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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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PROBLEM WITH CABIN AIR QUALITY?

WHO TO CALL – HOW TO REPORT – WHERE TO GET MORE INFO

AFA continues to collect reports of problems with cabin air quality at Alaska Airlines. Some incidents involve exposure to electrical smoke, engine exhaust, or deicing fluid. For many, the source of the problem is never conclusively identified. Nonetheless, Flight Attendants have reported health-related symptoms associated with several recent air quality incidents. Often, symptoms are temporary and resolve by themselves. Other times, symptoms caused by exposure to airborne chemicals can be serious and long-lasting. AFA is particularly concerned with the possibility of exposure to oil or hydraulic fluid fumes that could enter the cabin via the aircraft air supply. To answer your questions and provide practical information, your Master Executive Council (MEC) is providing these two important publications (click on the link to open file):

 

“Answers to frequently asked questions: Onboard exposure to smoke/fumes”

 

“What your doctor needs to know”

 

If a chemical contaminant is in the air, people usually notice a peculiar odor (e.g. dirty socks, wet dog, oil/chemical/electrical, etc.). In a minority of cases, there may be a smoke or a mist.

 

Regardless of the phase of flight, rule out non-ventilation in-cabin sources of odors as quickly as possible and promptly report the problem to the pilots. If you notice an unusual odor before passengers board, step off the aircraft at the earliest opportunity. Provide as much information as possible (nature of odor, location in cabin, suspected source, any symptoms, etc.). Maintenance needs to check and address the source of the problem. In all cases, notify your supervisor as soon as possible to initiate the company’s investigation process.

 

To remind you of what to do if you are exposed to oil/hydraulic fluid fumes, your MEC is also distributing this updated [AIR QUALITY INFORMATION CARD] for you to print, cut, fold, and carry, either behind your airline ID or in your purse/wallet. It is important to have the information at your fingertips if you have a problem with air quality in the cabin. If you are exposed to onboard smoke/fumes, you may also find this [AIR QUALITY INCIDENT CHECKLIST] useful.

 

  • The AFA Air Quality Information Card tells you who to call at the union, what company paperwork you need to complete, and what resources are available. It is very important that you document exposure to fumes by filing both I-21 and ASAP reports.

 

  • If you get sick, the AFA Air Quality Information Card directs you to see a doctor to document your symptoms and seek relief. In very serious cases, a trip to the emergency room or urgent care clinic may be necessary, but more often than not a doctor’s visit will suffice. Know that your claim doesn’t start until you see a medical doctor, so if you are sick, don’t postpone getting medical care. Many doctors have not heard about oil or hydraulic fumes on aircraft making people sick, so make sure you provide a copy of the FAA-funded guide for health care providers titled “Exposure to Aircraft Bleed Air Contaminants Among Airline Workers” and the engine oil/hydraulic fluid safety data sheet. All information is athttp://alaskamec.org/committees/air-quality/.

AFA is here to help.

Be aware of your environment, report problems, and put your health and safety first.

Dear Flight Attendants,

The term for our current Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers ends December 31, 2013.  In accordance with our Constitution and Bylaws, we will be holding interviews for MEC President, MEC Vice-President and MEC Secretary-Treasurer at our MEC meeting on November 19-20, 2013.  The interviews will take place in Seattle.  The new term will run from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2016. 

Resumes may be faxed or emailed to our Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Gesch at:  206-246-4752 or ygesch@alaskamec.org.  Resumes must be submitted by Friday November 15, 2013.  Yvette will contact you to schedule your interview.

If you are interested in serving and have additional questions, please fell free to ask any MEC or LEC Officer.  The officers’ contact information can be found online at www.alaskamec.org.  All officers of the MEC must be active and in good standing.

