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In this Edition

  • ASHSC Committee Update
  • Benefits Committee Update
  • Communications Committee Update
  • EAP Committee Update
  • Grievance Committee Update
  • Hotel Committee Update
  • Human Rights Committee Update

ASHSC Committee

The Seattle Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee has continued working towards creating a safer work environment for our workgroup. We have participated in discussions around changing processes and announcements as we continue to grow and change. The Flight Attendants that conduct our Cabin LOSA observations had their annual recurrent training and are getting ready for the audits that will begin again in October.

This year, the switch from Summer to Fall seems to have happened overnight. With this change, we are starting to see the fall storms and the days are getting shorter. It’s important to remember to review and adjust some of our habits to stay safe. With more darkness, be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, on layovers, and other places that aren’t well lit. While driving during this transition period, be aware that there are still lots of people out and often they aren’t wearing clothing that’s geared towards the dark. We also deal with a lot more wind which requires additional attention while driving. 

Both NOAA and the national Weather Service have lots of good information on their websites. A couple of links follow:

https://www.weather.gov/

Click to access fall_2020_presentation.pdf

https://www.noaa.gov/

https://www.noaa.gov/stories/4-safety-tips-for-fall-hazards-small-actions-can-have-big-impacts

Benefits, Retirement & Maternity

Our Benefits Committee is always very busy assisting Flight Attendants with planning their medical, maternity, and workers comp leaves. 

When a staffing leave is offered, many calls are generated regarding benefits while on a staffing leave. We had many SEA based Flight Attendants that are on the October staffing leave. It is very important to double check your benefit enrollment when you return. An email will be sent from our benefits department with a link to your benefits enrollment. 

The 2024 annual enrollment period is right around the corner. This year, the dates are 10/24/2023 – 11/17/2023. This is your once per year time to review your benefits and make any changes for plan year 2024. Our Benefits Committee will be doing base sits 11/9, 11/10, 11/16 & 11/17. Watch for detailed information regarding annual enrollment. 

Our Benefits, Retirement and Maternity committee are committed to helping our SEA based Flight Attendants in any way we can.

Communications Committee

We launched our first newsletter since bringing on new committee members. As with any change, there will be some growing pains, and we are working to streamline our processes. 

Moving forward, you will receive two regular email communications from us each month. The first will be our monthly committee update (like the one you are reading now) containing information/updates on a portion of our committees, being sent the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The second will be a monthly newsletter, coming the 4th Wednesday of each month. 

In addition to the above communications, we will send out emails when we need to get important information out to the membership. 

We are also going to focus on social media. We have already launched our new Council 19 Facebook group, and we will be launching our Instagram page soon. Moving forward, we will continue to evaluate other social media platforms to keep our members informed. As always, we will continue to make posts on our Council 19 webpage https://afaalaska.org/sea.

EAP Committee

Are you looking for a counselor? Alaska is in the process of switching to a new provider for company sponsored EAP benefits, which will be available in early 2024. In the meantime, we want to ensure that you have access to timely and quality counseling services. EAP has compiled a comprehensive list of providers that you can choose from if you need extra support. We can also assist you in finding someone who matches your needs and preferences, especially if this is your first time seeking professional help. Please visit the AFA EAP website for resources or email Andrea Korican at andrea.k@me.com or Lisa Haugen at skylis@hotmail.com and share your personal email for an updated list. 

We continue to see professional standards concerns with social media misuse, unauthorized trip trades, bullying, and unprofessional behaviors on the airplane. We urge you to resolve any conflicts or issues through respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. Remember that everyone may be facing different challenges and stressors at work or in their personal lives. If you encounter a situation that you are unsure about or that makes you uncomfortable, you can always seek confidential guidance and support from an EAP Professional Standards representative or chairperson. They can help you with strategies and solutions to address or cope with your concerns. 

Joint Meetup with AFA and ALPA Professional Standards Committees

Your AFA Professional Standards Committee, in coordination with ALPA’s Professional Standards Committee, invites you to coffee and snacks in the Seattle Village (i.e., the crew lounge on the first floor of the North Satellite) on October 19 from 0800 – 1100.

AFA and ALPA are making a joint effort to provide information about the committees and how they can support you on the line. The AFA and ALPA Professional Standards Committees are each part of their respective Assistance Programs available to all union members.

Your Professional Standards Committees goal is to provide you with a better understanding of who we are and how our two committees work individually and together to assist our fellow flight attendants and pilots. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and gain a better understanding of how the professional standards process works. We are committed to assisting our fellow crew members by resolving situations that arise at the lowest level possible so they can continue to perform their duties professionally and safely in an increasingly challenging work environment. Please take a few minutes to stop by for coffee and snacks and meet our committee volunteers! We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!

