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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, April 22, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives 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), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones. 

The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 27.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

Local Scheduling Issues

  • Crew Access Open Time Issues: Problems regarding Open Time in Crew Access have been noted and added to ADR 018-025A for further review and resolution.
  • SAL Projections: Based on the Crew Planning pairing construction data, June projections indicate a staffing level reduction of 201.
  • Training Updates: The Training Department confirmed that Class 6 for new hires has been canceled. The last training class of the year is scheduled to start on Monday.
  • Growth Initiatives: As reported by Network Planning, SAN domicile growth is projected in Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), indicating expansion in operational capacity.
  • Retiming Issues: On the SAN/DCA route, some Flight Attendants were compensated 1.5x for retimed duties if they flew the affected leg. Payroll will meet on April 23, 2025, to discuss these payments and other payroll issues.
  • Disputed Pay Issues: There is an ongoing dispute regarding a Flight Attendant who worked over their duty time and is now facing issues with day-off pyramid pay (ADR agenda item 019-25A).
  • Seasonal Flying: As indicated by the Network Planning department, seasonal flying operations are set to return, which may impact scheduling and staffing needs.
  • Premium Pickup Availability: Crew Scheduling reports that premium trips are currently available for pickup, helping to address staffing shortages for month-end overlap. Anchorage is the primary concern, but other domiciles should also see a premium. Crew Scheduling is urging FAs to pick up premium shifts to mitigate shortages.
  • Operational Changes: When operations change departure times, queries have arisen regarding the record-keeping process. Crew Scheduling and Station management need to follow up to clarify the process from the CSA perspective.

PBS Update

  • Bidding Overview: Bidding has been steady in May, with a focus on all California bases maintaining consistent staffing levels.
  • Bid Awards and Protests: Quick bid awards were granted in May, with efforts to focus on only essential reserve needs rather than spreading excess reserves. A few protests were honored, including a unique case concerning Buddy Bidding where discrepancies arose between submitted screenshots and recorded submissions.
  • Meetings: A Navblue call was held on April 3, 2025, during which it was confirmed that pilots and Flight Attendants will officially split upon taking a new release. Updates related to Change Requests (CRs) concerning TA2 were requested. On April 10, 2025, a meeting addressed bugs in version 25.1, highlighting that the offline bid function was not operating as expected. The committee reiterated its previous offer to assist in testing and preventing further bugs.
  • Testing Updates: Version 25.1 is currently available for testing, with significant changes, including improvements to offline mode and password resets. A new bug related to printing has been identified, and a workaround has been suggested for iPhone users.
  • Base Sits Engagement: Base sits engagement levels in April were variable compared to previous years, prompting discussions on strategies to improve participation and communication with bases.

ITS Update

  • Testing Progress: As of April 22, 2025, the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for PBS 25.1 is ongoing, with no new test cases added.
  • TFP Calculators: The ITS team is working on TFP calculators due to new requirements in the CBA.
  • Trade Analysis: A total of 82,507 trades were analyzed in April, with 98% of trades receiving responses in less than 10 seconds, while 1.4% took longer than 10 seconds. April trade volume was higher compared to March.
  • Operational Updates: The JCTE release is being tested for version 9.1 MR21. Ground transport and limos will include one TFP and a manual process will be in place until full integration is achieved. Boarding pay testing is expected by May 5, and updates are scheduled for the next release.
  • Payroll Update
  • Monthly Comparison: A comparison of payroll queries indicates a rise from 1,052 in March to 1,437 in April. Flight Attendants are transitioning from general pay categories to other TFP categories, with 821 classified as non-applicable.
  • Drug Testing Payment: Clarifications on the payment processes for drug testing reveal that Flight Attendants must wait for their paychecks to confirm payments. If there are any discrepancies, the drug testing group needs to be contacted directly. Payments are generated from a file managed by drug abatement and accounting payroll.
  • City Pair Review: Debbie Bakke (Manager, Payroll) and Matthew Trujillo (Supervisor, Crew Scheduling) connected regarding a bulletin that requires a pay annotation from scheduling. Payroll has reviewed specific city pair issues.