MEC President Responsibilities 

The President shall be the official union spokesperson and chief executive officer for the Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines as the representative to management and shall therefore have the authority and duty to:

  1. Be responsible for and charged with administering the policies of that Master Executive Council, and implementing the objectives and policies announced by the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
  2. Be responsible for the expeditious processing of members’ complaints and grievances.
  3. Be available to attend various meeting with Alaska management in Seattle, Washington.
  4. Be available to travel to attend meetings with members and management in other domiciles, MEC meetings as well as other meetings required of the Association, such as the annual meetings of the AFA-CWA Executive Board and the AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
  5. Steer committees at the request of the MEC.
  6. Be a member of the Negotiating Committee.
  7. Be a member of the Executive Board.
  8. Be granted the privilege of the floor at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but shall have no vote, if not also a Local Council President.
  9. Be responsible for and supervise the business and managerial functions of the Union at Alaska Airlines.
  10. Consult with and be assisted by the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer.
  11. Ballot the MEC if necessary or when required.
  12. Keep a current and accurate inventory of all Union property and supplies purchased or provided by the Union and submit a copy of this to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Union.
  13.  Maintain the Union’s files and property, and then transfer them to his/her successor promptly.

MEC Vice President Responsibilities

The Vice President shall:

  1. Function under the jurisdiction of the President in carrying out the policies and directives of the MEC.
  2. Perform the duties of the President at his/her request or in the absence of the President.
  3. Be granted the privilege of the floor at all MEC and Board of Directors meetings, but shall have no vote if not also a Local Council President.
  4. Steer MEC Committees and inform the MEC Secretary-Treasurer of upcoming meetings for calendaring.
  5. Be responsible for obtaining a monthly written report from each of the MEC Committee Chairs and providing these reports to the MEC Secretary-Treasurer for submission with the monthly MEC agenda.
  6. Attend monthly MEC meetings; quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company; quarterly Labor Coalition meetings; and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.

MEC Secretary Treasurer Responsibilities 

The Secretary-Treasurer shall:

  1. Assist the President in administering MEC funds
  2. Maintain MEC records and perform such other duties that may be specifically assigned to the Secretary-Treasurer by the President or Acting President.
  3. Be responsible to the President and MEC.
  4. Oversee membership information and records.  Receive monthly membership reports from Alaska and send copies to AFA International.
  5. Be responsible for the general record keeping and accounting of the MEC budget and any funds, including but not limited to:

·         Monthly submission of MEC flight pay loss to the company

·         Monthly reconciliation of Union Business flight pay loss

·         Monthly submission of all Union Business to AFA International

·         Review and approve expense reports

·         Monthly reconciliation of budget and expense reports

  1. Provide a quarterly statement on expenditures to the MEC.
  2. Solicit monthly agenda items from the MEC for the monthly MEC meetings
  3. Create a monthly meeting schedule and agenda
  4. Provide overnight accommodations and meal arrangements for MEC officers
  5. Reserve meeting rooms as necessary
  6. Schedule conference calls
  7. Take minutes at each monthly MEC meeting and provide approved copy of the minutes to the MEC, MEC Committee Chairs, and the International Secretary-Treasurer
  8. Be granted the privilege of the floor at all meeting of the Board of Directors, but shall have no vote, if not also a Local Council President.
  9. Attend monthly MEC meetings; quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company; quarterly Labor Coalition meetings; and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.

In solidarity,

The Associations of Flight Attendants-CWA, Alaska Airlines

Membership

By Linda Christou:  AFA-LEC 19 Secretary-Treasurer

            Membership in the union is extremely important and now more than ever.  With a looming vote for a new contract for our group it is important for you to be up to date on your dues.  If you are delinquent and in “bad standing” in your dues whether it is for 1 month or 12 plus months your vote will not be counted as it disqualifies you from voting for anything that arises.

            Here is a quick re-cap of dues…monthly dues is usually taken out of your 20th paycheck but if you are on a leave of any type (worker comp, medical leave, voluntary furlough education etc.) you will be required to pay for the first 3 months of that leave and after that you don’t pay dues until you return to work and this is according to the AFA-CWA by-laws. If there are months that you don’t fly enough and they cannot be auto-deduct from your 20th paycheck you’ll need to pay them yourself (always good to check that 20th paycheck).  If you ever receive an invoice from the International office that means you owe dues and will need to pay them via online and or check sent to them.

