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In This Edition

Milestone Anniversary Celebration Event

Originally posted July 25, 2023

Management recently sent an email to employees celebrating a milestone anniversary with the company this year (10 years of service and every five years after that) with an invitation to this year’s milestone anniversary celebration on September 23.  For those of you who received one, we want to congratulate you on reaching these milestones and on your commitment to our career!

Read More >

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted July 27, 2023

Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, July 13 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 are facing onboard the aircraft. Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, August 3Alternate 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)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, July 13 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 are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, July 13, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace.  Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Blair Kimbal (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Manager Inflight Training Delivery 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, Manager Inflight Base Operations Olinga Asress, and Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Checking luggage for Unaccompanied Minors and passengers needing assistance. The ASHSC is advocating for checking UM roller bags as part of the program, and a complimentary gate-check (orange tag) offered to passengers needing assistance. This would reduce bin and bag injuries and speed up boarding and deplaning.
  • 3-point briefing Clarification. The 3-point briefing policy needs clarity on the meaning of “expeditiously”. Inflight is working to provide updated FAM language on this topic.
  • Cabin Gadgets. Clear guidance is needed about which devices are permitted for use at different phases of flight in the cabin. Inflight is actively working on updating the FAM language on this topic.
  • Employee shuttles & parking. The ASHSC is advocating for the development of minimum requirements regarding employee parking lot environments and shuttle services. This would include maximum passenger loads, minimum wait times, lot surveillance, etc., and would be used to hold ports and shuttle vendors accountable.
  • AED MEL on ETOPs flights. The Company is looking at maintaining a stock of AEDs in the islands to avoid flying transpacific without an operative AED (the MEL allows the AC to fly one leg without an AED).
  •  “On-ing” passengers prior to asking boarding questions. We have reports of CSAs “on-ing” passengers prior to boarding safety questions being asked, resulting in them lining up in the jetbridge waiting for permission to board. This is not a documented procedure and Inflight is following up with AOCS on the topic.
  • Hand and surface wipes. Passengers are still requesting wipes, and Flight Attendants prefer alcohol-based hand wipes. A surface wipe is preferable to Sanicide spray.
  • Fanny packs/small purses. Due to increased popularity, compliance conversations about these items are occurring more frequently. It would be helpful if CSAs also monitored for these and asked passengers to place them inside carry-ons before boarding to comply with the one-plus rule.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Equipment preflights and Flight Attendant briefings.  We conducted time testing to determine how much additional time is needed to complete equipment preflights and Flight Attendant briefings prior to passenger boarding and continue advocating for dedicated time to do so.
  2. Continuous Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA). The LOSA program is evolving into a continuous program that will include approximately forty monthly observations. Observations will continue to record only de-identified information which will be used to better understand threats to the cabin environment and to improve policy and training within Inflight and other divisions.
  3. Second round of AFA ASHSC SBMs (Semiannual Base Meetings). The ASHSC is working with Inflight and the Safety Department to continue the practice of holding safety meetings at all bases twice a year. Please consider signing up to attend or submitting a safety concern for discussion when you see the invite from Base Leadership and your Local ASHSC.
  4. Improved ReportIt App. The ASHSC has been involved in the process of improving our reporting system. As part of that process, we are advocating for a more approachable and dependable interface.

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.

***This post is from a previous email communication, so may appear out of order and is being posted as an FYI.

 WE ARE OFF TO A GREAT START IN OUR 

 RED HOT SUMMER CAMPAIGN

We would like to thank all of our members who joined us on July 19th to  kick off our RED HOT summer! Over 250 people joined our Pop Up Picket to show management that we are turning up the heat. Let’s continue the momentum by continuing to wear your RED PINS to show solidarity and by signing up for the August 15th day of Solidarity events. There are strength in numbers, so we encourage you to bring your friends and family. Please continue to share photos of the event to raise awareness. 

The events across the system got some great presence in the media, visit the links below for specific Seattle coverage!

LOCAL COUNCIL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

We are planning on holding a Council #19 meeting directly after the Systemwide Day of Solidarity event. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet our LEC Officers and Committee Members.

Date: August 15th

Time: 2:00 – 3:00PM

Location: Angle Lake Park, Shelter “C”

Please stay tuned for social media posts and email newsletters for further details and meeting agenda.

SYSTEM WIDE DAY OF SOLIDARITY

We look forward to seeing everyone at our August 15th Systemwide Day of Solidarity! Things are heating up and we would like to continue the momentum and have as many people as possible at our event. Please bring your friends and family and encourage them to wear RED!  CLICK HERE to sign up for the event. 

We have received a lot of questions about the event, please make sure to visit the Picketing FAQ’s post for your answers, or reach out. You can contact Iay Haywood,  our Council 19 Mobilization Committee Chairperson at sea.mobilization.chair@afaalaska.org.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED?

We are looking to gather a list of members who are  interested in getting involved in YOUR UNION! We want to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering on one of our committees. Please note, we may not have current availability on all of our committees, but we are looking to form a list of people that are interested, so we can keep in touch when openings come available. We will also be posting openings on our website, social media and in our newsletters each month when there are openings. CLICK HERE to go to our form to express your interest.

HAVE YOU MOVED?

Have you moved recently? It is important that AFA has your current mailing list on file. The address that is on file with international is the address any ballots for future elections, etc will be mailed to. Be prepared to receive future ballots in the mail by updating your mailing address by CLICKING HERE.

REPORTING AN ISSUE

We would like to remind you of the importance of reporting any issues you have directly with AFA. We have a ticketing system at https://support.afaalaska.org/ where you can report all issues you have. We have seen an increase in social media posts on issues that do not have a corresponding ticket filed with AFA. We can’t take action on situation we read about on social media—we must have a ticket filed. By filing a ticket, you will get contacted by the appropriate person, and it also helps us track trends and stay up to date with what is happening. Please make sure to visit our ticketing system at https://support.afaalaska.org/. 

 ARE YOU UP TO DATE ON YOUR UNION DUES?

Life happens and you can fall behind in dues. Did you know that you have to be in good standing to vote on a proposed contract? Making sure you are current on your dues now could help avoid headaches in the future. If you have received any notices from AFA about past due union dues, make sure to take action. If you owe an amount that is a bit out of reach, they will work with you on a plan to get them paid off. If you contact them now, your plan may help you get current prior to any vote we have in the future. Reach out to AFA Membership to find out if you are past due and get on a plan. Visit the AFA-CWA Membership Page by AFA-CWA Membership, you will find all the resources and contact information. 

OUR NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE

Did you know we have a new Facebook group? We are always looking for ways to get information to you via the platforms you use most, so we have started a Council #19 Facebook group. You can access it at https://www.facebook.com/groups/afaalaskaseattle . In order to be accepted into the group, you must answer the questions and agree to the group rules. Failure to do either will result in an automatic denial by the auto-responder.

In This Edition

Headed To A Picket? Wear Your Uniform!

Originally posted July 15, 2023

We have every right to wear our uniforms while picketing, and everyone should do so when attending one of our Red Hot Summer picketing events! We have power, and we’re asserting our rights. From United to Spirit to Piedmont, Flight Attendants picket in uniform. Same for the pilots across the industry. This is an official Union event.

Read More >

August 15th Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now

Originally posted July 18, 2023

Our August 15 Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the first negotiation session since management’s promise of industry-leading pay expired. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, and RSVP now using one of the links below to let us know you’ll be there!

Read More >

Solidarity Is Our Power: Acting As One To Support Negotiations

Originally posted July 19, 2023

Monthly activities are planned to maintain pressure on management during the Red Hot Summer campaign. It is crucial to follow the “status quo” and participate only in officially endorsed actions during negotiations. Flight Attendants should avoid illegal activities like encouraging work disruptions or unprotected concerted actions, as they can lead to termination of employment and personal financial liability.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2023

Originally posted July 20, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, June 27 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 >

A Week Of Undeniable Solidarity!

Originally posted July 21, 2023

This week, we made it perfectly clear to management that we stand together in our demand for a contract that recognizes and respects our value. On short notice, we came out in force at pop-up pickets in Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle, making our voices heard. Days of solidarity took place in San Francisco and Anchorage (happening today) to mobilize Flight Attendants and build unity in support of our Negotiating Committee. We sent a message to management that we are unified and will not back down!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, July 25Monthly 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!

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, June 27 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!

