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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Fume events can occur on flights for various reasons, such as oil leaks or mechanical issues.
  • Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of air quality, fume, and hypoxic events, so you know what to do if you suspect one is happening.
  • More resources are available on the Air Quality Subcommittee page of the AFA Alaska website.

As Flight Attendants, our top priority is ensuring everyone onboard the aircraft has a safe and comfortable experience. However, despite our best efforts, unexpected situations can still arise. One such situation is a fume event, which can be caused by smoke, fumes, or a strong odor in the cabin. Fume events can occur for various reasons, such as oil leaks, hydraulic fluid leaks, or other mechanical issues. It’s essential to learn how to identify a fume event and what to do if one takes place to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, fellow crewmembers, and passengers. To that end, we’d like to offer some reminders about what to do if you suspect a fume event is happening.

How To Identify A Fume Event

  • Pay attention to unpleasant/unusual odors coming from the air supply system. 
  • Use the FOUR S’s
    • Identify the SOURCE. Is this coming from the air supply vents or a cabin item?  
    • Explain the SMELL. Description including strength, duration, and when it started/the phase of flight. 
    • Describe the SITE. Where is observed in the cabin: forward, aft, galley, etc.?
    • What are the SYMPTOMS? See the list of possible symptoms below. Does anyone need medical attention?

What To Do If Involved In An Air Quality/Fume Event

  • On The Ground
    • Notify Pilots, if present
    • Deplane, if possible
    • If you have symptoms (see below), call MedAire Crew Support at (800) 350-4390; have the CSA call paramedics, if needed.  
    • DO NOT return to the aircraft until it has been cleared Maintenance. You are not a sniff tester.
  • In the Air
    • If you have symptoms of hypoxia (see below), immediately don oxygen.
    • Notify Pilots 
    • Contact MedLink
    • If you can, fill out the Cabin Air Quality Reporting Form in the stationary kit and give it to Pilots.
  • Call the AFA Air Quality Reporting Hotline as soon as possible at (206) 457-2010, option 3
  • Notify Inflight management by calling scheduling and asking for the Manager on Duty (MOD)
  • It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of both quality/fume/hypoxic events. 

What Are The Possible Symptoms Of An Air Quality/Fume/Hypoxia Event? 

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Nauseous 
  • Slowed thinking/delayed reactions
  • Tingling fingers/lips/toes/numbness
  • Irritated eyes/throat/nose
  • Abnormal taste
  • Trouble breathing
  • Multiple other physiological/neurological symptoms (some may have delayed onset)

Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has developed resources to assist you if you have been in a suspected fume event. You can access this information by clicking here.

Other Things To Keep In Mind

  • If multiple Flight Attendants and/or passengers are experiencing symptoms (see above), you may be experiencing an air quality/hypoxia event. 
  • When experiencing the above symptoms, communicate the possibility of an air quality event with the crew, including the pilots.
  • It is essential to communicate with the pilots. If they don’t document an air quality/fume event in the logbook, Maintenance will not inspect the aircraft.
  • Different people may experience varying symptoms and severities. 
  • Symptoms of exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in engine oil and hydraulic fluid are similar to carbon monoxide exposure. It’s possible to mistake symptoms of VOC exposure for carbon monoxide exposure.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please visit the ASHSC Air Quality Subcommittee page on the AFA Alaska website or email us at airquality@afaalaska.org.

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Today, Alaska Air Group (AAG) management has announced its intent to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, while maintaining the unique identity of both brands.

We know that everyone has questions and concerns about the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Mergers take time. Nothing will happen overnight. But right now we must stick together because the airlines are very clear about how this will benefit shareholders, consumers, and employees but together we can claim clarity in black and white for our jobs and the improvements we can expect. 

Our union of Flight Attendants, AFA-CWA, represents cabin crew at both carriers. Our first priority is to determine whether we support this merger, depending upon what it means in improvements for Flight Attendants. We are gathering information, reviewing the proposed merger, and AFA leaders from both Hawaiian and Alaska will meet with our International Officers and experts to conduct this review. Our union has significant experience in mergers and all of that will benefit us now.

At this point only the merger proposal has been announced – there are several approvals required before it can move forward. Today, we continue to fly as though nothing has changed. In fact, negotiations for Alaska Flight Attendants are continuing and top priority for our union. We will continue to push our careers forward and improvements for Flight Attendants are a central component to our review of support or opposition to a merger. 