Grievance

On September 12, 2023, there was a Grievance Committee Update published for the 3rd quarter of 2023. Items discussed included:

  • Steps of Discipline
  • Subjects of most recent discipline
  • Recent Arbitration/Mediation
  • Recent grievance Settlements
  • Grievances recently filed, denied by management and currently awaiting arbitration dates

Steps of Discipline

As stated in the update, the steps of discipline are:

  1. Confirmation of Oral Warning (COW)
  2. Written Warning (WW)
  3. Suspension – the number of days varies
  4. Termination

These disciplines remain in your file for 18 months and then are eligible for removal. It’s important to understand that each violation builds on another, regardless of if they are related or of a different nature. So, if a Flight Attendant is still within the 18-month period of a previous discipline, then a subsequent violation will be the next step and the 18 months starts again.

For example, a Flight Attendant receives a COW for being late to plane and causing a delay. Twelve months later, the Flight Attendant loses their IMD and is issued a WW. Eight months later, the Flight Attendant forgets to do their CBT and is suspended. Even though it’s been 20 months since the first violation and the COW will have been removed from their file, they are still in the steps of discipline for the WW, so the next step is still suspension.

For more information regarding the removal of discipline, refer to the CBA, §19.D:

DISCIPLINARY EIGHTEEN (18) MONTH REMOVAL

All letters of discipline (warning or suspension) will be expunged after eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance and, at the request of the Flight Attendant, will be removed from the Flight Attendant’s personnel file.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all violations follow the steps of discipline. Some violations, including but not limited to, theft or sick leave abuse is cause for termination, even if the Flight Attendant is not already in a step of discipline.

Attendance Discipline

Unlike other violations, attendance disciplines follow a separate track and are dependent on point accumulation. Refer to the CBA, §32.E.1 to learn more about the steps of discipline related to occurrences of absenteeism. It is up to the Flight Attendant to be aware of the status of their own point accumulation. Make sure that you are utilizing your Quarterly Point Reduction form to help mitigate your point accrual. You have until the end of your next sequence to designate the sequence for your point reduction form. If you don’t submit your form in time, it will be denied, and your points will stay. In other words, a Flight Attendant can’t wait until the end of the quarter and try to use their form for a sequence weeks prior if they had already returned to work and flown subsequent trips since.

For example, a Flight Attendant calls out for a 4-day trip. They are off for 3 days and then report to work for their next 4-day trip. The Flight Attendant has to submit their Quarterly Point Reduction Form prior to their release on Day 4 of their trip. 

Hotel Committee

Your hotel committee continues to advocate for the best hotels possible, while maintaining the language in our CBA.

We have seen an increased number of Crew Care reports coming through which is great. Please remember to continue to send the reports for both complaints and compliments. These reports are essential when we are evaluating markets. The Crew Care reports can be accessed directly on your IMD by clicking the API Icon, or on the Inflight Website, Hotels, Hotel Links, My Crew Care. 

Our committee has been busy doing site inspections the last couple of months. Members of the committee have recently conducted inspections in CUN, BWI, DEN, SJC, ONT, EWR & PIT. Upcoming inspections include NAS, RDU, GUA, ZIH, IAH, and BNA. 

We have seen recent new hotels in Downtown Seattle, and Downtown Chicago, we hope you are enjoying these great new locations and properties!

We hope you have been utilizing the API quick link on your IMD for all your hotel information and needs. Important information like shuttle pick-up times/locations, hotel amenities, and more can be found via the link.  The quick link will be replaced with a stand-alone app in the next couple of months. We are currently testing the app and are happy with what we see so far. More information will come on this as we get closer to the launch. We are also planning a base sit in Seattle to highlight the functions!

Human Rights

A note from Yan Yan Teague, Local Human Rights Chairperson:

Hello Council 19,

After four years as your LEC Human Rights Chairperson, I have decided to step down at the end of the year. 

To quote Chris Jackson as Washington in Hamilton:

“If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on, it outlives me when I’m gone”

While I by no means am comparing my position to that of the nation, I do believe that it is important to get a fresh new perspective in this position. I know there is still so much to tackle, but I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in the past four years.

To ensure we have an equitable process in selecting a new Chairperson, the SEA LEC will hold interviews for eligible candidates during the week of December 4, 2023. If you are interested, please plan to bid around that week. All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet video conferencing.

Visit our AFA Alaska Human Rights Committee page to learn more and download roles and responsibilities of the committee. Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest to sea@afaalaska.org, no later than November 1, 2023.