Tuesday, June 27, 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), Martin Vance (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, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management, Brittany Audette, Managing Director Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaella Littman, 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 July 25, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Reserve Utilization. In June we saw utilization around 80-90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention there is an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates up to 12.9%. We see a high percentage on weekends. We’ve asked to increase TSN and personal drops for flexibility but were told that is doubtful unless sick leave is reduced. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation and you are able to filter for premium trips using filters.
  • No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on the contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Leaves. There were no leaves for July. Crew planning is working on August pairings. The line averages are around 80.1 TFP. We will see a reduction in the schedule for the fall and hope there will be leave opportunities during that time.
  • Van Times. Pilots and Flight Attendants sharing transportation should have the same van times. There were reports of crews waiting in the van for pilots. Pilot Scheduling/Crew Scheduling should coordinate any transportation changes on behalf of the crews.
  • NavBlue Pattern Bidding. In July we are anticipating adding a new feature that will allow pattern bidding. Look for more information on how to utilize this new option. The PBS Committee is updating the help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding please email them.
  • Per Diem. In some circumstances you will see taxed layover per diem based on state/federal requirements. Rainmaker is programmed to process the taxes automatically based on the limits. You can review taxation on CONUS Rates. Company is required by law to process the taxation.
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. AFA sent a request to Labor Relations and Inflight management asking for communication on when/how pilots are able to adjust block in/out times. Crew members are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request and will send out a communication.
  • Retimes. There are several flights that will require being retimed/rescheduled. This could cause several pre-cancellations. Scheduling will be working on these as they receive updated information.
  • Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows crew members to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the FA will receive the full protections under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication.
  • Base Turns. Each month FAs 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.
  • Business Model. Company is saying they are focused on leisure travel and they haven’t seen an increase in the business consumer. Announcement of new routes and frequencies. Our network is getting longer, not shorter in relation to route structure.
  • MyTravelApp. This is active and a great tool for flight attendants.
  • Personal Drops. AFA is aware of situations where personal drops are not being assigned in order. If you believe a drop was awarded out of order please file a claim with AFA and provide documentation so we are able to research these potential violations.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. Base sits took place in July.
  2. Crew Access Filters. Filters were implemented but due to processing errors retracted. We are working on testing the filters and a new update expected around September 2023.
  3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow users to post trips for trade on Crew Access and accept/decline offers submitted. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. The Committee participated in a presentation and testing of the new feature.
  4. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we completed a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management occurred July 5, 2023. 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.

CALL TO ACTION: 

ITS TIME FOR A RED HOT SUMMER!!!!

It’s time we stand together and show management that WE ARE DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAIR SHARE!

Please join your LEC Officers, Local Mobilization Volunteers and your fellow Flight Attendants , picketing Alaska Airlines at Seatac on July 19, 2023. 

Click to sign up >> https://forms.gle/Kp6FRrdvmXZP9YfJ9

If you are not 100% able to attend, please do not RSVP. We need to keep as accurate a count on who will be present. A weak showing is worse than none at all. There is strength in numbers!! 

Is our next contract worth 1 to 2 hours of your time? YES!

Do we all need to participate? YES!

If you are available, we need you there! If you are unable to attend this one there will be more events, but try to attend as many as you can!

When:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Where:

The Seattle Tacoma International Airport Flag Pavilion (located on International Airport at the main entrance of the airport, across the street from the Radisson Hotel). 

May I bring a Guest? 

Yes, your friends and family are welcome to come out and support us! 

What to Wear?

Wear your Uniform, including your RED AFA pin. If friends or family are joining you, have them wear a RED shirt! 

Will picket signs be provided? 

Yes, AFA will be providing these. We ask that you do not make your own. They will be handed out at 12:30 at the Flag Pavilion.

Where do I park? 

We suggest carpooling. There are several lots in the area that you can utilize. You can also park at the Angle Lake light rail station and take the train one stop. 

What can I do to make this event a success?

Recruit your friends and family to show up! Share this email annd encourage others to sign up.This will help us plan accordingly. and ensure our message is heard loud annd clear! Our Local Mobilization Committee will handle all the details. 

How do I sign up? 

CLICK HERE

Questions?

Ian.haywood@afaalaska.org

Picketing FAQs can be found by CLICKING HERE

Our Red-Hot Summer is Heating Up!

Week of Solidarity – Red AFA Pins! 


This week, there are activities happening at all bases encouraging solidarity. Some bases, as you may have heard, are having “Pop-Up Pickets”. Unlike our System-Wide planned picket on August 15th, these are smaller events and planned to be more of a “surprise”. In ANC, we did not have ample time to obtain the necessary permits to allow an event such as this to happen. However, we will be participating in this Week of Solidarity in a different way.

