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Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
  • Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has coordinated with management to establish a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep us safe during wildfire season.
  • Key protections include the availability of N95 masks, layover hotel safety, and accommodations for sensitive groups.

As we enter peak wildfire season in many parts of the country, it’s important to be mindful of the risks that come with it. Not only are wildfires dangerous in and of themselves, but the smoke they produce can also be hazardous to our health. Wildfire smoke contains a variety of harmful particles and gases, including carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into our lungs. Therefore, taking precautions to protect ourselves from the dangers of wildfire smoke is crucial.

Our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) has worked with management to develop and implement a Wildfire Smoke Protocol to keep Flight Attendants safe during wildfire season. When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches or is expected to exceed 200 at a given airport, inflight management will post an alert on the inflight website, and the protocol will go into effect for that location. When the protocol is triggered, the following will apply:

Availability of N95 Masks

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a properly worn N95 mask will offer some protection from wildfire smoke. Management will make N95 masks available at impacted stations and all Flight Attendant bases.

Layover Hotels

Management will evaluate air quality in hotel rooms located in affected areas. Alternative lodging options will be identified in case relocation becomes necessary. Hotels in evacuation zones will not be used. Flight Attendants will be notified of any hotel changes by Crew Scheduling.

Accommodations for Sensitive Groups

Individuals especially vulnerable to poor air quality due to pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or lung disease (including asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or diabetes), making them sensitive to poor air quality as defined by the AQI, are part of the Sensitive Group. Flight Attendants who are part of the Sensitive Group will not be required to layover at stations that are experiencing or are forecast to experience an Air Quality Index (AQI) over 200.

Process for requesting an accommodation:

  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group must self-identify to Inflight Base management to receive an accommodation.
  • To request a wildfire smoke accommodation, Flight Attendants must call Inflight Base management after an alert is posted.
  • Flight Attendants in the Sensitive Group will be removed or SIP’d from trips that layover in impacted stations with an AQI 200 or greater with a management drop, no points. 
  • For lineholders, Crew Scheduling management will SIP the sequence prior to the affected RON either at a SIP if there is one or by ending the trip early and deadheading the Flight Attendant back to base.
  • If on reserve, Flight Attendant may be assigned additional flying or returned to the LTFA as applicable.

Note: Flight Attendants must send eligible documentation for pre-existing conditions to Absence Management’s secured email within seven business days. If documents are not received within seven business days or are denied, the management drop will accrue points.

Additional Information

The complete Inflight Wildfire Smoke Protocol can be found on the Flight Attendant website under the safety tab or in GoodReader on the IMD in the FAM Supplemental Folder. Both locations also contain information about mask usage.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local ASHSC.

In This Edition

AFA Disaster Relief Fund – Hawaii Wildfires

Originally posted August 12, 2023

The devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Hawaii is truly heartbreaking. The loss and damage inflicted on the community are immense, and our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster. For impacted Flight Attendants whose primary residence is in Maui County, Hawaii, we want to remind you that the AFA Disaster Relief Fund can assist during this difficult time. We hope this support can provide some relief as you navigate through the aftermath of this crisis.

Read More >

Red Bag Tags

Originally posted August 15, 2023

A new red AFA luggage tag is being introduced today as another way to demonstrate our solidarity in the fight for our Contract. Flight Attendants who participate in today’s picketing will receive a bag tag at the end of the event. Later in the week, they’ll be available from Mobilization Volunteers in base. When you get your red bag tag, place it in a visible place on your luggage before your next trip.

Read More >

Our Day of Solidarity Was A Resounding Success!

Originally posted August 16, 2023

Yesterday, thousands of Flight Attendants and our allies showed up to send management our loudest and strongest message yet. In no uncertain terms, our voices are clear: we are ready for a contract that values the hard work and sacrifice we have endured to make Alaska Airlines successful! We are united and will do whatever it takes to achieve the pay and work rule improvements that respect our value and worth. We will not back down from this fight!

Read More >

Negotiation Session 18

Originally posted August 17, 2023

Our Day of Solidarity this week was a resounding success. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate! Negotiations resumed this week, coinciding with our Day of Solidarity informational pickets. Six sections of the contract remain open in addition to our overall economic package. We do not intend to reopen the entire contract, other than a few proposed adjustments to sections we have tentatively agreed upon. Both parties intend to jointly file for mediation this month, and we have other mobilization activities in the works.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Our Day of Solidarity Is Tomorrow!

Originally posted August 14, 2023

Tomorrow marks a day of collective strength for all Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. It is an opportunity for us to unite and demonstrate unwavering support for our Negotiating Committee as they continue the fight for a contract that recognizes our worth and contributions. Let’s overwhelm management with our solidarity as we stand together to demand the contract we deserve!

