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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        September 12, 2017 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        Last month, management granted our grievance #36-99-2-24-17 (Violation of Section 15.M.1.a & 2.a, Failure to Allow Minimum Coordination While on Maternity Leave).  Information about the grievance was published on August 7.  The grievance applies to the time period of 6/8 weeks post-birth to the 120th day post-birth.  It mandates that management follow our contractual provision to allow a Flight Attendant to use minimum coordination with sick leave and/or vacation from 6/8 weeks’ post-birth to 120 days’ post-birth.  Previously management required maximum coordination with at least 70 TFP of sick leave monthly.  That was a huge win for all Alaska Flight Attendants.

        Recently, management sustained another grievance #36-99-2-25-17 (Failure to Allow Minimum and/or Maximum Coordination While on Maternity Leave) which encompasses 121st day post-birth up to one to eight months leave post-120th day.  Again, this mandates that management follow our contractual provision to allow a Flight Attendant to coordinate minimum or maximum sick leave and/or vacation from one month up to eight months following the 120th day post-birth.  This was even a bigger win for all Alaska Flight Attendants.

        These sustained grievances mean that a Flight Attendant on maternity leave, may use minimum or maximum sick leave/vacation per section 15.M of the contract.  They will get paid when they are on a longer maternity leave and will be eligible for active employee rates for insurance for as long as 8 months following the 120th day post-birth (up to a year post-birth).  This will allow Flight Attendants to stay off work much longer with their newborns while receiving pay from their sick leave and/or vacation banks and maintaining active rate insurance.  This will also allow the look back calendar to be applied in calculating flight attendants TFP toward the yearly 480 requirements for vacation, insurance and uniform benefits.

        If you have any questions about maternity leave, please contact your Local Benefits Committee Chairperson (or Local Benefits Committee Member who specializes in maternity-related issues).  You can find contact information on your Local Council’s Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams

        Filed Under: Benefits Committee, Grievance Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, Benefits, grievance, leaves of absence, LOA, maternity, pmAS, pre-merger AS

        September 11, 2017 05:46

        9.11.2001

        Image by Jen Schott Knudsen, some rights reserved.

        Every year, AFA-CWA provides an Honor Guard to attend the ceremonies honoring the sacrifices of the Flight Attendants who lost their lives on 9/11. This year, former AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) Legislative Affairs Chair Bev Bullock was selected to serve as an Honor Guard member at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. The MEC thanks Bev for honoring our heroes today.

        “We Will Never Forget” >

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: 9/11

        September 10, 2017 18:00

         


        Never Forget 9/11/2001


        No matter the uniform we wear, the routes we fly, or the years we have worn our wings we will always remember the events of September 11th and cherish our heroes. Our union encourages Flight Attendants around the globe to wear a black ribbon under your AFA pin and join us for a moment of silence and quiet reflection at 8:46 AM Eastern Time on Monday, September 11th.​


        Open Enrollment


        Open enrollment for 2018 benefits changes and additions is scheduled to take place October 23rd-November 13th. Look for information regarding base visits for assistance with the process as we get closer to the date.


        TFP and Attendance  


        Make sure you occasionally check both your TFP and Attendance points for accuracy. If you find or suspect errors please reach out to your payroll supervisor or performance supervisor and copy in San@afaalska.org


        Cornerstone Training and Crew Access


        We are aware that there were significant difficulties for many flight attendants with the Cornerstone App and with completing the recent door training module. We have heard how frustrating many found this process. The ongoing issues with Crew Access are equally concerning. We are pleased that Jake Jones is returning to the MEC Scheduling Committee Chair position to assist the Scheduling Committee with gathering information and facilitating solutions.


        Scheduling Concerns


        Everyone has a copy of their contract on their IMD. After reading your contract, if you still do not understand a portion or have further questions and need immediate assistance please contact Scheduling Chair JR George at 619-889-5800.

        ​If the problem is not time sensitive we ask that you send an email to: SAN.scheduling@afaalaska.org. Someone from the scheduling committee will respond in a timely manner. Please send screenshots whenever possible to help them assist you.

