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Welcoming Our Newest Flight Attendants

Reserve Committee

  • We are excited to welcome our newest Flight Attendants to the line!  Operating experience (OE) flights for the first class of 2022 are finishing up, and some of our new Flight Attendants will start flying the line as early as this week.
  • With new Flight Attendants joining us, now is a good opportunity to brush up on some new hire related programs that haven’t been active for a while, such as Operating Experience (OE) and job familiarization flights.
  • Ensuring that our newest Flight Attendants have accurate and correct information about our contract and work rules is critical to their success while on probation.  If questions come up, please refer them to an official AFA resource or their Local Reserve Committee for assistance. 

We are very excited to welcome our newest Flight Attendants from class 2022-01, who will begin their flying careers at our Seattle base. The first day of their first bid month will be April 1, 2022, though some may begin flying as soon as this week through trip pick-ups or the New Hire Reserve program (see below).  Given that it has been several years since we have welcomed new Flight Attendants, we wanted to provide some information and reminders about how all of us can help our new Flight Attendants to succeed throughout the probationary process and their new careers.  

Operating Experience (OE) Flights and Check Flight Attendants

As a result of ongoing growth, AFA and management recently agreed to expand the pool of who is eligible to conduct Operating Experience (OE) flights (formerly referred to as Initial Operating Experience [IOE]).  In addition to Inflight instructors, the newly expanded pool of “Check Flight Attendants” also includes Flight Attendants who are members of the company’s Special Projects Pool.  Check Flight Attendants observe the new hire Flight Attendants, assume responsibility for ensuring that they are performing job functions correctly, and determine if they are proficient in essential safety duties.

The OE program has also undergone some changes that may be different than you experienced during your own OE/IOE or have seen in the past.  Among these changes are a requirement that the new hire Flight Attendants need to be observed performing certain duties and will take over the responsibilities of a designated working Flight Attendant position.  Check Flight Attendants will provide guidance to the new hire Flight Attendants on which position they’ll be assigned to work.

It is important to note that Check Flight Attendants are line Flight Attendants and not supervisors.  Their presence onboard is to facilitate the OE flight for the new hire Flight Attendants, but they are not considered part of the working Flight Attendant crew and will conduct themselves accordingly.  For more information about the OE program, please refer to the February 21, 2022 Weekly Bulletin Bundle (AAG sign-on required).   

New Hire Reserve & Trip Pick Ups

With most new hire classes, there is a significant gap between graduation and base orientation and the beginning of the first bid period when they begin sitting reserve.  During this period, new hire Flight Attendants who would like to begin working may do so by picking up a maximum of two sequences per section 7.J of our contract.  AFA and management have also agreed to a temporary contractual modification through August 2022 that allows new hire Flight Attendants to opt into a reserve schedule following base orientation through the day prior to their first bid month.

New hire Flight Attendants who opt to participate in the New Hire Reserve program may start sitting reserve as soon as the day after base orientation.  In addition, all new hire Flight Attendants may pick up a maximum of two sequences as provided for in our contract regardless of whether they choose to opt into the New Hire Reserve program or not.  More information about the program can be found in the New Hire Reserve Letter of Agreement (LOA).

Job Familiarization Flights

New Flight Attendants who are on Reserve will be assigned “job familiarization” flights as their first four sequences following Base Orientation.  The flights are intended to allow our new flying partners to gain practical experience and become more acquainted with their duties onboard the aircraft.  Specific information can be found in section 7.F of our contract. 

This contractual provision allows Crew Scheduling to assign job familiarization flights from Open Time up to three days prior to departure, sequences constructed by Crew Scheduling, Flight Attendant-to-Flight Attendant trades removed from the trip pool, or positions added as an additional Flight Attendant (“E” position).  The language also requires that Crew Scheduling avoid assigning new Flight Attendants to the “A” position.  As a result, you may see new Flight Attendants who are completing job familiarization flights assigned outside of the normal Reserve Assignment List (LTFA) process in order for Crew Scheduling to meet this contractual obligation.

