AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Honolulu (Council 43)
    • Los Angeles (Council 18/pmAS)
      • Officers
      • Committees
      • Los Angeles (Council 47/pmHA)
        • Officers
      • Portland (Council 39)
        • Officers
        • Committees
      • San Diego (Council 15)
        • Officers
        • Committees
        • Seattle (Council 19)
          • Officers
          • Committees
        • San Francisco (Council 35)
          • Officers
          • Committees

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

        • More About Committees >>
        Close
      • Contract
          • Contract Home
            • 2025 Alaska TA2 (Ratified)
            • 2018 Alaska JCBA
            • 2020 Hawaiian Contract
            • Ask Contract Questions
          • Contract Resources
          • Alaska Contract Negotiations (2022-2025)
        • Close
      • Resources
          • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
          • Issues & Campaigns
          • Newsroom
            • AFA News Now
          • Event Calendar
          • Membership Services
          • New Members
          • About
          • Links
          Close
        • Merger
          • Joint Negotiating Committee
          • Close
        • Contact Us
        You are here: Home / Archives for Council 15 SAN

        April Updates

        April 6, 2022 09:11


        Important Dates


        April 10: AFA Scholarship Application Due
        April 30:
        CWA Scholarship Application Due
        May 10:​CA Membership Meeting


        Joint California 15,18 and 35 Meeting


        The next membership meeting for Council 15 SAN members will be Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 1100 via Zoom. The purpose will be to discuss the upcoming AFA-CWA Annual Board of Directors Meeting.  This meeting will be a combined council meeting and open to all Council 15 (SAN), 18 (LAX) and 35 (SFO)  members in good standing (up-to-date on dues).  Please submit any Agenda Items you would like to discuss be emailing SAN@AFAAlaska.org, Deadline to submit agenda items is 5/6/22.  To attend, please register here.


        Recent Disciplines


        Here’s a brief summary of our most recent cases:

        Sick Leave Abuse
        Your Grievance committee would like members to be aware of the steps management takes whenever an F/A calls in sick or sick family.  Every sick leave call that is recorded in a day will be looked at (investigated) by base supervisors and managers the following day.  How deep the “look” goes is dependent on the Flight Attendant’s history, or information that may be discovered through social media or conversation between management and the F/A.  Every absence is reported in a log that management keeps to track trends.  Depending on how many entries an F/A has in the log, or if the supervisor is aware of any other information will determine whether the log entry is enough or if more needs to be discovered.  Some of the Flight Attendants history may be viewed at this point:

        • Leave status
        • Employee travel
        • Social media accounts and posts
        • Line management: attempted drops,  comments and/or money posted on trips
        • Previous years absences on same days

        This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a sample of F/A activity that can be seen by management.  In the event that this search indicates abuse, the Flight Attendant will be asked to attend a performance meeting to answer to the pattern discovered.  If the performance supervisor confirms the suspected abuse, the F/A is discharged on first offense.  As a reminder, our contract provides Flight Attendants with the benefit of paid sick leave to care for ourselves and loved ones when ill.  It is a conditional benefit and is only to be used for the purpose of treating an illness.  Flight Attendants that use the benefit in any other way are considered to have committed timecard fraud. In the event abuse is suspected, the burden of proof is on the F/A who needs to prove to the company that they used the benefit appropriately.

        Job Abandonment/Points
        Sadly we are witnessing a large amount of Job Abandonment cases across the system.  Many of these cases are Flight Attendants that run out of leave options and stop contacting the company about the status of their leaves.  Additionally terminations have been occurring due to points at high levels. When you reach 12 points they will terminate employment.

        Personal Conduct
        Personal Conduct can include a variety of violations.  Recent ones have included violation of company directed quarantine, crewmember disputes, and layover incidents.

        Commuter Violations
        The most common reason for a commuter violation is dropping a deadhead and flying home from a city that is not your base, commuting to/from another base for out of base pickups, accidental listings, where the F/A lists as D8Y rather than E1Y for travel. there have been several must read bulletins and its on the commuter page when you sign up. Inappropriate use of D8y status is automatic steps of discipline, and possible removal from commuter program. make sure to refresh your knowledge on being a commuter.

        CBT
        Failure to complete required training by the due date is an automatic Oral Warning or progression to the next level of discipline.