            Our International Membership department has stepped up the progression on informing FA’s of their delinquencies and sending out Standing 2, 3 and 5 letters to inform you what you need to do to become current.  Here is a synopsis of the progression of steps for non-payment… Standing 2 letter indicates you are now in bad standing and this is the first stage of the AFA-CWA delinquency process.  A flight attendant goes into S2 when you have ONE or more dues billings that are over 90 days old and remain unpaid.  Standing 3 letter indicates that the FA remains delinquent after receiving the initial “Bad Standing” warning letter.  You now receive your S-3 letter certified mail return receipt (if AFA International has a incorrect address on file the LEC President or Secretary will put it into your co-mail file at work and it is treated as if sent via certified mail).  Nonpayment could result in discharge per our FA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 26 C & D.  Standing 4 is in pending status which means your International membership department is researching your account for you.  Standing 5 is your final warning and this becomes very serious.  After receiving your S-2 and S-3 letters for nonpayment, our International AFA office in Washington DC sends a letter to Alaska Airlines requesting discharge for nonpayment and a copy of this letter is also sent to your LEC President.

            If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount you need to contact the International office to set up a payment plan called a Promissory Note Agreement.  They’ll send the agreement of which you must sign it and send it back for it to be valid.  Once this is agreed upon you must make your MONTHLY payments that have been agreed upon until the balance is paid in full.  If you do not make your monthly payment for the promissory note that could be revoked and if that happens you will need to make your payment in full to avoid a S-5 letter.  Deferral of dues can only occur if you are on a current leave.  If you have received anyone of these notices please do not disregard and either contact the International office or Becky Strachan – ANC LEC President.

Dear Flight Attendants,

 

Your AFA Negotiating Committee just finished up a week of mediated talks with Alaska Airlines management at the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington, DC. We are continuing our commitment to Mediator Victoria Gray and limiting comments to very general statements on progress at the table. (Well, we’re going to do our best anyway!) Industry economist Dan Akins once again joined the AFA Negotiating Committee as a subject matter expert to assist us in crafting our comprehensive proposals and responding to management.

 

The week started with Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached on the following items:

  • Section 14: Vacation
  • Section 16: Sick Leave/On the Job Injury
  • Section 32: Attendance Policy
  • OT Implementation LOA (and final affirmation of Section 12 TA: Exchange of Sequences)
  • Term Sheet for settlement on outstanding issues in the above three sections.

 

We captured some very important protections for Flight Attendants and feel that the agreements in the above sections reflect our commitment to you to make our work lives better.

 

BIG NEWS!

 

OK – we are going to slightly bend our “vow not to spill details…” The following information is really timely and goes a long way toward addressing a lot of your concerns with changes to Open Time.

 

We heard your concern about the drastic change in Section 12: Exchange of Sequences in regards to Open Time and most specifically to the Quartile System. There are a ton of changes in that section and with so many new interacting provisions neither party could be 100% certain that it would work as planned. Therefore, with mediator Gray’s assistance we worked with management to craft the “Open Time Implementation Letter of Agreement (LOA).” This LOA provides for the following:

 

  • Quartile System: AFA and management can mutually agree to alter the application. AFA can cancel after six months.
  • Quartile System: After 12 months, there will be an AFA membership vote on whether or not to keep the Quartile System (similar to how we voted on PBS several years back). If the result is “no,” then the system will revert to what it is today with Open Time opening at the same time for all seniorities in a domicile (but with the new trading rules).
  • International Jet Bridge Trades: With at least twelve hours notification, will be approved.
  • OT threshold numbers can be changed by mutual agreement. The parties spent several months resolving different interpretations of how the OT threshold number interacted with Open Time trading. The parties agreed that different OT threshold values must be tried. AFA’s interpretation of only “first day of a sequence” will count toward the threshold numbers for closing OT days will be applied. If OT liability is too great, management’s interpretation of “every day of a sequence” will apply toward the threshold will be tried. If that happens, negotiations will automatically begin on the sections specific to Open Time trading.
  • Monitoring of Open Time trading satisfaction by monthly surveys conducted by AFA in partnership with management during the trial phase.
  • AFA has the ability to cancel this program after a specified time and it will trigger automatic negotiations on the sections specific to Open Time trading.
  • An AFA Scheduling Chairperson position will be created with full access to crew systems and Crew Scheduling to monitor a specified set of metrics and work with management to evaluate this new system—as an equal. This position will act as AFA’s liaison with the Company to resolve all issues related to scheduling.

 

Your Negotiating Committee feels that this agreement is revolutionary and will ensure that Flight Attendant needs are met. The provisions allow for an agile response if an unforeseen problem crops up and for a true monitoring of scheduling issues in partnership with management.