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 22Monthly Scheduling 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!

PACK THE PAC HIGHWAY AND GET LOUD

INFORMATIONAL PICKET

As our Negotiating Committee prepares to return to the table on August 14-16, we are gearing up to boost their message to management: The time has come to do the right thing and live up to Alaska‘s promise of industry-leading pay.

Please continue to invite your fellow Flight Attendants, family and friends to come support us and let’s line the Pacific Highway/International Boulevard all the way from the HUB and Corporate to the Flag Pavilion and AFA Office where our Negotiating Committee will be meeting with management! If you plan on attending, please RSVP here. It’s not required to sign up ahead of time, but it really helps our organizers plan to make sure we have enough volunteers to help.

Meeting Point: Angle Lake Park, Shelter C
19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188

12:30-2:00pm, picketing
(Plan to arrive early to pick up your picket sign and chant card. Those willing and able start picket march up to Flag Pavilion and AFA Office.)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you are a Mobilization volunteer, Ian Haywood sent a Sign-Up form for Lead Chanters and March Coordinators. If interested, sign up or let Ian know. Mobilization Volunteers should arrive at the Meeting Point by 11:00 am to help set up.

TURN UP THE HEAT, STAY HYDRATED!

We are turning up the heat on management, and Mother Nature is bringing reinforcements! Next week, temperatures are going to be in the mid-80s and will hit 90 degrees on the day of our picket! Pack sunscreen. Please bring plenty of water and liquids to stay cool and hydrated.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

We highly encourage carpooling to the event. There is limited parking at Angle Lake Park. Attendees can also park at nearby Light Rail Stations and take the light rail to Angle Lake Station which is a half-mile (.5) walk to the park. For those coming from the north end, Sound Transit did issue a bulletin about service updates that could affect service if you are coming from north of SODO. Please read their bulletin for more information and plan accordingly.

SPECIAL GUESTS

We are so honored to have more special guests and amazing labor leaders to join us in solidarity! April Sims, President of Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO along with Teresa Mosqueda, Seattle City Councilmember and candidate for King County Council, will be adding their voice to our fight and standing beside us on the picket line. 

LOCAL COUNCIL MEETING

We will be holding a local council meeting immediately after the picket. All members in good-standing and guests are welcome to attend.

Date: August 15, 2023

Time: 1430 – 1500

Location: Angle Lake Park, Shelter C

RSVP: Registration Link

Agenda:

  • Call to order
  • Introduction of LEC Officers and Committee Chairs
  • Mobilization Report
    • Discussion
  • Adjournment

Thank you for continuing to support your Union brothers, sisters and siblings! Let’s all show corporate America the sheer power we hold when we lock arms and show up for each other. We can’t wait to march alongside each of you. Truly, we are stronger together, better together.

AFA International

The devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Hawaii is truly heartbreaking. The loss and damage inflicted on the community are immense, and our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster. For impacted Flight Attendants whose primary residence is in Maui County, Hawaii, we want to remind you that the AFA Disaster Relief Fund can assist during this difficult time. We hope this support can provide some relief as you navigate through the aftermath of this crisis.

About the AFA Disaster Relief Fund

We know that disasters can change lives forever. While we can’t stop destructive events from happening, we can, as a Union, assist our members with their recovery. AFA established the Disaster Relief Fund after September 11th to assist our members whose lives were placed in harm’s way. AFA members and retirees, whose primary residences are in the counties listed on the FEMA website are eligible for $200.00 from the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund. It is a gift made possible by the generosity of your fellow Union siblings with AFA.  (See the AFA website for links to the FEMA site: www.afacwa.org/drf.)

If you would like to apply for AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds, visit www.afacwa.org/drf and download the Disaster Relief Fund Application.  You can email the application information to lfoster@afanet.org or fax the completed application to (301) 253-2790 (no cover sheet necessary).

If you wish to contribute to the fund either by check or electronic payment, please visit www.afacwa.org/drf for more information on donating.

In This Edition

Get Ready For Our Day of Solidarity!

Originally posted August 8, 2023

Don’t forget to RSVP for our Day of Solidarity informational picketing events next week on Tuesday, August 15. As a reminder, Flight Attendants scheduled to work during the events must refrain from participating. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can join our virtual picket using the resources on the contract website.

Read More >

August 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted August 9, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC was scheduled to meet with management to discuss issues affecting our work group, but the meeting was canceled by our MEC due to a lack of availability by many key management participants. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 19.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Don’t Forget – Keep Your Schedule Clear On August 15!