        Questions and/or suggestions about pairings should be sent to: SAN@afaalaska.org​

        After Hours Emergencies please call (206) 457-2010, extension 5 to reach one of your San Diego Officers

        ​


        Keeping Track of Trends and Documenting Problems


        ​Please use the AFA Alaska Online Support Center website (http://support.afaalaska.org) to file complaints, or to contact us for resolution of scheduling concerns. As our base grows it is more important than ever that we report, track and monitor all issues. If it is a scheduling related problem, please attach screenshots, and explain your situation thoroughly. This will ensure that we have sufficient information to research your concern. Your scheduling or reserve issues will automatically be forwarded to the appropriate committee for resolution. ​

        We all know Facebook Is sometimes easier, however to track trends and not miss anything we ask that you use the proper resources.


        AFA Council 15 San Diego Facebook Page


        Since the base opened we have been using the SANFA Facebook page, this page is used both base information and AFA posts. Being as its easy for things to get lost with so many postings, Your AFA Officers started a new “Official” Facebook page called AFA Council 15 San Diego click on the link and like our page, there you can find all the latest news from AFA without having to search through numerous posts.


        Text Notifications from AFA


        To reach more of our base (including those who are not on social media or don’t check their email often), we are excited to announce that your LEC Officers started a new way of communicating with our members in San Diego through text message alerts. This program is completely optional. But we feel that it’s a great tool to get information out to everyone quickly. We will not overwhelm you with texts. And we do realize some people may have to pay for texts, so again this program is optional and the information will be available as always on the AFAalaska.org website, emails, and on our Facebook page.

        The enrollment process is simple, all you need to do is send a text message from your personal phone.

        Open your text messaging application. In the send to field enter 81010 and then enter @AFALEC15 in the body of the text and press send.

        You will then receive a reply asking you to enter your full name. Once you send your name, your officers will receive notification and then you are all set to receive texts.

        Please ignore the 3rd question where it asks if you are student or teacher we are borrowing this technology from school districts as to save costs from designing a system or paying a company to send mass texts and you do not need to download the app.

        We hope you like our new service. And as always, we welcome your feedback / questions Please help us spread the word and get your fellow crew signed up.

        ​


        Professional Standards


        In San Diego we are lucky to have a great team of Supervisors and Management staff. Please keep in mind that many personal conflicts should be taken to your Professional standards team and not taken immediately to Management.  Often AFA EAP/ Professional Standards can resolve the problems or issues without Management becoming involved. Once management is aware of the situation that could lead to someone’s discipline and or possibly even termination.

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: September, updates

        September 8, 2017 11:42

        September Update

         

        Never Forget – the events of 9/11/2001

        Every year, AFA-CWA provides an Honor Guard to attend the ceremonies honoring the sacrifices of the Flight Attendants who lost their lives on 9/11. This year, former MEC Legislative Affairs Chair Bev Bullock was nominated and selected as an Honor Guard member, in recognition of her efforts to advance our legislative agenda to Never Forget.  Council #19 is proud to join AFA-CWA in recognizing her efforts and all she has done to honor our heroes.  We congratulate her on her much deserved selection as an Honor Guard member.

         

        Retirement Committee Vacancy

        Seattle currently has a vacancy on the Retirement Committee. If this is an area of interest or experience, please submit a Resume and Letter of Interest to Terry Taylor, terry.taylor@afaalaska.org, no later than end of business day 10/1/17. This is not a terribly “time consuming” committee, with two meetings per year, one in late November or early December, and one in May. Feel free to email Terry with any questions.

         

        Open Enrollment

        Open enrollment for 2018 benefits changes and additions is scheduled to take place October 23rd-November 13th. Look for information regarding base visits for assistance with the process as we get closer to the date.

         

        Please Welcome New Members to the Inflight Service Committee!

        We would like to welcome LeAnne Canton, Jerry Sinclair, Michelle Cooper, Rita Tillou, Libby Green, Antoine Smith-Rouse and Grace Dunning to the Inflight Service Committee! Thanks for volunteering!

         

        Cornerstone Training and Crew Access

        We are aware that there were significant difficulties for many flight attendants with the Cornerstone App and with completing the recent door training module. We have heard how frustrating many found this process. The ongoing issues with Crew Access are equally concerning. We are pleased that Jake Jones is returning to the MEC Scheduling Committee Chair position to assist the Scheduling Committee with gathering information and facilitating solutions.

