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Master Executive Council

Yesterday, the Washington State House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee declined to advance WA State Bill (SB) 5725 (“Clarifying the application of the industrial welfare act and minimum wage act to airline cabin crews”) out of committee. This action effectively killed the bill for the 2023-2024 legislative session. 

Alaska Airlines management was championing the effort, and AFA ultimately agreed to support the bill after much negotiation. Flight Attendants have brought forward questions and concerns about WA SB 5725 and AFA’s support. The underlying issues are complex, the stakes are high – and being in negotiations, AFA is in a complicated balancing act. 

The bill’s failure this legislative session may impact bargaining. Both sides are assessing the situation and determining next steps, which may not be known until contract negotiations next week. In the meantime, AFA is working on a more comprehensive communication to publish tomorrow. 

Thank you in advance for your patience!

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, March 24, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Friday, March 24, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), James Ikehara (SFO). Also present were MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, Director of Diversity Equity & Inclusion James Thomas, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Sarah Keimig, and Access/Diversity Program Manager Steve Nelson from management.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Virtual Listening Sessions. Local Human Rights Chairs will facilitate virtual listening sessions in each base with management, allowing flight attendants to discuss diversity and inclusion topics and concerns. The next session is scheduled for April 20, 2023 with SAN Human Rights Committee Chairperson Erika Daniel and SAN Inflight Supervisor Saua Case. Management will communicate future dates and times to all Flight Attendants.
  • Monthly Conference Calls. AFA International began monthly conference calls for Human Rights Committee Members from across our union to share information and coordinate activities.
  • Hosiery/Socks Accessibility. The previous IMD alert with hosiery/socks resources will also be added to the uniform ordering site. The Zappos Shoes link is now located on the uniform ordering site as well.
  • Volunteer Events. Members of the management Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team discussed the ability for Flight Attendants to volunteer at events throughout our system. Information can be found on Alaskasworld within the Employee Resources/Care Community Involvement link. This leads to the Benevity.org page where Flight Attendants can sign up to volunteer for events locally as well as throughout our system.
  • Further Collaboration. The DE&I team will continue working along with inflight management and the Human Rights Committee on base visits, upcoming events, and activities sponsored by DEI or Business Resources Groups (BRGs).

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Exploring Collaboration and Shared Goals. Working with the DE&I department to build relationships with the company Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.
  2. Base Newsletters. Publishing information in each base on monthly human rights activities and scheduled events.
  3. Supporting Passengers. Discussing reports of some of passengers traveling between certain city pairs without a clear plan or assistance upon arrival at their destination. The Human Rights Committee and management are currently working on potential resources our Flight Attendants can use to help in these circumstances.

We Want to Hear From You!

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

In This Edition

Negotiation Session 11

Originally posted March 24, 2023

Our Negotiating Committee began discussing Sections 15 (Leaves of Absence), 27 (General – Association), and 30 (Training). Tentative agreement was reached on LOA 5 (Sick Family/Sick Child), increasing the total to 29 sections. The Committee is currently discussing 13 open sections and 3 sections remain. The next negotiation session is April 4th through 6th.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, March 28Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 30Alternate 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!

In This Edition

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2023

Originally posted March 13, 2023

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, March 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants. The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants. Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

EAP/Professional Standards Committee News – March 2023

Originally posted March 15, 2023

Our AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee (Members helping Members) seeks to assist Members, their families, and partners experiencing personal and work-related problems that could or are affecting their health and well-being on and off the job. Our EAP committee is a Union-sponsored support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, their families, and partners. EAP Peer Representatives are trained to provide three distinct but interrelated services: Assessment, Support, and Referral Services; Professional Standards; and Critical Incident Response.

Read More >

2023 College Scholarship Opportunities

Originally posted March 16, 2023

As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least two different scholarships. An additional opportunity, the Union Plus Free College Benefit, offers the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books. Check out the links below for eligibility requirements, application information, and other important details for each opportunity.

Read More >

Upcoming 2023 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Originally posted March 16, 2023

Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting next week. The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted. Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding the approval of the AFA International budget. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, please contact your LEC President.

Read More >

Shared on Social

FAA Reauthorization Bill 

Our AFA Government Affairs Committee met with their representatives on Capitol Hill and urged them to pass the FAA Reauthorization Bill. This bill will improve aviation safety and conditions onboard the aircraft for flight crew and passengers. Top priorities discussed with Congress include cabin air safety, and stopping disruptive passenger abuse towards crew members and gate agents.