What will that look like? 

Your Local Officers and members of the Mobilization Committee will be in the airport throughout the day on July 21st to:

  • Distribute Red Pins!
  • Provide guidance on how FAs can best support negotiations in the months ahead
  • Encourage Engagement and Solidarity
  • Provide live sign-up assistance for the August 15 picket
  • Answer questions from FAs about what to expect at the picket

August 15th – Show Your Solidarity!

Remember to mark your calendars for August 15th!  We will be picketing from 2pm-3pm (AKST) on the departure level of the airport. We will be gathering everyone and staging at 1:30pm. All FAs should be in a compliant uniform with RED PINS! Any family joining should show support by wearing RED shirts!  RAIN or SHINE, we will all need to SHOW UP to send a loud message to management! Obtaining an Industry Leading Contract MUST be worth an hour of your time! Thank you to ALL who bid this day off, looking forward to walking that picket with each and every one of YOU!

Get Involved!

Become a Mobilization Volunteer!  

Share reliable information and help promote solidarity and mobilization events!
Learn more here.  

Wear your RED AFA pin proudly while flying and at all company events, including training and special events.

Stay Informed!


**RED HOT SUMMER  (stay up to date with all activities)

**Picketing FAQs

Bookmark the official AFA Alaska Negotiations website https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/

Update your newsletter subscription at afanewsletters.org.

In Red-Hot Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

In This Edition

Tell Management: We Deserve Better!

Originally posted July 10, 2023

It’s time to let management know we won’t accept a contract that doesn’t respect and value our contributions to the company’s success. Take action now and send a letter to executive management telling them to deliver a proposal that puts Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants at the top of the industry. Keep track of our progress on the campaign page and encourage your flying partners to join in!

Read More >

Protect Our Contract – Don’t Perform Duties Belonging to Other Work Groups

Originally posted July 12, 2023

In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups. Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made. Similarly, only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Read More >

Pop-Up Pickets Start Next Week!

Originally posted July 14, 2023

As our Red Hot Summer continues, we’re putting pressure on management to return to the negotiating table with a deal recognizing our contributions to Alaska Airlines’ success. Our next activity will do just that! Starting next week, our Mobilization Committee will launch a series of pop-up picketing events!

Read More >

“Summer of CARE” Employee Events

Originally posted July 14, 2023

Management has a long tradition of hosting summer events for company employees, family members, and friends. This year is no different; management sent an all-employee email earlier this week with information about this year’s “Summer of CARE” events. Many people have asked our Negotiating Committee about participating in these events. 

Read More >

Shared on Social

Almost 6000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 11, 2023

Almost 6000 letters sent in a little over one day?!? 🤯

Let’s keep this momentum going and hit 7000 today! Check in with your crew to see if everyone has sent their letter!

Over 7000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 12, 2023

Our solidarity is strong! Over 7000 letters have been sent in just a little over two days. Check with your flying partners and other Flight Attendant friends to see if they’ve sent their letter. If not, now is the time!

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, July 17Pop-Up Pickets Begin
Thursday, July 20Alternate 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!

Grievance Committee

  • In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups.
  • Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made.
  • Only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Note: this is an updated version of a post previously published in an AFA Alaska Update on July 30, 2021.

Over many decades, we have all worked hard to improve our working conditions and strengthen our collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These improvements have been achieved through several avenues, including demonstrating solidarity during contract negotiations, lobbying management to make changes that benefit our profession, and rigorously enforcing the contractual language we have already achieved. We must continue to protect and defend our contract and hold management accountable for what has been agreed upon between our Flight Attendants and the company.

Over the past few years, management has made it known they’ve had challenges recruiting and retaining frontline employees in various locations throughout the route network. This includes staff who the company directly employs, those employed by company subsidiaries (e.g., McGee Air Services), and contract vendors who provide above- and/or below-the-wing services at various stations. The situation has caused a noticeable impact on the company’s operations and resulted in some on-the-ground functions being adjusted or modified due to staffing in some cases. 

We all know Alaska Airlines focuses on hiring Flight Attendants who exhibit kindness and are willing to help. Because these traits are such a pervasive part of our culture, it may be tempting to want to jump in and assist our coworkers from other work groups when we see that they are short-staffed. Unfortunately, this causes more harm than good for several reasons. 