        Managing Attendance Points


        Please ensure you are aware of your point total and the tools available to reduce or even avoid accruing points. To review your Attendance Report, log in to Crew Access and Click on the menu bar (3 horizontal lines) in the upper left-hand corner of the page.  Select Reports, Reports on Demand, then scroll to Attendance Points.

        ​

        Point Reduction Form may be used to reduce attendance points related to your own personal illness.  It may be used once per quarter and cover’s up to 10 cal­­­endar days; starting with the first day of the designated absence.  It must be submitted before the end of your first sequence upon returning to work.  [Section 32.D]  DO NOT submit more than 1 PRF per Illness. One form covers 10 days. Submitting a 2nd form for the same illness or a new illness deletes your first date and starts the PRF from the 2nd date entered and goes 10 days from that date.

        ​

        Quaretly Record Improvement– Each calendar quarter with no accrued points or chargeable occurrences, 2 points may be deducted. [Section 32.G.1] 

        Bank Points–  If you have zero (0) points at the end of a calendar quarter and then achieve two (2) full calendar quarters with no chargeable occurrences, you may bank two points. Bank Points are reconciled after each quarter ends, therefore you may see accrued points and Bank Points listed on on your Attendance Report simultaneously until that process is completed.  [Section 32.G.3] 

        Sick Family may be utilized to care for qualified family members, including Spouse, Registered Domestic Partner, Children, Grandchildren, Parents, Grandparents and Siblings. No points will be assessed for a Sick Family absence provided you have sufficient Sick Leave TFP available at the time of the absence.  Please see Required Bulletin 2021-0059 (08/30/2021) for a complete list of eligible family members and more information. 

        Contractual Medical Leaves may be taken for your own medical conditions.  They are continuous (no intermittent option) and can be any length up to 4-years.  Contractual Medical Leaves do not have a duty hour requirement.  Medical Leaves are administered through Matrix Absence Management. [Section 15.C]


        FMLA allows time off to care for eligible family members and/or your own medical conditions for up to 12 weeks (72 days) per rolling calendar year.  FMLA provides both continuous and intermittent leave options.  Per The U.S. Department of Labor, airline crew must accrue a minimum of 504 Worked hours per rolling calendar year to qualify for FMLA. FMLA is administered through Matrix Absence Management.

        Sick Leave Balance Can be reviewed​by logging into Rainmaker and select Crew Pay Manager in the upper right-hand menu bar.  Select Bank Balances from the menu, then select on SickFA.  


        Scholarship Opportunities


        AFA Scholarship
        For eligibility guidelines, information and application, please visit the AFA-CWA website.
        Applications must be postmarked by April 10, and sent to the following address:

        AFA Scholarship Fund

        P.O. Box 56

        Hartwood, VA 22471-0056

        CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship
        The Joe Beirne Scholarship offered by CWA is available to AFA Members and dependents. The deadline for applications is April 30.   For more information please visit the CWA website.


        Membership Dues are a Condition of Employment


        Please be aware remaining current on membership dues is a condition of employment. the company can start proceedings for termination for failure to pay dues, If you receive communications from AFA International regarding past due balances please take care of them ASAP or set up a promise to pay.

        When researching the invoice you receive you can verify if dues were deducted by looking at that months corresponding pay check. Dues are deducted and applied in the same month, example May dues come out of May 20th check. Look back at your checks to see if you had deductions for that month.

        If you are coming back from an LOA you are responsible to pay the first 3 months of an UNPAID leave as well as the month you return for a total of $200 usually. If you need to catch up on dues payments, this link will take you directly to AFA’s Membership Services website to schedule an on-line payment. Should you need to update your personal contact information (e.g., address, phone number, email, etc.), use this link


        Crew Conflicts


        AFA Professional Standards can help resolve peer concerns without involving Management.  Once management becomes aware of a peer concern, they may launch an investigation.   Potential witnesses and those reporting will likely be called in for meetings often causing much stress and anxiety to all involved. 

        Our AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee is available to assist you when conflicts arise with another crew member. Utilizing this resource allows us to resolve our differences/concerns without the threat of discipline / terminations or the stress of an investigation. Reach out to EAP at the following                    EAP@afaalaska.org     (866) 423-2532 Ext. 5

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: 2022, April, Membership meeting, Newsletter

        Updates and Information

        February 4, 2022 10:12


        Bidding Reminders


        Top, Down

        When bidding, please remember that the program reads your bid from the top, down, starting at line 1.   Each bid line may  impact those below it, but not those above it.   
           