Questions About Our Contract and Work Rules

Our newest Flight Attendants are sure to have questions about our contract and work rules that will inevitably come up in conversation. As they are on probation, it’s essential that they receive the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.  Though well intentioned, offering advice based on previous reserve experience or past contracts may cause issues for new Flight Attendants and result in unintended consequences.

When these questions come up, please refer our new Flight Attendants to an official AFA resource, such as the AFA Reserve Survival Guide, for more information.  The AFA Reserve Survival Guide is easily accessible on the IMD in the GoodReader app.  If there are questions that aren’t answered in the guide, please direct them to their AFA Reserve Buddy or Local Reserve Committee for assistance.   

Service Flights Removed from Initial Training

Our current new hire Flight Attendants are facing the additional challenge of having had service flights removed from the initial training curriculum by management.  This failure to provide new hire Flight Attendants with hands-on service training in our actual working environment potentially increases the workload and stress for all Flight Attendants, and AFA has voiced our objections to management over this change.  Some Flight Attendants have reached out to inquire about the possibility of additional compensation for providing on-the-job training to new hire Flight Attendants.  This topic will be referred to our Negotiating Committee for review and consideration in advance of our upcoming contract negotiations.

Patience, Understanding, and Kindness

Though classroom training can provide a firm foundation for the multitude of situations that we face as safety professionals, nothing compares to stepping onboard an aircraft and performing the duties of a working Flight Attendant for the first time.  Each of us was in this position at one point and relied upon our more experienced flying partners to “show us the ropes.”  Our newest Flight Attendants are looking to each of us to be patient with them as they learn, understanding when they make mistakes, and supportive as they navigate a career which is completely new to many.  Please join us in welcoming our newest flying partners and showing them the kindness for which we are known.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Local Reserve Committee.  You can find contact information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Before It Becomes a Grievance: Understanding ADR and SRB

Grievance Committee

  • When AFA and management disagree on a contractual issue, it doesn’t necessarily become a grievance right away.  Most times, there is an intermediate step taken to try to resolve the issue.
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) brings together decision makers from AFA leadership, inflight management, and labor relations management to try to work the issue out.  Scheduling Review Board (SRB) is a similar process that involves AFA Representatives and Crew Scheduling management.  
  • If everyone can’t agree on a resolution, our AFA Grievance Committee can still file a formal grievance and address the issue through the contractual grievance process.

As we know, our collective bargaining agreement provides many protections related to our working conditions, pay, and benefits.  Our AFA Grievance Committee and other AFA Representatives work constantly to ensure that management is doing right by our Flight Attendants according to the language in the contract.  Sometimes, however, disagreements arise between AFA and management about how a particular provision in the contract should be applied or whether or not a contractual violation occurred in the first place.

Our contract provides an established process for handling disagreements such as these.  Section 19 [Grievance Procedures] and section 20 [Board of Adjustment] of our CBA, often referred to collectively as the contractual grievance process, outline the procedures for how disputes about contractual language and interpretation are handled.  But before a matter is referred to the grievance process, there is often an intermediate step taken to try to work the issue out with management.

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process is intended to give AFA Representatives and management the opportunity to resolve issues more quickly and with more flexibility while saving on the expenses related to processing a grievance.  ADR meetings are held every two weeks and include the AFA MEC Grievance Committee and management counterparts in Inflight management and the Labor Relations department.  During these meetings, the group reviews each case and attempts to work through issues that would otherwise be forced to the grievance process directly.

Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

Alongside ADR is a parallel process that specifically addresses scheduling-related issues.  The Scheduling Review Board (SRB) meets once per month and includes representatives from our AFA MEC Grievance, Scheduling, and Reserve Committees along with Crew Scheduling management.  The goal of SRB is the same—work to resolve issues more quickly than the grievance process would allow while achieving the best possible outcome for Flight Attendants.

