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PED Policy Finally!

Management has finally released the long-awaited new and improved PED policy for Virgin America Flight Attendants.  The policy was tied to the Inflight Manual (IFM) therefore changes needed to be included in a revision cycle.  The policy, in relation to personal PED use, was taken from the AS Flight Attendant Manual.  Please review the policy to ensure understanding of the changes as it relates to using your personal PEDs while on duty.  If you have any questions about the new policy, please contact your Council 35 officers.

Grievances and AFA Representation at Meetings

Council 35 has been in attendance for 68 meetings with VX Flight Attendants since June 1, when the Grievance Letter of Agreement went into effect.  These meetings have been for investigations and issuance of discipline.  To date, we have filed 21 grievances on behalf of Flight Attendants to dispute discipline issued and for contractual violations.  If you want to know more about the grievance process please review the Letter of Agreement ​and the July 5 Council 35 News for an explanation of the just cause employment relationship.  If you need representation for a meeting with management, please contact your Council 35 officers.

Upcoming Commuter Policy

In just a couple of weeks on October 1, we will begin the trial period of the newly negotiated VX Commuter Policy.  If you have any questions about the policy, please review the FAQs.  In November, we will be sending another survey requesting participation of members to give feedback on the effectiveness of the policy.  If you have any additional questions, please contact your Council 35 officers.

Membership Applications Needed

According to our records, 30% of VX Flight Attendants have not submitted a paper membership application.  Although the National Mediation Board has ruled that AFA is our collective bargaining representative, VX Flight Attendants are not automatically considered an AFA member.  Everyone must complete and submit a membership application to become an official member.  Please be aware that this form cannot be completed online.  The hard copy form must be submitted directly to an AFA representative or mailed to the AFA International Office in D.C. You can download and print one by clicking here. Completing an application ensures that you have the right to participate in voting activities and to attend membership meetings.

Save the date—Council 35 Town Hall Membership Meeting

AFA Constitution and Bylaws require that local councils hold a membership meeting twice per calendar year.  Our first meeting was held in June with United Council 11 to discuss the AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda.  We are planning our next meeting for November 2. Stay tuned for updates for location, time and agenda topics.  If you wish to bid the day off, please keep in mind the meeting will be held in SFO.

Inflight Management’s Recent Email about Changes to VX Inflight

VX Flight Attendants have asked Council 35 officers for clarification on a recent email from VX inflight management which stated upcoming changes expected for F/As.  It was mentioned that we are on the AS AFA contract, which is incorrect. VX F/As will not be on a merged contract with Alaska Flight Attendants until we have a ratified merged agreement.  Additionally, some new terms caused confusion, specifically relating to the ITL position.  Alaska’s lead flight attendant position, is called the “A” Flight Attendant.  They do not have a separate lead program, with separate bidding pools.  All are assigned to positions during the single group bidding process.  To differentiate the two programs, instead of using the term ITL, VX management would like to transition to the term Legacy VX “A” Flight Attendant.

FAQs and Rumor Control

Is Alaska sending ghost riders on our flights to audit us?

No. Alaska is not sending ghost riders on VX flights to audit and report back to AS corporate. Jeff Butler, VP of Inflight and Call Centers, has made it clear that this practice has never been a consideration as they receive ample information about flights and customer service issues from guest initiated communications.

Will changing my hire date on the new I9 requirement affect my seniority?

No.  Management has assured AFA that putting today’s date as the hire date will not in any way affect seniority, benefits, retirement or travel privileges.

If I pick up on my day off as a reserve will I get paid for it or will it just help me get to my guarantee sooner?

Management has agreed that reserve Flight Attendants who pick up on their days off will receive a credit above their guarantee.

When we achieve Single Operating Certificate (SOC) in early 2018, will we be covered automatically by the AFA Alaska Flight Attendant Contract?

Single Operating Certificate is the approval granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to two airlines to allow them to operate their aircraft for commercial purposes as one airline going forward. It is a major regulatory step forward toward the eventual merger of the two airlines into a single entity. Achieving SOC does not mean that all work groups will be fully merged and integrated at that time. VX F/As will see some company-wide benefit changes through the process of integration (with SOC being part of that process), however we will not automatically be covered by the AS contract at SOC.  Integration of the VX F/As into the AS contract is currently being negotiated. Although there is no set time for negotiations to be completed, AFA and management have a vested interest in making the process as smooth and expeditious as possible.

When will we see a return of the Flight Locator by Crew feature?

Council 35 officers have had multiple conversations with management about the return of this feature and management has stated that the functionality of Flight Locator by Crew will not be returned. The VX legal department has instructed that the feature be removed, and the company is obliged to follow their instruction.  The company did say that CSS would provide crew information if we call and ask, however your Council 35 officers recognize that the process is a hassle.

Please let us know if you have any questions or thoughts!  You can reach us at vx@afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

Your Council 35 Officers – Melissa & Jamie

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

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

 

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.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 29, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

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