        Example:   At line 10 you Prefer Off March 7 & 8.  If honored,  you will not be awarded trips or reserve days touching those dates from Line 11 – 150 (provided your bid is not affected by denial or coverage awards).  Bid lines 1 through 9 would not be affected by this request.

        ​

        Bid Groups

        Bid Groups should only be used by expert bidders that are requesting very specific schedules.  We frequently see bid protests when members use Bid Groups incorrectly Click here for more information on using Bid Groups.  

        ​

        Which Bid will determine my award?

        The system will always award from your Current Bid if anything is entered.    If you bid using your Default Bid, please ensure there are no accidental entries on your Current Bid.  

        While we encourage you to become familiar with WebApp. We are aware that some members may use both versions during the learning phase.  When switching between Classbid (older) and WebApp (newer) versions of PBS, remember that the last bid submitted will be used by the system to award your schedule. 

        Questions?
        Please reach out to the AFA PBS Committee at​pbs@afaalaska.org. 


        T Mobile Sim and IMD Usage


        You should have received via UPS a T-Mobile Sim card, it was sent to your address on file with the company. if you have not updated your address since you moved please do so in Peoplesoft.

        The Sim comes in a big padded envelope with instructions on how to change it out along with a little metal tool that’s easy to miss. This process takes maybe 5 minutes at the most to do. Make sure you change your SIM card out as soon as you receive it. If you have not received one, please reach out to base management,

         Most of you know that T-Mobile offers 1 hour of free internet on flights for their customers, Keep in mind the IMD is company property. if you add a personal Apple ID to your work device you have now given the company access to your personal information, they can check your IMD at anytime remotely for Apps that have been added, conversations via text or 3rd party apps, Photos, Videos ETC ETC.

        Advice from your Local AFA Officers, use your IMD for work ONLY, People have been called into meetings and disciplined for content found on the device and usage of their devices both on personal time and during work hours that is not work related. 


        Sunset of ClassBid


        ClassBid, the older version of our PBS bidding program will no longer be supported by NavBlue after the March 2022 bid period (for April schedules). 

        WebApp, also known as the newer version of the program (https://asapbs.navblue.aero/webapp) has been available to all Flight Attendants for several years now.  If you are still unfamiliar with the newer version, you may wish to start reviewing the online training materials sooner rather later.  The program is accessible outside of the bid period, so you may log-in and practice using the system under your Default Bid. 

        ​

        Your local AFA Scheduling, and Reserve Committee’s will be hosting Base Sits during the bid period over the next few months. Dates for February and March are listed below, April dates will be published in time for bidding.  Base Sits are intended to help you fine tune your knowledge and ask questions one-on-one.  Please bring the tablet, laptop or mobile device you normally bid on. Computers are available in SAN. If you would like a more formal approach, the AFA PBS Committee will be hosting another round of virtual on-line classes in March and April.  Virtual Training will be on Microsoft Teams.  You must be​logged into your AAG account to attend.  Please review the training materials available on-line prior to attending a virtual class or a base sit.  

        SAN Crew Room

        • Feb 8  10AM to 3PM
        • Feb 9 10AM to 3PM 
        • March 5 6AM to 11AM 
        • March 6 10AM – 3PM
        • March 7 6AM – 11AM
        • March 8 10AM – 3PM
        • March 9 10AM – 3PM

        Virtual Training – Online Class

        • Online   Mar 8  10AM -11AM
        • Online Mar 9 1PM – 2PM
        • Online April 5 1PM – 2PM
        • Online April 7 10AM – 11AM  

        ​

        Available WebApp Training Resources

        WebApp Quick Reference Guide

        WebApp Tutorial Video 

        Q&A from WebApp Virtual Trainings (May – July 2021)

        WebApp Program Guide

        Basic Line Bidding Video

        Basic Reserve Bidding Video 

        Additional WebApp Videos 


        401K Matching


        Are you losing out on free money? The company match for your 401K is 7.5%. We have noticed there are many people still at 7%, make sure you sign into your Vanguard.com account and increase yours to at least 7.5% if you are able so that you are getting the full company match.


        CBT Due Date: February 10, 2022


        The Annual Compliance Training (ACT) CBT due date has been extended to February 10, 2022.   Please ensure you have completed this required training.  It was initially due late last year.   Please see Bulletin 2022-0013 for more information. Failure to complete your CBT by this date will result in steps of discipline.