 

That was the good news…

 

Compensation: The Negotiating Committee worked very hard to considerably pare down our compensation proposal while preserving the most critical and reasonable elements. We are committed to bringing Alaska Flight Attendants the overall compensation package that they deserve. We presented our proposal to management’s team and were informed that while they appreciated our movement, we are still too far apart on money for them to seriously consider addressing what we have on the table. However, management did vow to thoughtfully consider our proposal in the coming weeks between now and the next session.

 

Management believes that when combined with the other improvements we have already achieved, accepting our compensation proposal is not a wise long-term business strategy. We find this extremely disappointing in the light of the fact that the past several years have seen us tempering our expectations and accepting below-industry increases to improve the Company’s financial position. Now that Alaska Airlines is well-positioned for the future and making significant profits, we expect recognition for our past sacrifices. Please send the message to management that, “Flight Attendants will be appropriately recognized for their contribution to this Company’s success by achieving the Contract they deserve!”

 

We meet again in mediation the week of October 28th and will be changing venues from Austin, TX, to Washington, DC.

 

 

In Solidarity,

 

Your AFA Negotiating Committee – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Tracy, Karina Cameron-Fetter, Jake Jones and AFA Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

 

“Five Bases, One Voice”

alaskamec.org

Membership

By Linda Christou:  AFA-LEC 19 Secretary-Treasurer

            Membership in the union is extremely important and now more than ever.  With a looming vote for a new contract for our group it is important for you to be up to date on your dues.  If you are delinquent and in “bad standing” in your dues whether it is for 1 month or 12 plus months your vote will not be counted as it disqualifies you from voting for anything that arises.

            Here is a quick re-cap of dues…monthly dues is usually taken out of your 20th paycheck but if you are on a leave of any type (worker comp, medical leave, voluntary furlough education etc.) you will be required to pay for the first 3 months of that leave and after that you don’t pay dues until you return to work and this is according to the AFA-CWA by-laws. If there are months that you don’t fly enough and they cannot be auto-deduct from your 20th paycheck you’ll need to pay them yourself (always good to check that 20th paycheck).  If you ever receive an invoice from the International office that means you owe dues and will need to pay them via online and or check sent to them.

            Our International Membership department has stepped up the progression on informing FA’s of their delinquencies and sending out Standing 2, 3 and 5 letters to inform you what you need to do to become current.  Here is a synopsis of the progression of steps for non-payment… Standing 2 letter indicates you are now in bad standing and this is the first stage of the AFA-CWA delinquency process.  A flight attendant goes into S2 when you have ONE or more dues billings that are over 90 days old and remain unpaid.  Standing 3 letter indicates that the FA remains delinquent after receiving the initial “Bad Standing” warning letter.  You now receive your S-3 letter certified mail return receipt (if AFA International has a incorrect address on file the LEC President or Secretary will put it into your co-mail file at work and it is treated as if sent via certified mail).  Nonpayment could result in discharge per our FA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 26 C & D.  Standing 4 is in pending status which means your International membership department is researching your account for you.  Standing 5 is your final warning and this becomes very serious.  After receiving your S-2 and S-3 letters for nonpayment, our International AFA office in Washington DC sends a letter to Alaska Airlines requesting discharge for nonpayment and a copy of this letter is also sent to your LEC President.

            If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount you need to contact the International office to set up a payment plan called a Promissory Note Agreement.  They’ll send the agreement of which you must sign it and send it back for it to be valid.  Once this is agreed upon you must make your MONTHLY payments that have been agreed upon until the balance is paid in full.  If you do not make your monthly payment for the promissory note that could be revoked and if that happens you will need to make your payment in full to avoid a S-5 letter.  Deferral of dues can only occur if you are on a current leave.  If you have received anyone of these notices please do not disregard and either contact the International office or myself so that we can resolve the issue.  

Please contact David Lehman with questions!

 

Membership

By Linda Christou:  AFA-LEC 19 Secretary-Treasurer

            Membership in the union is extremely important and now more than ever.  With a looming vote for a new contract for our group it is important for you to be up to date on your dues.  If you are delinquent and in “bad standing” in your dues whether it is for 1 month or 12 plus months your vote will not be counted as it disqualifies you from voting for anything that arises.