         

        Summer Activity

        Seattle Council Representatives Megan Brown and Melinda Jorge have completed the second session of Officer Training. They were also able to attend the annual FADAP meeting in Baltimore at the end of August. Please feel free to contact them as well as your other Local Officers with any questions or concerns.

         

        Having Problems?

        Please use the AFA Alaska Online Support Center website (http://support.afaalaska.org) to file complaints, or to contact us for resolution of scheduling concerns. With over 2,200 Flight Attendants in the Seattle base, it’s more important than ever that we report, track and monitor all issues. If it is a scheduling related problem, please attach screenshots, and explain your situation thoroughly.This will ensure that we have sufficient information to research your concern. Your scheduling or reserve issues will automatically be forwarded to the appropriate committee for resolution.

         

        Are You Connected?

        Council #19 Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AFA-Council-19-Seattle-538630496190284/

        Council 19 Text Alerts:  https://www.remind.com/join/sea19

         

        In Solidarity,

        Your Council #19 Officers

        Terry Taylor, Jake Jones, Adam Clarey, Megan Brown & Melinda Jorge

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA (pmAS)

        September 8, 2017 05:00

         

        We know that the anniversaries of significant events in people’s lives can sometimes trigger reactions.  September 11, 2017 will be no different.  Some of us may harness our responses by participating in commemorative activities and memorials.    For others, September 11th will be marked by private reflections and personal tributes like a moment of silence or picking up a trip on the 11th.  For others, September 11th will serve as a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  Many will channel their responses into creating or updating family disaster communication/preparedness plans.

        How ever you choose to structure your day this September 11th or how ever it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP committee representatives welcome being a part of it.  If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at:

        Pre-Merger Alaska

        (949) 470-0493 or find your local EAP representatives’ contact information at afaalaska.org/eap

        Pre-Merger Virgin America

        (800) 424-2406

        Remember, we’re just a phone call away.

        Strategies for Dealing With The Anniversary of September 11th

        Anniversaries of tragedies can be difficult times for many people.  For some, the anniversary of 9/11 continues to be a powerful reminder of loss.  For others, who thought they had put the tragedy behind them, the anniversary may produce unexpected anxiety or grief.

        The anniversary and the media replay of that day’s destruction may stir strong emotions and difficult memories in many of us.  But there are ways to cope:

        • Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you. Being with other people, getting involved in memorial activities and talking about the tragedy are all important coping strategies, but taking time to be by yourself – to think and reflect – can be helpful and healing as well.
        • Limit television as much as possible. The visual images can prompt especially strong reactions.  Instead, be prepared to turn to a movie channel, read a book, or go to Blockbusters.
        • If you start to feel overwhelmed, talk with a friend, family member, or your AFA EAP. Often, talking about your fears and feelings is enough to relieve stress and realize that other people share your feelings.  Taking action is a sign of strength and self-awareness.
        • Recall other times you’ve experienced strong emotions. Identify which coping strategies have worked for you in the past, and use them.
        • Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11 anniversary. Everyone experiences and copes with stress differently.  Try not to judge people’s emotions by their outsides.
        • If you have children, encourage them to discuss their concerns and feelings with you.
        • If you have strong feelings that haven’t or won’t go away, seeking help from a professional may prove useful. Your AFA EAP can provide you with referrals.
        • Share this information with a flying partner who may be struggling with the upcoming anniversary.

        Modified from information from the National Mental Health Association

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, assistance, EAP, September 11, support

        September 7, 2017 09:00

        We are thrilled to announce JR George has been appointed as our AFA Council 15 – LEC Scheduling Chairperson.  JR is taking over for Jacob Rahn, who will remain on the committee.  On behalf of Council 15, we would like to thank Jacob for all his hard work and dedication to our members as Chair.

        As LEC Scheduling Chair, JR will be tasked with answering questions related to the Scheduling Sections of our Contract and assist with Bidding.

        Questions about legalities? JCA Questions? “Can Crew Scheduling do this…..?”  Cancellations, Reassignments can all be found in the contract but if you need futher assistance, reach out to JR.