        Personal Emails for AFA Updates


        With Negotiations on the Horizon, it’s very important to stay current with AFA newsletters and updates. Make sure you have your Personal Email on file with AFA. We do not use the company email. to Register your personal email click here: https://afanewsletters.org/subscribe/

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: bidding, Newsletter, t-mobile

        End of Year reminders and updates

        December 30, 2021 09:47

        December 2021 Update


        End Of Year Reminders


        Complete by 23:59 Dec 31st

        • Current Uniform Allotment Expires – If you need new pieces make sure to use any allotment remaining, you’ll receive a new allotment Jan 1 thats good for 2 years
        • Annual Compliance Training (ACT) CBT  – Check Cornerstone, Discipline issued if not completed
        • Guest Passes – Exchange your travel credits for passes, no need to print them they live in your guest pass history. We recommend you convert them 1 at a time, multiple passes. Do not convert all of them into 1 pass


        COVID Points Forgiveness (Positive Test)


        Per the new agreement with management, Flight Attendants can once again submit for points forgiveness for COVID absences with proof of a positive test. The time limits for submitting have been suspended.  If you’ve had a previous submission denied and can provide a positive test result, please resubmit for points removal.  Performance Supervisors will be reviewing each submission individually, so please be patient while your request is reviewed.     To submit your request, visit: Alaskasworld> Inflight> Administration> Performance> COVID+/Vaccine Reaction Point Forgiveness Form


        Grievance Committee Update


        Recent Investigations Resulting in Discipline

        • Failure to Complete CBT on time
        • Commuter Policy Violations
        • Missing Required Items
        • Delays caused by Flight Attendants

        AFA Membership Dues


        Many Council 15 members are behind on their monthly AFA dues.  After 90-days,  a member can fall into Bad Standing.   Once in Bad Standing, a member’s vote is not counted nor are they permitted to attend local council meetings until they are become current or make alternate payment arrangements with AFA Membership Services.   Unpaid dues could result in termination per  Section 26 C, D,  & E of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

        Our Local Membership Committee can provide you with balance information- but we do not have access payment or billing history.   If you have questions about your account, please reach out to AFA Membership Services.

        AFA Membership Services844-232-2228Ext. 3 – Dues and Account information 
           or Online
        http://afacwa.org//dues_questions


        Benefits and Leaves


        The Committee is receiving an unprecedented number of inquiries regarding Medical Leaves. While we are here to assist, we need everyone to be informed and aware of leave guidelines. Please be aware that there is a Leave Handbook for each type of leave. The Leave Handbooks provide step by step instruction to help you begin the process and navigate your leave. We suggest reading through the appropriate handbook prior to starting your leave in order to have familiarity with the process.  Leave Handbooks can be found on Alaskasworld> Inflight Page> Administration> Leaves

        You can aslo reach outt o our AFA Benefits Chair Sonia Quackenbush click HERE.


        Irregular Operations Guide


        As most already know, the cold and winter weather in Portland and Seattle has caused operational challenges all around our network. We realize many of you have and will find yourselves stranded in cities you were not necessarily expecting to be in, working longer hours or changes to flying. please keep this link handy to help guide you.

        Irregular Operations Quick Reference

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: CBT, December, uniform, updates

        November Updates

        November 5, 2021 14:54


        Reassignment and Pre-Cancellations


        We have been contacted by some members confused by the differences between Pre-cancellations and Reassignments.

        Reassignments take place the day of the sequence or after the sequence has started, whereas a Pre-cancellation takes place no later than the day prior to the sequence. 
        Flight Attendants are not able to decline Reassignments and waive pay.

        A “like sequence” for Reassignment is simply an equal number of days, which is different than an “Alternative Assignment” for a Precancellation (2 hours before/after original report/release).

        Pay for Reassignments [Section 10.R.5]
        If your Reassignment results in your flying more than originally scheduled, calculated on a day-for-day comparison, the additional flying will be paid at 1.5X pay. [Section 10.R.5.b]

        If your Reassignment returns to domicile more than 4 hours past original release time, pay is prorated at 1.5X beyond 4 hours. [Section 10.R.5.d]


        Annual Benefits Enrollment



        The Alaska Benefits Open Enrollment period for 2022 benefits ends November 17, 2021. Changes will become effective January 1, 2022.  To see plan options, visit:

        Alaskasworld>>Benefits/Pay>>Benefits>>Healthcare

        Have additional questions?  Please reach out to the SAN Benefits Committee chair, Sonia Quackenbush, for more assistance.