As previously mentioned, it’s up to each of us to protect the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement. Section 24.D of the CBA says in part, “A Flight Attendant will not be required to perform work normally assigned to a cleaner, provisioner, ramp or operations agent.” Just as we expect other work groups to honor our contractual language by not performing Flight Attendant duties and responsibilities, it’s similarly important that we respect other work groups and their typically assigned scope of work. Doing so protects the security of both Flight Attendant jobs and the jobs of our coworkers in other departments.

Customer service, ramp, mechanics, pilots, fleet service, catering, and other work groups receive specific training to perform their duties that Flight Attendants don’t have. We must allow our colleagues to do the work they’ve been trained to do to ensure it complies with applicable regulations and company standards. If there are concerns with staffing in a particular department, management needs to receive the corresponding reports of flight delays, complaints from passengers, and performance audit results. These are all indicators management uses to make adjustments and ensure our colleagues in other departments have the support they need. If this data is skewed to show no problems exist, management will make no changes to ensure proper staffing and service levels.

The best way Flight Attendants can show support for other work groups who may be experiencing short or inadequate staffing is by reporting the issue to ensure it gets attention from the proper levels of management. This can be accomplished by submitting a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) detailing the date, flight number, and specifics of the situation (e.g., areas that were skipped/missed, etc.).

Only Flight Attendants May Perform Flight Attendant Duties

Closing the overhead bins, confirming luggage is stowed correctly, and making passenger announcements during boarding are all duties that traditionally define our work but are only a fraction of what we are ultimately responsible for. When supervisors* or other employees perform this undisputed Flight Attendant work, it violates our contract.

If someone who isn’t a Flight Attendant assigned to pre-board or work the flight begins to perform Flight Attendant duties, calmly advise them the work will be completed before the aircraft door is closed, consistent with all applicable policies and regulations. Reassure them that the crew is aware of their duties and responsibilities that need to be accomplished. If this approach is ineffective, advise them they’re violating our contract and respectfully ask them to stop.

If you encounter a supervisor or another employee performing Flight Attendant work onboard the aircraft, please report the situation by opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. The purpose of this isn’t to get anyone in trouble but to ensure that any misunderstanding is promptly corrected. Quickly addressing the issue helps protect our jobs and prevent management from assigning our work to other work groups or vendors simply because it’s easier or less expensive for them to do so.

*Inflight management who hold an FAA Flight Attendant certificate may perform Flight Attendant duties only during a check-ride or IOE, when assigned to pre-board a flight if minimum crew is not available, or if assigned to work the flight as a Flight Attendant consistent with the limits of our contract.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

First, thank you for your patience and understanding as we maneuver through these times. We realize everything is somewhat ‘fluid and vague’, but we are working to get more concrete plans in place, and as soon as we do, you will know! Keep in mind, when we set up events, there are processes that have to take place (permits, etc). 

Thank you for showing solidarity with your fellow Flight Attendants by wearing your RED AFA pin. Continue to monitor social media to see the hours of distribution. If you are at Seatac Airport, swing by the area across from gate D2 and you may see someone handing them out! We are working on ways to make distribution more streamlined. 

Did you know we have a new Seattle Council #19 Facebook Group? You can request to join it by CLICKING HERE. Please note that all councils have their own pages, this is the Seattle page.  We will post updates here and also send emails.

Try to attend the following events. We are hyper linking the events to our Facebook events page, but also including the information for those of you who are not on social media.

  • July 19, 2023: Informational Picketing at the Seattle Tacoma Airport flag pavilion. We will meet at 12:30 and the event will last until 2:00pm. There is limited parking at the AFA Office. We suggest parking at the SeaTac Light Rail station and take the train to the airport. Try to carpool if you will be parking. We also ask that you wear your uniform. 
  • August 15, 2023: Systemwide Day of Solidarity. We are still working out the details on where we will be staging and where we will send people, so keep your eyes out for future communications.

Where is the Flag Pavilion? The Flag Pavilion is located right at the entrance to the airport, across the street from the Radisson Hotel. 

SIGN UP HERE for JULY 19 EVENT: We have our permit for the event, however, the Port of Seattle limits the number of people who can attend. If you know you can attend, SIGN UP HERE. 

Stay tuned for more information on our RED hot summer! We will post on our Facebook page and also send updates via email, so make sure to check your email regularly for our communications!

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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