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up to date information on our Council #19 Facebook Group. Click below to join our group and stay connected. Also, our communication team is researching other social media platforms, more information will come soon!

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, October 5, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants’ interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants face onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever, given the challenges we currently face as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed using ReportIt!  Please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, October 5, 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 in person were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Blair Kimball (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The committee met with Inflight Training Supervisor Ken Hawkins, Infight Policy & Procedure Specialist Kevin Weatherbie, Manager of Inflight Safety & Compliance Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedure Kaliko Howell, Inflight Regulatory Compliance Safety Analyst Danette Thomas, and Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Definition of “Guardian.” The FAM states that no one in an exit row can be responsible for a child 15 or under elsewhere in the cabin. The Committee would like “guardian” to be better defined in FAM. Kaliko will review verbiage in the FAM and include Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) and Customer Advocacy in any discussions about updating definitions or language for alignment.
  • Cabin divider curtain. Flight Attendants are closing the curtain in an overhead bin, using the bin door to secure it in the open position. Kaliko will ensure the FAM reflects the current procedure for closing and securing the curtain. He will also follow up with Maintenance & Engineering to see the status of the new curtain restraints.
  • D position traveling alone/4 crew pairings. This concern has been escalated to EVP and COO Constance von Muehlen—no update at this time.
  • Inboard jumpseat assignment. The Committee prefers that the B and C Flight Attendants move inboard for better cabin management and visibility. Inflight Policy & Procedure would like to keep the current practice. We will keep advocating for this change.
  • Issues with onboard cleaning products.  Flight Attendants have reported physical reactions that they believe may be caused by exposure to onboard cleaning products. One problem is that we only sometimes have the correct bag to stow the spray bottle. It was also noted that Fleet Service may be over-spraying more product than necessary to perform cleaning tasks. Their procedure is to spray into a cloth and then use the cloth to wipe. Fleet Service Agents should not spray cleaner directly onto surfaces. In the long term, the Committee wants to replace the bottle of cleaner with surface wipes for Flight Attendant use.
  • Air quality events not identified and reported as they are happening. When multiple Flight Attendant operating the same flight experience symptoms, crews and ground personnel should suspect a possible air quality or hypoxia event. Failure to identify an event can result in an inadequate operational response and a lack of support for the impacted crew. Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Stiley will see if this information can be included in Pilot and Flight Attendant training. We will also look at manuals to make sure this is called out.
  • Door opening procedure from outside the aircraft. There are different understandings about who may open an aircraft door from outside. It is taught in Alaska Initial Flight Attendant Training and will be added to Recurrent Training for 2024. However, legacy Virgin America Flight Attendants never received this training. Kaliko will look at past communications to see where it was communicated that Flight Attendants are not to open the L1 door from outside and report back to the group.
  • Single-door catering stations. IAD had single-door catering, and crews were delayed in boarding/pre-flight due to inability to center aisle blockage and then rushed for passenger boarding. Single-door catering can happen anywhere. ACTION: Matthew will discuss with the Catering Ops team
  • Surgical masks stocked on the aircraft. With the uptick in COVID-19 infections, we would like to see more masks boarded in Flight Attendant Kits for a total of 10 each. Heidi will bring the topic to an upcoming meeting.
  • SFO airport transportation. Crew Access says to “walk to hotel.” The Committee has requested that the Air Train information’s phone number be added to Crew Access. Kaliko will follow up with the Crew Hotels team.
  • Weigh restriction zones. We would like for there to be a more straightforward means of knowing what the zones are on a weight-restricted aircraft. We would also like management to allow some freedom in moving passengers within the same row or zone when weight-restricted.
  • Firm/rough landings. Heidi shared that the aircraft registers a hard landing at 2.2Gs and higher. Anything else is not technically a “hard” landing. Regardless of what they are called, the Committee is seeing a lot of landing-related injuries of Flight Attendants, and we have asked management to look at ways to reduce the number of injuries occurring.
  • EMK/EEMK supplies. We have previously requested that a better blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, and glucose monitor be added to the kits. Johanna told us that the FAA may update the required contents of the EMK, and management is considering adding an assessment kit, which would include a blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, glucometer, and stethoscope.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. MAX8 galley. A representative from the ASHSC and Inflight Service Committee spent several days with management and Boeing representatives reviewing the design of the MAX8 galley at the manufacturing facility. At this stage, the Committees were able to provide feedback on galley units that have been built but have yet to be installed. Almost all of AFA’s recommended changes to the design to improve functionality and safety will be implemented in the production units, including improvements to the trash receptacles and trash volume. Unfortunately, improvements to the MAX galley bar were not deemed feasible.
  2. Locking lavatories. We have been working with management to determine whether we should continue locking lavatories for taxi, takeoff, and landing. Our Local ASHSC Chairpersons have mixed feelings about this proposed change. There are concerns about cabin management, with passengers potentially entering the lavatory at an inappropriate time and possibly hindering egress should a lavatory door be open during an evacuation. Positive outcomes of the change may include reducing distraction during door-disarming procedures and allowing passengers to use the lavatory in an urgent situation without a Flight Attendant needing to leave the security of their jumpseat. The Committee has asked about benchmarking and what the procedures are at other airlines. In conjunction with a change to the lavatory door locking procedure, the Committee has asked Inflight management to assess the timing and necessity of the pre-departure and pre-landing lavatory flush.
  3. Adding passenger briefings to cabin areas of responsibility. We already use cabin areas of responsibility for emergencies, equipment checks, and compliance checks. The Committee would like to see this include passenger briefings to remove confusion about which Flight Attendant is responsible for ensuring they are completed before door closure.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please help the committee to advocate for improvement and change by filing a report.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports can all be submitted using ReportIt!  If you’re not sure what type of report to file for a particular situation or need help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of your Local ASHSC.

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

In This Edition

LOSA Observations Continue

Originally posted October 5, 2023

We are entering the next phase of our Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program. Starting October 8, 2023, LOSA observations will occur over six continuous days each month. Like the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary, and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data. If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.

Read More >

Shared on Social

President Biden’s Speech At The Tempe Center for the Arts

On September 28, 2023, President Biden delivered a speech about the state of democracy at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. The White House invited 40 Union leaders from the Arizona AFL-CIO, who, in turn, selected Melissa Osborne, LEC President of Council 35 (SFO), and Majo Tanco, LEC Secretary of Council 18 (LAX), to attend the event.

The event’s main focus was to announce the dedication of a local library to the late Senator John McCain. The audience had the opportunity to hear from various notable speakers, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Ambassador Cindy McCain (Senator John McCain’s widow), and President Biden himself. Other attendees included Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Phoenix City Mayor Kate Gallego, and more.

In his speech, President Biden emphasized the importance of unity in a country struggling with division and eroding democracy. He urged Americans to unite under a common cause and work together to maintain and protect the freedom our founding fathers secured for us. Union members in the room felt the message of solidarity and unity was not lost on them.

This year, the US labor movement has been a shining example of the power of solidarity. As we approach the end of the year, Flight Attendants all over the country are ready to stand together and fight for our right to fair wages and working conditions. We recognize that we can accomplish more when we help each other, regardless of the airline or Union we belong to.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 10 – Wednesday, October 11Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, October 12LAX Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, October 12Alternate 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!

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • We are entering the next phase of our Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program. Starting October 8, 2023, LOSA observations will occur over six continuous days each month.
  • Like the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), participation in LOSA is entirely voluntary, and identifying information such as Flight Attendant names, dates, and flight numbers are never associated with observation data.
  • If you have any questions about the LOSA program, please don’t hesitate to contact the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee.

As previously communicated, AFA and management agreed to a Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program to help improve safety for Flight Attendants, other crewmembers, and passengers. The LOSA program is jointly administered by AFA and management as outlined in the Inflight Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) Program letter of agreement.

The information collected from LOSA observations will help us better understand how Flight Attendants manage threats and errors, evaluate compliance with standard operating procedures, and gain valuable insight into our day-to-day line operations from a safety perspective.

LOSA Observers are line Flight Attendants trained to perform LSOA observations. They are prohibited from recording Flight Attendant names, flight numbers, or dates in the collected data, as confidentiality is critical to this process. Any data collected is sent directly to the AFA LOSA Coordinator to ensure it is fully de-identified before being released for analysis by the LOSA Steering Committee. AFA and management will receive a final report outlining what went well and what can be better, identifying procedures that should be modified or re-emphasized.

Flight Attendant LOSA Observer may ask to join your flight to conduct an observation. Participation is entirely voluntary; however, we encourage you to participate in this valuable effort. You will also be able to provide your LOSA Observer with safety-related feedback during the flight.

Questions?

More information about LOSA can be found in the September 25, 2023 Bulletin Bundle (AAG sign-on required). If you have any other questions about the LOSA program, please reach out to the AFA members of the LOSA Steering Committee at losa@afaalaska.org.

In this edition:

  • Summer of Mobilization Recap
  • Upcoming Important Dates
  • Membership Dues
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • AFA International HRE Committee

Summer of Mobilization Recap

It has been a busy summer for our LEC/MEC and Mobilization Volunteers! With Red Hot Summer systemwide events in July and August at Alaska, American, Southwest and United, and surprise pop up events in LAX and PDX in September, we have made sure management knows wherever they go, AFA will find out and we will be there. And we will keep being there until we achieve an agreement that properly recognizes our contribution to the success of the company!

Be on the lookout for ANC Mobilization Committee members who continue to hand out red pins and bag tags. 

Many thanks to the members who have volunteered at our events and helped make them a success! You can keep up to date with the latest negotiations information here News (afaalaska.org)

Upcoming Important Dates

Save the Date – October 25, 2023 –  Council 30 Meeting

Our next Council meeting will be Wednesday, October 25, 10:30am to 12pm at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK. Members must be active status and in good standing (dues current) to attend local council meetings.

PBS Base Sits

Members of the ANC Scheduling and Reserve Committees will be hosting PBS base sits in the ANC Crewroom from 10/5, 6, 7, 8, 9 from 10am – 4pm each day.  

National Group Protection – Open Enrollment

You should have received a couple of mailings from National Group Protection regarding open enrollment for Group Supplemental Benefits, including Accident and Critical Illness benefits. You can enroll online at www.ngp-ins.com/alaska-afa or call (800) 344-9016.

Second Round Vacation Bidding

Second round opened October 3rd and closes the 17th. Don’t forget to bid! Awards will be posted on October 25th. 

Government Affairs Base Sit – November 2

ANC Government Affairs Committee members will have a base sit on November 2 to educate members on current ballot measures affecting our labor group. They will also provide information and locations pertaining to in person and mail in voting.

Use It or Lose It – Uniform Allotment

Our current uniform allotment will expire at the end of 2023. If you fail to use the allotment by the end of the year, you will lose the funds. Each FA will receive a new allotment on January 1, 2024. 

If you are out of allotment funds and in need of uniform pieces or have allotment funds that will go unused, please reach out to ANC Uniform Committee Chair, Kim Mazzolini at kim.mazzolini@afaalaska.org.

Membership Dues

As we get closer to reaching an agreement on a new contract, it is important to make sure you are current on your membership dues. In order to have your vote counted on a new tentative agreement (TA) you must be an active member in good standing (dues current.) If you have questions about your dues status, please reach out to our Council 30 LEC Secretary, Annie Madsen at annie.madsen@afaalaska.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month officially started on September 15th and runs through October 15th. If you didn’t get a Hispanic Heritage AFA pin last year, reach out to a local AFA officer. Currently, we are recommending all members wear the red AFA pin to support our Negotiating Committee during ongoing contract negotiations.

AFA International HRE Committee

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care.

We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together, we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people. 

CLICK HERE to view the latest HRE Committee Newsletter

If you are interested in joining the HRE Committee, please contact send an email to anc@afaalaska.org. 

In Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

Please remember that tomorrow (October 3rd) is our Council 19 base membership meeting and we are looking forward to seeing as many of our members as possible. During the meeting, we will cover our scheduled agenda items, and will be available to answer all of our members questions. 

Parking is available free of charge in front of the building, or if you are parking in the rear, take a ticket when entering the lot and bring it to the meeting for validation. 

Please REGISTER HERE if you plan on attending, and we look forward to seeing you!

Date: October 3, 2023

Time: 1 PM – 4 PM

Location:  Earhart Room at the International Plaza (same building as 13 Coins) across from the airport.

In This Edition

  • Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Changes To AFA Representatives Supporting Negotiations & Mobilization

Originally posted September 27, 2023

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) has decided to split the duties of the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson into two positions. Current MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Justin Wetherell will move into a new MEC Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative position. Council 15 (SAN) Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff will take on the MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson position.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2023

Originally posted September 29, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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 >

Shared on Social

Mobilization Pop Up at Management Meeting in Portland

Surprise! Our Mobilization Volunteers just happened to pop up at Alaska management’s annual leadership summit being held this week in downtown Portland. They handed out 100 Grand and Payday bars (fun size, of course) to members of management as a reminder that Flight Attendants are still waiting for a contract that provides meaningful work rule improvement and industry-leading pay rates. Who knows where our Mobilization Volunteers will pop up next!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 3Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, October 5Quarterly Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting
Thursday, October 5Scheduling 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

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 26 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, September 26, 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), Natalie Codd (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 Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, 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 October 24, 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:

  • Block hours reduction. For the fall of 2023 we will see line averages reduced. You should notice a difference when bidding your September schedule. Line averages could be 75-78 depending on the number of leaves offered by base. 
  • JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and “trade handshake” in September 2023. This was rescheduled for September 26, 2023. Please refer to the recent bulletin bundle for updates. 
  • Staffing Adjustment Leaves. Management has reviewed the anticipated block hours and decided to offer leaves. This is a change from last month’s update. If you are interested in a leave of absence please review the recent bulletin. Management is reviewing all options of SAL and Low Bid to determine the best business decision.  
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. Management recently issued a bulletin bundle providing an update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future crew access update. Please continue to file the appropriate forms until a permanent resolution is installed. As of today, there have been 873 inquiries and 163 approvals. 
  • Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together refer to Section 8.T. There are also issues with splitting base turns that require Crew Scheduling assistance. 
  • Vacation Bidding. Prepare for 2024 vacation bids. Find 1st round, 2nd round and Open Time dates in the applicable bulletin bundle. First round of vacation bidding is complete.  Approximately 1500 Flight Attendants did not bid in the first round but will have an opportunity in the 2nd round for Slots 7 and 8.
  • Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self-assignment. When Flight Attendants trade into/out of trips with this label the premium will disappear.  Flight Attendants can contact Crew Scheduling if they notice a trip in Open Time that is labeled as “ISA” but doesn’t show premium and request removal of the ISA or require the premium be added back onto the trip. Crew scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. The ability to trade these trips was added to ADR for further discussion.
  • Hotel wait times. If you are waiting in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel, please ensure you are keeping in contact with Crew Scheduling and opening a ticket with AFA.  
  • Crew Scheduling Error. We do have approximately 39 schedulers in Crew Scheduling, some of whom are new to the position. Scheduling management appreciates Flight Attendants reporting contractual violations so they are able to coach/train. Please remember to fly now and grieve later. We’ve seen pre-cancellations, reassignments, domicile rest and other contractual provisions that were violated by accident and remedied through discussions with Crew Scheduling management. 
  • PowerPoint Presentations. Each month management from Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning provide the scheduling committee with updates. These are shared with your MEC/LEC officers. The information includes but is not limited to Reserve utilization, sick leave, sick leave by base, winter operations, personal drops, trip commutability, trip length distribution and what to expect in the near future. Some of the information contained in the presentation is under our non-disclosure agreements but AFA continues to engage in the topic discussions.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is preparing to have more base sits and presentations for Flight Attendants. We will provide dates/times/locations in a future update – stay tuned. 
  2. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management was set for June 5, 2023 and a follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming.  Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (pilots/Flight Attendants) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. You will see this in December pairings. We’ve asked management to send out a communication about teaming.
  4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network/Crew planning is reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Alaska management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. 
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendantss could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft teams to alleviate phone calls. This would be Flight Attendant initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA.

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.

In This Edition

  • Solidarity
  • LAX Pop-Up Event
  • Workplace Wellness
  • Spotlight on the Contract
  • Parking
  • Best Practices
  • CBT Reminder
  • Attendance Reports
  • Local Council Meeting
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • AFA International HRE Committee
  • Communications Committee
  • Membership Dues

What Truly Is Solidarity and Why Is It Important?

We often hear the term solidarity, but what does this truly mean and why is it important? A dictionary can easily guide us to the meaning of a word, but what is a word without the feeling and essence of wisdom behind it. Packed tightly within this one word is woven our unity, our livelihoods, each other, our joint career path, our unification…as one collective force. 

All for one and one for all as they say which so aptly applies, as throughout each chapter of our careers, we all will collectively encounter similar challenges and triumphs as safety professionals. Our union then embodies each one of us, all together working toward the better good…for those of today and for those of tomorrow. We march on in unison, to fight the good fight. To stand proud. To stand unified. To stand in…solidarity. 

We stand as one voice to be reckoned with, improvements always to be sought, our long -fought protections to stay intact. Together we stand, together we can achieve…all within the sincerest form of the word…solidarity. We are AFA strong.

 

Surprise Pop-Up Picket in LAX

Much gratitude to the LAX base with help of our SAN base; they flawlessly conducted a surprise informational pop-up picket on September 13th. Picketing was done outside the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey whereby our CEO hosted a community reception. The success of this picket can be attributed to our fellow proud union members in LAX and SAN along with their elected leadership. This event had no leak of chatter prior on social media making it a surprise indeed and was planned in just a week’s time with resounding success. 

Many thanks to the collaborative and dedicated efforts of the organizing LEC LAX President, Tim Martinez Green, LAX Mobilization Chair Samantha Wolff, SAN LEC President Brice McGee, as well as other duly elected leadership in attendance including our own SEA LEC President, Paula Isla-McGill. 

There is such irony in a company event being hosted at a luxury high-end hotel such as the Ritz-Carlton, while our own frontline staff is treated less than monetarily in the face of massive inflation and a 9-year-old contract. All of this in stark contrast within the vast disparity of our CEO’s total compensation package of 6 million plus in 2022. 

May equity be brought to us, the flight attendants, the face of the airline, as a collective we repeatedly and continuously bring a remarkable and safe experience onboard. We repeatedly bring our passengers back to fly with unwavering loyalty as we aid tremendously in making the airline lucrative. Industry leading contract now, let’s keep the pressure on… 

View the Facebook post by the MEC at: https://www.facebook.com/alaskamec/posts/783793590417502

Workplace Wellness

Our career path is a symphony of rich experiences in one another and all we meet along the way. At times, we may find ourselves in need of refilling our own cup with constant travels, time changes and the occasional challenges we all can face onboard. Be kind to yourself. Practice self-care. Take the extra time to rest and to let all else go for the time being. 

Studies show that simply 10 minutes of meditation a day helps calm and enhance relaxation with increased clarity, all translating to lower levels of emotional and physical stress. Or perhaps walking, as you meander through the many cities as you release all else.  Any form of movement is a tremendous way to practice self-care, but if it is simply doing something just for you to enhance a calmer mind, then this is a form of helping fill your cup. Rest is always paramount, too. 

We live in a fast-paced world and our job is no exception, continual flights with the traveling public, keeping on top of items and planning forward…practicing self-care will only help the everyday nuances with an effervescent fresh spirit. 

If you ever feel you need additional assistance with any life matters; know that the EAP is there for you in complete confidentiality. EAP is a union-based peer to peer assistance program with many assets for your continued well-being along your path. 

Spotlight On the Contract

Knowledge is wisdom and with that being aware and well-versed of one’s contract is of vast importance. As always, be sure to familiarize yourself with all of your contractual rights. Questions? Be sure to reach out to your Union officers and relevant Committee members for clarification. 

There has been an uptick in Reassignments (Section 10.R) and Precancellations (Section 10.S). Please familiarize yourself with CBA Section 10.R and 10.S in its entirety. 

AFA Scheduling has helpful resources to assist you on the AFA website, under Committee Resources. Below are helpful flow chart links:

October 3rd additionally provides a great opportunity to come prepared with any questions on flow charts at our membership meeting on October 3rd, whereby chairpersons will be on hand to answer questions.

Parking Reminder

As all have experienced, parking in the NEPL has become quite challenging and at times, frustrating. We encourage you to utilize the 30-minute grace period agreed to by management. As long as you scan into the NEPL by 30 minutes prior to your scheduled report, your late points will be removed if you are unable to check in on time. 

The more we are able to report and utilize the 30-minute grace period, the better picture management will have regarding how insufficient our parking and port transportation is to get us to work in a reasonable amount of time. Our time is valuable and 30 minutes is certainly a good amount of time to already give before starting our work day. Thank you for your cooperation, please utilize the policy if needed.

Helpful Tidbits and Best Practices for Screenshots (for proof)

At times, we encounter delays and at times, we have all seen where not nearly enough ground time was allotted between our delayed flight and subsequent flights. We often think to ourselves that the new ground times are quite low and quite frankly unrealistic. At times, a delayed flight is not adjusted at all to reflect a proper delay between a current flight and the next. Please take screenshots and be sure to send them to AFA if this happens to you.

Speaking of screenshots; here’s a running list we’d highly encourage to be mindful of for capturing screenshots.

  • Every scheduled trip prior to the start of a trip.
  • Crew Access trip images after each segment.
  • During delays.
  • Call logs with crew scheduling.
  • Check in times.
  • Published roster prior to each trip.
  • The LTFA prior to 10:00am each day.
  • Prior to block.  Intermittent screenshots. Immediately after being assigned a trip. 
  • All open time trips prior to 2:00pm every day. If those trips aren’t assigned to a reserve by 6:00pm, those trips need to be back in OT. If withheld, file a ticket. 

When we come together and document, any potential attempt at circumventing our contractual rights becomes highlighted.  Screenshots simply help document our respective scenarios. 

CBT Reminder

Do not forget to complete your CBT by the September 30 deadline. It is important to remember if you do not complete the required training, the discipline is progressive. If you are already in steps of discipline, failure to complete your CBT will move you up the steps, up to and including discharge. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact the ITS Help desk. To verify your CBT is complete, check that your Cornerstone transcript lists under “Completed” and check your email for a confirmation. 

Don’t forget, you get 1TFP for completing the CBT, and it will count towards your PPP bonus.