            Here is a quick re-cap of dues…monthly dues is usually taken out of your 20th paycheck but if you are on a leave of any type (worker comp, medical leave, voluntary furlough education etc.) you will be required to pay for the first 3 months of that leave and after that you don’t pay dues until you return to work and this is according to the AFA-CWA by-laws. If there are months that you don’t fly enough and they cannot be auto-deduct from your 20th paycheck you’ll need to pay them yourself (always good to check that 20th paycheck).  If you ever receive an invoice from the International office that means you owe dues and will need to pay them via online and or check sent to them.

           Our International Membership department has stepped up the progression on informing FA’s of their delinquencies and sending out Standing 2, 3 and 5 letters to inform you what you need to do to become current.  Here is a synopsis of the progression of steps for non-payment… Standing 2 letter indicates you are now in bad standing and this is the first stage of the AFA-CWA delinquency process.  A flight attendant goes into S2 when you have ONE or more dues billings that are over 90 days old and remain unpaid.  Standing 3 letter indicates that the FA remains delinquent after receiving the initial “Bad Standing” warning letter.  You now receive your S-3 letter certified mail return receipt (if AFA International has a incorrect address on file the LEC President or Secretary will put it into your co-mail file at work and it is treated as if sent via certified mail).  Nonpayment could result in discharge per our FA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 26 C & D.  Standing 4 is in pending status which means your International membership department is researching your account for you.  Standing 5 is your final warning and this becomes very serious.  After receiving your S-2 and S-3 letters for nonpayment, our International AFA office in Washington DC sends a letter to Alaska Airlines requesting discharge for nonpayment and a copy of this letter is also sent to your LEC President.

            If you find yourself unable to pay the full amount you need to contact the International office to set up a payment plan called a Promissory Note Agreement.  They’ll send the agreement of which you must sign it and send it back for it to be valid.  Once this is agreed upon you must make your MONTHLY payments that have been agreed upon until the balance is paid in full.  If you do not make your monthly payment for the promissory note that could be revoked and if that happens you will need to make your payment in full to avoid a S-5 letter.  Deferral of dues can only occur if you are on a current leave.  If you have received anyone of these notices please do not disregard and either contact the International office or myself so that we can resolve the issue.  

LAX/SAN FAs please contact David Lehman with questions.

LEC Officer/Council Representative(2 positions)  Nomination and Election Schedule

In accordance with Article VIII of the Constitution & Bylaws, all Local Councils in Election Category I must nominate and elect officers for the term beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2017 (three year term).  Article IX of the Constitution & Bylaws and Union Voting Procedures (Section IX of the Policy Manual) shall govern nominations and elections.

All active members, regardless of dues standing, with good addresses will be mailed the voting instructions and an activation code for both the nomination and election process. In addition, apprentice members who will be off probation on or before the count date will receive a ballot packet.

Attached you will find the nomination and election schedule for Category II.  For the domestic Councils the process will commence in January 2014 and finish before the Annual Board of Directors meeting in April 2014.

For many of you we are introducing a new ballot company, Votenet Solutions.  This company provides AFA with a high level of security and efficiency at a much lower cost.

NEW for everyone is the electronic nomination process. Members will receive a notice for nominations along with a 16-digit activation code.  This code will allow the member to create a login for that ballot.  Once the member is in the ballot they can search for their candidates by name (first or last) or AFA ID number.

New activation codes are issued for each nomination, election, and contract ratification ballot.

Step-by-step instructions, for both the nomination and election process, can be found on the AFA-CWA Election website www.afacwa-elections.org along with the Category II Election schedule, AFA-CWA Election Handbook, and Commitment to Serve form.

For more information you can contact Bon Kenia, AFA International Office

BKenia@cwa-union.org

CATEGORY II NOMINATION SCH 2014-1

CATEGORY II ELECTION SCH 2014-1

 

 

VOICE Comment Card Report August 2013

Your Negotiating Committee reviews all comment cards submitted by members and posts those each month for transparency. Please know that we appreciate all comments, concerns and feedback. Some of the comments submitted maybe in Sections that have not yet been discussed, they may be included in our opening proposal (posted on AFA website http://www.alaskamec.org), our previous survey or may have already been addressed. Your opinions do count and we will continue to respond to concerns and comments not previously addressed or as sections become available.

