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Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, November 14 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.

On Tuesday, November 14th, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara O’Bryant.

The committee also met with Director – Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Sr Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Uniform Fit Center Lead Ashley Sentner, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford, SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis and Manager Inflight Policies and Standards Jeannette Waddel.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting is tentatively set for Tuesday, February 22, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • The new Unisync website launched at the end of October.
  • New method for reporting quality issues – now located directly on the Uniforms page in Team AAG.
  • Mockneck sweater now available for order. Delivery slated for Q1 2024. Aura vest (blue) is scheduled to ship in Summer 2024 and ordering will be available shortly before then.
  • Spinner suitcase testing will begin in the near future. A Travelpro spinner was previously tested but proved to be too top heavy (tipped easily) and one inch smaller (inclusive of the wheels). This created about two inches less space compared to our current roller making it unsuitable for 4+ day trips. AFA and management will continue to explore other options.
  • New uniform policies were updated at the end of October.
    • Aura and Atlas pieces may be mixed and matched to suit body types and style preferences, however, the style guide must be followed regardless of which pieces are being worn.
    • Uniform checks are currently being conducted. The main areas of concern receiving discipline are:
      • Outerwear – Noncompliant coats
      • Nose rings (hoops) and earrings that are larger than approved size of a quarter
      • Hemlines – Too short
      • Lanyards other than ones from the company store (Labor has expressed that management will not pursue discipline, however, if you are asked to remove your lanyard, please comply and submit a ticket at support.afaalaska.org)
      • Shoes with white soles or stitching (you can use a navy/brown permanent marker or leather dye on the white stitching to make them compliant)
  • Management will consider moving from the current approved list to “boot guidelines and requirements” for the seasonal navy boots. Updates will be made by March of 2024 when boot season concludes.
  • March 2024 will also see the ban of popular lug-style shoes and discipline may be issued for noncompliance. AFA has gone all the way up through marketing (including Luly Yang) in attempts to advocate for the shoe to remain in compliance. The final decision is that these shoes will not be allowed.
  • Seasonal aprons will continue to be allowed and the committee is advocating for marketing to make this a permanent part of the style guide.
  • Maternity pieces should be in full stock and available. Please email or call the Fit Center if you encounter any issues and let your local Uniform Committee Chairperson know if you are unable to obtain pieces.
  • The Uniform survey closed on 11/07/2023 and results will be shared with AFA in late December once the data has been analyzed.
  • Discussed the possibility of opening the PDX Fit Center on an annual or semiannual basis, but there has not been much turn out in the past. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email AFA at uniform@afaalaska.org so we can collect data on how many FAs would attend to return items, have repairs done, and get fitted.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Wear Testing. Trying to create a diverse pool of wear testers. Finding convenient ways to get wear test items to testers other than base office hours as we would like FAs working early AM trips and nighters to also be part of future wear tests. Would also reduce issues with returns getting back to the Fit Center.
  2. Annual Review of Basic Uniform Cost. AFA meets annually to review the cost of the basic uniform per the contract to ensure the allotment amount is correct with the addition of new pieces.
  3. Unisync Usability. Concerns over confusion with new ordering sizes. Wool Sensitivity options are available but not widely known or advertised. Made-to-order pieces (tall) still require a phone call.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please email Unisync with any quality issues. In the email, please describe the issue in detail, include the “PO” number from the tag, attach photos of the issue and the tag, if possible, and CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket at AFA Alaska Support so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

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

In This Edition

Shared on Social

They Say They Care

Alaska Airlines say they “CARE” – what better time to show it than during this holiday season? Low pay, a punitive sick leave policy, and constant schedule changes aren’t taking care of Flight Attendants. What we really need this holiday season is a new, industry leading contract!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 28Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 28Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Wednesday, November 29Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 29SEA Base Safety Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

In This Edition

December 19 Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now

Originally posted November 13, 2023

Our December 19 Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the holidays. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, as well as Washington, D.C. (DCA), and RSVP now using one of the links below to let us know you’ll be there!

Read More >

Mobilization Expands: Direct Passenger Outreach Begins Today

Originally posted November 15, 2023

Mobilization Volunteers will begin distributing leaflets today to Alaska Airlines passengers across all six bases, inviting them to keep up with our contract fight. Passengers can stay informed by scanning a QR code on the leaflets and signing up for email updates. If passengers ask questions on the aircraft about picketing, negotiations, or leafleting, they should be redirected to Alaska Listens. Do not discuss negotiations with passengers while on duty.