Attendance Reports

Do you regularly check your attendance report? If not, make sure to do so and check for accuracy. Login to Crew Access, Reports, Attendance Report, Generate. Make sure to check that everything on there is accurate. If you are calling out sick, do not forget to fill out a point reduction form prior to the end of your next sequence (32.D). To find the form, visit the FA Website, Administration, Performance, New Point Reduction Form. Make sure to fill out accurately and put the date that the trip or reserve block you are calling out for started on. Please remember, the point reduction form cannot be used for short sick calls.  If you find an issue with your attendance report, you can bring it to the attention of your performance supervisor. Please remember, anytime you have a conversation with management, you can request a Council #19 representative to be present on the call with you.  If they can’t and/or wont assist, fill out a ticket at https://support.afaalaska.org

Local Council Meeting Announcement

Please save the date for our Local Council Meeting that will take place in October. We hope to see a lot of Seattle members at the event, so mark your calendar!

Date: October 3, 2023

Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Location: Earhart Room at the International Plaza (same building as 13 Coins) across from the airport.

Come get updates and meet with your Local Officers and Committee Chairpersons. We will be available to answer your questions and give updates on current issues. Parking is free in two areas. There is parking out front that is free for a few hours, or park in the rear. If you park in the rear, please make sure to bring your parking ticket with you to the meeting so we can validate it for you.

You can view the agenda for the meeting by CLICKING HERE.

If you will be attending the meeting, please REGISTER HERE. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month officially started on September 15th and runs through October 15th. Make sure to wear your Hispanic Heritage AFA pins with pride. If you need one, there is a supply available in the Seattle Inflight Office, just ask a supervisor. 

AFA International HRE Committee

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care. We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people. 

You will find the latest HRE Committee Newsletter below:

2023-October-HRE-Newsletter-Download

Communications Committee Update, Looking Toward the Future

Our Communications Committee Chair and new members are delighted to be working together to provide you with the latest. Our focus is on engagement and relaying pertinent topics, to you, our proud SEA Council 19 members. Keep an eye out on our newsletters; in addition, if you are on Facebook, be sure to join our SEA Council 19 Facebook page. Feel free to utilize our Facebook platform with your questions and thoughts. 

Additionally, we are developing a SEA Council 19 Tik Tok as well as a new Instagram. These are simply additional ways to keep informed. We’re excited to be bringing new platforms of communication to you via social media platforms. Yet, if you’re not on social media, that’s okay, be sure to have your email address on file and with that you’ll receive our latest, too. 

Most importantly, never forgetting, you are the union…each and every one of you. We are only as strong as we are together. Stay engaged, stay in unity, stay informed.

Membership Dues

We will be planning solidarity events in the near future, so it is important to make sure that you are up to date on your membership dues. Also, please remember that when a tentative agreement is reached with the company, you  have to be up to date in order to vote! If you have questions about your dues status, please reach out to our Council #19 Secretary, Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org. 

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up to date information on our Council #19 Facebook Group. Click below to join our group and stay connected. Also, our communication team is researching other social media platforms, more information will come soon!

In This Edition

  • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023
  • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023
  • Negotiation Session 19
  • September 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
  • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted September 18, 2023

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 13, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants face onboard the aircraft. The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously address onboard catering concerns and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  

Read More >

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted September 19, 2023

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, September 14, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants. The Committee also met with management to review specific concerns that Flight Attendants brought forward. Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, clarify contractual language, or help resolve reserve-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

Negotiation Session 19

Originally posted September 20, 2023

We continued discussing Section 10.R-S: Scheduling and MPRs/RIGs this session, but progress has slowed considerably since June. We have been assigned a Mediator, who we anticipate joining our negotiation sessions starting in November. We are planning additional Mobilization activities in the coming months and expect to share additional details next week.

Read More >

September 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted September 20, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11.

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted September 22, 2023

Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 8 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 >

Shared on Social

Reminder: Red Hot Milestone Anniversary Celebration

This year’s company milestone anniversary celebration is coming up on Saturday, September 23, and we’re ready to turn the party into a RED HOT event! If you’re planning to attend as someone being recognized for a milestone anniversary (10 years of service and every five years after that) or joining someone who is as a guest, don’t forget to wear red (including your red AFA pin) to the event. Let’s show management our solidarity and turn out a sea of red to demonstrate that we’re fired up about a contract recognizing our contributions to the company’s success over our many years of service! 

If you attend, upload your pictures from the event and post them to social media. Tag or mention @afaalaska and include tags #AFAAlaska and #RedHotSummer so we can feature you!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 26Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 26Alternate 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!

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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