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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Scheduling Committee

  • On August 27, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

On Tuesday, August 27, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz. 

The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Senior Manager Product Management RIck Mitchell, Supervisor of Inflight Crew Scheduling Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Flights facing heat restrictions, blocked seats, and short runways have caused passenger revenue reduction and issues with commuting in multiple locations.  
  • Night rule violations where crews were exceeding 10:30 duty limits. A reminder that the night rule supersedes irregular operations. 
  • Overview of staffing leaves for October. Currently, there is no plan to offer leaves; the company plans to lower line averages instead. 
  • There are issues with Crew Access notifications showing blank schedules. This sometimes occurs when Crew scheduling is working to confirm a hotel on your layover. 
  • Concerns over pairing options due to reduced seasonal flying.
  • Demand for more commutable and longer trips from LAX instead of co-terminals.
  • We resolved some issues regarding trip removals due to jury duty and discussed the need to remind crew schedulers of the process.
  • Hotels in the bid packet.  In some cases, the hotels will relocate the crew due to unforeseen circumstances. In most cases, the hotel in the bid packet will be the location to which you are assigned. 
  • Reminder to review fatigue management protocols. For information, refer to the Letter of Agreement at afaalaska.org. We are seeing an increase in fatigue reports among reserves and line holders.
  • There is a need for improved communication regarding the Flight Attendant website and SharePoint updates. We ask Flight Attendants to report missing or broken links to AAG information technology services (ITS) or AFA.
  • There is a noticeable decline in block hours for October, with a 13% reduction.
  • Year-over-year analysis indicating a mix of sick leave trends across different bases.
  • Crew Scheduling has approximately five (5) new crew schedulers assisting with the operation.
  • Crew Planning is hiring for a few available positions, while pilot crew planning assists until those roles are filled. 
  • Base Sits. We are anticipating a new budget for 2025. The PBS Subcommittee will not do base sits in October, November, or December. If you need assistance with bidding, please get in touch with them directly or reach out to your Local Scheduling or Reserve Committee. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. The PBS Subcommittee is working with management on PBS base sit budgets.  Management has the committee keep track of how money is being spent to assist flight crews with their bidding.  We appreciate your participation in virtual and in person base sits. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion of reviewing bidding data from NAVBLUE to see what kind of pairings Flight Attendants are interested in flying instead of sending out a survey. We will continue to review options. 
  3. Chime Communications. To reduce phone call volumes, Flight Attendants may soon be able to chat with Crew Scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams. The chat will be for Flight Attendant-initiated contact only. The function is currently in the early stages of development and still needs to be discussed with Labor Relations management and our MEC. Testing and implementation are continuing over the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation, which is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  5. Crew Planning. Like Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that covered subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items. Statistics around teaming continue to be reviewed. Crew Planning continues to maximize pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NAVBLUE, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases.

We Want to Hear From You!

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

In This Edition

Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines Merger Moves Forward

Originally posted August 19, 2024

Alaska and Hawaiian management have satisfied any questions raised during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) review of the proposed merger. This means DOJ will not take further actions and has essentially approved the merger. 

Read More >

Employee Assistance Program Resources in Uncertain Times

Originally posted August 20, 2024

Between the stress and uncertainty of a merger and the collective bargaining process, it’s essential to remember to take the time you need to care for yourselves. That might mean leaning on your flying partners, taking a moment to recharge, or seeking support from your AFA EAP. Your well-being remains our top priority. We’re just a phone call away.

Read More >

TA2 Negotiations Update – August 22, 2024

Originally posted August 22, 2024

Our Negotiating Committee has heard you loud and clear. We are amped up and ready to return to negotiations to fight for a TA2. The TA2 Survey is on schedule to be released this Tuesday, August 27 at 9 AM PT. We need all of our Flight Attendants to relay to their flying partners the importance of completing the TA2 Survey.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 27Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 29Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Friday, August 30Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Between the stress and uncertainty of a merger and the collective bargaining process, it’s essential to remember to take the time you need to care for yourselves. That might mean leaning on your flying partners, taking a moment to recharge, or seeking support from your AFA EAP. Your well-being remains our top priority. We’re just a phone call away.  

