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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        August 18, 2017 05:00

        This message is for pre-merger Virgin America Flight Attendants

        As previously reported, AFA and the Virgin America (VX) leadership team (management) have agreed to test a commuter policy for VX Flight Attendants. It took a little longer than anticipated for the parties to finalize the proposed letter of agreement (LOA), so AFA apologizes for the slight delay.

        Prior to implementing the trial commuter policy, AFA will be polling the Virgin America Flight Attendants to determine if there is sufficient interest in proceeding with such a test. Realistically, AFA now anticipates that poll to be released early next week. In the meantime, AFA is publishing the final draft of the proposed Commuter Policy LOA for your review.

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

        If you have any questions, contact your Local Council 35 officers or the Joint Negotiating Committee. Be on the lookout for the membership poll regarding implementation of the trial commuter policy early next week!

        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

        August 17, 2017 20:00

        The AFA Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) administrative office moved to a new location this week after a whirlwind of packing. The prior location in the Alaska Airlines Flight Operations and Training Center in Seattle is being repurposed for additional training facilities as a result of the merger, so AFA was relocated in order to make room. We are extremely grateful to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou for coordinating the move on relatively short notice.

        The new office location is at the SeaTac Office Center (“STOC”), 18000 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188. We are in the south tower—the same building as the 13 Coins restaurant and the administrative offices of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines MEC. The exact suite address is still being worked out with building management, but in the meantime you can find us on the 11th floor in suite 1103. Once AFA receives confirmation of the official new address, we will update the AFA Alaska website and the membership release footer accordingly.

        The MEC thanks you in advance for your understanding as we work through settling into the new office.

        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: 2017

        August 16, 2017 10:00

        Save the Dates

        When:

        AUG 5-7, 2017

        Where:

        SAN Airport

        Time:

        5:30 to 12:00

        Why:

        SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS – 2017 ENROLLMENT

        National Group Protection (NGP) will be in the crew lounge to communicate the AFA supplemental benefit plans.  Please look for the NGP benefit counselor Joann Levandoski during the on-site enrollment to enroll or make changes to your existing coverage.  Note that you can enroll in any of the crew lounges, not just your base location.

        • Accident Insurance
        • Critical Illness Coverage (NEW PLAN!)
        • Whole Life Insurance

        They have enhanced the Critical Illness plan, members who are currently enrolled can lower their rates while improving the covered illness. Please take the time to sit down with a benefit counselor and review your options. Lower rates and more covered illnesses.  This is also an excellent time to make sure you have filed for your annual health screening benefits, which are part of the accident and critical illness benefit plans.

         

        • Supplemental – these plans supplement any existing coverage
        • Voluntary – members choose to participate
        • Limited Underwriting – no medical or physical exams required
        • Family Coverage – available with all of the plans
        • Portable – members can continue coverage if they leave the company
        • Payroll Deduction – premiums are paid through payroll deduction

        If you have any questions regarding the upcoming enrollment, please contact National Group Protection (NGP) at 800-344-9016.

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: base sit, Benefits, supplemental

        August 13, 2017 21:40

        SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS – 2017 ENROLLMENT

        From August 14th—16th, National Group Protection (NGP) will be in the crew lounge in Portland to communicate the AFA supplemental benefit plans.  Please look for the NGP benefit counselors during the on-site enrollment to enroll or make changes to your existing coverage.  Note that you can enroll in any of the crew lounges, not just your base location.

         

        • Accident Insurance
        • Critical Illness Coverage (NEW PLAN!)
        • Whole Life Insurance

         

        We have enhanced the Critical Illness plan—lower rates and more covered illnesses.  Please take the time to sit down with a benefit counselor and review your options.  This is also an excellent time to make sure you have filed for your annual health screening benefits, which are part of the accident and critical illness benefit plans.

        • Supplemental – these plans supplement any existing coverage
        • Voluntary – members choose to participate
        • Limited Underwriting – no medical or physical exams required
        • Family Coverage – available with all of the plans
        • Portable – members can continue coverage if they leave the company
        • Payroll Deduction – premiums are paid through payroll deduction

        If you have any questions regarding the upcoming enrollment, please contact National Group Protection (NGP) at 800-344-9016.