AFA leadership at both carriers have been in contact with each other and AFA International is coordinating our constitutional protections to ensure Flight Attendant rights and interests are protected. This ensures seniority protections for every flight Attendant and provides a clear process for merger review, required demands of management, and continued representation for all Flight Attendants while working with the power of a united Flight Attendant group to protect our interests. 

Please review the Merger section of the Alaska AFA Contract and the Hawaiian AFA Contract and the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws, Section X.

The merger plan is to respect and continue both unique and well established brands. Perhaps no two current airlines are more connected to their communities. Although the practical details have not been worked out, there seems to be a serious commitment to preserving the brands that are so emblematic of their legacy in their respective regions – with names representing the 49th and 50th states.

There will be a lot of questions as we move forward and we will work to answer all of them. Avoid feeding into rumor mills that are counterproductive to ensuring everyone has the most accurate and up to date information so we can act with one voice for the benefit of our futures. AFA will work hard to update you with the latest information. You can count on correct information through your AFA communications.

This merger, if it happens, will not happen tomorrow, next week or next month. As the process progresses, we will keep you closely updated and involved. We’ve compiled a list of common questions after an announcement of a merger for your review now, but we know there will be more. .

We are Stronger Together and Better Together. Wear your AFA pin, stay calm and fly on!

In Solidarity, 

AFA Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Council and AFA International

AFA Merger Q & As – If the merger moves forward

Q. What is the Timeline for a Corporate Merger?

A. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must approve the merger and determine that it does not violate any antitrust laws or regulations. Only after the DOJ gives its approval to the transaction, can the actual conclusion of the financial transaction (corporate merger) happen. There is no set timeline for the DOJ review and approval.

Q. When would the operations of the two carriers be merged?

A. It will be a while, at a minimum 12-18 months. This is a journey of a thousand steps. Throughout it all, your AFA leadership will be representing your best interests and negotiating for the best outcome for Flight Attendants.

Q. What exactly is “integration” and when would it happen?

A: It is important to understand that “integration” applies to many steps along way to completely combining the two carriers:

  • Integration of corporate management and departments (Labor Relations, Legal, Finance, etc) is one aspect of integration and could possibly happen quickly after DOJ approval and the financial close of the corporate merger.
  • Operational Integration of policies, maintenance procedures and manuals, etc. leading up to a Single Operating Certificate takes over a year and longer.
  • Seniority list integration – we will conduct our bidding “date of hire” seniority integration process with Flight Attendant representatives from each airline, but management will not receive the completed list until a merged contract is ratified. 
  • Contract Integration – negotiating the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) and finalizing a process agreement which allows for a smooth and orderly combining of the two labor groups (eg. Alaska Flight Attendants and Hawaiian Flight Attendants) requires Flight Attendant ratification – and this step can only take shape alongside the operational integration.
  • Operational Integration, including combined reservations and scheduling. Again, this will take time, likely a couple years if the merger moves forward.  

Q. What bases would open and close at the combined carrier?

A: The airlines have stated all bases will remain open and contractual protections will protect base assignments.   

Q. How would the seniority lists be combined?

A. A Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) with Flight Attendant representatives from both carriers will be established and representatives may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from each respective pre-merger airline. The SMIC will review the records of every Flight Attendant and ensure no one leap frogs another Flight Attendant on each respective list, while also assessing whether adjustments of bidding seniority dates should reflect time in training consistently for both groups. This process is transparent and includes a verification period with the opportunity for each individual Flight Attendant to review their seniority date before the list is final.

Q. What is the AFA merger policy that will govern how the Flight Attendant groups are integrated?

A. The AFA Merger Policy can be found in the AFA International Constitution and Bylaws, Section X. AFA has vast experience with mergers and negotiating agreements that protect our members and keep Flight Attendant interests front and center.  

Q. Will negotiations continue for our own Alaska Flight Attendant Contract?

A. Yes. We are continuing with the Alaska contract negotiations. Improvements are needed now and will help raise standards for Flight Attendants on the industry whether this merger is approved or not. 

Q. How would the merged contract be negotiated?

A. Under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will be formed following Single Carrier Determination by the NMB. Flight Attendants from both airlines will be members of the JNC, and JNC may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from their respective pre-merger airlines. The JNC will negotiate a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) attempting to combine the best from each Flight Attendant Contract in addition to other improvements. The tentative JCBA will be voted on by all Flight Attendants at the merged airline and must receive a majority vote in favor by the combined group for ratification.