        New Committee Safety Chair


        Council 15 would like to send out a warm welcome to our newest ASHSC Chair Eva Gatus. 

        Eva would like to invite you to reach out with any safety concerns you might have  her email is Eva.Gatus@afaalaska.org. Eva has been a committee member and is pleased to start a new chapter in her flying career by becoming the new Chair of ASHSC.

        Council 15 would like to thank Ken Hawkins for his years of service as the ASHSC Chair, Ken has recently accepted a position in the training department and we wish him well on his new adventure and we are confident he will help make the training program a success.


        AFA Membership Dues


        Many Council 15 members are in arrears with their monthly AFA dues based on the most recent report from AFA International’s Membership Services department.  Although the amount of months in arrears varies widely, a member that is only one month late ($50) can fall into a “Bad Standing”.   Once in Bad Standing, a members votes are not counted nor are they permitted to attend local council meetings until they are become current or make alternate payment arrangements with AFA Membership Services. 

        The local Membership Committee has begun reaching out to members that are currently in arrears, to advise them of their current balance due.   

        Due to a system outage account notifications and billing was halted for most of the last year.   We still do not currently have access to specific billing information- only the amount due.  

        If you have taken any of the various Leaves offered due to the pandemic (Staffing Adjustment Leaves, COVID Leaves, or Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs, etc…,) you will likely have a dues requirement.  The most common month that is missed is when you return from leave.. The month you come back from leave you wont receive a check and would need to pay that months dues online here PAY DUES NOW.


        California Local Councils Membership Meeting Nov 18


        The next membership meeting for Council 15 members will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 1100 via Zoom. The purpose will be to discuss news and events happening in California bases at Alaska.  This meeting will be a combined council meeting and open to all Council 15 (SAN), 18 (LAX) and 35 (SFO) members in good standing (up-to-date on dues).  If you have a Questions you want answered please send to San@afaalaska.org, deadline to submit agenda items is 11/15/21.  To attend, please register here.


        Reassignment and Pre-Cancellations


        We have been contacted by some members confused by the differences between Pre-cancellations and Reassignments.

        Reassignments take place the day of the sequence or after the sequence has started, whereas a Pre-cancellation takes place no later than the day prior to the sequence. 
        Flight Attendants are not able to decline Reassignments and waive pay.

        A “like sequence” for Reassignment is simply an equal number of days, which is different than an “Alternative Assignment” for a Precancellation (2 hours before/after original report/release).

        Pay for Reassignments [Section 10.R.5]
        If your Reassignment results in your flying more than originally scheduled, calculated on a day-for-day comparison, the additional flying will be paid at 1.5X pay. [Section 10.R.5.b]

        If your Reassignment returns to domicile more than 4 hours past original release time, pay is prorated at 1.5X beyond 4 hours. [Section 10.R.5.d]


        Annual Benefits Enrollment



        The Alaska Benefits Open Enrollment period for 2022 benefits ends November 17, 2021. Changes will become effective January 1, 2022.  To see plan options, visit:

        Alaskasworld>>Benefits/Pay>>Benefits>>Healthcare

        Have additional questions?  Please reach out to the SAN Benefits Committee chair, Sonia Quackenbush, for more assistance.


        New Committee Safety Chair


        Council 15 would like to send out a warm welcome to our newest ASHSC Chair Eva Gatus. 

        Eva would like to invite you to reach out with any safety concerns you might have  her email is Eva.Gatus@afaalaska.org. Eva has been a committee member and is pleased to start a new chapter in her flying career by becoming the new Chair of ASHSC.

        Council 15 would like to thank Ken Hawkins for his years of service as the ASHSC Chair, Ken has recently accepted a position in the training department and we wish him well on his new adventure and we are confident he will help make the training program a success.


        AFA Membership Dues


        Many Council 15 members are in arrears with their monthly AFA dues based on the most recent report from AFA International’s Membership Services department.  Although the amount of months in arrears varies widely, a member that is only one month late ($50) can fall into a “Bad Standing”.   Once in Bad Standing, a members votes are not counted nor are they permitted to attend local council meetings until they are become current or make alternate payment arrangements with AFA Membership Services. 