Read More >

November 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted November 16, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management. The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Direct Passenger Outreach Off to a Successful Start

We’re making it easy for passengers to support our contract fight and stay informed about upcoming actions that may impact their travel plans. Today, our Mobilization Volunteers launched a campaign to distribute informative leaflets among our passengers across all six bases. Several Local Councils will continue to conduct leafleting activities over the next few days. Leaflets included a QR code that directs passengers to the community support page on the contract website, where they can find a link for an email signup form for the public to receive email updates.

American Airlines Flight Attendant Informational Picketing

American Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), held informational picketing events nationwide yesterday to send American management a message: they are ready to strike! They’ve set today as the final deadline for American management to come to the table with a satisfactory economic proposal. If American management doesn’t, the APFA Board of Directors will vote on approving a request to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for release from mediation and into a thirty-day cooling-off period.

AFA Flight Attendants from Alaska and other airlines joined the picket line in support. Management across the industry is watching, and our solidarity is powerful! When we fight together, we win together!

Next Week’s Events

No events scheduled

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 on Tuesday, November 14, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • In solidarity with our Negotiating Committee, the MEC canceled the planned meeting with management.
  • The next regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, and Wednesday, December 6.

Our MEC held its regular meeting for November 2023 on Tuesday, November 14. The MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates during the meeting. The MEC also reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their ongoing work.

Meeting with Management

Our MEC was initially scheduled to have a meeting with management this month. However, it was decided to cancel the meeting to show our full support for the Negotiating Committee’s decision to cancel the November negotiations session. This decision was made in response to management’s insulting proposals at the bargaining table. Instead of the meeting, the time was utilized to discuss contract negotiations and strategize our mobilization efforts.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a productive meeting with the Negotiating Committee and MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson to discuss yesterday’s direct passenger outreach preparations and our upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing. We are confident about plans for the December 19 event, and our Negotiating Committee is counting on us to show up and join the picket lines. We also had an in-depth discussion about plans for other forthcoming mobilization activities yet to be announced.

Questions?

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

In This Edition

Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

Originally posted November 6, 2023

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support American Flight Attendants on Thursday, November 16

Originally posted November 9, 2023

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Southwest Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Congratulations to Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants (represented by TWU Local 556) on their tentative agreement (TA)! Our Negotiating Committee will meet next week to discuss the agreement and its implications on our ongoing contract negotiations. We plan to release a more comprehensive communication after our meeting, outlining how the agreement relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Bidding Reminder – Systemwide Informational Picketing on Tuesday, December 19

Remember to bid Tuesday, December 19 off for our systemwide informational picket! Ratchet up our collective pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity, fighting for the contract we deserve and earn every day! This pressure brings our negotiations to the attention of the public, media, and investors. We will continue to push for what we deserve- a fair contract now!

More information, including meet-up locations and RSVP links, will be coming soon.

Negotiating Committee Statement On The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Tentative Agreement

Our Negotiating Committee met this week to prepare for the upcoming negotiations session in December with a mediator. During this session, we also discussed the recent Tentative Agreement (TA) for Southwest (WN) Flight Attendants, who are represented by TWU Local 556. Out of respect for the ratification process, our Negotiating Committee will not weigh in on the particulars of the WN TA at this time. Southwest Flight Attendants have the right to consider and vote on their TA without undue external influence. After the result of the ratification vote is known (currently scheduled for December 8), we will communicate how the outcome relates and fits into our overall bargaining strategy.

Industry Leading?

Alaska Airlines is industry-leading across the board–except for its Flight Attendant contract. It’s time for management to make Alaska Airlines an industry leader in taking care of its employees by delivering the improved pay and work rules that Flight Attendants have earned!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, November 14Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, November 15Retirement Board Meeting
Thursday, November 16American Airlines Flight Attendant (APFA) Informational Picketing
Thursday, November 16PDX Base Safety 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)

Flight Attendants at American Airlines, part of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), have been in negotiations for a new contract since January 2019. In August, they took a strike authorization vote, and an overwhelming 99.47% of American Flight Attendants authorized APFA to call for a strike if necessary. Despite this, American management continues to delay the process by offering concessionary proposals or, more recently, showing up to the bargaining table with no proposals at all.