Q. When would the Flight Attendant Groups be combined?

A. The Flight Attendant groups cannot be combined until the JCBA is ratified and the seniority list is merged and accepted. In addition, combining carriers includes FAA oversight of safety policies and procedures – leading to the Single Operating Certificate. Flight Attendants will take part in “differences training” to ensure certification is the same on each aircraft. The company will also need the ability to schedule crew with a combined system.

The expanded flying opportunities and route network typically provides more choice for Flight Attendants in bidding and managing our schedules. 

Q. Some call it a merger, others call it an acquisition. Does it matter?

A. An acquisition is a technical finance term about the financial transaction between the two airlines. No matter what the technical financial transaction is called — the two companies must be merged together. The merger begins once the financial transaction is approved. Nothing changes for Alaska Flight Attendants or Hawaiian Flight Attendants until the airlines are in merger mode. That’s why we don’t refer to the financial transaction, because it doesn’t change your contract or your legal rights during the actual merger. When and if we get to an “approved deal” involving these airlines, that is when the merger starts and that is what it is called no matter how management initiated the deal. 

In This Edition

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted November 28, 2023

Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 14 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability. If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – November 2023

Originally posted November 30, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 28 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

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Don’t Forget to RSVP for our Day of Solidarity

This is a friendly reminder that our December 19th Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the holidays. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, as well as Washington, D.C. (DCA), and RSVP now!

RSVP Here >

Management’s Offer

Alaska management worked hard on the graphic that illustrated their ridiculously lowball offer. Thanks for putting it into perspective for us! That’s gonna be a NO from your Flight Attendants.

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, December 5 – Wednesday, December 6Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, December 7Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 7Alternate 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!

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 28 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Tuesday, November 28, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons 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), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on December 26, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Regular presentation with some interactive elements focused on Reserve utilization and working over 90%. Some relief seen in October/November. The PowerPoint presentation showed data on flexibility.
  • Breakdown of Reserves used: decrease month over month, with 11.4% covering other sick calls and 49% covering line holder trips. Detailed Reserve breakdown provided.
  • Year-over-year absence rates are slightly higher but trending down. Flexibility with Threshold Sequence Number (TSN) and Personal Drops (PDs) helping. 
  • Premium numbers being worked on, holiday calendar impacting data. October 2023 showed premium isolation to Sundays with a drastic decrease in the number of trips.
  • Personal drops increased, with 7302 compared to 9206 last year at this time. TSN adjustments and more trips allowed into OT. November saw a significant increase in TSN trips, offering more flexibility.
  • Reviewed sick leave days compared to TSN and PDs. Interesting data on leaves and collective attendance.
  • Discussed reassignments and their impact. Reassignments tracking is manual. November reassignments drastically down. Last-minute issues can lead to reassignments for operational reasons.
  • Review of rotation and pairings to address high reassignments. Closer-in sick calls during summer months affected options and peers. Leveraging reserves affects utilization.
  • Highlights of winter operations progress: training new crew schedulers, deadhead reservation support, NOC risk management, IROPs support and resources, teaming/pairings, inflight hotline, and Crew Scheduling Mobile Comm.
  • Testing UAT for Inflight for Teams, encouraging real-time feedback. Go-live expected in mid-December.
  • Discussed January 2024 planning challenges. Seeking 651 Staffing Adjustment Leaves, considering additional solicitation. Reserve staffing anticipated at 20% with 75.4 line averages for the system.
  • Reviewed trip length distribution and ANC commutability. ANC commutability to be tracked separately.
  • Block hour comparison for Dec 2023/Jan 2024, down 12.5% due to the booking environment. Industry fare and cost structure analysis provided. Imbalance in departures and arrivals, optimization challenges.
  • Hotel improvements and teaming to improve recovery, encourage following each other. Focus on SEA, optimizing routes, aircraft, and profits. Open to discussions and potential changes.
  • Overall, the discussion covered various topics related to reserve utilization, absence rates, premium numbers, personal drops, reassignments, winter operations progress, planning challenges, and optimization strategies.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee seeks feedback on how they can better assist flight crews with bid awards and understanding results. In-person and virtual meetings were available for this purpose.
  2. Pairings Survey. A survey on pairing construction is being discussed, along with the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be scheduled. No update or ETA yet.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and optimizing teaming to keep costs low and ensure crews (pilots/Flight Attendants) stay together for multiple segments. Currently, the system teams around 10-15%, but enhancements aim to increase it to 20-35% for winter operations. December pairings will reflect this change. Management will communicate about teaming. In December 2023, approximately 23% of sequences will be teamed together, while 52% of duty periods will be teamed.
  4. In and Backs. Network/Crew Planning is reviewing initiatives to restart operations when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. The 2023/2024 IROPs plan was reviewed by Alaska management in September/October, creating opportunities to clear flight schedules on the day of operations.
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. 
  6. Crew Scheduling. Monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covering reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and YoY), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  7. Crew Planning. Monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covering subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  8. ITS. ITS representatives join scheduling meetings to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block2Block. Includes performance updates, data review, and future release information. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management. You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 14 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Tuesday, November 14th, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.

The committee also met with Director – Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Sr Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford, SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis and Manager Inflight Policies and Standards Jeannette Waddel.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is tentatively set for Tuesday, February 22, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • The new Unisync website launched at the end of October.
  • New method for reporting quality issues – now located directly on the Uniforms page in Team AAG.
  • Mockneck sweater now available for order. Delivery slated for Q1 2024. Aura vest (blue) is scheduled to ship in Summer 2024 and ordering will be available shortly before then.
  • Spinner suitcase testing will begin in the near future. A Travelpro spinner was previously tested but proved to be too top heavy (tipped easily) and one inch smaller (inclusive of the wheels). This created about two inches less space compared to our current roller making it unsuitable for 4+ day trips. AFA and management will continue to explore other options.
  • New uniform policies were updated at the end of October.
    • Aura and Atlas pieces may be mixed and matched to suit body types and style preferences, however, the style guide must be followed regardless of which pieces are being worn.
    • Uniform checks are currently being conducted. The main areas of concern receiving discipline are:
      • Outerwear – Noncompliant coats
      • Nose rings (hoops) and earrings that are larger than approved size of a quarter
      • Hemlines – Too short
      • Lanyards other than ones from the company store (Labor has expressed that management will not pursue discipline, however, if you are asked to remove your lanyard, please comply and submit a ticket at support.afaalaska.org)
      • Shoes with white soles or stitching (you can use a navy/brown permanent marker or leather dye on the white stitching to make them compliant)
  • Management will consider moving from the current approved list to “boot guidelines and requirements” for the seasonal navy boots. Updates will be made by March of 2024 when boot season concludes.
  • March 2024 will also see the ban of popular lug-style shoes and discipline may be issued for noncompliance. AFA has gone all the way up through marketing (including Luly Yang) in attempts to advocate for the shoe to remain in compliance. The final decision is that these shoes will not be allowed.
  • Seasonal aprons will continue to be allowed and the committee is advocating for marketing to make this a permanent part of the style guide.
  • Maternity pieces should be in full stock and available. Please email or call the Fit Center if you encounter any issues and let your local Uniform Committee Chairperson know if you are unable to obtain pieces.
  • The Uniform survey closed on 11/07/2023 and results will be shared with AFA in late December once the data has been analyzed.
  • Discussed the possibility of opening the PDX Fit Center on an annual or semiannual basis, but there has not been much turn out in the past. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email AFA at uniform@afaalaska.org so we can collect data on how many FAs would attend to return items, have repairs done, and get fitted.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Wear Testing. Trying to create a diverse pool of wear testers. Finding convenient ways to get wear test items to testers other than base office hours as we would like FAs working early AM trips and nighters to also be part of future wear tests. Would also reduce issues with returns getting back to the Fit Center.
  2. Annual Review of Basic Uniform Cost. AFA meets annually to review the cost of the basic uniform per the contract to ensure the allotment amount is correct with the addition of new pieces.
  3. Unisync Usability. Concerns over confusion with new ordering sizes. Wool Sensitivity options are available but not widely known or advertised. Made-to-order pieces (tall) still require a phone call.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include the “PO” number from the tag, attach photos of the issue and the tag, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket at AFA Alaska Support so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

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They Say They Care

Alaska Airlines say they “CARE” – what better time to show it than during this holiday season? Low pay, a punitive sick leave policy, and constant schedule changes aren’t taking care of Flight Attendants. What we really need this holiday season is a new, industry leading contract!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 28Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 28Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Wednesday, November 29Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 29SEA Base Safety 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!

In This Edition

December 19 Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now

Originally posted November 13, 2023

Our December 19 Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the holidays. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, as well as Washington, D.C. (DCA), and RSVP now using one of the links below to let us know you’ll be there!