How Do I Know If My Issue Has Been Referred to ADR/SRB?

If you’ve reported a concern to AFA and the issue has been referred to ADR or SRB, the status of your ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center will show as “escalated to ADR” or “escalated to SRB” accordingly.  The AFA Representative assigned to your case will continue to be your point of contact and provide you with updates following ADR/SRB meetings.  Our MEC Grievance Committee also maintains a log of current and past ADR items that can be viewed on the Grievance Committee page of the AFA Alaska website (click the “view the ADR log” button under the ADR process heading).   

What If We Can’t Work it Out?

While an issue is being addressed through ADR or SRB, the time limitations outlined in the contract for when a grievance must be filed are placed on hold.  This ensures that the Flight Attendant and our contractual rights are protected as we try to resolve the issue.  If we aren’t able to reach an agreement with management that is acceptable to everyone involved, our AFA Grievance Committee maintains the right to address the issue by filing a formal grievance.

Questions?

If you have questions about the ADR process, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Grievance Committee Chairperson.  For any questions about the SRB process, contact your Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson or Local Reserve Committee Chairperson.

December 2021 Pacific Northwest Snowstorm

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The snowfall that occurred over the last several days in the Pacific Northwest has caused operational havoc throughout the Alaska Airlines system. Many Flight Attendants are being impacted by cancelled flights, reassignments, and other scheduling issues.
  • Your contract is one of the best resources to help answer questions about pre-cancellations, reassignments, duty times, and rest. The AFA Scheduling Committee has also put together an updated quick reference guide with some key contractual information.
  • If your flying has been impacted by the snowstorm and you have contractual questions or concerns, please open a support ticket using the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. AFA Representatives are working to resolve issues as expeditiously as possible.

This week’s snowstorm and continued winter weather have had a significant impact on Alaska Airlines operations in Seattle and Portland.  Hundreds of flights have either been delayed or cancelled which has had a ripple effect throughout the system leaving virtually no Flight Attendants unimpacted.  AFA Representatives are actively working to try to resolve Flight Attendant concerns that have been reported, but management’s availability has been limited as they focus on fixing the operation.

If Your Flight Cancels

  • If your flight has been cancelled, you must still report as scheduled unless contacted by Crew Scheduling or you accept a cancellation notification in Crew Access.
  • If contacted by Crew Scheduling regarding a pre-cancellation, know your options.  Review section 10.S of the contract or the pre-cancellation flowchart.
  • If you have already reported for duty and your flight cancels, you must remain at the airport until released by Crew Scheduling.  Your duty period will run continuously until released.

Difficulty Making it to the Airport

Significant Weather Ground Commuting Operations (SWGCO) have been declared for Seattle and Portland.  SWGCO provides additional ground commuter protections for Flight Attendants who may have difficulty reporting on time due to the inclement weather.  In order to receive protections under SWGCO, you must notify Crew Scheduling at least one hour prior to report that you won’t be able to report on time due to the weather.  Please review pages 3 and 4 of the full side letter of agreement for more information.

Management is also offering hotel rooms near the airport in SEA and PDX for those who are reporting for trips the following day.  Please fill out this form to request a hotel room.  They have also authorized any F/A to expense $100 for Uber/Lyft transportation to/from the airport in order to get to work.  No advance approval is required and your base management can provide assistance with reimbursement.  Questions about in-base hotels or transportation reimbursement should be directed to the Inflight Snow Ops Command Center at InflightSnowOps@alaskaair.com.  

Hotel or Transportation Issues While Flying

If you are currently flying and are having issues with hotels or ground transportation, you may be able to receive a quicker response from the Inflight Snow Ops Command Center by emailing InflightSnowOps@alaskaair.com.  Requests that go through the command center, especially ones that are not time sensitive, will free up Crew Scheduling to attend to other operational duties.  The command center is open from 08:00-20:00 Pacific time.  Outside of these hours Crew Scheduling will be your point of contact.