Please note we will continue to post comments and questions with contact information, however, questions/comments without contact information will no longer be posted due to ensuring member involvement.  Your information is always kept confidential and we appreciate open communication.

Comment Card Topics:

Reserve: 0

Pay: 22

Scheduling/hours of service: 9

Sick Leave/attendance: 2

Commuter: 0

Benefits/Vacation/Insurance: 8

Hotel/Crew Meals: 0

Contract Language: 16

Clarifications/Rumors: 6

Questions

L, ANCFA

Just concerned about these leaves right now and our pairings are trash and can they vote if on a leave and all the VJA and JA and leaves–??

For those of you who might be considering a 30/60/90 day staffing adjustment leave, be advised that you must be a member in good standing in order to vote on a tentative agreement. Therefore, it’s important that you stay current on your dues payments. If you have questions about dues currency and payment options, you may contact the AFA-CWA Membership Services Department (http://www.afacwa.org/membership/) or one of your Local Executive Council (LEC) officers.

K, ANCFA

How are we paying stock holders dividends and not compensating our front line employees, who have sacrificed to make this company successful? We need to be having base meetings RIGHT NOW about the current standings of our negotiations, motives, where are we going from here? We need to be on the same page BEFORE a TA’d contract is presented. Why are we hiring FA’s if we’re not hiring pilots? Are we hiring FA’s so they have the majority vote of a TA’d contract?

so…are we any closer to a TA? when is our next skdl ‘mediation? haven’t heard anything in a long while…talking to fellow FA’s, we’re all getting frustrated–this whole situation is so shameful for AS! We should be holding base meetings with our union reps right now to ‘boost morale/’share’ views/expectations, as a way to get everyone on the same page re: what we expect, at this point–ie…a $10/hr raise, at least! any ideas…?? Where are we with mediation?

Why are we not having base sits with union reps/negotiators explaining the process and where we stand?

This lack of communication is leaving a really negative feeling for many people. The emotions were running strong for a long time. They are starting to wane,

 The Company reserves the right to allocate money to shareholders through the Board of Directors.  The negotiating committee is working to solidify a contract that will recognize our Flight Attendants contributions.  The committee is working through the economic and non-economic pieces which are very time consuming.  Without going into detail over a raise we are looking at more of a percentage based approach versus an exact dollar figure.  Mediation dates are scheduled through December of 2013, typically meeting one week each month in a location other than Seattle.  There is a difference between base sits, base meetings and road shows.  Base sits are typical of AFA Committees such as Reserve, Benefits, ISC and so on.  Base meetings are determined by your Local President and must commence during specific times of the year consistent with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws.  A copy of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws is available online at www.afanet.org.  Road shows will be scheduled in conjunction with an entire contract TA being presented to the membership where the negotiating committee will be available to assist in walking you through the contract.  It is important for each member to know the existing contract prior to attending the road shows so we may have a informative and productive meeting. 

R, LAXFA

A lot of FAs asking question about TA’d opentime section. I’ve asked them to wait for the roadshows but, here are the questions:  Where’d the quartile system originate? Is there an airline that uses it? How does it work for them (details)?

People think that this was TA’d without the usual communication to membership. Why weren’t we walked thru this before it was TA’d?

The quartile system originated from membership feedback in the Negotiations Survey and concerns as well as internal discussion amongst your Local Presidents and the Negotiating Committee. 

The Committee looked at the current Open Time issues, including the frustration of undesirable trips, down trading and the other pros and cons of contractual provisions specific to OT.  Today, the system is broken and does not work for the majority of Flight Attendants.  At the bargaining table, AFA and the Company teams felt the stagnation created by the current system was untenable and could not continue.

The changes in our Open Time System tentative agreement are comprehensive and sweeping.   Many carriers in our industry (Hawaiian, US Airways East, AA, Piedmont, American Eagle, to name some) incorporate seniority in processing OT transactions somewhere in their OT process, if not throughout it. 

Neither we nor the Company want to be locked into a new system that causes more problems than it solves and are exploring “opt out” provisions.  We are talking about a “trial” period in which either side could opt out or if certain benchmarks are not met both sides would renegotiate based on the information gained from the experience.