        The local Membership Committee has begun reaching out to members that are currently in arrears, to advise them of their current balance due.   

        Due to a system outage account notifications and billing was halted for most of the last year.   We still do not currently have access to specific billing information- only the amount due.  

        If you have taken any of the various Leaves offered due to the pandemic (Staffing Adjustment Leaves, COVID Leaves, or Enhanced Voluntary Furloughs, etc…,) you will likely have a dues requirement.  The most common month that is missed is when you return from leave.. The month you come back from leave you wont receive a check and would need to pay that months dues online here PAY DUES NOW.


        California Local Councils Membership Meeting Nov 18


        The next membership meeting for Council 15 members will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 1100 via Zoom. The purpose will be to discuss news and events happening in California bases at Alaska.  This meeting will be a combined council meeting and open to all Council 15 (SAN), 18 (LAX) and 35 (SFO) members in good standing (up-to-date on dues).  If you have a Questions you want answered please send to San@afaalaska.org, deadline to submit agenda items is 11/15/21.  To attend, please register here.


        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: annual enrollment, dates, meeting, Newsletter

        August Updates and Information

        August 26, 2021 14:00


        Covid Vaccination Concerns


        Being AFA Officers we have a duty to fairly represent all our members regardless of personal beliefs, we will continue to represent our entire membership. We have heard from members who want us to advocate for mandatory vaccinations and members who want us to advocate for voluntary vaccinations. This is a complex issue with strong opinions on both sides. It’s just not possible to advocate for both at the same time. That being said, AFA Alaska has advocated for neither position. We have, however, continued to inform management regarding the varying opinions of our membership and their concerns.  

        The reality is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has very clearly stated that companies are well within their legal rights to implement a vaccination requirement as long as they offer accommodations for religious or medical exemptions—provided such accommodations do not pose an undue burden on the company. There is no freedom protected by law that is violated in doing so, but nonetheless, we understand the concerns from many of our members about the perceived violation of their personal liberties and their bodies.  

        If the company does decide to mandate the vaccine, that decision will trigger discussions between the union and management.  We can not impose anything on the company, we can only negotiate.


        Grievance vs Gripe


        Not all concerns brought forward to AFA can be resolved by the union.  Knowing the difference between a Grievance and a Gripe is key to understanding how we can assist you.  

        Grievance

        A grievance is a formal challenge to management that our contract has been violated or that unjust discipline has been issued.   Example: “Charter flying was awarded out of seniority order.” We have specific contract language citing how Charter Bids will be awarded, therefore, this could be a grievance.

        Prior to filing a grievance, your local union reps will attempt to resolve the concern with management, if that proves to be unsuccessful, a formal grievance may be filed.  

        Gripe

        A Gripe is a complaint that is not a contractual violation.

        Example: “It’s not fair that I was flown into a day off”.   It may not seem fair, but it is contractual, therefore this would be considered a gripe.     Or   “I thought I had the day off because my flight canceled, why did I get a no show? This isn’t fair! Our contract states that you must report as scheduled if no contact is made with crew scheduling for canceled flying, therefore this would be considered a gripe. 

        Occasionally we hear from members that are upset because they were unaware of contractual language or a company policy that has been violated.  It’s everyone’s responsibility to know our work rules. Not knowing the rules doesn’t prevent management from issuing discipline. 

        Your SAN union reps are always available to help determine when a complaint is a gripe or a grievance.  We are always willing to assist you with contract interpretation. SAN@afaalaska.org

        Please ensure that you have our contact information saved on your phone. You never know when you may need to reach out to us.  


        Performance Investigations and Disciplines


        CBT

        Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs is continuing to trend.  Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete CBTs.  The Council 15 Grievance Committee has been successful in assisting FAs dispute discipline when evidence of technical difficulties exists.  Being busy and forgetting to complete the CBT has not been accepted as extenuating circumstances to miss a CBT deadline and the discipline will remain.  If more than one CBT deadline is missed, discipline will progress to higher steps on the discipline scale (i.e. 2 missed CBTs in 18 month period will escalate to a Written Warning, 3 to a suspension, the 4th could result in termination).

        Commuter Violations

        Monthly audits are occurring, and Council 15 has seen disciplines for misuse lessen however there are still Flight Attendants that are using it incorrectly.  Please be sure your registered cities are current and comply with guidelines set forth in the commuter program.