American Flight Attendants have had enough of these delaying tactics and are taking action! On November 16, they’ll conduct a systemwide informational picket to demonstrate they are unified, committed, and ready to fight for the contract they deserve. It’s time to stand up and show American Airlines management that Flight Attendants and workers everywhere are united in demanding an end to corporate greed. Be on the lookout for a picket line near you, and plan to show your solidarity!

APFA Systemwide Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, November 16

BOS, CLT, DCA, LGA, MCO, MIA, PHL: 11 AM – 1 PM ET
ORD, MSP: 11 AM – 1 PM CT
DFW: 3:30 – 5:30 CT
PHX: 9 – 11 AM MT
LAS, LAX: 11 AM – 1 PM PT

Click here to RSVP >

In this issue….

  • Inflight Service Committee Update
  • Membership Committee Update
  • Mobilization Committee Update
  • EAP Committee Update
  • Reserve Committee Update
  • Scheduling Committee Update
  • Uniform Committee Update

Inflight Service Committee

A few reminders from your ISC Committee:

  • Please remember to comp crew members dead head meals instead of swiping. To comp the meal from the pre-ordered meals list, tap on the crew member’s name and scroll to the DH Crew and tap.
  • Use B2B to report juice shortages in FC and MC. Management needs to hear from us when we need more supplies.
  • During November it is possible that you will be catered with both Starbucks and Stumptown coffee. Please use the Starbucks first.

Membership Committee

We have many Seattle Flight Attendants that are delinquent or in dues arrears. Please makesure to keep up on your union dues.  Missed dues deductions will not come out of future paychecks, payments for missed deductions must be paid directly to International Membership.

If you are an active member and do not have enough money on your 20th paycheck to auto deduct union dues, you will owe dues for that month.

When a Flight Attendant is out on leave and coordinating sick leave or vacation, they are considered active and will owe dues. Depending on what other deductions you have, coordinating minimum TFP might not be enough to cover your union dues deduction. If this is the case you will have to pay your dues directly to International Membership.

Here is a link to payment options when you miss an auto deduction https://www.afacwa.org/payment_options. Flight Attendants that are delinquent would not be eligible to vote for a TA.

We will be holding a membership meeting on December 19th around our Solidarity event. More information about this will come out shortly!

If you have questions, you can reach out to our Membership Chair and Council Secretary, Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org.

Mobilization Committee

The Mobilization Committee continues to be busy supporting the Negotiating Committee by getting information out to our flight attendants and building solidarity. Save the Date for a system wide Informational picket on December 19th. There will also be a membership meeting on this same day.

 We’re always looking for more Mobilization Volunteers. If you’re interested, sign up at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/mobilization/volunteer/signup/

Reserve Committee

Your Council 19 Reserve Committee will be conducting a joint in person base sit along with the Scheduling Committee on November 15th from 10:00AM-6:00PM in the north satellite village. Please come say hi, and meet your local Reserve and Scheduling Chairpersons and have all your Reserve and Scheduling related questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Please continue to file tickets at https://support.afaalaska.org  for contractual concerns. You can direct general inquiries to our monitored email (sea.reserve@afaalaska.org). We try to reply and provide assistance within 24 hours, but keep in mind that we all fly full schedules. 

We continue to see a lot of out of order assignments. As a reminder,  LTFA order must be followed in all cases, even for ER conversions and APSB assignments. You can only be assigned out of order relative to other FAs who are the same type of Reserve classification (AM/PM/ER) who are good for the same number of days. If you believe you were assigned out of order please file a ticket at https://support.afaalaska.org. 

Additionally, your local Reserve Committee was successful in getting a bulletin issued to Crew Schedulers clarifying the Reserve monthly maximum LOA (118.2 TFP) and so far we are seeing less issues related to FAs being illegally scheduled beyond 118.2 flown reserve TFP. 

Lastly, we are getting reports that the PPP (productivity premium program) calculator is not working properly. We have recently been informed that Crew Pay believes the issue has been resolved and is working properly at this time. If you believe your calculator is still incorrect you can email FA Crew Pay (fa.crewpay@alaskaair.com) for an accurate year to date count if you have PPP related inquiries. 

Fly safe and see you out there!

Scheduling Committee

Thank you for continuing to reach out to the Sea Scheduling Committee and submitting AFA Support tickets so we can assist you with scheduling issues as they occur. We’ve included a few important year end reminders. 

Know Before You Go:

We would like to give a few recommendations as we move into the Fall/Winter months, the holiday season, and possible weather related operational issues. We suggest that FAs review the following sections of the contract: 10.R. Reassignments, Section 10.S. Pre- Cancellation, and Ground Commuter Policy (Section 28.G.) (AFA SLOA 2020-05-20) 

The Scheduling Committee has created several Flowcharts to assist you in understanding sections of the CBA. 

They can be found in the Scheduling section on the AFA Website. 

AFA Website > Main Page > Committees > Scheduling > Tools and Resources (right hand side) 

Record Improvement – End of year 480/960 TFP totals and Point Reduction 

We traditionally tend to see sick leave drop in November and December as FAs are trying to achieve their 480/960 TFP totals and also qualify for the point reduction (record improvement) for not calling in sick in November and December.

Record Improvement – Point Reduction  – end of year Nov/Dec 4 points or less  (Section 32.G.4. 480 TFP  [§13.D.6.] [§16.L.4.] [§21.D.6.] [§23.B.1. – B.4.] [§23.C.6.b.] [§23.C.7.a.] [§32.G.4.]  960 TFP  Longevity PTO (Section 14.A.5.) 

Sit Pay Adjustment Form

We continue to get questions regarding pilot sit pay adjustments. This is currently a manual process. The requirement is for the Flight Attendant to submit the form (Sit Pay Adjustment Form) for Crew Scheduling to adjust if applicable. 

The form can be found on the FA Website: 

Administration > Pay & Benefits >Sit Pay Adjustment Form

If preferred, there is a QR code which can be found in Bulletin Bundle #2023-0067

***** Helpful hint: whenever there’s a change to your trip in Crew Access (JCTE)  you will see a shaded triangle in the top Right corner of the Trip.  You can expand that window and it will provide additional information.  Typically when there’s a pilot adjustment it will show there.  

Your Council 19 Scheduling Committee will be conducting a joint in person base sit along with the Reserve Committee on November 15th from 10:00AM-6:00PM in the north satellite village. Please come say hi, and meet your local Scheduling  and Reserve Chairpersons and have all your Scheduling and Reserve related questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Uniform Committee

  • Please remember to use your uniform Allotment ASAP. Any leftover funds will not roll over. 
  • Please continue to report any quality issues for garments to alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com. It is helpful to include photos of defects and of the tag inside

World Kindness Day: November 13 

One constant among our workgroup is that of kindness, woven into our innate nature, continually making an appearance throughout all our days. For this, we have much to be proud of alone as an integral foundation. This kindness glows in abundance with positive light onward to every corner we touch, to every soul we meet, bestowing an impact that ripples on to all others. We simply have the best work force.

Remember to practice kindness within all social media dwellings, too. Company policy has set forth a social media policy that we all must adhere to, for review please refer to their guidelines. Kindness, so simplistic in thought, but so sincere in nature, toward all, forever lights our way…with indelible impact, highlighting once more our very nature…. 

The wisdom of kindness gleams on; for there is always a hand that needs help, a kind word that needs to be spoken, a word of wisdom that needs to be heard, a kindness to be shown…the radiance of which shines on to profound depths.

In Solidarity, 

Your Council 19 Committee Chairs and Officers

To view this communication in a PDF version with graphics, see below.

Council-19-November-Committee-FINALDownload

Benefits Committee

Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

Re-Enrolling After A Leave

While we disagree that one should have to re-enroll in Health Benefits when returning from Staffing Leave, we strongly suggest that you do so. Check to make sure that all your prior coverages are in place. To do so, you can call your health plan directly or visit www.MyAlaskaBenefits.com and check your coverage. We’ve also been advised that once you re-enroll, it can take several days for the coverage to update. You should also have received an email in your company Outlook email regarding health benefits when returning from SAL.

Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

Health benefits premiums, like payroll, are deducted in the subsequent month (i.e., in October for September). When on a Staffing Leave, these deductions do not take place. Flight Attendants are advised to review their pay statement to determine whether or not deductions were taken from October 20th paychecks.

