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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        September 30, 2022 17:00

        In This Edition

        • ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification
        • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2022
        • Modification of Section 10.S – Pre-Cancellations
        • MEC Committee Chairperson & Appointed Position Interviews
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

        Originally posted September 23, 2022

        The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification.

        Read More >


        Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022

        Originally posted September 26, 2022

        Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 21 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.  The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.  Management continues to experience challenges in many locations that are affecting the correct loading on onboard catering supplies and retail products.  Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  

        Read More >


        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2022

        Originally posted September 28, 2022

        Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 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 >


        Modification of Section 10.S – Pre-Cancellations

        Originally posted September 28, 2022

        AFA and management have recently come to an agreement to provide better clarity as to how pre-cancellations and reassignments are confirmed in advance of the first day of a sequence.  The agreement expands existing pre-cancellation language and provides protections to Flight Attendants in how Crew Scheduling handles a number of additional situations.  The new language goes into effect at midnight on Saturday, October 1, 2022.  If you have any questions, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee for more information.

        Read More >


        MEC Committee Chairperson & Appointed Position Interviews

        Originally posted September 29, 2022

        In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the term of appointment for the MEC Committee Chairpersons is concurrent with those of the MEC Officers.  As the current MEC Officer term will end on December 31, 2022, the MEC will be conducting a review of all MEC Committee Chairperson and other MEC-level appointed positions at a Special MEC Meeting to be held November 29 through December 1, 2022.

        Read More >


        Shared on Social

        AFA Disaster Relief Fund

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

        If you would like to apply for AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Funds, visit www.afacwa.org/drf and download the Disaster Relief Fund Application.  If you wish to contribute either by check or electronic payment, please visit www.afacwa.org/drf for more information on donating.


        Next Week’s Events

        Friday, October 7Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

        See the MEC Event Calendar >


        Find Us on Social Media

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

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        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        September 29, 2022 09:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the term of appointment for the MEC Committee Chairpersons is concurrent with those of the MEC Officers.  As the current MEC Officer term will end on December 31, 2022, the MEC will be conducting a review of all MEC Committee Chairperson and other MEC-level appointed positions at a Special MEC Meeting to be held November 29 through December 1, 2022.

        During this review process, the MEC will be interviewing for the following MEC-level chairperson positions:

        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson
        • Benefits Committee Chairperson
        • Communications Committee Chairperson
        • EAP Committee Chairperson
        • EAP Committee Vice Chairperson
        • Government Affairs Committee Chairperson
        • Grievance Committee Chairperson
        • Hotel Committee Chairperson
        • Hotel Committee Vice Chairperson
        • Human Rights Committee Chairperson
        • Inflight Service Committee Chairperson
        • Inflight Training Committee Chairperson
        • Reserve Committee Chairperson
        • Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson – New Hire & Probation
        • Retirement Committee Chairperson
        • Scheduling Committee Chairperson
        • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS 
        • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – Pairing Construction
        • Uniform Committee Chairperson

        Additionally, interviews will also be held for the following MEC-level appointed positions:

        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Primary Representative
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Alternate Representative
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Primary Representative
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Alternate Representative
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) Representative
        • Grievance Committee Assistant
        • Grievance Committee – Payroll Representative
        • Inflight Training Committee Member (3 positions)
        • Scheduling Committee – PBS Subcommittee Member (3 positions)
        • Scheduling Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Primary Representative
        • Scheduling Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Alternate Representative

        General Qualifications

        The following qualifications apply to all MEC-level Chairperson positions:

        • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson preferred (required for EAP).
        • Previous committee-specific training preferred (required for EAP).
        • Ability to attend meetings as required (primarily by videoconference and occasionally in-person).
        • Strong computer skills. Good working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google Workspace (email, calendar, and other software), and Microsoft Office.
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meetings agendas and take minutes.
        • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

        The following qualifications apply to all Inflight Training Committee positions:

        • Current Inflight Instructor who is regularly assigned to Inflight Training Department responsibilities.

        Duties and Responsibilities

        Information about the duties and responsibilities of each specific committee can be found in article VII of the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, which can be accessed by clicking here.  Additional information about MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities can be found in this document. 

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be discussed during each interview.  All positions operate in accordance with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during a special MEC meeting from November 29 through December 1, 2022.  If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate.  All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet videoconferencing.

        Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/xyvgfD9vzyJX5z8c6.  The deadline for submissions is 9 AM Pacific time on Saturday, November 19.  After the submission deadline, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

        Please note that in order to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

        Questions?

        Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson or MEC-level appointed position duties and responsibilities should be directed to MEC Vice President Brian Palmer at  mecvp@afaalaska.org.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Committees, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: committee appointments, interviews, MEC Committee Chairperson, MEC Committee Vice Chairperson

        September 28, 2022 17:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        • AFA and management have recently come to an agreement to provide better clarity as to how pre-cancellations and reassignments are confirmed in advance of the first day of a sequence.
        • The agreement expands existing pre-cancellation language and provides protections to Flight Attendants in how Crew Scheduling handles a number of additional situations.
        • The new language goes into effect at midnight on Saturday, October 1, 2022.  If you have any questions, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee for more information.

        AFA and management started discussions in 2018 regarding reassignments and pre cancellations related to Hurricane Lane, during which Crew Scheduling was found to be reassigning trips out of seniority order.  The issue was referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process, agenda item 044-18A.  The parties discovered the language needed further clarification to assist Flight Attendants and Crew Schedulers on how to apply the provisions during these critical events as it relates to pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes and aircraft downgrades that are confirmed in advance of the day of departure (i.e., first day) of a sequence.  Though conversations with management about the issue were ongoing, the ability to make significant progress in resolving the issue was hampered by COVID and network restructuring over the past several years.

        The product of those discussions resulted in the following letter of agreement (LOA), AFA SLOA 2022.09.09 Modification of 10.S Pre-Cancellations.  Please take time to review this agreement so you are aware of your contractual rights and obligations.  As part of the agreement, the following situations will now be handled according to the pre-cancellation provisions our collective bargaining agreement:

        • All retimes of the departure time of the first flight in a sequence
        • All retimes involving the arrival and/or departure times of any flight in a sequence of greater than two hours (2:00)
        • All retimes involving the later arrival time of the last flight in a sequence of greater than fifteen minutes (0:15)
        • A Company flight that is cancelled from a Flight Attendant’s line of time in advance of the day of departure even if such flight is replaced by a Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) flight operated as or on behalf of Alaska Airlines (e.g., Horizon Air, SkyWest) with the same flight number and/or routing as the cancelled flight. 

        The new language contained in the LOA goes into effect at midnight on Saturday, October 1, 2022.  Our MEC, Scheduling Committee, and Grievance Committee appreciates each of you filing reports and giving us the opportunity to carve out clarifying language that will support you going forward.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions about the letter of agreement or associated changes, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Grievance Committee, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: 10.S, pre-cancellation

        September 28, 2022 13:00

        Scheduling Committee

        • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, September 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!

        On Tuesday, September 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey. The committee met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Sara Cook, Director of Crew Staffing Nicholas Giles, and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

        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:

        • Concerns with charter bidding and ferry flight numbers that were not supposed to be in bid packets. These were pay protected under Section 10.W.  Crew Planning is developing processes to ensure compliance. 
        • Vacation bidding first round awards are posted.  Questions about whether the bidding instructions for vacation are adequate.   If not, what would Flight Attendants like to see added or removed. 
        • Preparations for winter operations.  Reminder to review Irregular Operations including but not limited to Section 8.S and 10.S.
        • New managers, supervisors and crew schedulers are joining Inflight Crew Scheduling. The committee reviewed that they do receive contract training, on the job training, work with instructors and high level crew access/crew exchange processing training.  The committee welcomes each of them to the department and look forward to working with them. 
        • Hotel and transportation issues.  Some Flight Attendants were required to vacate hotels during irregular operations in Newark.  This concern was referred to the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process as AFA believes there is a clear violation of the contract.  There are still reliability issues with some hotel transportation and are reviewing all concerns.
        • Upcoming large schedule reduction for flights operating on Thanksgiving.  This will affect layovers and holiday pay.  We will see more pairings with minimum pay rules that include EOR and MSM.  Want Flight Attendants to be aware of these changes. 
        • Asking for 4 position pairings (A/B/C/D) from Crew Planning.  This is under review. 
        • Line holders picking up reserve days may be sent to CARE Retreat as a reserve assignment.  Refer to the CARE Retreat LOA. 

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Reassignment Flow Chart.  Scheduling Committee Members reviewed a draft of the reassignment flow chart and it has been moved forward to the final stages of review and approval.  Refer to sections 10.R and 10.R.5 of our CBA.
        2. Scheduling Quality of Life Improvements.  Reviewing ways to improve Trip Length Distribution (TLD) and other quality of life options.  Working with management to develop a quality of life survey to determine Flight Attendant scheduling priorities. 
        3. Review of user guides and links of Flight Attendant website.  Ensuring information is still accurate in existing resource materials, links are still active and working, etc.
        4. Updating Crew Access videos.  Working with management and ITS to update the Crew Access instructional videos to reflect updates and changes to the user interface.
        5. Pre-Cancellation/Modification of Section 10.S LOA.  Working to familiarize Flight Attendants with the changes and update the flow chart.

