Dear Alaska Flight Attendants,
We just passed the 14th anniversary of Flight 261 and, for those of us who were here when this tragic day occurred, this day becomes a day of reflection. We think of the friends and co-workers we lost, we remember how our airline struggled to get back on its feet, and we remember how the employees all came together to solidify the family foundation that we enjoy today.
Shortly after our industry experienced turmoil in the wake of 9/11. For Flight Attendants it was not only an attack on our nation it was an attack on our profession. We came together to fight for stronger rules and regulations. We learned from the heroes, the First Responders, on the airplanes that day and their sacrifices provide us with safer regulations today.
We have struggled through the good and the bad during the last decade due to hard economic times. All employees at Alaska Airlines have helped our company survive the downturn of the economy, especially the Flight Attendants who voted to sign an extension to a contract so our company could focus on positioning the airline for success.
The Alaska Airlines family has successfully and gracefully worked together to ensure we can enjoy long careers in a family atmosphere with respect and compassion.
However, the long hard battles we have fought over the past 14 years are beginning to wear on us. High expectations for this round of negotiations are increasing tensions and the passion that makes us the best in the industry is starting to turn negative and directed in a manner that hurts one another.
Your LEC Presidents want to ask that we all take a deep breath and step back for a moment.
Contract negotiations are stressful for everyone; Flight Attendants, AFA Officers, Negotiation Committee members and our family members at home. We all feel the tension. We are aware of this fact and validate your concerns. This TA may be our Flight Attendant bible for the next 5 years and we respect the fact that it needs to meet your standards. With a diverse work group the reality is that we may not be able to find the solutions that everyone can appreciate. However, we have promised to deliver specific improvement and this TA answers those promises.
The TA is a positive improvement for some Flight Attendants and for other Flight Attendants it is not. We recognize this fact and remind you that you enjoy the right to vote in a manner that best reflects you.
We love healthy debates and healthy debates are good for the soul. As we enter into the next round of Road Shows your LEC Presidents want to remind everyone that we expect the debate and are happy to answer the tough questions, but we ask that the debate remains respectful.
The one thing we all have in common is we are first and foremost Flight Attendants. We have grown up together and watched our families grow together. Whatever the outcome of the upcoming vote, it is imperative that we continue to respect one another through the process.
All of us, the AFA Officers and the Negotiating Committee need to be kinder and more thoughtful in how we treat each other during this time.
We ask that you come to the Road Shows and gather all the information, ask your questions, and make your decision if you haven’t already done so.
Your LEC Presidents unanimously voted to endorse the TA for your consideration. We believe the TA has significant benefits and pay increases and we are obligated to share this with you. It is now up to you, the Flight Attendants, to decide if this is the right TA for us.
Your LEC Presidents continue to support our Negotiation Committee and we thank them for all the hard work and dedication they have given us over the past 3 years. There is a reason we select Flight Attendants to negotiate our contracts: Flight Attendants representing Flight Attendants who know our jobs, our desires, and our needs.
We truly appreciate the ability to represent you and thank you for being the best Flight Attendants in the industry!
Your LEC Presidents,
ANC LEC President Becky Strachan, SEA LEC President Laura Masserant, PDX LEC President Catherine Gwynn, and LAX/SAN LEC President Sandra Morrow
February 3rd– 8th
Feb 3 (Mon): PDX – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Sheraton Hotel PDX airport (8235 NE Airport Way)
Feb 4 (Tue): ANC I – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport (4901 Spenard Road)
Feb 4 (Tue): PDX Q & A Session – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Sheraton Hotel PDX Airport (8235 NE Airport Way) LEC Officers hosting a Q & A Session, Negotiating Committee will not be present
Feb 5 (Wed): ANC II – 9 AM to 12 PM, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM @ Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport (4901 Spenard Road)
Feb 6 (Thu): SEA I – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Central Auditorium SEA TAC Airport Mezzanine Level
Feb 7 (Fri): SEA II – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Central Auditorium SEA TAC Airport Mezzanine Level
Feb 8 (Sat): SEA III- 9 AM to 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM @ Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center (17620 International Boulevard)
February 11th– 13th
Feb 11 (Tue): SAN – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Little Italy (1646 Front St)
Feb 12 (Wed): LAX – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5 PM @ Westin Hotel LAX Airport (5400 W Century Blvd)
Feb 13 (Thu): SNA – 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM @ Embassy Suites Santa Ana (1325 E Dyer Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92705)