Options for Flight Attendants to meet with a counselor: 

  • Flight Attendants each receive 10 free sessions per year through Lyra, the new Company EAP provider. Visit aag.lyrahealth.com for more information.                                                                                                                  
  • Inflight management + Lyra provides 12 virtual sessions each month. The sessions are confidential and virtual. You are able to reserve one by emailing talia.samuelson@alaskaair.com

More Resources to Consider: 

AFA Alaska EAP is available 24 hours a day at: (949) 470-0493

The AFA InternationalEAP helpline is available 24 hours a day at: (800) 424-2406 or (202) 434-0560.

If you have any questions or are looking for support, please get in touch with our AFA EAP Committee. You can also find your Local EAP Committee at afaalaska.org/eap.

Alaska and Hawaiian management have satisfied any questions raised during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) review of the proposed merger. This means DOJ will not take further actions and has essentially approved the merger. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to review international routes and general compliance with DOT requirements as it relates to the merged carrier. This has typically been a perfunctory approval. 

Mergers take time — this first hurdle only relates to the financial closing of the merger which can now proceed. DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration will play a significant role in the operational merger.

As a reminder, the transition period includes specific protections for Flight Attendants as negotiated between our union, and both Alaska and Hawaiian management. Review last week’s communication on the Merger Transition Agreement (MTA). Negotiations for a contract at Alaska will continue separately according to the Railway Labor Act. Improvements for Alaska Flight Attendants will set a higher starting point for JCBA negotiations.

We will all do better through our solidarity. Stay close to union communications, fly safe, and as always look out for each other. We are stronger and better together.

Impact on AFA Alaska Negotiations 

AFA will continue to work on negotiating a second Tentative Agreement (TA2) for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Alaska Airlines has a legal obligation to continue negotiations with AFA Alaska. 

The Negotiating Committee (NC) is drafting a survey to determine the targeted goals for TA2. Following MEC approval, we tentatively plan to release the survey on Tuesday, August 27 and close the survey on Wednesday, September 4. The NC will analyze the results and continue through the steps listed here, including drafting a TA2 proposal.

The status of our mediation has no impact on the merger transaction with Hawaiian.

In This Edition

Tentative Agreement Not Ratified

Originally posted August 14, 2024

The ratification vote for the 2024 Tentative Agreement (TA) closed at 12 PM PT today with a 92.4% participation rate of eligible voters. Thank you for participating in the ratification vote. We will post the certified results later this evening. Results:

68% voted AGAINST the agreement
32% voted FOR the agreement

Read More >

August 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted August 16, 2024

The August 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was scheduled to take place this week on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. The meeting was extended by an additional day to allow the MEC to discuss the path forward with negotiations following the TA ratification vote results. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16, and Tuesday, September 17.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

No scheduled events

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The August 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was scheduled to take place this week on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. 
  • The meeting was extended by an additional day to allow the MEC to discuss the path forward with negotiations following the TA ratification vote results.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16, and Tuesday, September 17.

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) held its regular meeting for August 2024 on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. These meetings, required under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, provide an important opportunity for the MEC to discuss and address issues and concerns affecting our Union and Members at the airline level. Your directly elected LEC President (or their designee) attends these meetings as your representative and votes on your behalf when decisions need to be made.

During the meeting, the MEC received updates from the MEC Officers and LEC Presidents. Additionally, the MEC received committee reports from the Grievance, Benefits, and Retirement Committees and reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons detailing their current work and activities.

TA Ratification Vote Results

Our MEC was joined by our Negotiating Committee and various AFA Representatives who support the Negotiating Committee in anticipation of the close of the TA ratification vote on Wednesday, August 14, and the announcement of the results. As previously communicated, the TA was not ratified, with 32% voting for the agreement and 68% voting against it. This decision came with 92.4% of eligible voters participating. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and have their voice heard through the democratic process!

Next Steps With Negotiations

The MEC Meeting was extended an additional day into Thursday to allow the MEC to have an initial discussion about the path forward with contract negotiations. The first step will involve surveying Members to understand our collective priorities for the negotiations ahead. The survey results will be crucial in shaping the opening proposal and determining the Negotiating Committee’s focus at the bargaining table.

