the onboard service
  • Only 22% of those surveyed answered affirmatively* that they believe the number and type of beverages added back were appropriate given current concerns regarding COVID-19
  • Over 65% of those surveyed indicate that they have experienced passengers removing their face covering multiple times per flight since the July 16 onboard service expansion  

*An affirmative answer is indicated by a response of strongly agree or agree

Comments submitted by Flight Attendants as part of the survey list dozens of reports of passengers removing their face covering to interact with Flight Attendants despite onboard announcements directing passengers to keep their face coverings on.  Further reports tell of Flight Attendants observing passengers keeping their face coverings off for extended periods of time as they wait for hot beverages to cool.  The results of the survey, as well as a representative selection of comments submitted by Flight Attendants, were shared with management shortly after the survey closed.

Management’s Position: Passenger Satisfaction Matters More

Members of the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Service Committee, and the MEC have been continually engaging with management to address the risks to Flight Attendant safety and health presented by the expansion of onboard service.  These conversations have involved every level of management within Alaska Airlines, and have included management from inflight, labor relations, safety, and marketing.  AFA Representatives have repeatedly asked management to “stop the operation” and “own safety” by pulling back the expanded onboard service and returning to the pre-July 16 offering.  

Management, however, has a different point of view.  In several meetings between management and AFA, management has stated that they believe that there is no evidence to say that there is any incremental risk of transmission due to onboard service.  Management has also gone on record to indicate that they believe that the worst credible outcome of a COVID-19 infection to Flight Attendants is “medical treatment beyond first aid”—not hospitalization or death.  This position contradicts the fact that the CDC has recorded over 184,000 COVID-19 related deaths in the United States and leading national forecasts continue to predict thousands of new COVID-19 related hospitalizations per day.

Management’s overall response has been that they fully intend to continue offering the expanded onboard service despite AFA’s objections.  Their reasoning: an increase in passenger satisfaction scores and a decrease in complaints related to onboard service offerings.

The MEC is equally frustrated and disappointed that management has made the conscious decision to prioritize passenger survey scores over Flight Attendant health and safety by refusing to reconsider the onboard service expansion that they have rolled out over the past several months.  The failure to address the concerns related to the unnecessary additional risk for contracting COVID-19 that Flight Attendants are being exposed to speaks volumes to the fact that “Ready, Safe, Go” is only a priority when it is convenient and suits the needs of management.  Despite this, the MEC and other AFA representatives will continue our efforts to advocate for onboard service levels that do not put Flight Attendants unnecessarily at risk. 

Continue to Document and Report Safety Hazards 

Regardless of management’s position, please continue to report any safety hazards that you experience while performing the expanded onboard service.  This could include instances of increased exposure to passengers (e.g. passenger removing their mask to speak to you, etc.) or other hazards related to service.  You can report these hazards through ReportIt! by submitting either a FAIR and/or ASAP for each flight on which they occur.  Include the terms “COVID-19″ and “service” in your narrative to ensure they are correctly categorized by management.  This data will help our AFA representatives to advocate for safe levels of service. 

AFA Update – September 4, 2020

In This Edition

  • #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8
  • National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs
  • A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

#ReliefNow Rally in Seattle on September 8

Government Affairs Committee

On Tuesday, September 8th, the AFA Council 19 Government Affairs Committee will be hosting a #ReliefNow Rally in Seattle to demand a clean extension of the Payroll Support Program. We will be rallying outside the offices of Senators Murray and Cantwell at 12 PM Pacific. An extension of the Payroll Support Program will provide job security for hundreds of thousands by requiring airlines continue their promise of no furloughs through March of 2021. With hundreds of thousands of jobs on the line, including hundreds here at Alaska, we ask that you join us in rallying and demanding an extension.  

What: Seattle #ReliefNow Rally
When: Tuesday, September 8 a 12 PM Pacific
Where: Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98174

This event is open to all, including Flight Attendants laying over in Seattle as well as friends and family members.  Not able to join in Seattle?  Visit the #ReliefNow page to find an event near you.

Keep The Pressure On Congress—Call Your Representative and Senators!

Flight Attendants continue to pressure Congress to put in place #ReliefNow. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows talked about extending aid to airlines but acknowledged that Congress must act — executive orders will not save our jobs. Congress is set to return to D.C. on September 8th. We have to keep up the pressure this week with one message: #ReliefNow for aviation workers and all Americans. Get it done. 

Make three calls every day this week. One to your Representative and two to your Senators.

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

Sample Script:

“Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask my Senator/Representative to save my job as an essential worker and airline employee. An overwhelming majority of Congress supports an extension to the Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in October and also to ensure there’s no cancellation of service to small communities. We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”

You can also find local office information by looking up your Representative and Senators at house.gov and senate.gov.

National Group Protection Supplemental Insurance Premium Waiver for COVID-19 Leaves and Furloughs

Benefits Committee

Most Company-offered supplemental insurance coverage continues while on COVID-19 leaves or furloughs, and the premiums for such insurance are double-deducted upon return to service or are direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company depending on the situation. However, premiums for supplemental insurance offered by National Group Protection (NGP) / Continental Accident Insurance Company (CAIC) and payroll deducted as “Continental Insurance (CAIC)” are not double-deducted or direct billed by the Company or an agent of the Company.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NGP has offered a generous continuation of coverage and a six-month suspension of premiums for Flight Attendants on leaves or furloughs beginning in May and for the remainder of 2020. The six months are not required to be consecutive and the waiver of premium may continue into 2021 if the Flight Attendant is on leave or furlough as of December 31, 2020.

No action is required in order to maintain coverage. CAIC will honor claims during this time (subject to policy provisions/language and documentation requirements). NGP will communicate directly with Flight Attendants who are expected to exhaust the waiver of premium.

If you have any questions, you may contact NGP directly at 1-800-344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.

A September 11th Anniversary Message from Your AFA EAP

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions.  September 11, 2020 will be no different.  Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials.    For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th.  For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans. 

However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it.  If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find local EAP Committee Member contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.  Remember, we’re just a phone call away.  

Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters 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), […]

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the first 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 […]

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Thursday, September 18, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing efforts to represent our Flight Attendants and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular meeting was centered […]

Vacation Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA 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 & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Membership Engagement 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

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