        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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        September 26, 2022 17:00

        Inflight Service Committee

        • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 21 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
        • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
        • Management continues to experience challenges in many locations that are affecting the correct loading on onboard catering supplies and retail products.  Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  

        On Wednesday, September 21, our AFA Local Inflight Service 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 Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN).  Also present was MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett.  The committee met with Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Managing Director of Guest Products Todd Traynor-Corey, and other management representatives from the food & beverage, catering operations, and inflight mobile teams. 

        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:

        • The main topic of discussion was the ice issue. It is now currently being addressed by management with an in-depth focus to determine the root cause.  Failure of ice provisioning, quantity, and quality has contributed to a lack of confidence by Flight Attendants in the catering operation. 
        • Management is considering upgrading first class product, specifically food and service, to allow Alaska to be more competitive.  Attention to providing Flight Attendants the opportunity to be successful needs to be taken into account when changes are being contemplated.
        • Plastic food toppers should be returning, first class menus are scheduled to return also, and upgrades in the snack basket number and quality of products are expected.  A new Bloody Mary Mix is being researched.  Again, we are dependent upon the supply chain. The committee recommends a soft launch for new products.
        • At this time management has confirmed the small cans of soda are here to stay.
        • Revision of the layout of the seatback card has been requested and would include alaskareceipts.com and not include pictures of non-available fresh products interspersed with what is actually offered onboard without pre-order.
        • Refreshed interior enhancements of the 737-800 were presented by management.  The first aircraft will probably be on-line in mid 2023 or sooner. 
        • Satellite Wi-Fi will be coming to most of the fleet in several months (depending upon supply issues) with the exclusion of the 737-700.  
        • The Hawaii arrival announcement has been changed and there are some minimal changes to the service announcements as well.  The service announcements will advise passengers that certain retail items are available for purchase.  
        • The State of Hawaii is interested in a digital arrival agriculture form and the company is working with them to bring this to fruition. At the inception, paper forms would be available onboard as well.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Addressing ice issues.  Continuing issues reported through Block2Block and other reporting channels, voicing Flight Attendant frustration with the quality and quantity of ice are continually brought forward. We are focusing on holding management accountable for not providing a basic component for required service.  
        2. Providing input on tools necessary for optimum service is currently pinpointed.  The committee is requesting new trays that are sturdier and more suited for delivering service items. In addition, a request to management has been made to research and replace the carafes as soon as possible.  The committee’s focus is to remind management to recognize that the Flight Attendant needs for appropriate tools should be prioritized in management budgets. We will continue to make management aware that tools are a necessary part of doing business. 
        3. Advocating for realistic service levels.  The committee continues to advocate against the addition of a third beverage cart on premium long-haul flights based on operational and logistical factors.

        We Want to Hear from You!

        Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block.  If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

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

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Inflight Service Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        September 23, 2022 18:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

        The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification.

        Click here for the Alaska Airlines Pilots TA Quick Guide (September 2022) >

        At a quick glance, the TA contains impressive improvements to scope, compensation, work rules, hours of service, retirement, and other additional improvements.

        Regardless of the outcome of the ratification vote, this TA raises the bar for Alaska Airlines pilots — and raises our expectations of Alaska Airlines management in Flight Attendant negotiations!

        In Solidarity,

        Jeff

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Message from the MEC President Tagged With: ALPA, negotiations, pilots, TA, tentative agreement

        September 23, 2022 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Negotiating Committee Blog
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        Negotiating Committee Blog

        Originally posted September 21, 2022

        Negotiations are underway!  Our Negotiating Committee has published the Negotiating Committee Blog to keep our workgroup informed.  Review the Contract 2022 website for frequently asked questions and other resources.

        Read More >

        This Week’s Blog Questions

        • What does “Trade Jail” mean in management’s opening proposal?
        • What does it mean when management’s opening proposal says, “address” such and such provision?
        • Does the Negotiating Committee want to limit the number of probationary Flight Attendants per flight?
        • What is the “We Care Pass” or “Stuff Happens Pass”?
        • Management’s opening proposal indicates they want to increase the 4K distance, the 480 requirement, and the duty day! Is the Negotiating Committee considering any of these?
        • Can you clarify what “The earlier of Occupational or Alaska Air Group (AAG) seniority used for non-rev pass travel” means in our Opening Proposal to management?