See the post on Instagram

Next Week’s Events

Monday, March 20AFA Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, March 21 – Thursday, March 23Contract Negotiations
Thursday, March 23SAN Base Safety Meeting
Friday, March 24Quarterly Human Rights 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!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting next week. The BOD meeting is where business affecting all AFA airlines is conducted.
  • Your LEC President is your representative at the BOD meeting and will be voting on your behalf regarding the approval of the AFA International budget.
  • If you have any questions about the BOD meeting, please contact your LEC President.

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and many other LEC Officers and Committee Chairs will be attending the 50th Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting being held virtually. They will join representatives from the other airlines that make up AFA to conduct the business of our Union at the international level.

Schedule of Events

Monday, March 20Board of Directors Meeting

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and the other members of your Local Council on the Board of Directors and will be casting votes on your behalf at the BOD meeting. Your MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD but do not have voting privileges.

This year, as in all odd-numbered years, the only advanced agenda item for consideration by the Board is the annual AFA-CWA budget. Each Local Council has held or will hold a Local Council meeting before the BOD meeting to discuss the proposed budget and gain your feedback. Details about the proposed 2023-2024 AFA-CWA budget are available from your LEC President.

Questions?

If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or the proposed AFA-CWA budget, please get in touch with your LEC President.

AFA International

  • As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least two different scholarships.
  • An additional opportunity, the Union Plus Free College Benefit, offers the ability to earn a degree with no out of pocket expense for tuition, fees, and e-books.
  • Check out the links below for eligibility requirements, application information, and other important details for each opportunity.

As an AFA and CWA Member, you and/or certain eligible dependents have the opportunities for at least two different scholarships for the pursuit of higher education.  The time for applying is now!

Brought to you by our Union, these benefits of union membership have become very popular with Members.  Please see the respective links for detailed information, and good luck in obtaining financial assistance.

AFA Dee Maki Scholarship

The Association of Flight Attendants Dee Maki Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our active members who will be attending a college or university.  The deadline for applications is April 10.  Details are available on the AFA International website at http://www.afacwa.org/scholarships.

CWA Joe Beirne Scholarship

The Joe Beirne Scholarship is offered by CWA. The deadline for applications is April 30.   Details on this scholarship are on the CWA website at http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/beirne.

Union Plus Free College Benefit

In addition, there is a free college benefit available through Union Plus for active and retired Members and their families with the opportunity to earn an associate degree completely online – for FREE.  Details and an application are online at https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org.  This benefit can save you thousands of dollars.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers

EAP/Professional Standards Committee

Our AFA EAP/Professional Standards Committee (Members helping Members) seeks to assist Members, their families, and partners experiencing personal and work-related problems that could or are affecting their health and well-being on and off the job. Our EAP committee is a Union-sponsored support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, their families, and partners. EAP Peer Representatives are trained to provide three distinct but interrelated services: Assessment, Support, and Referral Services; Professional Standards; and Critical Incident Response.

AFA EAP is a confidential resource available to Members, demonstrating care and concern for its Members individually and collectively.

EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairpersons

ANCBonnie Waltersanc.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(907) 230-7208
LAXJeanne McCleave  lax.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(949) 922-1606
PDXContesa Nicolaidis  pdx.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(503) 970-6873
SANMelanie Buker   san.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(208) 890-1849
SEAAndrea Koricansea.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(206) 419-2637  
SFOZarah Cummings  sfo.eap.chair@afaalaska.org(925) 577-5733
MECElizabeth Dillon (Chairperson)
Lisa Haugen (Vice Chairperson)		eap@afaalaska.org(949) 470-0493 

DID YOU KNOW: There’s a New Program Called FAAS?

What is FAAS?

FAAS stands for Flight Attendant Addiction Support. It’s a new assistance program developed and run jointly by AFA EAP and management. Any non-probationary Flight Attendant is eligible to use the program.

What does FAAS offer?

  • FAAS is structured to encourage Flight Attendants to seek help before on-the-job misconduct occurs.
  • Those who self-disclose to the company before a work-related performance issue occurs will have access to 30 days of residential treatment at a facility fully paid for by the company,  whether you have Kaiser Insurance, Premera Blue Cross/Blue Shield, or NO Insurance.
  • AFA EAP and your Base Director/Manager will be part of your recovery support team during the treatment period.
  • Should a Flight Attendant’s substance use progress to the point that they show up at work under the influence, the Flight Attendant will have access to company-funded treatment IF the Flight Attendant self-discloses before boarding the first flight of the day and before a reasonable suspicion test is requested. 
  • Should a Flight Attendant’s on-the-job impairment result in a test positive, a pathway to return to flying for Alaska has been developed under the FAAS program following their separation.
  • FAAS is also designed to encourage co-workers to feel comfortable approaching or identifying a Flight Attendant whose impairment risks flight safety. Under FAAS, only the struggling Flight Attendant can jeopardize their job by failing to self-disclose before boarding their first flight of the day or before being identified for testing. Even then, the Flight Attendant will have a pathway for reinstatement.