In addition to the survey, our MEC and Negotiating Committee will be working diligently in the upcoming weeks to solidify a strategic plan as we gear up for the next phase of negotiations and resume mediation. Further details about the survey, process, and timeline will be shared through AFA Alaska email and social media channels and posted on the negotiations website when they become available.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

In This Edition

TA 2024: How to Request a Replacement Activation Code

Originally posted August 5, 2024

We have just over one week left before the vote on the Tentative Agreement closes. Have you voted yet? If you have still not received your ballot, please request a new activation code by clicking here or by scanning the QR code in the graphic.

Read More >

Final Text of the Tentative Agreement

Originally posted August 8, 2024

Formatting and correcting errors within the final text of our 2024 Tentative Agreement (TA), originally published on July 20th, is now complete. We ensured the full document was formatted correctly and all known transcription errors recognized by AFA and management were addressed. Management has indicated they will do one final review of the document.

Read More >

Shared on Social

TA Ratification Vote Updates

The percentage of eligible Alaska Flight Attendants who voted on the Tentative Agreement is listed below. There is still time left to cast your vote. 

You can find more information about the TA, FAQs, and voting at contract2022.afaalaska.org/ta. The vote closes on August 14 at noon PT.

  • Wednesday, August 7 – 51.5%
  • Thursday, August 8 – 55.7%
  • Friday, August 9 – 59.6%

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 13 – Wednesday, August 14Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, August 14Tentative Agreement (TA) Voting Ends @ 12 PM PT
Thursday, August 15Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

In This Edition

TA Thursday Update – August 2, 2024

Originally posted August 2, 2024

In case you missed it, make sure to catch up on this week’s TA Thursday Update published yesterday! This week’s update included:

  • TA Virtual Q&A Session
  • APFA Tentative Agreement
  • TA Vote Percentage Update
  • Department of Justice Merger Decision Update
  • TA Ratification in Context of Delayed Merger Decision
  • Resources
  • Upcoming Events

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 6TA Virtual Q&A Session
Thursday, August 8Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 8Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

The MEC and Negotiating Committee met this morning to discuss the delayed Department of Justice (DOJ) merger decision prior to our final Tentative Agreement (TA) roadshow. The MEC explored the possible impact on the TA voting timeline and unanimously agreed not to extend the ratification vote. Please ensure you vote by noon Pacific Time on August 14th.

Several factors lead to this decision:

  • We did not originally plan our voting timeline around the DOJ merger decision – the original announcement date just happened to fall within the timeline.
  • There is no guarantee the DOJ decision will actually be announced on the 15th. It is possible the DOJ could further delay its decision – and the voting deadline cannot be indefinitely extended.
  • We negotiated this TA strategically to be a strong option in either scenario, regardless of the DOJ decision. The TA sets us up for a JCBA if the merger does go through, or to be back in negotiations in 2 years (with the three-year duration and one-year early opener). Either way, we will have an opportunity to press for more improvements from a strong base quickly.

Please make sure to vote prior to the deadline – several days before the 14th is recommended in case you encounter any difficulties voting. Keep in mind that voting assistance is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours Eastern Time. Voting information can be found on the contract website.

All published resources are available from the TA page on the contract website.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced early this morning that they reached an agreement with Hawaiian and Alaska managements to extend the merger review process 10 days until August 15th.  

What does this mean? There is no way of knowing. In fact, the DOJ could not render a decision on August 15th and could further delay the review process. AFA International is monitoring the situation with the DOJ and we will continue to share any new developments or information with members. As a reminder, the Tentative Agreement (TA) was negotiated to position us to return to the bargaining table in the near term whether the merger is approved or not.

The Negotiating Committee is finishing up the TA roadshows in Portland and Anchorage today and tomorrow, respectively. We continue to welcome any questions from you during the ratification process.

Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections

The term of office for our current Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025. The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the November Regular MEC meeting. This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual. […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on September 11 to review their response to our September 5 proposal.  We feel that it is important to acknowledge the challenges within our company as Alaska management is struggling to understand our Collective Bargaining Agreement […]

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, September 11, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present […]

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States, a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the rich contributions and diverse cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Spanning a full month, this observance—also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month—has its roots in Hispanic Heritage Week, which was established by legislation signed into law by […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Monday, September 8, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary […]

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