        D8Y Commuter status is a negotiated benefit and those traveling on D8Y status have a very high priority, traveling above executives on leisure travel and all other nonrevs.

        Flying using D8Y Commuter status is for flights starting/ending in your HOME RESIDENCE AIRPORT and SAN AIRPORT only. you can take a flight that has a connection, but only if all legs are on Alaska Metal.

        You CAN NOT use D8Y status for out-of-base pickups, releasing from DH and flying home, or between any cities that do not start and or end in SAN or the Airport where you reside. for these examples, you would list as E1Y.


        Operational Concerns


        Management continues to assert that we are properly staffed.  

        While their plan may look good to them on paper, those of us flying every day certainly feel otherwise.   While we endure the constant barrage of Reassignments, Premium Trip notifications, and Reserve burn-out; management continues to rely on a pre-COVID game plan that is no longer valid.  It’s time for management to evaluate their staffing models and account for the impact of the pandemic. 

        Know your work rules:
        Download a copy of the Contract to your mobile device. 
        Review:  Section 10.R [Reassignments] & 10.S [Pre-Cancelations] &
                Section 8 [Hours of Service].

        Save your Local Union Reps contact information:

        Email & Office Phone Number are monitored throughout the day

        SAN@afaalaska.org  or Call 206-457-2010 ext 5

        Line Holder Scheduling Questions  

        SAN.Scheduling@afaalaska.org

        Reserve Questions

        SAN.Reserve@afaalaska.org


        Covid Points


        COVID-19 Points Forgiveness Extended Through September 2021

        The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the COVID-19 related absences with supporting documentation.

        Your Council 15 officers encourage members to submit the form for absences related to COVID-19. Please review the MOU for details on what points are eligible for adjustment.  This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. To request a points review, visit:  Alaskasworld> Inflight> Administration> Performance> COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form. See Bulletin #2021-0046  for more information.


        Leaves, Benefits, Retirement


        If you have any questions regarding various Medical Leaves, FMLA, and Worker’s Compensation please reach out to our Local Benefits Committee Chairperson Sonia Quackenbush

        Retirement questions should be directed to our Local Retirement Committee Chairperson,  Stephen Couckuyt.

        Contact information for all local committees can be found here.


        Fatigue Reporting


        When too fatigued to fly, you have the option of notifying Crew Scheduling that you are unfit to fly by calling in Fatigued. Once you call, you are put immediately into 10 hours rest, whether at domicile or mid trip. Once this rest period ends, you may be required to rejoin your original trip.  

        There is no penalty for utilizing the Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP). Following a fatigue call, you are required to submit a fatigue report within 48 hours of the end of your rest period.  The Fatigue Review Board (FRB) meets regularly to review submitted reports.  You may be contacted if they have any questions. If your event falls within the fatigue guidelines, the report will be accepted.   If the FRB determines that your event does not meet the guidelines, it will be coded as sick or sick on-line and appropriate points will be applied.  

        If you would like more information (including the list of fatigue event categories) please review the Fatigue Risk Management Plan Manual on Alaska’s World. The FRMP Letter of Agreement may be found by clicking here. It is also available on your IMD.  ASFA Supplemental> Collective Bargaining Agreement> Fatigue Risk Management Plan

        In Solidarity,

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: August, COVID, Newsletter, vaccine

        • « Previous Page
        • 1
        • 2
        • 3
        • 4
        • …
        • 17
        • Next Page »

        Need Help?

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

        Latest News

        • Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution
        • AFA News in Review – September 26, 2025
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives
        • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Vacation Survey Closing Soon
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

        Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

        October 2, 2025

        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

        September 25, 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

        September 24, 2025

        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

        September 24, 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

        September 23, 2025

        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

        • Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution
        • AFA News in Review – September 26, 2025
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives
        • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Vacation Survey Closing Soon
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results
        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
        • Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2
        • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

        Local Councils

        • Anchorage
        • Honolulu
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Alaska)
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Hawaiian)
        • Portland
        • San Diego
        • San Francisco
        • Seattle

        Master Executive Council

        • MEC

        Negotiations

        • Contract 2022 Home
        • Negotiations News
        • TA2 Information

        Contract

        • Contract Home

        Committees

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

        News By Month

        News By Category

        AFA 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
        • Email
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • YouTube

        Want To Stay In The Loop?

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

        Connect With AFA

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

        Copyright © 2013-2025 Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO