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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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In This Edition

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2024

Originally posted May 13, 2024

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, May 6, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community. The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

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RSVP NOW! Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action – June 13, 2024

Originally posted May 14, 2024

Summer travel season is just around the corner, but corporate greed is already in full swing. We refuse to sit back and watch airline executives line their pockets with massive raises while ignoring the needs of hardworking Flight Attendants. That’s why we’re taking a stand on Thursday, June 13, with a Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. Make your voice heard and join us at one of the 30+ airports worldwide. It’s time to fight back!

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Upcoming 2024 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Originally posted May 15, 2024

Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting next week. Your LEC President will represent you at the BOD Meeting, voting on approval of the AFA International budget and proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws on your behalf. If you have any questions about the BOD Meeting or any submitted agenda items, please contact your LEC President.

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Mediation Session 4

Originally posted May 17, 2024

This week was our fourth Mediation session with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board. We made progress on Section 10.R-S Reassignments and Pre-Cancellations, and Section 8.Q. Contactability. Management also presented their response to our comprehensive proposal from last session. Moving forward, you will notice a change to our communication structure. The mediator directed both parties not to disclose specific details at this stage, which is not uncommon at this point in mediation. However, we can and will share general details of each session.

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Financial Security Survey Results

Originally posted May 11, 2024

Originally posted May 12, 2024

Originally posted May 13, 2024

Originally posted May 14, 2024

Originally posted May 15, 2024

Originally posted May 16, 2024

Originally posted May 17, 2024

Next Week’s Events

Monday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 23AFA Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, May 21Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 21Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 23Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, May 24Alternate 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!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting next week.
  • Your LEC President will represent you at the BOD Meeting, voting on approval of the AFA International budget and proposed amendments to the AFA Constitution & Bylaws on your behalf.
  • If you have any questions about the BOD Meeting or any submitted agenda items, please contact your LEC President.

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several additional LEC Officers and Committee Chairpersons will be attending the 51st Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. They will come together with representatives from the other airlines that make up AFA to conduct our Union’s business at the international level.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, May 19          Executive Board Meeting (MEC President from each airline)
Monday, May 20         Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, May 21        Board of Directors Meeting continues
Wednesday, May 22   Board of Directors Meeting continuesRegular MEC Meeting

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and other members of your Local Council on the BOD. They will be casting votes on your behalf during the BOD meeting. While our MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD, they do not have voting privileges.

In total, 16 advance agenda items were submitted for consideration by the Board at the meeting. In the weeks leading up to the BOD meeting, each Local Council held a meeting to discuss these agenda items and allow your LEC President to gather feedback from Members. You can find a list of these agenda items, along with their complete language, on the AFA BOD Meeting website.

Learn More About The BOD Meeting

If you’re curious to know more about the BOD meeting and what happens there, you can find an interactive module with more information on the AFA Online Learning Academy. This module is an excellent resource that will give you valuable insights into the important role of the BOD meeting in conducting business and making decisions at the international level of our Union. Whether you want to learn more about how our Union works or are looking to get more involved, this module is the perfect opportunity to explore our constitutional process and expand your knowledge.

Click here to access the “What is the AFA Board of Directors?” module >

Note: If it’s your first time using the AFA Online Learning Academy, you’ll need to register for a free account to access the module.

Questions?

If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or any of the submitted agenda items, please contact your LEC President.

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, May 6, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Monday, May 6, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Annie Madsen (ANC),Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Louise Borras (LAX). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman and Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Friday August 30, 2024. 

Topics of Discussion

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

  • High Deductible Insurance Plans: Concerns of having to pay the full deductible prior to paying for the benefit of certain medications. SEA Local Committee Chairperson Chair Freddy Vega will be reaching out to our AFA Benefits Committee about the Committee concerns. Inflight Management wasn’t aware of this possible change and are also looking into this with Alaska HR/Employee Benefits.
  • Spanish speakers on international flights. Flight Attendants have the translate option on their IMD as a resource if there aren’t any Spanish speaking individuals on the flight.
  • Discussions of May & June heritage events.
  • Flight Attendant listening sessions will resume in June. Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons will co-facilitate the sessions along with inflight management. The Committee and management have asked a representative from our various 13 BRGs (Business Resource Groups) to also attend. June will be hosted with LAX Local Committee Chairperson Louise Borras, Inflight Management, and a BRG Representative. The first session will give Flight Attendants an opportunity to learn more about our BRGs, how to join, and what opportunities are available.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement” announcements.
  3. Resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts) on the AFA Website.
  4. The ability for Flight Attendant names to be spelled phonetically on our IMD.
  5. CSA manual being more gender neutral. Removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non rev travel.
  6. Formal change of the Human Rights Committee (HRC) name to be inline with AFA International Human Rights Equity (HRE) name.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

Save the Date: June 13 Day of Action Bidding Reminder

Originally posted May 9, 2024

Kick off a summer of solidarity! On Thursday, June 13, AFA and APFA Flight Attendants and allies will join together in our second Worldwide informational picket. The RSVP will be published soon, for now, remember to keep your schedule clear!

Read More >

Financial Security Survey Results

Originally posted May 9, 2024

New survey shows Alaska Flight Attendants experience significant financial insecurity and stress without new contract. “By dragging out contract negotiations, management is harming Flight Attendants. Enough delay. We demand a fair contract now. The time has come for management to reach an agreement or face CHAOS™.” AFA  Alaska President Jeffrey Peterson.

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Financial Security Survey Results

Originally posted May 9, 2024

Originally posted May 9, 2024

Next Week’s Events

Monday, May 13Council 35 (SFO) Local Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 14 – Thursday May 16Contract Negotiations (Mediation)
Tuesday, May 14Council 15 (SAN) Local Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 15Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, May 16Quarterly Uniform 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!

In This Edition

Alaska & Hawaiian MECs Meeting

Originally posted May 1, 2024

On April 26, our AFA International President convened a virtual meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MECs). The group met to review progress on the demands set by the MECs’ previous unanimously adopted resolution. While there has been progress, the first demand — an industry-leading AFA Alaska contract — has not been met. The group passed a resolution extending the deadline for determining our support, opposition, or neutrality to the merger. The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene the week of May 20th to evaluate conditions and review management’s action/inaction to review our position.

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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Originally posted May 1, 2024

May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage week the following year. Read more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month of May.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

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Solidarity Summer: Worldwide Day of Action, June 13, 2024

Originally posted May 3, 2024

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 13, 2024

AFA and APFA Flight Attendants are standing together against corporate greed on June 13 for a Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. Flight Attendants across airlines are fed up and unified in the fight to secure the contracts we deserve! Save the date to turn up the heat and finish the job!

Mark your calendars for June 13!

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Additional Negotiations Dates

Our Negotiating Committee is committed to reaching a Tentative Agreement as soon as possible. We were able to secure additional negotiation sessions with management in the coming months. Although the mediator will not be present, we hope to continue making progress toward the contract we have earned. Currently, we have added sessions and preparation work in May, June, July, and August.

Next Week’s Events

Monday, May 6Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 9Alternate 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!

Human Rights Committee

  • May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage week the following year.
  • Read more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month of May.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  The celebration originated when Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1978 to honor the first ten days of May in 1979 as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week”.  It was expanded to an entire month by Congress in 1990 and was finally designated to take place during the month of May in 1992.  The month of May was selected to recognize both the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States (May 7, 1843) and the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States (May 10, 1869), which was accomplished primarily through work done by Chinese immigrants.

Learn More About Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

You can learn more about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of May.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • On April 26, our AFA International President convened a virtual meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MECs).
  • The group met to review progress on the demands set by the MECs’ previous unanimously adopted resolution. While there has been progress, the first demand — an industry-leading AFA Alaska contract — has not been met.
  • The group passed a resolution extending the deadline for determining our support, opposition, or neutrality to the merger. The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene the week of May 20th to evaluate conditions and review management’s action/inaction to review our position.

On April 26, 2024, our International President convened a virtual meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC). This includes the directly elected Local Council Presidents and MEC officers at each airline. Our AFA professionals from Legal, Collective Bargaining, Government Affairs, and Communications were in attendance to support the elected Flight Attendant representatives.

The group met to review progress on the demands set by the MECs’ previous unanimously adopted resolution. While there has been progress, the first demand — an industry-leading AFA Alaska contract — has not been met. The group passed a resolution extending the deadline for determining our support, opposition, or neutrality to the merger. Read the full resolution.

The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene the week of May 20th to evaluate conditions and review management’s action/inaction to review our position.

In This Edition

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – June 2024

Originally posted April 22, 2024

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) will be conducting interviews for one (1) Member to serve on the AFA System Board of Adjustment. Members are to serve on the System Board of Adjustment for the purpose of arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise under the terms of the Agreement between Alaska Airlines and its Flight Attendants.

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MEC Employee Assistance Program/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson Interviews – June 2024

Originally posted April 22, 2024

Our MEC thanks Elizabeth Dillon for the significant role she played in supporting Flight Attendants through her service as MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. MEC Committee Vice Chairperson Lisa Haugen will succeed Elizabeth as the new MEC Committee Chairperson, with the Vice Chairperson position becoming vacant. Interviews for a new Vice Chairperson will be conducted at the June Regular MEC Meeting.

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AFA Presents Our Case To The National Mediation Board

Originally posted April 24, 2024

AFA Representatives met with the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington, DC, to discuss Alaska Flight Attendant negotiations. The meeting aimed to present our concerns, emphasizing the need for significant improvements to bring Alaska Flight Attendants up to par with the industry. AFA proposed additional negotiation dates directly with management due to the federal mediator’s limited availability, aiming to expedite progress toward an agreement.

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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2024

Originally posted April 25, 2024

On April 23, 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!

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New Industry Comparison Resource

Originally posted April 26, 2024

We have published a new resource on the Contract 2022 website. This page contains comparisons of publicly available contracts for airlines based in the United States. The information is up to date with our recent Comprehensive Proposal, as well as the recently ratified Southwest Flight Attendant Agreement and the recently announced 5% raise for Delta Flight Attendants. We hope you find this resource useful as we continue with negotiations and mediation.

Review The Industry Comparison >

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Settle For Nothing Less

After nearly two years at the negotiating table, and billions of dollar spent elsewhere, Alaska management maintains that an industry leading contract for their Flight Attendants is too expensive. We have one thing to say to that: PAY US OR CHAOS.

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Congratulations Southwest Flight Attendants!

Congratulations to the Members of TWU Local 556 on the ratification of their new Collective Bargaining Agreement with Southwest Airlines. Your success reminds us of the power we hold when we stand together. We look forward to seeing the positive changes this contract will bring to your Members and our industry. Here’s to the continued success of our collective fight against corporate greed!

Gaslighting

Tell us you think we’re not paying attention without telling us you think we’re not paying attention. 

We see Alaska Airlines management spending billions of dollars and then they tell us we’re asking too much. Pay attention to this, management: #PayUsOrCHAOS

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, April 29Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 1Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, May 2SFO Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, May 2Scheduling 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!

Scheduling Committee

  • On April 23, 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, April 23, 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director Ops Staffing & Resource Mgt Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Staffing Nicholas Giles, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Sr Mgr Product Management Rick Mitchell, Manager Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on May 21, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Reassignments/Delays
    • FA’s seeing increase in Reassignments over past two months
    • Reassignments happening in base or after check-in with little notice
    • Delays on overnights reported close to report time
  • Rest Concerns
    • Flight attendants who did not waive rest are frustrated that their check in is delayed to allow rest rather than the Flight Attendant being removed from trip due to short staffing
  • Pay Issues
    • Trend in seeing delays in confirmation that corrected pay has been applied
  • Trading Issues
    • All bases discussed the open tickets regarding the JCTE trading issues and calendar display
  • Hotel Issues
    • Crews had incorrect information on pairings regarding their hotels creating lengthly waits for hotel rooms and short rest periods. All Local Scheduling Committee Chairs continue to fight for additional pay when applicable
    • Crews having non-contractual rooms
    • See Hotel Hotline for each hotel’s contract language as well as file an API report when issues arise
  • PBS Bidding
    • Request that PBS in-person bidding continue especially with new classes arriving

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee 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.
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. 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. This is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that 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. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. 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.

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our MEC thanks Elizabeth Dillon for the significant role she played in supporting Flight Attendants through her service as MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson.
  • MEC Committee Vice Chairperson Lisa Haugen will succeed Elizabeth as the new MEC Committee Chairperson, with the Vice Chairperson position becoming vacant.
  • Interviews for a new Vice Chairperson will be conducted at the June Regular MEC Meeting.

Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee has evolved incredibly the past few decades, thanks in part to the hard work and dedication of MEC Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon. During her term, she helped develop new programs supporting and advocating for our Flight Attendants, such as the Flight Attendant Addiction Support (FAAS) program, while also coordinating the expansion of EAP and Professional Standards during the growth of our Flight Attendant group and the Alaska/Virgin America merger. We are grateful for Elizabeth’s service and commitment to our Flight Attendants.

As of this month, current MEC Committee Vice Chairperson Lisa Haugen will take over as the new MEC Committee Chairperson. Our MEC is confident that she will continue to provide strong leadership and support for our Flight Attendants. With the transition, this leaves the MEC Committee Vice Chairperson position vacant. Given this position’s significant role and the importance of continued representation, our MEC will conduct interviews for the position at the June Regular MEC Meeting.

Background

The MEC Committee Vice Chairperson of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee is responsible for assisting and working collaboratively with the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson to assist Members, their families, and partners with personal and work-related problems that could affect or are affecting their health and well-being, on and off the job. 

Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual

  1. SCOPE
    • The Committee exists to assist any Flight Attendant in any area that affects professional performance by means of a personal discussion, and has a responsibility to those submitting reports, those voluntarily seeking assistance and those brought to their attention by their peers.
    • The Committee will assist members experiencing emotional / psychological, marital/family, alcohol/other drug related, legal or financial problems which are affecting their health and well-being on and off the job.
    • The EAP committee will also address the maintenance of Professional Standards of the airline and serve in an advisory capacity in handling all career-related problems of a professional and ethical nature.  The Committee shall understand Company procedures and encourage people to work through AFA-CWA channels.  The Committee will conduct investigation of problems brought to the Committee and recommend a course of action for the disposition of cases as required.  
  2. POLICY AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    • The MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee shall consist of the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson and the Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson from each council.
    • EAP/Professional Standards Committee members will function in accordance with International EAP/PS Committee guidelines.
    • The EAP Resource Manual and EAP Handbook are the written guidelines for Committee structure and functioning. 
    • All matters brought to the Committee’s attention will be handled with utmost confidentiality.
    • AFA-CWA EAP/PS will coordinate and promote cooperation with other employee-represented groups in attempting to resolve conflicts that may arise out of working relationships.
    • EAP/PS will be available to assist any Flight Attendant prior to, or following, a disciplinary process.  The MEC and International EAP/PS discourage a Committee Member from being present in any grievance hearing.
    • EAP/PS does not evaluate performance, accuse or judge, punish, preach nor threaten.
    • EAP/PS will help troubled Flight Attendants when problems affect their personal and professional lives, including referral to appropriate treatment resource or self-help group, and assistance in gaining necessary leave of absence.
    • EAP members are knowledgeable of health and welfare plans as pertains to medical and psychiatric benefits as well as substance abuse issues.
    • EAP members participate in CIRP crew debriefings and operational debriefings when EAP issues are involved.
    • The committee will conduct ongoing education of the membership as to the function, scope and operation of the committee.
    • Each Flight Attendant has a responsibility to exercise reasonable personal efforts to resolve a problem prior to contacting this committee for assistance.
    • Flight Attendants are expected and encouraged to go to EAP/PS to attempt resolution of a conflict through peer efforts, rather than to request action from management.  

Qualifications

  • Current EAP/Professional Standards Committee Member or Chairperson.
  • Adherence to EAP policies, procedures, and standards of ethical conduct.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and personal information.
  • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office. Ability to use and manage cloud-based telephone platform for call routing and answering.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and take meeting minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate tasks to others as needed, and follow up on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to participate in all required conference calls and video meetings.
  • Ability to attend meetings and in-person activities as required.
  • Ability and willingness to plan, coordinate, participate in, and provide active leadership for committee meetings and training activities.
  • Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed.
  • Ability to remain publicly apolitical on internal AFA matters.
  • Maintenance of member-in-good-standing status.
  • Ability to remain in good standing with the company.

Duties

  • Coordinate with the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Committee. Collaboratively create and execute a plan that ensures full coverage and equitable distribution of all committee duties and responsibilities on an ongoing basis.
  • Perform the duties of the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson when requested or in their absence.
  • Act on and follow through on directives as established in the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws and AFA Alaska MEC Policy & Procedure Manual. 
  • Working with the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson, ensure that Local Committee Chairpersons’ responsibilities are fulfilled. Coordinate with applicable LEC Presidents to provide necessary support, resources, and tools to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
  • Communicate regularly with the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson to provide status updates. Prepare and send a monthly activity report to the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson for inclusion in the monthly committee report to the MEC.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is eligible for up to 75 TFP per month of Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss (FPL) reimbursement, per the contractually negotiated allocation for the MEC EAP Chair/designee (§27.P.3.a).
  • This role involves sharing the responsibility for administrative tasks of the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee with the MEC EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson on a rotating basis. When on call as the MEC EAP/Professional Standards designee, 24/7 availability and responsiveness are required. Most work can be accomplished remotely.

Working Relationships

With Local EAP/Professional Standards Committees

Frequent interaction with the Local EAP/Professional Committee Chairpersons and Committee Members.

With AFA International EAP

Regular interaction with the AFA International Director of EAP and staff.

With The Master Executive Council           

This position reports to the Master Executive Council. The designated MEC Officer responsible for the committee is the MEC Vice President.

Term of Appointment

The selected candidate will serve the remainder of the unexpired term coinciding with the MEC Officer election cycle, beginning immediately upon selection and concluding on December 31, 2025.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during the June Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around this date or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate. All interviews will be conducted in person or using Google Meet videoconferencing at the candidate’s discretion.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume using the online expression of interest form. The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

Please note that to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the position itself or any of the associated duties and responsibilities, please contact MEC Vice President Brian Palmer at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

If you have any questions about the expression of interest form or interview process, please contact MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou at mecst@afaalaska.org.

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO & MEC ASHSC Vice […]

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Tuesday, March 3

This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be heard! Join us at an AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3. Get the latest AFA news and connect directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers directly from AFA Representatives. The Details What: AFA Alaska + […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

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