        Filed Under: Council 39 PDX

        August 11, 2017 19:00

        The AFA Alaska-Virgin America Joint Negotiating Committee just finished several days of collective bargaining with management; we met from Tuesday, August 8th through Thursday, August 10th in Seattle, WA. This is our second merger negotiations session, with the first held back in June. (See “AFA Alaska-Virgin America Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Prepares to Meet with Management This Week” for more information.) Representing management: Vice President of Labor Relations Greg Mays, Outgoing Vice President of Alaska Airlines Inflight & Call Center Services Andy Schneider (and now incoming vice president of People), Managing Director of Labor Relations-Air Elizabeth Ryan and Virgin America Manager of Labor Emily Kimmel.

        As AFA indicated in our Merger Negotiations Session #1 Update – June 2017, merger negotiations are a different process than regular negotiations. These talks are not under the jurisdiction of the National Mediation Board or Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, and neither side believes that the entire contract is open for discussion. Discussions are focusing on a short list of items, and all the provisions in the AFA Alaska contract (scheduled pay raises, etc.) will continue in force.

        Virgin America JFK Flight Attendant Base Closure

        While the JNC discussed several transition items, the bulk of our time was spent reviewing the Virgin America (VX) Flight Attendant JFK base closure packet with management. VX Director of Inflight Valerie Jenkins and Inflight Project Manager John Maze joined us for much of those discussions by conference call. AFA Council 35 Virgin America President Melissa Osborne also actively participated by phone.

        The JNC and President Osborne asked many questions and the parties exchanged a lot of information as we advocated for the JFK Flight Attendants. The JNC and President Osborne were able to achieve some modifications to the relocation package offered by management and to clarify language in the related Q&A document. The parties agreed it would be best for management to hold off on publishing some details about relocation travel until next week. This is in order to give management more time to fully develop the program and to consider several requests by AFA and our members.

        Virgin America Flight Attendant Commuter Policy

        Management and the JNC drafted a letter of agreement (LOA) that allows for a trial implementation of a commuter policy for Virgin America Flight Attendants beginning in October. (See “[VX] Virgin America Flight Attendant Work Rule Improvements – Part 3” for more information.) The parties used the “Get Going Policy” from the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Tentative Agreement as a template with some slight modifications, coupled with a third reserve availability period (RAP) from 8am – 8pm for Short Call Reserve (SCR). Management needed some extra time past the end of our session yesterday to review the final draft, but we do not anticipate this to take more than another workday or so, which will take us into next week. Once again, AFA would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts of our sisters and brothers on the TWU VX negotiating team for providing the basis for the VX F/A Commuter Policy LOA.

        Prior to implementation of this LOA, AFA will poll the Virgin America Flight Attendants to determine if the majority wishes to ‘test drive’ a commuter policy that is paired with a third SCR RAP. The initial survey will help guide the Master Executive Council officers in their decision whether or not to ratify the LOA. If we do trial the Commuter Policy and third SCR RAP, AFA will again poll the VX F/As in November to gauge membership satisfaction with the trial. AFA then has an opportunity to end the trial just in case it proves to be unpopular.

        Information regarding the survey and the full text of the VX F/A Commuter Policy Letter of Agreement is now anticipated early next week, which is just slightly later than originally indicated in the last commuter policy update. AFA will continue our efforts to get this out to the Virgin America Flight Attendants as soon as possible.

        Transition Issues Discussed

        The JNC received several responses from management on prior information requests. We also had a very helpful and productive meeting with Alaska Director of Retirement Services Chrystie Dickens and Retirement Benefits Analyst Jaime Smalley to discuss the intricacies of merging the Alaska (AS) and Virgin America Flight Attendant 401(k) plans. Merging the two is a complicated multi-step process that must be completed within the guidelines of IRS regulations and other applicable laws. Finally, we consulted with Virgin America Crew Payroll Supervisor Peter Silberstein regarding the differences between VX and AS vacation accrual.

        * * *

        This negotiations session set the parties up for getting into more detailed discussions about specific transitional items next time. In the interim, each side has ‘homework assignments’ to make the time between sessions more productive. Merger Negotiations Session #3 is scheduled for September 12-14, 2017, in Seattle, WA.