This is a friendly reminder that our Day of Solidarity is coming up on August 15! We appreciate your support and ask that if you RSVP’d to attend, you keep a close eye on your schedule and refrain from picking up or trading into trips that day. Your commitment to attend and participate in the picketing events means everything to our Negotiating Committee, and we’re counting on you to be there. Let’s stand together!

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, August 14 – Wednesday, August 16Contract Negotiations
Tuesday, August 15Day of Solidarity Informational Picketing
Thursday, August 17Scheduling 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!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • The MEC was scheduled to meet with management to discuss issues affecting our work group, but the meeting was canceled by our MEC due to a lack of availability by many key management participants.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 19.

The August 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9.  The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. 

Mobilization and Solidarity Activities

A large part of the meeting focused on discussing mobilization efforts for the upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing on August 15. Progress updates were given on logistics and planning for the events.

Meeting with Management Canceled

During most regular MEC meetings, we meet with management to review the challenges faced by Flight Attendants. Unfortunately, many key management participants were unavailable or did not respond to the meeting invitation from AFA this month. As a result, our MEC canceled the meeting as it would not have been productive without key decision-makers present to discuss concerns and work toward solutions.

Questions?

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

 Council #19 Monthly Committee Updates

The committee newsletter is meant to be published on the 2nd Wednesday of every month and the previous version was published prematurely. This version contains corrections and additions that were originally left out of the previous email.

 COMMUNICATIONS 

We are working on new ways to get information to you. As always, we want to get information to you as quickly as possible. We realize not everyone uses the same platforms as others, so if you have suggestions, please let us know by emailing sea.communications.chair@afaalaska.org, 

We have started a new Council 19 Facebook Group, you can join here. We are also scheduling regular newsletters which will be sent out the last Wednesday of every month. You will also receive a monthly committee update on the second Wednesday of every month. We will rotate committee reports, so each committee will report back to members every other month. In addition to this, we will regularly make posts on our website https://afaalaska.org/sea and will link all of the updates to the Facebook page. We appreciate any feedback you give us!

 AIR, SAFETY, HEALTH & SECURITY

In April of this year our uniform policy changed and the requirements for shoes was one of the important changes. In our roles, we are on our feet for long periods of time, and proper footwear plays a critical role in our long-term wellbeing. We had the opportunity to attend a lecture on the aging workforce at a safety conference earlier this year. It was an eye opener to hear about how making smart choices about footwear really makes a difference and was a key factor in keeping an aging workforce active in a BMW plant in Germany. Our revised shoe policy is on page 20 of the Uniform Guides and it makes wearing practical shoes easier. The next time you are out shopping for shoes, remember the following advice:

  • Do not expect that footwear which is too tight will stretch with wear.
  • Have both feet measured when buying shoes. Feet normally differ in size.
  • Buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
  • Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size.
  • Ask a doctor’s advice if properly fitting shoes are not available. 
  • Consider using shock-absorbing insoles

It sounds like common sense, but often we let fashion win over comfort.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The Human Rights Committee was proud to have our Local Chairperson, Yan Yan Teague as a voting delegate at the Biennial APALA Convention on August 3-5.  The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, was founded in 1992 and is the first and only national organization of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers, most of whom are union members and our allies, building power for AAPI workers and communities.

At the convention, a new APALA Executive board was elected. Workshops included how to engage union members, creating mentorship and learning about undocumented Asian workers. You can read about the highlights of the convention here:

If any AFA member is interested in becoming an APALA Member, please reach out to Yan Yan to learn more.

HOTEL

Your Hotel committee is continuing to advocate hard for the best hotels possible. We have seen recent changes to downtown locations in SFO, ORD and JFK. We will be looking at additional downtown locations as contracts expire.

Other cities that are currently being looked at or will be soon are: TPA, RSW, BUR, SEA, SJC, ONT, KOA, CUN, RDU, BWI, EWR (short) and more to come!

We appreciate all of the Crew Care reports that come in daily. They help us when choosing or reviewing a property. Please continue to submit both negative and positive feedback.

We launched a new API tool called “My Travel” to give you the most up to date hotel layover information. You will see an icon on your IMD with the “API” logo. This is a quick link to the My Travel page. It will transition to a up to date, stand alone application in the coming weeks. 

Please reach out if you have any questions about hotels. We can be reached at sea.hotel.chair@afaalaska.org

 BENEFITS, RETIREMENT & MATERNITY

The Benefits Committee attended the first Quarterly Benefits Check-in meeting on July 18th along with representatives from the Alaska Benefits Team assigned to Inflight. We were able to discuss ongoing concerns with the team. Kathy O’Malley and Terry Taylor for Council 19 represented SEA Flight Attendants. 