Crew Planning Update

  • Block Hours: Block hours are projected to increase during the summer months of April, May, and June. June is expected to see block hours reach 337,079, although there has been a decrease in SFO.
  • Reserve Utilization: The average TFP line is projected at 77.5 in June, with 20.3% reserves. Individual bases show varying reserve percentages, with Seattle at 23% due to improved flying recovery options.
  • Staffing Adjustments Leaves: Plans are in place for 201 staffing adjustments leaves, with the potential to award more positions. The closing date for adjustments is the first of each month.
  • Irregular Operations Mitigation Efforts: Construction projects at SAN include adding 19 new gates and resurfacing tarmacs. The airport project is scheduled to continue through 2028 and will affect transcontinental departures.
  • Hotel and API Concerns: An API quarterly meeting is set to review hotel accommodations and ad hoc lists, especially in preparation for training hotels slated for 2026. During Easter week, there were concerns about hotel relocations impacting Flight Attendants, particularly in FLL and PVR. As a reminder, please continue to fill out CrewCare reports for all hotel and transportation issues. They are vital to our success in advocating for changes and accountability. 

Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Statistics: Overall sick leave for the month is 9.5%, a decrease from 12.9% in April 2024. Increases were noted in ANC and LAX, while SFO saw a reduction.
  • Reserve Sick Leave: Reserve sick leave stands at 7.2%, down significantly from 11.4% in the previous year.
  • Absence Statistics: 4,385 absences were recorded across the system for April.
  • Premium and Personal Drops: Premium TFP postings included 9,765 in February, 9,222 in March, and 2,830 month-to-date in April. Personal drops (PDs) totaled 175 for April month-to-date, compared to 301 PDs and bulletin board drops in March.
  • Upcoming CBA Changes: Implementation timelines for various contractual changes are in progress. Key upcoming changes include state sick leave effective May 1, PPP restructuring in June, and additional vacation and uniform allotment increases in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Deadhead Process Improvements: Ongoing efforts with TSA are addressing challenges related to deadhead processes. Flight Attendants are experiencing difficulties with check-in procedures; compliance issues are under review, and updates will be provided later in the week.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee preparing for a new release of NAVBLUE. Once received they will test before the release is implemented. The Committee is also continuing to provide in person and virtual base sits so that all flight attendants may attend and get answers to all PBS bidding related questions.
  2. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  3. Crew Planning. Crew Planning shared a monthly presentation about Pairing Statistics. Crew Planning is focused on anticipating increased block hours as the summer season approaches, with specific strategies to optimize trip lengths and identify commutability for flight crews. The team is also collaborating with operational analytics to develop dashboards that facilitate better decision-making and efficiency in scheduling.
  4. Crew Pay. Crew pay is working on additional communications aimed at improving clarity and addressing the high volume of queries surrounding pay discrepancies. The payroll team is committed to resolving ongoing issues quickly to ensure crew members receive their compensation accurately and on time.
  5. AFA Payroll Representative. The Committee has been advocating for a streamlined process to resolve outstanding pay issues for crew members efficiently. The focus is on ensuring timely compensation and improved communication.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

We recognize that commuting—by air or ground—is a significant part of your daily routine. Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is dedicated to ensuring that the commuter policy adequately protects all Flight Attendants. As we prepare to negotiate this important section, it’s essential that we gather your feedback.

To facilitate this process, we’ve created a Commuter Policy Survey that compares the provisions in the Hawaiian and Alaska contracts. Your input is crucial in helping us understand your priorities and concerns. The survey is currently open and will close on May 5 at Noon PT. We encourage you to take a moment to click the survey link and share your thoughts, so the JNC can accurately represent your interests.

Click this link to access the survey >

If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org. 

In This Edition

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2025

Originally posted April 17, 2025

Does complaining about hotel issues on social media actually undermine the Hotel Committee’s efforts to drive change? In this month’s meeting recap, discover the impact of social media feedback on their work and get the latest updates on hotel decisions and the upcoming Gainshare Program!