        Finally, the JFK Flight Attendants were constantly in our thoughts this week. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you, and the JNC will continue to seek any means possible to reduce the impact on you and all your families affected by this base closure.

        In Solidarity,

        Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

        Filed Under: AS/VX Merger, Latest News, Negotiations Tagged With: 2017, AS/VX Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), merger, negotiations

        August 10, 2017 11:15

        Earlier today, Virgin America (VX) management announced that the JFK Flight Attendant base would close effective November 1, 2017. The announcement of this closure will have a significant impact on the lives of our JFK-based Flight Attendants. At the same time, this will also have a ripple effect throughout the system on the way VX pairings are built in the near term and will impact downline Alaska pairings as well.

        AFA and management have been in discussions to reduce the impact of the base closure on the JFK-based Flight Attendants and to implement accommodations that will make the transition easier. Paid moving expenses, positive-space travel for commuters, commuting stipends and other provisions will help to facilitate the transfer to new bases. No one will be furloughed and management has assured us that they will do their best to ensure that each JFK Flight Attendant will be accommodated at the VX base of her or his choice.

        Management has established a timeline for transitioning JFK-based Flight Attendants to either SFO or LAX. Management and AFA worked on a packet of information that includes this timeline and relocation/commuter provisions. This packet has been sent via FedEx to each JFK-based Flight Attendant.

        Click here for the Q&A document included in the packet >>

        Your Master Executive Council (MEC) officers, your Local Council 35 officers and the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) members are working together to offer support and assistance. JFK-based Flight Attendants should feel free to contact your Local Council 35 officers at vx@afaalaska.org or call them at (206) 457-2010, extension 10 with any questions or if you need assistance navigating this process.

        We understand how disruptive this announcement is for JFK Flight Attendants, and we are here for you in this difficult time.

        In Solidarity,

        Your Council 35 officers – Melissa & James

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

        Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

         

         

        Filed Under: Council 35 SFO, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, base closure, C35, JFK, Virgin America, VX

        August 9, 2017 20:59

        Tomorrow is August 10 (8-10), our Online Day of Action to keep our rest and jobs in front of Congress. Our representatives need to take action now to enact 10 hours irreducible rest for Flight Attendants and protect good U.S. aviation jobs.

        Have you signed up for Twitter yet? Twitter is an effective platform to connect with our legislators and we’ve made it simple for you to sign up and participate.

        Click here to get started.

        Tomorrow, go to afacwa.org/8-10. This page will direct you to take action by tweeting at members of Congress and making calls for 10 hours rest and good U.S. aviation jobs.

        8/10 Day of Action Checklist:

        1. Create a Twitter Account.
        2. Like AFA on Facebook and follow AFA on Twitter.
        3. Schedule 15 min on your calendar tomorrow to to make a difference.
        4. Spread the word with your flying partners.

        To create a Twitter account:

        1. Go to http://twitter.com and find the sign up box, or go directly to https://twitter.com/signup.
        2. Enter your full name, phone number, and a password.
        3. Click Sign up for Twitter.
        4. In order to verify your phone number, Twitter will send you an SMS text message with a code. Enter the verification code in the box provided.
        5. Once you’ve clicked Sign up for Twitter, you can select a username (usernames are unique identifiers on Twitter) — type your own or choose one Twitter has suggested. Twitter will tell you if the username you want is available.
        6. Double-check your name, phone number, password, and username.
        7. Click Create my account. You may be asked to complete a Captcha to let Twitter know that you’re human.
        8. Follow @afa_cwa on Twitter.
        9. Add a profile picture to ensure people know you’re a real person and not a bot.

        Thank you in advance for participating!

        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 Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, 8->10, Fight for 10

        August 7, 2017 17:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        Maternity Grievance

        AFA is pleased to announce that the Company recently sustained Grievance 36-99-2-24-17 (Violation of Section 15.M.1.a & 2.a Failure to Allow Minimum Coordination While on Maternity Leave).