Since we have changed our Workers Compensation administration company 14 months ago, we’ve had many issues and difficulties with Sedgwick. Terry Taylor met with Absence Management representatives and others, to discuss these concerns on July 21st, along with Stephanie Adams, MEC Grievance Chairperson. We are pleased that we were heard, and changes to the administration staff and processing of Worker’s Compensation leaves for SEA have been implemented. 

We also discussed some of the main pain points since the transition from Matrix to Hartford in January 2023. We seem to be making progress with Hartford, and have specific contacts with Absence Management to resolve issues with processing and administering leaves of absence.

We will be switching 401(k) Plan Administrators this fall. The Retirement committee will be attending the first meeting to prepare for the transition on August 8th. More information will be provided  by both the company, and the Committee.

We continue to support all bases with Maternity general questions & assistance with leave planning through the Alaska Airlines Maternity Connection Facebook group.

EAP & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Hello everyone! We hope you are enjoying the summer and getting ready for the upcoming events. Here are some updates from SEA EAP:

  • We have been working with Inflight management to educate them about our FAAS Pathway program, which helps FA’s who may be struggling with substance use or other issues to seek help in a safe, non-, non-judgemental way.
  • We have created a comprehensive list of options for counseling and mental health provider assistance, as Active Support has not been reliable or consistent for our FA’s. 

We want to remind you of some important tips when flying:

  • If you notice a FA who seems impaired, disoriented, or unwell, please check on them and contact MedAire or Global Lifeline if needed. They may be having a medical emergency or need help. 
  • If you suspect a FA may be under the influence of a substance, please urge them to call EAP, initiate a Pathway 1 through the FAAS Program, or call out sick. Do not let them fly if they are not fit for duty. Safety First!
  • EAP is a safe and confidential place to ask for support. We do not share your information with the company unless you authorize us, or it is necessary. We can work with benefits, grievances, and other AFA committees to help you with your needs. You can contact us through AFA tickets, referrals, your flying peers or directly. 
  • Professional Standards is a confidential option that allows feedback to a FA who may be violating safety or company policies, or who may have a work style or personality conflict with you. We will reach out to the reported FA confidentially and try to resolve or defuse the issue. Please do not contact the FAs who reported you or retaliate against them in any way. This could lead to discipline from the company. 
  • EAP/Professional Standards does not handle BOA Visa issues, non-payment with trip trades, or social media issues. Please be mindful of what you post on social media and avoid negative, hurtful, or inappropriate comments that could target someone by name. Doing so may result in unwanted attention and discipline from the company. Be respectful, supportive, and kind to each other online and off-line.

We are here for you, and we appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

This section contains revisions and clarifications. 


WSLC – Convention July 18-20, 2023

  • In attendance: SEA Flight Attendants Andrew Stinson, Tracy Pettit, Jerry Sinclair, Melinda Jorge
  • As delegates we voted on resolutions and declarations for labor union activities
  • There were many open Mic discussions, Guest Speakers, and Guest Candidates Running for WA State offices
  • We spoke about the Pop-Up Picket and the day of Solidarity on August 15 for Alaska FAs
  • We handed out over 500 flyers at the convention – speaking points regarding Alaska’s Flight Attendants fight for an Industry Leading Contract & Wages
  • We learned of a $5,000 grant through WSLC that we can apply for funds to assist with our mobilization strategies

Meeting with MLK Labor – 07/26/2023

  • Seattle current and future number of delegates (voting) – per capita increase

FAA bill HR 3935

  • passed 07/20/2023

Meeting with Pierce County Labor Council

  • 07/31/2023 – Beginning a new relationship with Pierce County Labor

GRIEVANCE

Revised to add CBT discipline can progress up to and including discharge.

On June 2, 2023, there was a Grievance Committee Update published for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022, and 1st 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. 

CBTs

In Council 19, there were over 50 disciplines issued for failure to complete the Q2 CBT. It is important to remember that discipline is progressive, so if you are already in steps of discipline, failure to complete your CBT will move you up the steps, up to and including suspension discharge. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact the ITS Help Desk. To verify that your CBT is complete, check that your Cornerstone transcript lists under “Completed” and check your email for a confirmation.

Q3 CBT curriculum has now been pushed to your device. Please make the effort to complete it  and avoid any last-minute technical issues. If necessary, have an accountability partner and set a goal to get it done by the end of the month. Don’t forget, you get 1TFP for completing the CBT, and if you complete it in August, it will count towards your single month $350 PPP bonus for August!