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 2 – April 2025

Originally posted April 18, 2025

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee recently held three days of collective bargaining in Seattle, reaching a tentative agreement on Section 20 – Board of Adjustment. Current discussions focus on Uniforms, Reduction in Force, Association-General, and Training sections. Flight Attendants will receive a Commuter Survey via email starting April 21, and we’re counting on everyone’s feedback. Additionally, Hawaiian Flight Attendants have ratified a Contract Extension through February 2028, which includes pay increases and enhanced retirement benefits.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify Contract Extension

Originally posted April 17, 2025

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants voted today to ratify a Tentative Agreement for a Section 6 Contract Extension, with 88% of voters in favor of the agreement. ✈️🗳️

Key provisions of the Tentative Agreement include:

💰 **Compensation Raises**: Hawaiian Flight Attendants will receive retroactive pay increases starting April 1, 2025, with the first payout reflected in the paycheck issued on May 7.

📈 **PBP and OPR Participation**: Beginning with the 2025 performance year, Hawaiian Flight Attendants will be included in Alaska Air Group’s Performance-Based Pay Plan (PBP) and Operational Performance Reward Program (OPR), with payouts scheduled for 2026.

With the ratification of this tentative agreement, Section 6 negotiations for the pre-merger Hawaiian collective bargaining agreement are concluded. Our focus now shifts to joint negotiations for a combined contract covering both Hawaiian and Alaska Flight Attendants. The second negotiation session for our joint contract negotiations is wrapping up today.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, April 22Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, April 24Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

  • Our JNC met with management this week, on April 15 to April 17; the next negotiation session is scheduled for May 20 to May 22 
  • Commuter Survey to be released on Monday, April 21
  • Hawaiian Flight Attendants ratify Contract Extension

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on April 15 to April 17 in Seattle, WA. This marks the second joint negotiating session, with the first held in March. (see Joint Contract Negotiations Begins). At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing Management:Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants:
Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations AlaskaTim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson
Matt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight AlaskaMartin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Carmen William, Manager Director, Labor RelationsJeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager AlaskaVirgina Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Managing Director of Inflight Services AlaskaHeather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner AlaskaPaula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator
Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations Hawaiian 
Allen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay Hawaiian 

During this negotiation process, we started by tackling simpler topics and non-money-related issues where both contracts have similar terms. Once we settle these easier points, we will move on to the more complex issues that involve significant financial considerations.

We’ve agreed to use the Alaska contract as a base while negotiating relevant provisions and terms from the Hawaiian contract.  

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached in this session:

  • Section 20 – Board of Adjustment (HA CBA Section 24)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
  • Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
  • Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
  • Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)

Survey: Commuter Policy

Our JNC is reviewing the Commuter Policies (AS CBA Section 27 and HA CBA Section 34-28) and is looking for your feedback. The Committee is sending a Commuter Survey to your personal emails next week!

  • Survey opens Monday, April 21 at 9 AM PT 
  • Survey closes Monday, May 5 at 12 PM PT

Every Flight Attendant commutes to work whether by air or by ground, and we want to make sure your voice is heard. Please make sure to complete the survey before it closes!

Hawaiian Extension TA Results

Hawaiian Flight Attendants voted to ratify a Contract Extension through February 2028. This Extension includes continued pay increases, retirement improvements, better profit sharing, and a strong foundation to build upon as negotiations for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) continue. The Contract Extension was ratified with 88% voting for the agreement. 