        Questions and/or suggestions about pairings should be sent to: SAN@afaalaska.org

        Please join us in welcoming JR.

        ​

        Contact Information

        Text/Call: 619-889-5800

        After Hours Emergencies: (206) 457-2010, extension 5

        Non-Urgent Questions should be emailed to the following with screen shots if applicable:

        SAN.scheduling@afaalaska.org or JR.George@afaalaska.org

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: Chair, SAN, Scheduling, scheduling chair

        September 6, 2017 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants

        Irregular operations due to Irma

        In anticipation of Hurricane Irma, AFA has been in contact with the Virgin America leadership team (“management”) regarding irregular operations due to Irma. Virgin America (VX) management is actively monitoring the latest forecast models and has made a commitment to continue evaluating the storm’s path and to evacuate Flight Attendants as warranted. Reschedules and cancellations are very likely to occur in order to ensure crew and guest safety. VX management is aware that many Flight Attendants live in the areas potentially affected by Irma and will make the appropriate resources available to them. Look for additional information from management on Chatter as the situation develops.

        Irma Preparedness

        AFA International has developed a Hurricane Irma preparedness page for those potentially affected by the storm.

        Read more >

        Hurricane Harvey resources for AFA members

        The AFA International Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Department has developed an informational page with details on giving help, getting help and recovery resources related to Hurricane Harvey.

        Read more >

        AFA Disaster Relief Fund

        The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since it began in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.

        AFA encourages members to donate now. Be assured 100% of your contribution will go directly to impacted Flight Attendants in the form of cash assistance.

        Read more >

        If you have any concerns, questions or need assistance, contact your Council 35 VX Officers Melissa or Jamie or AFA International EAP.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Council 35 SFO, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, Harvey, Irma, VX

        September 6, 2017 16:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        Turning crews out of Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Havana (HAV) starting tomorrow

        In anticipation of Hurricane Irma, Alaska Airlines management has made the decision to reposition crews out of Fort Lauderdale (FLL) tonight and to turn crews out of FLL and Havana (HAV) starting tomorrow. AFA and Alaska Airlines have agreed to enact the provision of §8.S [Natural Disasters…] in order to ensure crew safety. The provisions of §8.S remain in effect until such time as Alaska Airlines is able to resume normal operations to the affected stations. Based on the size of Irma, AFA is advocating for management to widen the scope of §8.S in the coming days if the latest forecast models hold. AFA has also requested that management keep the Inflight webpage (SSO login required) updated with the latest information regarding which stations have been affected by Hurricane Irma and are covered by the provisions of §8.S.

        Irma Preparedness

        AFA International has developed a Hurricane Irma preparedness page for those potentially affected by the storm.

        Read more >

        Hurricane Harvey and Houston (IAH)

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) is pleased that management appears to be more proactive in seeking to utilize §8.S for Hurricane Irma than it was for Hurricane Harvey. Management never sought AFA’s approval to use §8.S in order to turn crews out of Houston (IAH) in advance of Harvey, which resulted in one Flight Attendant crew being stranded in IAH during the storm. Thankfully, management successfully worked with that crew over the next several days, and the crew was eventually evacuated without physical harm. AFA is hoping Hurricane Irma will be an opportunity for the Company to improve its response.

        Hurricane Harvey resources for AFA members

        The AFA International Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Department has developed an informational page with details on giving help, getting help and recovery resources related to Hurricane Harvey.

        Read more >

        AFA Disaster Relief Fund

        The AFA Disaster Relief Fund provides a means for AFA members to assist other members and retirees who have suffered significant damage and/or relocation as a result of a disaster. Since it began in the fall of 2001, the AFA Disaster Relief Fund has provided support in the aftermath of many large-scale disasters including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and other natural and/or man-made disasters.

        AFA encourages members to donate now. Be assured 100% of your contribution will go directly to impacted Flight Attendants in the form of cash assistance.

        Read more >

        If you have any concerns, questions or need assistance, contact the appropriate AFA resources (e.g. EAP, local officers or Scheduling or Reserve Committee members).

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2017, 8.S, Harvey, Irma

        September 2, 2017 09:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        What is “Back to Book”?