        What does this mean for Flight Attendants?  Flight Attendants may coordinate the minimum amount of sick leave or vacation with their Maternity Leave, beginning either 6 weeks (vaginal birth) or 8 weeks (Caesarian birth) post-delivery through 120 days post-delivery per sections 15.M.1.a and 2.a of the Flight Attendant CBA.  The application of this contractual provision has been inconsistent at best.  This sustained grievance provides that the Company agrees to comply with the contractual language.

        If you initially requested minimum coordination from 6/8 weeks post-delivery to 120 post-delivery and were denied, it may be possible to retroactively switch from maximum coordination to minimum coordination if you repay the difference between your requested minimum sick leave or vacation and the amount you were required to use (including taxes).  If it occurred in a prior year, you may need to file an amended tax return.  If you coordinated with either minimum or maximum sick leave or vacation during this specific time period, you were eligible for insurance at the active employee rate.  If you paid for COBRA coverage, you may be eligible for a refund.

        If you are affected by the outcome of this grievance and need assistance on how to proceed, please contact the MEC Grievance Committee at grievance@afaalaska.org.

        Social Media

        AFA has noticed an increase in discipline derived from social media postings.  Please be responsible with your postings to protect yourself.  Even if you think your settings are private, posts are still making their way to supervisors—sometimes from other Flight Attendants.  Familiarize yourself with the Company’s social media policy so as not to put yourself at risk of possible discipline.  You can find a summary of this policy at http://splash.alaskasworld.com/documents/social_media_policy.asp (Alaska sign-on required).

        Co-Worker Concerns

        If you experience a concern or conflict with a co-worker, please contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee rather than management.  EAP/Professional Standards Committee Members are fellow Flight Attendants who receive special training on resolving these issues.  If the concern goes directly to management, it will almost always lead to discipline/termination for your fellow Flight Attendant.

        You can always find Professional Standards contact information on the EAP/Professional Standards Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Union Representation

        You are entitled to AFA representation when you have a discussion or meeting with management and the possibility of discipline exists for you, another Flight Attendant or another employee. If a supervisor contacts you, you have a right to ask, “Could this conversation result in discipline?”  If so, we recommend that you tell the supervisor that you would like an AFA representative before having any further discussion.  The supervisor should provide you with the name and phone number for your Local Executive Council (LEC) President.  Regardless of whether there is a possibility of discipline, you can always contact your Local Grievance Committee for AFA representation.  You can find contact information for your Local Grievance Committee on the AFA Alaska website.

        Representation While on Probation

        Probationary Flight Attendants may also ask for an AFA representative to be present in a supportive (non-representational) role.  Again, if you are asked to provide a written statement or account of events, you are always entitled to confer with an AFA representative prior to doing so; this is also true for probationary Flight Attendants.

        Requests by Supervisors for Supporting Documentation

        Recently, AFA has noticed an uptick in management requesting additional information to help support statements provided by Flight Attendants during investigatory meetings.  These requests by supervisors have included credit card or bank statements, phone or messaging records, and names/contact information of non-employees (babysitters, roommates, or others).

        If at any time a supervisor or manager asks a Flight Attendant for additional documentation such as the items mentioned above, you should decline the request and contact a Grievance Committee Member or LEC Officer immediately.

        DOT Drug Testing

        Testing on Layovers

        The Company has recently increased the amount of drug testing that is being conducted after completing a duty period mid-sequence/on layovers.  They are required to provide transportation to/from the hotel on a layover.  Drug abatement should be pre-arranging additional transportation for the Flight Attendant as they know they are going to be conducting the test in advance.

        Proposed Changes to Drug Testing

        The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a notice that it is proposing to add four commonly prescribed medications to its testing program.  These 4 medications fall under a category of drugs known as opioids.   They include Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone , Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone.  The new DOT rule is projected to take effect sometime after October 1, 2017.  You can find more information about the proposed changes in a July 13 AFA communication entitled IMPORTANT: Changes To Airline Drug Testing.

        Trip Trading

        The Jeppesen Crew Access (JCA) trading system continues to experience programming challenges.  One ongoing issue with the system is the inability for Flight Attendants to see their own trip trade/grab post in the trip pool.  Because Flight Attendants cannot see their posted grabs or trades, sometimes the trips are unintentionally posted in the wrong trade classification (trade v. grab) with no way to verify that the post is incorrect.