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, April 14, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams, and Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, May 12. Following that, on May 21, the Committee will participate in a quarterly business review meeting facilitated by API, along with management and ALPA. If you have any topics you would like us to address, please get in touch with your Local Hotel Committee Chairperson. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Final Hotel Decision Updates: The Hotel Committee has submitted reports from recent site visits and is awaiting final decisions for the following locations: SAT (Long Stay), LIR (Long Stay), STL (Long Stay), MCO (Short Stay), and MKE (Long Stay). A decision has been made for AUS (Short Stay). For more details, please refer to the Hotel Hotline, as information about our crew hotels cannot be made public. LIR has presented significant challenges for long stays due to limited options and a lack of interest in accommodating crew business. Of the two hotels that submitted bids for the February site visit, one has withdrawn its bid, while the other comes with a substantial cost increase. As a result, a final decision is still pending. We recognize that travel time to our current hotel option inconveniences our Flight Attendants, but we have minimal choices in this market. The Hotel Committee continues to monitor the situation and is committed to advocating for options that better serve our Flight Attendants.
  • CrewCare Reporting: We want to highlight the crucial role that CrewCare reports play in driving improvements. Your feedback—whether positive or negative—is invaluable when it comes to evaluating hotels and ground transportation providers. Instead of sharing hotel-related issues on Facebook, which may not lead to effective resolution, we encourage you to submit a CrewCare report. Management closely monitors this official channel, and using it provides us with the necessary data to strengthen our advocacy on your behalf. We understand that you might want to inform your fellow Flight Attendants about issues in a public forum, but please know that formal reporting is far more effective at driving real change. By using the MyCrewCare app, you can easily share your experiences and help us create a better environment for everyone.
  • City-Specific Issues: The Hotel Committee discussed concerns regarding properties in SIT and FAI. Crew Hotels (management and API) has been asked to engage with the hotels and explore alternative options in the market. Our smaller cities present challenges in securing contractually compliant options and inventory. Additionally, PVR was reviewed concerning the current group booking, and discussions focused on how to mitigate discomfort when standard hotel amenities are severely limited in the future. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Scheduled site visits include IAD (May), FLL (May), LAS (May), RSW (June), SEA (June), and FAT (July). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: Our first group meeting between management and AFA is tentatively scheduled for the second week of May. Management has already met internally to begin research and data collection necessary to thoroughly analyze the viability of this program. As a reminder, the recently ratified 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) includes a Commitment to Negotiate a Hotel Gain-Share Program Letter of Agreement (LOA). This LOA states that within four months of the CBA’s ratification, both parties will schedule and engage in negotiation sessions to discuss the Hotel Gain-Share Program. The goal is to implement the program, if feasible, within six months of the CBA ratification. The parties may mutually agree to extend these deadlines.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews

Originally posted April 5, 2025

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) is moving forward with integrating our MEC committees, with plans to merge the first group starting on June 1. During the May MEC Meeting, we’ll hold interviews for MEC Committee Chairperson positions for the merged Communications, Government Affairs, Human Rights, and Inflight Service Committees. Interested candidates should submit an online expression of interest form by May 6, 2025, at 5 PM PT.

Read More >

Introducing Our Negotiations Support Representative

Originally posted April 8, 2025

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for the Negotiations Support Representative position, a key role supporting our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). We’d like to sincerely thank all candidates for their participation and willingness to serve our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we’re pleased to announce that Lea Franzoi has been selected for this position.

Read More >

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

Originally posted April 11, 2025

On April 3, our AFA Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in safety, health, and security. The committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues faced by Flight Attendants onboard the aircraft. Reporting safety concerns is crucial in these challenging times. Use ReportIt! to file FAIR, ASAP, and fatigue reports. Contact your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, April 14Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Tuesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 17Joint Contract Negotiations

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, April 3, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present were Hawaiian MEC ASHSC MEC Chairperson Kerri Ruiz and Alaska MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Geri Jarrett, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Stiley, Temporary Manager of Inflight Policy and Procedure Jesse Sexton, and Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese. 