Read More >

Mobilization Expands: Direct Passenger Outreach Begins Today

Originally posted November 15, 2023

Mobilization Volunteers will begin distributing leaflets today to Alaska Airlines passengers across all six bases, inviting them to keep up with our contract fight. Passengers can stay informed by scanning a QR code on the leaflets and signing up for email updates. If passengers ask questions on the aircraft about picketing, negotiations, or leafleting, they should be redirected to Alaska Listens. Do not discuss negotiations with passengers while on duty.

Read More >

November 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted November 16, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management. The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

Read More >

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Direct Passenger Outreach Off to a Successful Start

We’re making it easy for passengers to support our contract fight and stay informed about upcoming actions that may impact their travel plans. Today, our Mobilization Volunteers launched a campaign to distribute informative leaflets among our passengers across all six bases. Several Local Councils will continue to conduct leafleting activities over the next few days. Leaflets included a QR code that directs passengers to the community support page on the contract website, where they can find a link for an email signup form for the public to receive email updates.

American Airlines Flight Attendant Informational Picketing

American Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), held informational picketing events nationwide yesterday to send American management a message: they are ready to strike! They’ve set today as the final deadline for American management to come to the table with a satisfactory economic proposal. If American management doesn’t, the APFA Board of Directors will vote on approving a request to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for release from mediation and into a thirty-day cooling-off period.

AFA Flight Attendants from Alaska and other airlines joined the picket line in support. Management across the industry is watching, and our solidarity is powerful! When we fight together, we win together!

Next Week’s Events

No events scheduled

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)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management.
  • The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

Our MEC held its regular meeting for November 2023 on Tuesday, November 14. The MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates during the meeting. The MEC also reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their ongoing work.

Meeting with Management

Our MEC was initially scheduled to have a meeting with management this month. However, it was decided to cancel the meeting to show our full support for the Negotiating Committee’s decision to cancel the November negotiations session. This decision was made in response to management’s insulting proposals at the bargaining table. Instead of the meeting, the time was utilized to discuss contract negotiations and strategize our mobilization efforts.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a productive meeting with the Negotiating Committee and MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson to discuss yesterday’s direct passenger outreach preparations and our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing. We are confident about plans for the December 19 event, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines. We also had an in-depth discussion about plans for other forthcoming mobilization activities yet to be announced.

Questions?

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

In This Edition

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Originally posted November 6, 2023

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Originally posted November 9, 2023

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

Read More >

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Southwest Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Congratulations to Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants (represented by TWU Local 556) on their tentative agreement (TA)! Our Negotiating Committee will meet next week to discuss the agreement and its implications on our ongoing contract negotiations. We plan to release a more comprehensive communication after our meeting, outlining how the agreement relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Bidding Reminder – Systemwide Informational Picketing on Tuesday, December 19

Remember to bid Tuesday, December 19 off for our systemwide informational picket! Ratchet up our collective pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity, fighting for the contract we deserve and earn every day! This pressure brings our negotiations to the attention of the public, media, and investors. We will continue to push for what we deserve- a fair contract now!

More information, including meet-up locations and RSVP links, will be coming soon.

Negotiating Committee Statement On The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Our Negotiating Committee met this week to prepare for the upcoming negotiations session in December with a mediator. During this session, we also discussed the recent Tentative Agreement (TA) for Southwest (WN) Flight Attendants, who are represented by TWU Local 556. Out of respect for the ratification process, our Negotiating Committee will not weigh in on the particulars of the WN TA at this time. Southwest Flight Attendants have the right to consider and vote on their TA without undue external influence. After the result of the ratification vote is known (currently scheduled for December 8), we will communicate how the outcome relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Industry Leading?

Alaska Airlines is industry-leading across the board–except for its Flight Attendant contract. It’s time for management to make Alaska Airlines an industry leader in taking care of its employees by delivering the improved pay and work rules that Flight Attendants have earned!

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Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 14Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, November 15Retirement Board Meeting
Thursday, November 16American Airlines Flight Attendant (APFA) Informational Picketing
Thursday, November 16PDX Base Safety 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!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

American Flight Attendants have had enough of these delaying tactics and are taking action! On November 16, they’ll conduct a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate they are unified, committed, and ready to fight for the contract they deserve. It’s time to stand up and show American Airlines management that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are united in demanding an end to corporate greed. Be on the lookout for a picket line near you, and plan to show your solidarity!

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, November 16

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11 AM – 1 PM ET
ORD, MSP: 11 AM – 1 PM CT
DFW: 3:30 – 5:30 CT
PHX: 9 – 11 AM MT
LAS, LAX: 11 AM – 1 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

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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