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In This Edition

AFA Council 39 (PDX) Election Results

Originally posted May 17, 2023

The following AFA Flight Attendants were elected to Local Council Officer positions representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Portland:

LEC President: Steven Maller 
LEC Vice President: Krystle Berry 
LEC Secretary: Bethany Badalamenti

These officers will serve a term of office starting July 1, 2023 and concluding on June 30, 2026.

Read More >

AFA Council 19 (SEA) Election Results

Originally posted May 18, 2023

The following AFA Flight Attendants were elected to Local Council Officer positions representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Seattle:

LEC President: Paula Isla-McGill
LEC Secretary: Adam Clarey
Council Representative: Megan Brown
Council Representative: Jerry Sinclair

Due to a tie between Melinda Jorge Henderson & Ty Tufono-Chaussee, a run-off election will be held for the office of LEC Vice President.

These officers will serve a term of office starting July 1, 2023 and concluding on June 30, 2026.

Read More >

Negotiation Session 15, Part 1

Originally posted May 19, 2023

Significant progress was made this week, so we split our Negotiations Update into two parts. Part 1 covers tentative agreements reached on Sections 16: Sick Leave/On the Job Injury and 32: Attendance Policy, as well as a related LOA addressing the impact of paid sick leave laws on the CBA. Part 2 will publish later today, covering the remaining tentative agreements from this session and progress to date.

Read More >

Negotiation Session 15, Part 2

Originally posted May 19, 2023

Our Negotiating Committee tentatively agreed on Sections 10.T-FF: Scheduling, 30: Training, 36: Jumpseat and Pass Privileges, and 37: Commuter Policy, as well as several related LOAs. We began discussing Section 21: Compensation, including the comprehensive economic package. Progress continued on Sections 9: Junior Available and Premium Open Time, 11: Reserve. Of the remaining 8 sections, 5 are being discussed, 1 is currently tabled, and 2 remain undiscussed. The next negotiation session is June 13-15.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 23Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 24Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 25SFO 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)

The following AFA Flight Attendants were elected to Local Council Officer positions representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Seattle:

LEC President: Paula Isla-McGill
LEC Secretary: Adam Clarey
Council Representative: Megan Brown
Council Representative: Jerry Sinclair

Due to a tie between Melinda Jorge Henderson & Ty Tufono-Chaussee, a run-off election will be held for the office of LEC Vice President.

View the certified election results here >>

These officers will serve a term of office starting July 1, 2023 and concluding on June 30, 2026.

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) congratulates the newly elected officers and we sincerely thank all those who stepped forward to run in the election.

From AFA International Membership Services

Elected; Term of office July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026

LEC President:            Steven Maller
LEC Vice President:    Krystle Berry
LEC Secretary:            Bethany Badalamenti

You can see the certified results here: 

council_39_certified_election_results_2023.pdf (afacwa-elections.org)

Thank you for voting!

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The following AFA Flight Attendants were elected to Local Council Officer positions representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Portland:

LEC President: Steven Maller 
LEC Vice President: Krystle Berry 
LEC Secretary: Bethany Badalamenti

View the certified election results here >>

These officers will serve a term of office starting July 1, 2023 and concluding on June 30, 2026.

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) congratulates the newly elected officers and we sincerely thank all those who stepped forward to run in the election.

In This Edition

Mental Health Awareness Month

Originally posted May 9, 2023

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a few reminders about mental health, mental illnesses, factors & causes, and available support. You can reach out to your local AFA EAP Committee Members for assistance in connecting with a professional or addressing concerns, for yourself or a loved one.

Read More >

COVID-19 Grievance Mediation & Settlement

Originally posted May 9, 2023

Our MEC Grievance Committee successfully settled three outstanding grievances related to COVID-19. Flight Attendants who received $200 from the Company for attesting to their vaccination status get to keep the payout. In some cases, Flight Attendant sick leave will be restored.

Read More >

May 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted May 10, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, May 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. Due to contract negotiations taking place at the same time as the meeting, our MEC did not meet with management as part of this month’s meeting. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27. Please don’t hesitate to contact your LEC President if you have any questions.

Read More >

Negotiation Session 14

Originally posted May 14, 2023

We resumed discussing previously tabled Sections 9: Junior Available and Premium Open Time, 11: Reserve, 36: Jumpseat and Pass Privileges, and 37: Commuter Policy. Progress continued on Sections 10: Scheduling and 30: Training. Of the remaining 13 sections, 9 are being discussed, 1 is currently tabled, and 3 remain. The next negotiation session is May 16-18.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 16 – Thursday, May 18Contract Negotiations
Wednesday, May 17Retirement 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)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, May 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • Due to contract negotiations taking place at the same time as the meeting, our MEC did not meet with management as part of this month’s meeting.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27. Please don’t hesitate to contact your LEC President if you have any questions.

On Tuesday, May 9, the Regular MEC Meeting for May 2023 was held as scheduled. Our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates on their respective areas. Furthermore, the MEC reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their current work. 

No Meeting With Management This Month

Usually, our MEC meets with management during these meetings to discuss current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants face. However, this month, contract negotiations happened at the same time as the MEC Meeting. As a result, most key management personnel from inflight and labor relations were unavailable to meet with our MEC. Despite this, other meetings, such as the bi-weekly Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Meeting, are scheduled with management to address any other issues that come up promptly.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please reach out to your LEC President.