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, July 17.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

  • Door Closure Procedure Clarity: There is concern that passengers may be in the forward lavatory or vicinity during door arming, which can be distracting. Ideally, passengers should not be near the forward galley during door closure to prevent unnecessary distractions. Jesse will update the ASHSC on this matter on April 16 at the SAN semi-annual base meeting (SBM).
  • Better Care/Procedures for Pets in Hold: Ramp agents must handle pets in cargo with extreme care. Pet-in-hold tags should be given at least 15 minutes before door closure to prevent delays, and a checklist should verify that the pet-in-hold tag matches the information in B2B. To address this, we propose additional training and increased awareness. Jesse will provide additional FAM guidance and a procedure for verifying pets on hold.
  • Safety Concerns About Sitka Crew Hotel: Reports suggest there may be various issues related to safety and health, including potential hazards and maintenance challenges. Moving to another hotel in the area is proposed. Although options are limited, alternate hotels will be considered and discussed at the next meeting between the MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson and management.
  • Tangled MedLink Headsets: MedLink Headset cords are often tangled when needed. The Committee discovered that maintenance does not check for cord tangling, but inflight management will send out a reminder to ensure headsets are stowed correctly after use.
  • Seat Backs That Won’t Stay Upright for Taxi, Takeoff, & Landing: Better guidance is needed for seat backs that won’t stay upright when no other passenger seats are available. A straightforward procedure is proposed in the FAM. Geri shared that this will be addressed in the Q2 CBT.
  • Cabin Jumpseat Briefing Cards Not Used: The briefing cards in the stationary kit are not always used when Horizon Flight Attendants travel on Alaska Flight Attendant jumpseats. The briefing cards will be updated, a bulletin will be issued, and Heidi will check with Horizon to see if they have similar issues when Alaska Flight Attendants travel on Horizon Flight Attendant jumpseats.
  • Passengers Needing to Pre-Board Should Not Be Assigned Exit Row Seats: Passengers with exit row seats who attempt to pre-board should receive additional vetting by the CSA to ensure they are qualified to sit there. Geri will get Inflight ASAP ERC data and talk to Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) about improving exit row questions/vetting during boarding.
  • Add Absorbent Material to UPK: The Committee requests that management add an absorbent product, like absorbent powder, in addition to the “towels” in the UPK for liquid/vomit/smell. This is something Hawaiian Airlines has provisioned on its aircraft. Geri will ask Fleet about this and check with the SOC group about the plan for UPKs for the merged airline.
  • Cross-Body Bags: With the popularity of cross-body bags, we need better tools to ensure passenger compliance with the requirement to stow these bags. We recommend that CSAs take additional care in monitoring “one plus” and that a Flight Attendant boarding announcement be developed regarding the requirement to remove and stow these bags. Management will review the current CSA announcement and look at adding a Flight Attendant announcement.
  • Minimum Amount of Potable Water for Safety: To ensure safety and well-being, the Committee recommends that a minimum number of water bottles be onboard to dispatch an aircraft. Geri will look into this request.
  • When to Board Without Pilots: Clarity and alignment between the FAM and CSM are needed regarding when it is okay to board without Pilots, including power requirements for the aircraft. Management stated that to board passengers, the aircraft must have full power/all cabin systems powered, including the interphone, and may not be on “ground service power.”
  • Commingling Demo Kits with Carry-On Bags in Overhead Bins: Demo kits are sometimes commingled with passenger carry-on bags (COBs) in overhead bins, making them difficult to access. We believe a divider should separate the demo kits from COBs. Geri will review the request with Alaska Maintenance and Engineering.
  • Paper Clips/Hard to Find and Use, Need Manual Release Tools: Ideally, every Flight Attendant jumpseat would have a manual release tool (MRT). Geri is working on something and will coordinate with the ASHSC on the project.
  • Passengers Waiting for Baggage, etc., in Jetbridge After Deplaning: Flight Attendants need to be able to go to their next assignment or be released after the last passenger deplanes, and CSAs need to be available to attend to passengers still in the jetbridge.
  • Pet Carriers Do Not Fit Under Aisle Seats: Passengers with pets and carriers often have assigned aisle seats where even size-compliant carriers may not fit. Geri and Jesse will set up a discovery meeting about this issue.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Merger—Policy and Procedure: As we move towards achieving a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) with Hawaiian, we will merge policies and procedures as much as possible. This will result in a shared Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) that will be used by the combined group of pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants. The ASHSC has advocated for the opportunity to provide recommendations on which policies and procedures will be adopted by the combined carrier.
  2. Merger—Uniform: The ASHSC is collaborating with the Uniform Committee to ensure we have the opportunity to provide recommendations on uniform safety issues and maintain a trusted and reliable supply chain for uniform items.
  3. Merger—Aircraft Interiors: The ASHSC is working with our MEC and Grievance Committee to ensure that our contractual right to review and provide feedback on any changes to aircraft interiors is upheld.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report. You can use ReportIt! to submit Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports. If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for the Negotiations Support Representative position, a key role supporting our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). We’d like to sincerely thank all candidates for their participation and willingness to serve our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we’re pleased to announce that Lea Franzoi has been selected for this position.