        Please note if a trip is posted for trade with no comments, common sense would dictate that it was likely intended to be posted as a grab.  If there is a question, please be considerate of your fellow Flight Attendants and reach out via phone or email before making a trade.

        Questions?

        For further questions, contact one of your LEC Officers.  Contact information for your LEC Officers can be found on your Local Council 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: Grievance Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, grievance, Grievance Committee

        August 7, 2017 08:22

        PDX AFA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

        Applications are Being Accepted for

        Local Council 39 Portland Committee Positions

        If you are interested in serving on a committee, please review the requirements below and email your committee letter of interest and resume to pdx@afaalaska.orgby midnight on August 18, 2017.

        Flight attendants must be current on dues and maintain their member in good standing status. Probationary flight attendants may volunteer; once they start paying union dues.

        Committee Requirements 

        • Regularly work 40+ TFP
        • No intention of transferring from Portland in the near future.
        • Considerable knowledge and adherence to Service Standards.
        • Understand that this is a volunteer and not a paid position. There may be occasions for flight pay loss for meetings or projects.
        • Professional in manner with Management and Flight Attendants.
        • Adhere to committee policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct.
        •  Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information.
        • Be an advocate and support for all flight attendants.
        • Ability to communicate by email, phone, and in-person with Flight Attendants and Alaska Management.
        • Working knowledge of the Current Bargaining Agreement.
        • Some positions require knowledge of scheduling, pay, work rules, and duties.
        • Receive guidance from AFA Officers and Committee Chair.
        • Commit to volunteering for a minimum of one year.
        • Provide information promptly and meet occasional deadlines.
        • Must sign a Willingness to Serve Commitment

         

        Committee Descriptions

        Air Safety Health Security http://afaalaska.org/ashsc

        ASHSC acts in an advisory role to the LEC Officers on safety matters. Studies local air safety and health problems and prepares recommendations to the LEC Officers for consideration. The committee reviews and handles correspondence keeping the members informed of developments. You may be asked to attend management debriefings regarding safety related issues.

        Benefits http://afaalaska.org/benefits#purpose

        The Benefits Committee works to educate and provide assistance to in all matters involving benefits (including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs)

        Employee Assistance http://afaalaska.org/eap

        The EAP is a support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants. EAP peer representatives are trained to provide three distinct, but interrelated, services that include assessment, support, and referral. The EAP also handles professional standards and critical incident response.

        Government Affairs http://afaalaska.org/governmentaffairs

        The Government Affairs Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and pursue legislative activities that relate to the AFA-CWA political agenda and to build positive relationships with candidates for office and elected officials regardless of party.

        Grievance http://afaalaska.org/grievance

        The Grievance Committee’s is responsible for the protection of Flight Attendants against arbitrary and unjust disciplinary action and the upholding of the collective bargaining agreement.

        Hotel http://afaalaska.org/hotel

        The Hotel Committee investigates complaints regarding hotels and transportation and periodically inspects layover hotels for any decline in quality. The committee surveys potential hotels and attempts to eliminate or avoid any possible problems.

        Inflight Service http://afaalaska.org/inflightservice

        The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.

        Retirement http://afaalaska.org/retirement

        The Retirement Committee assists members with questions regarding retirement, 401(k) plans, and other investment vehicles that may become available and keep members up-to-date and educated about these programs.

        Scheduling http://afaalaska.org/scheduling

        The Scheduling Committee assists Flight Attendants with concerns relating to pairings or scheduling including legalities.

        Uniform http://afaalaska.org/uniform

        The Uniform Committee is responsible for ensuring contract language compliance in the area of uniforms. The Committee represents Flight Attendant interests to management regarding design, fabric selection, and other details.

        AFA Council 39 Information http://afaalaska.org/pdx

        An applicant cannot be guaranteed an interview. Resumes and letters of interest will be screened for qualifications, and successful applicants will be invited to interview.