Grievance Committee

  • Our MEC Grievance Committee successfully settled three outstanding grievances related to COVID-19.
  • Flight Attendants who received $200 from the Company for attesting to their vaccination status get to keep the payout.
  • In some cases, Flight Attendant sick leave will be restored.

We are pleased to inform you that our MEC Grievance Committee has successfully resolved three COVID-19-related grievances with the Company through mediation with Arbitrator Symonette and management. We have settled Grievance 36-99-2-230-21 for violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury, Grievance 36-99-2-234-21 for §21 Non-Negotiated Compensation, and Grievance 36-99-2-233-22 for violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury. Please take a look below for more details on the settlements or review the settlement agreement.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-230-21 – Violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury

The grievance was about how the Company treated vaccinated Flight Attendants compared to unvaccinated Flight Attendants who contracted or were exposed to COVID-19 while on the job. Over two years, the Company’s stance on this matter changed multiple times, resulting in varying pay protections for different groups.

In our contract, Section 16 unequivocally applies to all Flight Attendants, regardless of their vaccination status. A Flight Attendant who is unvaccinated but holds a medical or religious exemption must be treated with the same level of respect and consideration as a vaccinated Flight Attendant. This means that even if an unvaccinated Flight Attendant must undergo quarantine while their vaccinated counterpart does not, they should not be treated differently.

We carefully reviewed the dates and changes made by the Company and devised a solution that will make exempted Flight Attendants whole. However, there were specific dates when we could not provide a remedy for those who did not disclose their status. Those who were covered before the vaccine and had access to exemptions will have their sick leave restored, and in some cases, they will have their attendance points removed. For more information, please refer to the Letter of Agreement.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-234-21 – Violation of §21 Non-Negotiated Compensation

This grievance alleges that the Company violated Section §21 [Compensation], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it announced on or about September 2, 2021, that it would pay $200 to each vaccinated Flight Attendant who provided proof of vaccination to the Company by October 15, 2021.   The provisions of Section 21 do not provide for any exemptions or differentiations based on vaccination status. Nevertheless, the Company unfairly imposed this exception on the entire bargaining unit without engaging in negotiations with AFA.

Management agreed that Flight Attendants who have been vaccinated will be able to retain their $200. However, they would not agree to give the same amount to those who are unvaccinated, even if they have a medical or religious exemption. After careful consideration, we decided to withdraw the grievance as the mediator expressed doubts about our likelihood of success in arbitration.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-233-22 – Violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury

This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §16 [Sick Leave/On the Job Injury], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when on or about May 11, 2022, it unilaterally implemented disparate quarantine procedures without adequate notice by posting and/or updating the Company intranet (“Alaska’s World”) with different quarantine requirements for symptom-free vaccinated versus symptom-free unvaccinated Flight Attendants. Our Grievance Committee argued that Alaska’s World articles are not sufficient notice of policy changes since they are not mandatory reading, and Flight Attendants must be informed of changes through must-read bulletins. 

The Company agreed it would notify Flight Attendants of any changes to COVID-19 quarantine policies and procedures through required (“must-read”) bulletins.

Questions?

Overall, the outcome of this settlement was successful, and we are glad to be able to provide some resolution to these grievances. Our commitment to ensuring fair treatment and safe working conditions for all our Members remains firm, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards that goal. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Local Grievance Committee or LEC President with any questions or concerns.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a few reminders about mental health, mental illnesses, and available support.
  • You can reach out to your local AFA EAP Committee Members for assistance in connecting with a professional or addressing concerns, for yourself or a loved one.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Can your mental health change over time?

Yes, it’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors.  When the demands placed on us exceed our resources and coping abilities, our mental health could be impacted. 

How common are mental illnesses?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness. About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as major depression.

What causes mental illness?

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

  • Adverse Childhood experiences such as trauma or a history of abuse 
  • Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

How can you protect and support your own mental well-being?

Evaluate your mental well-being on a routine basis just like you are advised to do for your physical health. Your AFA EAP can help you connect with a professional to assist you with that process or to address any concerns you may have about your or a loved one’s mental health.  Your local AFA EAP Committee Members can be found on the EAP Committee page of the AFA Alaska website or you can call (949) 470-0493.

In This Edition

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Originally posted May 1, 2023

May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage week the following year. Read more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month of May.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2023

Originally posted May 2, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, April 25 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

Other Parents Like Me (OPLM)

Originally posted May 3, 2023

Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a free online resource for parents and other caregivers of children struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. Other Parents Like ME (OPLM) offers several resources free of subscription charge for one year with the code/link provided. This free subscription is a gift from OPLM founder and retired United Airlines Flight Attendant Cassie Fariello.

Read More >

Building Community Power: Now and Then

Originally posted May 4, 2023

Our Human Rights Committee wants to invite you to our 2023 celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month on May 23rd. Join our online presentation, Building Community Power: Now and Then, with panelists discussing community power in the past and present day. AFA is joined by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, and the International Women’s Alliance for this event.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 9Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, May 9Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 9 – Thursday, May 11Contract Negotiations

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!

SEA Domicile Negotiations Update – February 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants SEA Domicile May Vacancy Posting The company has posted vacancies for the SEA domicile. There are 121 permanent vacancies available, effective May 1, 2026 for the May bid month. Bids will close at 11:59 PM HT on Monday, February 16. Awards will be posted by 12:00 PM […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Wednesday, January 28, 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO & MEC ASHSC Vice […]

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Tuesday, March 3

This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be heard! Join us at an AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3. Get the latest AFA news and connect directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers directly from AFA Representatives. The Details What: AFA Alaska + […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

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