Pay Questions & Rainmaker

If your flying has been impacted by irregular operations, be sure to monitor Rainmaker closely to ensure that your pay is reflected accurately.  Any pay questions should be submitted directly in Rainmaker as a pay query. 

Contractual Questions, Issues, and Concerns

Your contract is your best resources to answer scheduling and pay-related questions.  You can access the contract on the AFA Alaska website or on your IMD in Goodreader > ASFASupplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement > Contract.  The AFA Scheduling Committee has also put together an updated irregular operations quick reference guide with key contractual information that may be helpful. 

If you have a contractual concern or issue that has come up and need assistance from an AFA representative, please open a support ticket using the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  Members of the AFA Grievance, Reserve, and Scheduling Committees are working through submitted tickets as quickly as possible, but resolution may be delayed in some cases as management’s immediate focus is on operational issues.

For additional support, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee (lineholders), Local Reserve Committee (reserves), or your LEC Officers. 

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, December 9, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.  Representing you at the meeting were Haley Hirsch (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Megan Zablan (PDX), Meg Casey & Camile Caldwell (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Joe Coneglio (SAN).  Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton, MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeill, and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee also met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Kiana Shaw from management. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Review of reserve utilization statistics for November 2021.  Utilization rates are substantially higher than management’s goals.  They are aware that they are working Reserve Flight Attendants hard.
  • Clarification about how Crew Scheduling handles situations when a Flight Attendant calls in and indicates they are tired or exhausted.
  • Review of reserve coverage levels.  Coverage was increased for December 2021 and is expected to remain at the increased level through the first quarter of 2022.
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access that are affecting Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Clarification about how Airport Standby (ASPB) assignments are placed into Open Time (OT) for self-assignment and whether or not management is contractually compliant.
  • Concerns that Crew Scheduling may be calling Reserve Flight Attendants more than once during the first 9 hours of domicile rest.
  • Procedures used by Crew Scheduling to award Personal Drops to Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of 2022 initial training classes and how the Committee will be supporting our new hire Flight Attendants.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Pushing Management to Give Relief to Reserve Flight Attendants.  Advocating for improvements in flexibility through reasonable Adequate Reserve Coverage (ARC) numbers to allow for shifting/repositioning and increased personal drops.
  2. Getting Ready for New Hire Flight Attendants.  Preparing to support new hire F/As through presentations during initial training, participation in base orientation, and expanding the reserve buddy program.
  3. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management is compliant with our contract. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Reserve Committee is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Next Week: Committee Meetings with Management

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Several AFA committees will meet with management next week for regularly scheduled discussions of issues currently impacting Flight Attendants.
  • Each AFA Local Council/base sends a representative to committee meetings to ensure that the voices of all Flight Attendants are heard.
  • If you have concerns or items that you would like to see brought forward, please reach out to your respective Local Committee Chairperson prior to the meeting.

Most AFA committees hold meetings with management on a regular basis as a part of their advocacy work on behalf of our Flight Attendants.  These meetings are an opportunity for our Committee Members to bring concerns and issues forward and push for improvements to our workplace.  Representing you at these meetings is your Local Committee Chairperson (sometimes another Local Committee Member or LEC Officer may fill in), who is your voice to management on matters related to the committee.

Next week, several committee meetings are scheduled to take place with management.  They include:

  • Human Rights Committee on Monday, December 6
  • Retirement Committee on Tuesday, December 7
  • Reserve Committee on Thursday, December 9
  • Hotel Committee on Thursday, December 9
  • Inflight Service Committee on Friday, December 10

If there are items that you would like to see any of these committees bring forward to management at their upcoming meeting, please let your Local Committee Chairperson know.  Click below for contact information.

Human Rights Committee
Retirement Committee
Reserve Committee
Hotel Committee
Inflight Service Committee

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