About Lea

Lea has been a Honolulu-based Flight Attendant with Hawaiian Airlines since 2006. Her involvement with the Union began when she filled a vacancy as the Hawaiian MEC Secretary-Treasurer from August 2022 to June 2023 and again from August 2023 to February 2025. Drawing on her strong organizational skills, Lea is eager to contribute to the team’s success by supporting the needs of the Joint Negotiating Committee and collaborating to ensure that Members stay well-informed throughout the joint contract negotiations process.

Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Lea holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hawai’i Pacific University. Since 2012, she has been commuting from Las Vegas. In her free time, Lea enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with her husband.

About the Negotiations Support Representative

As the primary note-taker during negotiation sessions, Lea will ensure accurate documentation of all discussions, proposals, and related materials. Her extensive knowledge of the current Hawaiian collective bargaining agreement, along with her strong organizational skills, will be invaluable in managing communication strategies for the JNC.

Lea will also develop engaging informational content for our Members, coordinate social media activities, and collect feedback to amplify our Members’ voices. Her proficiency with digital tools and ability to create compelling communications will significantly benefit our efforts to promote transparency and engagement within our Flight Attendant group. She’ll work closely with the MEC Communications Committee to ensure all communications and activities contribute to strengthening our position at the bargaining table.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

As we move forward with the integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs), our MEC has had important discussions regarding the timing and process for merging our various MEC committees. During this week’s MEC meeting, we developed a plan that outlines how and when these mergers will take place. We’ve set a specific date for the first group of committees to merge: June 1.

As part of the committee merging process, our MEC will elect a Chairperson for each newly merged committee from among the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant groups. The newly elected Chairperson will coordinate activities across both airlines and support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils— both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. The MEC will conduct interviews during the May MEC Meeting for the following roles:

Other committees will merge later in the process. We’ll keep you informed about the integration timeline for each committee, including interview schedules, as we approach those dates.

General Qualifications

Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

  • Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing
  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
  • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Term of Service

Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028). Their official term will begin on June 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2028.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the May Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing. 

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

In This Edition

State Sick Bank Implementation

Originally posted April 1, 2025

The new state sick bank will be implemented May 1, 2025. Your CBA bank will be the default bank for sick calls unless otherwise stated when calling Crew Scheduling. The Sick Leave and Attendance video and Sick Leave Usage Flow Chart resources are available.

Read More >

Upcoming 2025 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Originally posted April 2, 2025

Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting this weekend. Your LEC President will represent you at the BOD Meeting, voting on approval of the AFA International budget on your behalf. If you have any questions about the BOD Meeting or the proposed budget, please contact your LEC President.

Read More >

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

Originally posted April 4, 2025

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, March 25, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community. The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Saturday, April 5AFA Board of Directors Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – December 2025

On Monday, December 1, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Interviews – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Do you want to help new Flight Attendants as they go through initial training and probation? Our MEC is seeking a dedicated and organized Member in good standing to serve as the MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation. In this role, you’ll be the primary […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for our next merged MEC Committee Chairperson and Representative positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Inflight Training Committee Chairperson: Megan BrownMEC Inflight Training […]

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