This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants
On Wednesday, June 17, our pre-merger Alaska Benefits Committee Chairpersons met with management for their regular meeting. These discussions help ensure that management understands the real-world impact of their decisions on Flight Attendants and that your concerns are addressed directly.
Your representatives at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Ava McWilliams-Ellington (LAX), and Sonia Quackenbush (SAN). MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Dianna Ripley also attended and facilitated the meeting.
The Committee also met with management representatives, including Manager of Leaves, Accommodation, and Disability Tracy Middleton and Leave and Disability Specialist Kelly Washburn.
The next Benefits Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22.
Discussion Topics
The Committee reviewed challenges in leave processing and discussed administrative protocols to improve Member communication, documentation, and consistency. These included:
- Return-to-Work Scheduling Processes: The Committee and management discussed how return-to-work schedules are calculated using the monthly line average, the timing of outreach to Flight Attendants, and the documentation needed before returning to work. The discussion also included how scheduling is handled for lineholders and reserves, as well as the limited options available when a Flight Attendant is returning from Workers’ Compensation and still has ongoing appointments or physical therapy.
- California Leave Protections for Victims of Violence: The Committee and management discussed California leave protections available to employees who are victims of violence, as well as certain qualifying family members or designated persons. This discussion included the types of qualifying reasons for leave, job protection, coordination with FMLA when applicable, and the fact that this California protection does not have a minimum hours-worked requirement.
- Hartford Escalations and Quality Control: Concerns were raised by the Committee regarding inconsistent or incorrect information from The Hartford representatives, such as statements that a Flight Attendant’s job may not be protected. Management responded by advising that, when these issues arise, the Committee should collect the representative’s name along with the date and time of the call for proper investigation and resolution.
- Washington State Waiting Week and Pay Concerns: Discussion focused on Washington State Paid Leave’s mandatory seven-day waiting week, with the Committee and management examining how its impact may differ based on a Flight Attendant’s leave start date. Additional concerns about inconsistent pay experiences for Washington-based Flight Attendants and the need for better guidance on pay calculation and coordination were also addressed.
- Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee and management discussed the pay gap some Flight Attendants may experience when going out on maternity leave at 29 weeks, before state disability or paid leave benefits begin. Management explained that medical documentation, state filing requirements, and denial notices may be necessary to move the process forward, particularly in California, Washington, and Oregon-specific situations.
- 480-Hour Lookback in Complex Leave Situations: The Committee and management discussed how the 480-hour lookback applies in more complex situations, including multiple leaves, staffing adjustment leaves, and new-hire pregnancy, maternity, and bonding leave scenarios. The Committee also asked for follow-up to ensure these situations are reviewed consistently and that members receive clear guidance.
- FMLA Eligibility Calculator: At the Committee’s request, management was asked to consider adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system to eliminate the need for Flight Attendants to manually retrieve their DUTY HOURS from Rainmaker each month. The Committee explained the distinction between DUTY HOURS and TFP to management, noting that the difference can complicate the process for those trying to confirm eligibility.
- Leave Documentation and Communication Protocols: Emphasis was placed on the need for clear documentation, proper routing of information, and consistent communication when Flight Attendants handle leave or benefits issues. The Committee emphasized the need to identify trends and ensure that concerns are directed appropriately for tracking and resolution.
What The Committee Is Working On
- Maternity Leave and Pre-Birth Pay: The Committee is continuing to address the gap some Flight Attendants experience when going out on maternity leave before state disability or paid leave benefits begin, particularly when state benefits do not start immediately. The Committee is also seeking clearer guidance on what documentation is required, when denial notices are needed, and how those documents should be routed to The Hartford, so Flight Attendants are not left without clear direction during an already stressful time.
- Leave Processing, Hartford Escalations, and Communication: The Committee is working to improve the consistency and accuracy of information Flight Attendants receive when contacting The Hartford or navigating a leave. When incorrect or concerning information is provided, such as statements regarding job protection, the Committee will continue to collect specific details so that management can investigate, correct the issue, and determine whether broader training or quality-control improvements are needed.
- 480-Hour Lookback, FMLA Eligibility, and Complex Leave Situations: The Committee is continuing to seek clearer guidance on how eligibility is calculated in complex situations, including multiple leaves, Special Absence Leaves, new-hire pregnancy and bonding leave, and questions involving DUTY HOURS versus TFP. The Committee also requested that management explore adding an FMLA eligibility calculator to the system, so Flight Attendants have a more accurate and accessible way to determine eligibility without manually pulling monthly information from Rainmaker.
We Want To Hear From You!
We’re focused on ensuring every Flight Attendant receives accurate information, timely support, and clear guidance when navigating complex benefit and leave situations. If you have questions about the leave process, please connect with your Local Benefits Committee as early as possible. Reaching out before issues arise helps us provide timely guidance and ensures you can make informed, confident decisions about your benefits.
Every question, concern, or suggestion you share helps us advocate more effectively with management and ensures that we focus on what matters most to you. If you have questions or ideas, we encourage you to contact your Local Benefits Committee. Our contact information is always available on the Benefits Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.