        The “Back to Book” Open Time system is the trading system outlined in the 2006-2010 Flight Attendant Agreement as modified by the 2011 AFA Arbitration Award No. 6-99-2-18-11 “Withholding Open Time.” This modified trading system was in place 2012-2015. The contractual language associated with this system is found in CBA §12.F [Exchange of Sequences – Back to Book: Open Time Trading]. The “Back to Book” Section 12 Exchange of Sequences follows the regular Section 12 and precedes Section 13 Uniforms in your contract. The arbitration award follows LOA 6 Contract Implementation Schedule and precedes the index.

        What is the Status of “Back to Book”?

        It has been three months since our last Open Time update (“Open Time Negotiations Update – June 1, 2017”), so it is not a surprise that Flight Attendants have been inquiring about the “Back to Book” Open Time system. As indicated in the last update, AFA filed a grievance earlier in the summer disputing management’s failure to to provide sufficient IT resources for reverting Back to Book. That grievance was subsequently sustained by management, which essentially means management agrees with AFA’s position. Management further agreed to remedy the situation by contracting with Jeppesen to program Back to Book.

        It is ridiculous that a whole year has passed after ending the Open Time Trial, yet very little progress has been made toward actually programming Back to Book into the new Jeppesen Crew Access (JCA) crew tracking and trip trading system. Management has been citing “IT limitations” as the reason why reverting Back to Book is still so delayed. (“If reverting, the timeline for rolling back will be dictated by IT limitations” per §12.F.9.a [Exchange of Sequences: Open Time Trial]). Management and Jeppesen claim that all available resources have been allocated to implementation of JCA.

        Representatives from the Master Executive Council (MEC) and Alaska Airlines management have met several times recently to have frank discussions about the entire situation. Some of these meetings have included representatives from Jeppesen. The MEC’s goal in these meetings has been to achieve implementation guarantees for programming the new Open Time Tentative Agreement (TA) reached back in May and/or programming Back to Book. As you may recall, the MEC unanimously voted against releasing the Open Time TA due to a lack of implementation guarantees. Unfortunately, the meetings have been depressing.

        Management is not inclined to agree to implementation guarantees without confident estimates about when the work would be completed. Further complicating the programming of a replacement Open Time system is the reality that Jeppesen and Alaska management have limited resources. Those resources are stretched even more thinly due to merger-related projects that have aggressive deadlines and several key staffing changes at Jeppesen and in Inflight management.

        Finally, the eMaestro system is totally and irrevocably gone. Jeppesen cannot simply ‘flip a switch’ and resurrect eMaestro and/or Back to Book Open Time. Going Back to Book requires Jeppesen to completely replicate the Back to Book trading rules in JCA. Even if implementation were seamless, the “new” Back to Book system would have a significantly different look and feel than in eMaestro.

        The very preliminary estimate for programming Back to Book is late summer next year. Based on our recent and ongoing experience with JCA implementation, let’s just say that the MEC does not have confidence that Back to Book—or a completely new Open Time system—will be implemented on time or without glitches.

        AFA and management are meeting again early next week to discuss our options. The MEC will provide another update after that meeting. After all the disappointments with extremely delayed implementation timelines and a disastrously executed transition to the new trip trading system, you deserve better!

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Grievance Committee, Latest News, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 2017, Back to Book, grievance, History of Open Time, JCA, Open Time

        August 31, 2017 17:00

        Commuter Policy Survey Results

        AFA received 128 complete responses to the survey:

        57% FOR

        29% AGAINST

        14% UNDECIDED

        As a result, the Master Executive Council (MEC) has agreed to the implementation of the Virgin America Flight Attendant Commuter Policy, starting October 1, 2017, for a duration of 4 months. AFA will send another survey out to VX F/As in November to gather feedback about whether the Commuter Policy should continue or cease. If the trial is successful, the Commuter Policy will remain in effect until Virgin America Flight Attendants are covered under a merged agreement with Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants.

        AFA VX F/A Commuter Policy LOA FINAL DRAFT (August 2017) >

        FAQs

        What will happen to the Stuff Happens Pass (SHP) during the trial period?