GET INVOLVED

We are looking to engage more young Flight Attendants in the Union. Our NextGen program is looking for a few flight attendants under 35 years old who are eager to join and gain more experience working in the union with other union sectors. To learn more about NextGen, contact Yan Yan Teague.

In Solidarity, 

Jarod, David, Kathy, Yan Yan, Andrea, Melinda & Paula


Our System-wide Informational Picket is just around the corner and your leadership and mobilization teams are working hard planning and organizing a successful event! Here are some important details you should know:

RSVP:

We already have hundreds of RSVPs and continue to add more every day. Please continue to invite your family, friends and labor allies to stand along side us. If you haven’t already, please RSVP here and help us to prepare for the size of crowd to expect. 

Special Guests:

We are delighted to announce that AFA International President, Sara Nelson, will be standing in solidarity with us in Seattle. She, along with our local leaders will add to the power of our voices as we show management and the public that our Flight Attendants are united and ready to fight for the contract we have earned.

Meeting Point Location:

Angle Lake Park, Shelter C (map)
19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188

Schedule of Events:

11:30-12:20pmCheck-In / Walk-up Registration
Signs and chant cards distribution 
Pre-Picket Rally
12:20-12:30pmPicketers walk to picketing locations (see map)
  – In front of the HUB and Corporate
  – March to Flag Pavilion and in front of AFA office
12:30-2:00pmGET RED MAD AND GET LOUD!
2:00-2:30pmCheck-Out and sign return
2:30-3:00pmLocal Council Meeting for members in good-standing


Parking:

There is limited parking at Angle Lake Park. There are several lots in the area that you can utilize. We highly encourage carpooling and using public transportation. You can park at the SeaTac light rail station and take the train one stop to Angle Lake Station which is about a .5 mile walk to the park. 

We would like to concentrate our picketing around the HUB and Alaska Corporate. Our Negotiations Committee and management will be returning to the negotiating table at our AFA Office location which is about 1 mile north of Angle Lake Park and right across the street from the Flag Pavilion, which is where we had our Pop-Up picket last month. For those willing and able, we would love to have a picket march up to the Flag Pavilion and Union Office and line all along International Boulevard in between.

Red AFA Pin

Thank you so much for wearing your red AFA pins as a show of solidarity and unity! Do you still need a red AFA pin? Fill out this Request Form and we’ll do our best to get one to you.

Please continue to check your emails and our Facebook group for any updates as we get closer to the picket. Encourage your crew members to subscribe to our Council 19 Newsletter and join our Council 19 Facebook Group to stay informed and connected to our council news. We are excited to see you all on August 15th!

In This Edition

Talking To The Public About Contract Negotiations

Originally posted July 31, 2023

Our Negotiating Committee would like to offer some guidance on how to handle questions from various individuals regarding negotiations. Passengers should be directed to raise their concerns through Alaska Listens. Family, friends, and allies can support by participating in informational picketing events or posting on Alaska Airlines’ social media accounts. Media inquiries should be referred to an AFA spokesperson.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2023

Originally posted July 31, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 25 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 >

Building Support In Our Communities

Originally posted August 4, 2023

We’ve launched a new page on the contract website to inform our communities about our fight for a fair contract. The page includes ways for everyone to show support, including a petition, social media tools, and printable signs. Please share the page with family, friends, and community members and ask that they do the same.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 8 – Wednesday, August 9Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, August 8Retirement Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 8Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 10Quarterly Hotel 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!

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 25 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, July 25, 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 August 22, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Block hours reduction. Line averages will be lower during the fall of 2023, starting with the September bid month.
  • JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and a “trade handshake” in September 2023. 
  • Leaves. At this time there are no leaves expected through the remainder 2023. We expect to see leaves offered in January 2024.
  • 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. 
  • Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some contractual legalities are waived. When adding sequences together, refer to Section 8.T.
  • Vacation Bidding. In preparation for 2024 vacation bidding we are completing user testing with payroll. 
  • Section 34.A.5. It was discovered after bid awards that Flight Attendants were flying and transporting within Mexico alone. AFA remedies included 1.5x premium for the entire trip and/or pay protection for affected Flight Attendants. 
  • 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. If you notice a trip in Open Time labeled as “ISA” without premium, you can contact CS and request removal of the ISA label or for the premium to be added back onto the trip. Crew Scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. 
  • Hotel wait times. If you wait in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel please ensure you keep in contact with Crew Scheduling and open a ticket with AFA. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. We’ve reviewed the base sits and would like more feedback and participation from Flight Attendants. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas on involvement in reviewing bids. 
  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. A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled.

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.

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have […]

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 […]

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