Does FAAS replace AFA EAP or the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP)?

No. AFA EAP/FADAP offers confidential assistance without company knowledge or involvement.  AFA EAP can confidentially help you decide which of these assistance programs is best for you and your work circumstances.  Unlike FAAS, AFA EAP can also work with probationary Flight Attendants and their family members.  Don’t hesitate to call any of your EAP Committee Members in a safe, confidential setting.

FADAP Contact Information

https://www.fadap.org 
Phone: (855) 33-FADAP / (855) 333-2327
Direct Line: (202) 355-6337

Did You Know: Wings of Sobriety Telephonic Meetings

Meetings are open to all Flight Attendants exploring their need for or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Meeting times are scheduled every Wednesday at 12 PM Pacific time and Sunday at 2 PM Pacific time. Meetings generally last between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The conference call number to join is (855) 544-2320.

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, March 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Thursday, March 9, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Teran Eason (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN).  Also present was MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton. The committee also met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Director Sara Cook and Inflight Crew Scheduling Manager Matthew Trujilo.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 8th.

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:

  • Planned Initial Training classes for the remainder of the year. Class 3 and Class 5 were canceled, however management still intends to hire additional Flight Attendants. The number of classes and specific number of students in each class is dependent on delivery of new aircraft.
  • Increase in requests for assistance with PBS and bidding from new hires. Exploring ways to provide additional training and support in this area.
  • Crew Scheduling management changes. Sara Cook was promoted to Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling and four new Crew Scheduling Supervisors are onboarded. Management is in the process of hiring an additional manager to support operations. 
  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access affecting Reserve Flight Attendants. Reviewed where known issues are documented and newly added/fixed issues. 
  • Review of upcoming update to Crew Access software. Includes associated fixes to current issues and other improvements, and prioritization for programming fixes.
  • Probationary Flight Attendant support through the Probationary Buddy Program. Buddies are very busy supporting new Flight Attendants. Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Buddy for contractual questions.
  • Increase in lineholders picking up reserve days. This resulted in some increased flexibility for Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics. Reserve utilization is approximately 82% in all bases. Reserve coverage is anticipated to be approximately 21-20% for the remainder of Quarter 1 and Quarter 2.
  • Request for management to decrease the Adequate Reserve Coverage (ARC) maximum. Goal of providing additional flexibility for shifting reserve days. Management agreed to review possible changes.
  • Review of contractual language related to Reserve Flight Attendants calling in well.
  • Reminder of the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. New hire Flight Attendants can report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Probationary Buddy Program.   Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Probationary Buddy program.
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring management is complying with our contract.
  3. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for New Flight Attendants.  Working to create documents to provide user friendly, easy-to-digest resources about the Collective Bargaining Agreement and other job-related information for new Flight Attendants.

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 Reserve 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 Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

March 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted March 9, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, March 6, and Tuesday, March 7, 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, April 11, and Wednesday, April 12. Please don’t hesitate to contact your LEC President if you have any questions.

Read More >

Help Support SkyWest Flight Attendant Organizing in LAX & SAN!

Originally posted March 10, 2023

SkyWest Flight Attendants are organizing to form their Union and join AFA-CWA! Help support their efforts by joining in an upcoming SkyWest AFA “Concourse Chats” visibility event. The goal of the events is to engage 1-on-1, in-person and have conversations with SkyWest Flight Attendants to learn their issues and priorities and invite them to be a part of the campaign by signing a card, wearing a pin, and/or getting more involved.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, March 15Council 19 SEA Local Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 15Council 39 PDX Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 16Council 15 SAN/Council 18 LAX Joint Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 16Council 35 SFO Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 16Alternate 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!

AFA International

SkyWest Flight Attendants are organizing to form their Union and join AFA-CWA! Help support their efforts by joining in an upcoming SkyWest AFA “Concourse Chats” visibility event. The goal of the events is to engage 1-on-1, in-person and have conversations with SkyWest Flight Attendants to learn their issues and priorities and invite them to be a part of the campaign by signing a card, wearing a pin, and/or getting more involved.

Upcoming visibility events in LAX and SAN are next week! Here are the details:

LAXMonday, March 13, 202312 to 4 PM PTMeet Up Location TBD
SANWednesday, March 15, 202312 to 4 PM PTMeet Up Location TBD

For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact AFA Campaign Representative Gailen David at gdavid@afacwa.org.

AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025

In This Edition Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Originally posted September 15, 2025 Join us in celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, a time dedicated to honoring the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Discover the history, participate in special events, and grab your commemorative Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin […]

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 […]

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