But it is important to understand how the negotiations process works.  The negotiators work from the FA survey and input from both the members and the LEC Ps. If the team was to come back to the members with every piece of new language the process would take twice as long. Therefore, the team works closely with the LEC Ps when new language comes up and seeks feedback. The FAs have an option whether to vote for or against a TA when it is completed. Many sections of the TA are tied together, which is why the entire document is presented together at the end.

This Negotiating Committee and MEC made a conscious decision early on to have open negotiations and share as much information as feasible with members.  Obviously, this can be a liability because as information comes out during the process we run the risk of members “making up their minds” on single provisions without seeing the entire package.

Comments:

K, ANCFA

We need to remember:
 
“We are the company”
“We are the union”
 
Management is corporate greed

After 9/11 we had fear mongering from management about what we needed to do to survive. Contract 2006 we as front line employees we made huge concessions. Then there was the 2010 plan to keep us viable. Then we have them a 2 year extension. Which expires may 1, 2012. We are currently on contract going 7.5 years; 18 months of negotiations. That is shameful, pathetic. After 5 years of record profits and the FA’s bringing 750 million $$$ in profits we need to be in the top of the industry standards for pay and work rules.

Can we please send out a message to the membership about the need to stay current on all union dues in order to vote. Lets just say we get a TA’d contract by the end of December, I hope everyone knows they must still pay their union dues, on time, and on their own dime, to be eligible to vote! Everyone I have spoken to in the 2 days had NO IDEA it was a necessity. Please, please, please.
 
Afanet.org/payment
That’s the website I have directed people too and it seems to be spot in!

A, LAX,

We want retro pay negotiated in please. Thank you.

B, LAX

We want retro-pay negotiated on this contract.

D, LAX

We want retro pay negotiated in please. Thanks!

I, LAX

I would like retro pay to be negotiated into the contract.

S, LAX, Retroactive pay in the new contract.

C, LAX

We want retroactive pay negotiated in our new contract!

J, LAX

Retroactive pay negotiated into new contract.

M, LAX

Please negotiate back pay for our next contract. Do not let our health benefits increase like the pilot contract. Thanks very much.

J, LAX

Retro Pay or Signing Bonus (We have waited for over 2 years without pay increase).

K, LAX, We want retroactive pay negotiated, please.

D, PDXFA

Needs to change (JN) for no-show.  If you no-show for a flight then you’re in (JN) for the next month.  Plus cannot trade with open time or another flight attendant. That needs to change. Should not be held responsible for whole month, maybe one trip., or 1 week, but not whole month.

FYI: Trade Jail is eliminated in the new agreement, if ratified.

H,  PDXFA

VERY disappointed that none of the new routes just announced (pdx – rno/tus & Sea – cos/oma) are actually Alaska Flights. Skywest & Horizon are NOT Alaska!

S, PDXFA

Very concerned about the company’s decision to launch new service using Skywest.

This is concerning considering the length of the flights. (Sea-oma and Pdx-tus) being comparable to existing flying done on the 737 (pdx/sea –orb and sea-tus.)

This is unprecedented at Alaska…we need SCOPE!

S, SEAFA

It would be great is “multiple trades” on emastro could recognize “open days.” It makes it impossible for those with overlapping trips on the same day to utilize the open day.  Thanks!!!

Agenda

Local Council Meeting
Alaska Airlines Council 39, Portland
Monday, September 16, 2013 – 1 to 3 PM
Sandy Room, PDX Airport Conference Center, Portland, OR

  1. Call To Order
  2. Approval of Minutes
  3. Announcements
  4. Call For Late Agenda Items
  5. Officer’s Reports
    1. President
    2. Vice President
  6. Committee Reports
    1. Air Safety, Health, & Security
      1. Air Quality
    2. Benefits
    3. EAP/Professional Standards
    4. Government Affairs
    5. Grievance
    6. Hotel
    7. Inflight Service
    8. Membership
    9. Reserve
    10. Retirement
    11. Scheduling
      1. PBS
    12. VOICE
    13. Uniform
    14. Negotiating
  7. Old Business
  8. New Business
    1. Special Board of Directors Meeting (CG)
    2. LEC Officer Elections (BP)
  9. Good and Welfare
  10. Adjournment

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), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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