        In Solidarity,

        LEC Council 39 Officers

        Mario de”Medici, Krystle Berry, Alan Sousa

        Filed Under: Council 39 PDX

        August 6, 2017 16:35

        August Activities

        Council #19 President Terry Taylor and Secretary-Treasurer Adam Clarey are attending the CWA Convention in Pittsburgh, August 6-9.  Council Representatives Megan Brown and Melinda Jorge, along with newly elected Portland officers, will be attending the final session of AFA New Officer training this month.  Later this month, they will also be joining many local EAP Representatives at the annual  FADAP Conference.  For more information regarding FADAP, see https://www.fadap.org/.

         

         

        Showing our Unity for our Fellow Airline Family Members

        On August 4th, Council #19 Officers and members joined Alaska and Virgin Pilots, at a Unity Rally in support of their ongoing contract arbitration.  It was great to see many AFA members in line!

        Mesa Flight Attendants are still bargaining for a better contract and will be returning to the bargaining table August 14-16. AFA is asking for every AFA Local Council to leaflet August 7-11 in a huge push to support Mesa bargaining.

        We are asking for volunteers to help distribute leaflets  to raise awareness of the problems Mesa Flight Attendants have been facing. Mesa operates many regional flights for United and America Airlines. Mesa Flight Attendants are some of the lowest paid in the industry.  Many are being paid close to the Federal minimum wage.

        Mesa Pilots have ratified their agreement. Now it is time for Mesa Flight Attendants!

         

        Show some AFA solidarity!

        When: August 11th

        Where: SeaTac Sky Bridges 1,2,3,5,6

        Time: 5-9am and 4:30-8:30pm

         

        Text or call: Kris Mason, 626/260-0497; or email Megan.Brown@afaalaska.org or Melinda.Jorge@afaalaska.org if you are available to support our Mesa Flight Attendants

         

        Changes to DOT Drug Testing Protocols

        As a reminder, several synthetic opioids that are fairly commonly prescribed are being added to the DOT Drug Testing Protocols sometime after October 2017.   If you are taking these prescribed medications, , please contact a local EAP Committee member for additional information and resources about these upcoming changes. The following will be added to the testing panel:

        • Hydrocodone (example: Vicodin, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Sydone)
        • Hydromorphone (example: Diluadid, Exalgo, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone)
        • Oxycodone (example: Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Roxicodone, Endocet, Xtampza, OxyIR)
        • Oxymorphone (example: Opana, Numorphan)

         

        New Committee Members

        The Council #19 Safety Health and Security Committee welcomes returning Committee Member David Lake, who will be rejoining the committee on September 1.  His prior experience as a Local and MEC Committee member will be a valuable addition.

        We would also like to welcome Jay Styger to the Council #19 Government Affairs Committee.  Jay’s interest in local and national issues will make him a great asset to the committee.

         

        Are you EXHAUSTED???? Help us do something about it!

        We work in a heavily regulated industry.   As a Flight Attendant, almost every aspect of our daily work lives are dictated by federal laws.  Our elected representatives often don’t realize the extent to which these laws impact Flight Attendants.  For example, how little “rest” we actually receive when rest is reduced to the CFR minimum of 8 hours, which typically follows an extended duty period.  On August 10, we are asking our members to take action to ‘tweet’ our representatives to support a ten hour minimum overnight rest period.  Click below to see how easy it will be to share your voice.

        http://www.afacwa.org/take_action_storm_the_airwaves_on_8_10

         

        Scheduling, Reserve and JCA (CrewAccess) Issues

        Are you experiencing any issues with JCA (CrewAccess)? Having schedule or reserve issues? The fastest way to get these issues resolved is to report it on the AFA Support website: http://support.afaalaska.org.

        Please fill out the form completey so we can fully resarch your concerns and assist you. Screen shots and as much information as you can provide is very helpul!

         

        AFA Alaska Information at your Fingertips!!

        Are you getting the most up to date information from AFA Alaska? There are lots of ways to stay in the loop!

        Make sure to “like” us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFA-Council-19-Seattle-538630496190284/

        Subscribe to Council 19 text messages: 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)

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        Latest News

        • 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
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        Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

        July 29, 2026

        As part of Membership Engagement Committee Focus Month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our core missions: empowering you with knowledge and confidence to participate more fully in our Union. When we understand how our Union works, we strengthen our collective voice and create a more engaged community. To help you on this journey, we’re […]

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

        July 28, 2026

        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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