Direct Billing Notice Errors

Those on Staffing Adjustment Leave should have received a direct bill from Cobra Management Services (CMS) with instructions to self-pay the employee contribution for September Health Benefits. We are aware that some Flight Attendants DID receive this notice, and it was correct. We are also aware that many did NOT receive a direct bill and that some did receive bills for very strange amounts that do not reflect the usual employee contributions.

No Direct Bill Received

If you did not receive a direct bill, or if you did not have a correct bill or a deduction from your October 20 paycheck, please contact CMS. The balance owed must be paid to continue coverage. You can contact CMS at:

Phone: (425) 452-9889, ext. 145 or (866) 527-7580, ext. 145
Email: services@cobramanagement.com

Service Charges May Apply

Payments made by credit card or electronic funds transfer have an added service charge applied by the vendor. You might prefer to mail a check to avoid these.

Reporting Issues And Questions

If you’re having challenges with any of these issues, please email management at tiffany.perry@alaskaair.com and emmit.elliott@alaskaair.com and cc our AFA Benefits Committee at benefits@afaalaska.org. Our Benefits and Grievance Committees are continuing to work to resolve these issues.

In This Edition

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Originally posted November 1, 2023

November 1st marks the first day of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century when proclamations were adopted by various organizations and state governments celebrating American Indian Day. Read more about Native American Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Native Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19

Originally posted November 1, 2023

Ratchet up the pressure on management this holiday season and show we stand in solidarity for the contract we deserve and have earned! Management’s first economic counter-proposal was offensive and unacceptable. Their proposals fail to reflect our value as Flight Attendants. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 19 and plan to bid the day off for informational picketing in all bases.

Read More >

Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Originally posted November 2, 2023

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Horror Story 2023

AFA Alaska presents ‘The Horrors of Corporate Greed’! Follow for more scary and true stories from Alaska Flight Attendants.

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

New Negotiating Committee Blog Post

A new response is now published on the Negotiating Committee Blog! Read this week’s post for information on proposed pay scales in the context of the overall economic proposal.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, November 9Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, November 9Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Microdosing is a practice where individuals consume very small, sub-perceptual doses of a psychoactive substance, typically a psychedelic compound like psilocybin (found in “magic mushrooms”) or LSD. These doses are much lower than what would be needed to induce a full-blown psychedelic experience. Recently, researchers, doctors and patients alike have been turning to microdosing to evaluate if this practice can have positive effects on mental health, mood and cognition struggle. However, all consumers, especially safety sensitive employees like Flight Attendants, should be aware of the below cautions and concerns.

  1. Legal Issues: In many countries and states, psilocybin is illegal, and possessing or using it, even in small amounts, can lead to legal consequences. Even though some US states have legalized psilocybin, it is still considered a Schedule 1 substance at the federal level (just like marijuana).
  2. Lack of Standardization: Psilocybin content in magic mushrooms can vary significantly between species and even individual mushrooms. This makes it difficult to accurately control dosage, potentially leading to unintended and unpredictable effects. Obtaining a reliable source of psilocybin for microdosing can be challenging. Ensuring the quality and purity of the substance is also crucial to avoid potential contaminants or impurities.
  3. Interactions with Medications: Psilocybin may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. These interactions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, leading to serious health consequences. Psychological Effects: While the doses in microdosing are sub-perceptual, some individuals may still experience unwanted psychological effects such as anxiety, paranoia, or mood swings.
  4. Dependency and Tolerance: There is a potential for developing a tolerance to psilocybin with regular microdosing, meaning that over time, one might need to increase the dose to achieve the same effects.
  5. Misuse and Self-Medication: Microdosing is often promoted as a remedy for various mental health issues. Using it as a substitute for proper mental health treatment can delay or prevent individuals from seeking necessary help from qualified professionals.
  6. Undesirable Physical Effects: Even though micro-doses are sub-perceptual, there can be mild physical side effects, such as nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
  7. Individual Variability: Responses to microdosing can vary greatly among individuals. What works well for one person may not have the same effects for another, and some people may experience adverse effects.

If you are struggling with a well-being issue, please reach out to your AFA EAP Committee for access to evidence-based treatments. Your Local EAP Committee can be reached using the contact information at afaalaska.org/eap or by calling (949) 470-0493. Remember, all calls are confidential.

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, March 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

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