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    You are here: Home / Archives for Press Releases

    Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Union Pledges to Support Contract Employees’ Fight for Fifteen

    May 7, 2015 09:33

    AFA Press Release

     

     

     

     

     

    For Immediate Release                                              Contact:

    May 7, 2015                                                                      Jeffrey Peterson 206-999-8207

    Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Union Pledges to Support Contract Employees’ Fight for Fifteen

     

    Seattle, WA (May 7, 2015) – Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), issued a statement today in support of Alaska Airlines contract workforce in their fight for $15 an hour and a union.

     

    AFA has a long, proud history of supporting workers throughout the airline industry and we believe that all jobs in our airports and on our airplanes should be good jobs with union rights, safe working conditions, fair wages and quality affordable health insurance.  Alaska Airlines’ contractors, including Menzies Aviation, BAGS, DGS, Huntleigh and Aviation Safeguards should be no exception.

     

    Contract airport workers employed by Alaska vendors at many of its West Coast airports are being held back in their struggle to improve the quality of their jobs, win a voice on the job and ensure safer working conditions. These workers move our passengers’ luggage, clean our planes and provide wheelchair assistance to our passengers in need.

     

    All workers performing services for Alaska Airlines should receive their fair share of the wealth that we are all helping to create. As Alaska Air Group continues to make record profits, our airline management and its selected vendors should not stand in the way of these workers trying to form their own union.

     

    Ten years ago this month, Alaska Airlines executives made the decision to outsource almost all of our baggage handlers. This is after having outsourced much of our heavy maintenance and all of our cabin cleaners. While these decisions have helped the airline to return investment to shareholders, they also eliminated thousands of middle class jobs. Today, these contracted out jobs are with low pay and few benefits.  The cities of Seattle and SeaTac recently raised their minimum hourly wage, yet Alaska Airlines is standing in the way of SeaTac workers fully realizing the wage increase. We need sustainable jobs for thriving communities to ensure the continued success of Alaska Airlines.

     

    As aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense, Flight Attendants understand that all workers in aviation are part of the safety and security web that continues to keep our skies the safest in the world. Through our membership in AFA, we are able to partner with our management and the FAA on programs keeping safety at the forefront as we continually improve our practices. All frontline workers performing service on behalf of Alaska have the right to the same types of safety programs – and travelers deserve the assurances these safety programs provide.

     

    In the best interest of Flight Attendants, shareholders and the passengers in our care, Alaska’s contract workers need to be able to exercise their voice and work with the company to address their unique safety concerns through their membership in unions.

     

    # # #

     

    The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

    ALA Press Release – Support Contract Employees

    Filed Under: Industry News, Latest News, Press Releases

    AFA Media Release: Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract

    December 17, 2014 10:00

    For Immediate Release                                                          Contact:
    December 17, 2014                                                                  Molly Sheerer 202-550-5520

     

    Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract

     

    Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2014) – Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO, voted to accept a tentative contract agreement on Wednesday that offers significant improvements for the 3,400 Flight Attendants at Alaska.  Assistance was provided through mediation by the National Mediation Board.

    “Today, Alaska Flight Attendants made a collective decision that will carry us through the next five years,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA president at Alaska Airlines. “We are dedicated to advancing the Flight Attendant career for ourselves and future Flight Attendants to come.”

    The new five-year agreement includes some of the top pay in the industry, built-in protections for reining in health care costs, improved job protections and work rules.

    # # #

    The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 67 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

     

    MEC 5B Logo (Email)

     

    Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations, Press Releases

    [AFA Int’l Media Release] Flight Attendant Union Promotes Bill For Permanent Ban On Knives In The Aircraft Cabin

    April 6, 2014 12:00

    http://www.afacwa.org/flight_attendant_union_promotes_bill_for_permanent_ban_on_knives_in_the_aircraft_cabin

    April 02, 2014

    STARTSOMETHINGHERE.COM/LEARN/LS/

    Washington, DC– The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today pledged unyielding support for a new bill that would place a permanent ban on knives in the passenger cabin. The bi-partisan bill, H.R. 4368, was introduced by Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), David Joyce (R-OH), and Daniel Lipinski (D-IL). It serves as companion legislation to Senate bill S. 1008. AFA issued the following statement, commending the lawmakers who are taking sound action for aviation security and refusing to forget why there is a ban on knives in the passenger cabin.