        The SHP will be available for use concurrently with the Commuter Policy during the trial period. Flight Attendants will also be able to accrue SHP during the trial period. If the Commuter Policy is officially adopted after the trial period, the SHP program will be phased out through a sunset provision.

        Does this policy cover ground transportation issues?

        Yes. This policy covers both ground and air commuting challenges.

        How many times may I use this policy?

        There are no limits to the number of occurrences an F/A can use the Commuter Policy to cover transportation challenges.

        Are there any black-out dates?

        Unlike the SHP program, there are no blackout days for using the Commuter Policy.

        Can you clarify that this policy does not cover recurrent training?

        The Commuter Policy does not cover recurrent training, company events, or other events related to maintaining currency. Please refer to VX Work Rules Chapter 2, Section B.10 for information regarding calling in sick, missing, or rescheduling recurrent training.

        If a line-holder is released to rest after being assigned RRR on the calendar day of the original report will the line-holder be provided with a hotel?

        No hotel will be provided. In-base hotels are only provided if an F/A is displaced re-assignable (DRA) from a pairing.

        Will a Flight Attendant on LCC be able to use the Commuter Policy on a subsequent day of a pairing if they are not able to return to base a second time?

        The Commuter Policy is intended for use once per assigned pairing. Section E.3.d of the VX F/A Commuter Policy LOA stipulates that corrective action will occur if an FA calls out late due to a commuting issue for the replacement assignment.

        If I’m a Flight Attendant using the Commuter Policy, could I be assigned reserve in another base? For example, if I’m a commuter out of JFK and I can’t get to SFO, would I ever be asked to sit in JFK to help the operation?

        It is management’s right to send one or more reserves to an outstation to help cover the operation. However, in the case of JFK, management has indicated that they will no longer be sending F/As to sit reserve in that city once the base is closed.

        If a pairing originates in another city will it be up to the Flight Attendant to get her-/himself there?

        Management has agreed that the company will be responsible for getting the VX F/A to the origination point of the trip. As an example, if a VX F/A is stuck in LAS and the trip assigned originates in LAX, CSS would deadhead (DHD) the F/A from LAS to LAX.

        Will Flight Attendant feedback be gathered in anticipation of the trial period closing?

        Yes. AFA will send another survey out to VX F/As in November to gather feedback about whether the program should continue or cease.

        Can you confirm that if the Commuter Policy is not extended through January 2018, that the SHP program will remain in effect without a sunset?

        The VX F/A Commuter Policy LOA stipulates that if the Commuter Policy is cancelled, the SHP program will remain in effect

        Can you confirm that if the Commuter Policy is extended past January 2018, it cannot be terminated until both VX and AS F/A’s are covered under a merged agreement?

        If the Commuter Policy is extended past January 2018, the VX F/A Commuter Policy LOA will remain in effect until we have a merged agreement.

        * * *

        Contact your Council 35 Officers Melissa or Jamie (email: vx@afaalaska.org) if you have any questions or concerns.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Council 35 SFO, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, 35, Commuter Policy, VX

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        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

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        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, July 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Global Training Center to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), […]

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026

        July 24, 2026

        This session, the JNC focused on refining the Reserve survey to ensure a comprehensive representation of member concerns. Significant progress was also made on Section 23 (Insurance Benefits), with proposals aimed at enhancing Flight Attendant protections and securing tailored insurance provisions. Additionally, productive discussions continued on Section 30 (Training). Further improvements are anticipated pending management’s response to our latest proposal.

        Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

        July 23, 2026

        On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice […]

        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

        July 22, 2026

        On Monday, July 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and […]

        Recent Posts

        • Meet Our Local Chairpersons
        • AFA News in Review – July 31, 2026
        • Council 39 July 2026 Update
        • Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Local Committee Appointments – July 2026
        • AFA News in Review – July 24, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Council 43 Update – 737-800 Interisland Operations
        • Alaska Management Announces Plan To Operate Boeing 737 Aircraft on Neighbor Island Flights
        • Council 47 SEA Base Update – 🎟️Registration Open – SEA Membership Meeting 8/15🎟️
        • Air Safety, Health and Security – HSAP Newsletter July 2026
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