    “After leading intense efforts last year to ensure that knives are kept on the prohibited items list and out of the passenger cabin, our Flight Attendant union remains steadfast in pushing for a permanent ban secured by law. We are dedicated to working with Congress on swift passage of this bill. Passengers, law enforcement, crew members, airport ground staff, security experts and airlines all agree: there should be no knives ever again.

    “We applaud the leadership of Representatives Grimm, Gabbard, Joyce and Lipinski. These lawmakers are helping to strengthen our nation’s aviation security. Their work will result in safer flights for millions of Flight Attendants and passengers.

    “Flight Attendants are united in this fight and have resoundingly sent one simple message: no knives on planes ever again. Together with our allies, AFA has been successful in keeping knives on the prohibited items list, but it is crucial that Congress act on this legislation for a permanent ban.

    “This is a bipartisan issue that is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. It’s about our history and our future security. It’s time: No Knives, Ever Again.”

    The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 68 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

    Filed Under: Latest News, Press Releases

    Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Reject Tentative Agreement, Demand Improvements

    February 14, 2014 12:30

     

    Washington, DC – Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today voted down a tentative agreement with management. Through the vote, Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants sent a strong message to management that they expect more for their award-winning contributions to the airline.

    “Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have collectively declared today that management’s proposal fails to address the needs of Flight Attendants and does not reflect our true worth. We remain unified as a group and focused on our future. Through tireless effort, we have helped create a successful strategy that has resulted in increased profits for our airline. It is well past time for management to hear us and negotiate an agreement that meets the priorities set by Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants and that can be ratified,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA President at Alaska Airlines.

    Negotiations began two years ago and, in May 2013, AFA filed for mediation with the National Mediation Board. During negotiations, Alaska Airlines earned record-breaking profits and continued to earn top awards and accolades for customer satisfaction with the assistance of the Flight Attendants. Next, AFA will re-survey the over 3,100 Flight Attendants to determine their top priorities.  The National Mediation Board retains oversight of future negotiations.

    The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 68 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

    References

    • ALA Press Release

    Filed Under: Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Negotiations, Press Releases

    Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Begin Voting on New Agreement

    January 17, 2014 10:12

    Washington, DC – Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), today begin voting on a new contract that includes top-of-the-industry improvements in many categories. Voting concludes on February 14 at 9:00 am PST with results announced shortly after.

    “Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have earned industry awards over the years and worked with management to create a winning strategy for our airline and it is important that a new contract reflect those contributions. Throughout these negotiations, Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants mobilized for an agreement that recognizes our award-winning role. While the AFA negotiating committee worked tirelessly for the priorities identified by the membership, the decision is up to the over 3,100 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA President at Alaska Airlines.

    The tentative agreement was reached in December 2013 with the assistance of the National Mediation Board.

    The Association of Flight Attendants is the world’s largest Flight Attendant union. Focused 100 percent on Flight Attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the Flight Attendant profession for 68 years. Serving as the voice for Flight Attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the Flight Attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 60,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org.

    Filed Under: Latest News, Negotiations, Press Releases

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    Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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!
    Our Master Executive Council (MEC) has decided to split the duties of the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson into two positions. Current MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Justin Wetherell will move into a new MEC Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative position. Council 15 (SAN) Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff will take on the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson position.
    Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 8 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability. If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.
    This year’s company milestone anniversary celebration is coming up on Saturday, September 23, and we’re ready to turn the party into a RED HOT event! If you’re planning to attend as someone being recognized for a milestone anniversary (10 years of service and every five years after that) or joining someone who is as a guest, don’t forget to wear red (including your red AFA pin) to the event. Let’s show management our solidarity and turn out a sea of red to demonstrate that we’re fired up about a contract recognizing our contributions to the company’s success over our many years of service!
    Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11.
    We continued discussing Section 10.R-S: Scheduling and MPRs/RIGs this session, but progress has slowed considerably since June. We have been assigned a Mediator, who we anticipate joining our negotiation sessions starting in November. We are planning additional Mobilization activities in the coming months and expect to share additional details next week.

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    Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023

    September 29, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Scheduling Committee On Tuesday, September 26, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also […]

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    Uniform Committee On Tuesday, August 8th, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform […]

    September 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

    September 20, 2023

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    September 19, 2023

    Reserve Committee On Thursday, September 14, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Brandi Urban (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie […]

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    Response to the November 18th Inflight Town Hall Webcast

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    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 […]

    ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

    September 23, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

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    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

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