        Shared on Social

        We CARE about an industry leading contract!

        Make sure to show your solidarity at the CARE Retreat by wearing your AFA pin. Let management know – we CARE about an industry leading contract!


        Next Week’s Events

        Tuesday, September 27Monthly 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!

        • Facebook
        • Twitter
        • Instagram

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        September 16, 2022 17:00

        In This Edition

        • We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001
        • Power of the Pin
        • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
        • September 2022 MEC Meeting Recap
        • First Negotiation Session
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

        Originally posted September 11, 2022

        Read More >


        Power of the Pin

        Originally posted September 13, 2022

        All in, wear your pin!  Let’s show management we are ready for an industry leading contract.  Wear your AFA pin with pride every time you come to work to show that we stand together in support of our Negotiating Committee.  Need an AFA pin?  Be on the lookout for Mobilization Volunteers in your base or contact your Local Council for information about how to obtain a new one.

        Read More >


        Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

        Originally posted September 15, 2022

        September 15th marks the first day of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1968 when legislation was signed into law first recognizing Hispanic Heritage week.  Read more about Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Hispanic-Latinx Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.  Join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

        Read More >


        September 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

        Originally posted September 15, 2022

        Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.  As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight and crew planning management to discuss issues and concerns that are facing our work group and need to be addressed.  The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

        Read More >


        First Negotiation Session

        Originally posted September 15, 2022

        Our Negotiating Committee and Master Executive Council met with management for the first negotiation session.  Both parties exchanged Opening Proposals and began discussions.  Flight Attendants around our system showed solidarity by wearing AFA pins.

        Read More >


        Shared on Social

        Negotiation Session 1 Recap Video

        Hear from our Negotiating Committee how the first session of contract negotiations went, including updates on Tentative Agreements and relevant discussions.


        Next Week’s Events

        Wednesday, September 21Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
        Thursday, September 22SAN Base Safety Meeting
        Thursday, September 22Alternate 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!

        • Facebook
        • Twitter
        • Instagram

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        September 15, 2022 13:00

        Master Executive Council (MEC)

        • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
        • As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight and crew planning management to discuss issues and concerns that are facing our work group and need to be addressed.
        • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

        The September 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, September 13 and Wednesday, September 14.  The meeting consisted of updates provided by our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee.  Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work. 

        Joining our Negotiating Committee for Opening of Contract Negotiations

        Our MEC joined our Negotiating Committee for the opening of contract negotiations on Tuesday.  As a show of support, the MEC sat in as the Negotiating Committee and management exchanged opening proposals.  After the introductory portion, the MEC adjourned to continue the MEC Meeting and the Negotiating Committee proceeded with discussions at the bargaining table.  More information about this week’s contract negotiations will be posted on the Contract 2022 website after the session concludes.

        Meeting with Management

        As part of most Regular MEC Meetings, our MEC meets with management to review current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants are facing.  Attendees from management this month included Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow, Director of Inflight Training and Standards Thomas Kaminski, and Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette.

        Some of the topics that were discussed include:

        • Plans for changes to Initial Training.  Management provided an extensive update on Initial Training and the classes held so far this year.  They also shared plans for changes to the Initial Training program for upcoming classes, including the reintroduction of service flights.  
        • Plans for 2023 Recurrent Training.  Management also shared plans for the 2023 Recurrent Training (RT) program.  RT 2023 will include a return to two full days of classroom training.
        • Domicile staffing & base transfers.  Management indicated that they plan to grant additional Flight Attendant domicile transfers over the next several months and will be working to clear the base transfer waiting lists.
        • Quality of pairings.  Our MEC once again shared that Flight Attendants are looking for improvements to pairing quality.  In particular, there are concerns with changes made to the schedule by network planning that affect the ability of Flight Attendants to achieve desired productivity and additional commutability concerns.
        • Concerns with the current absence management vendor.  Our AFA Benefits Committee and LEC Presidents have received reports that the company’s current absence management vendor is not responsive, has provided incorrect information, and has made errors that have impacted Flight Attendants.
        • CARE Retreat concerns.  Our MEC shared some specific concerns about the CARE Retreat, including issues with some Flight Attendants not receiving pre-event communications and questions about how management plans to address possible environmental allergies that some people may have to some of the items being given to attendees.
        • Drug testing policies and procedures.  Our MEC brought concerns forward about possible discrepancies in how random DOT drug tests were being conducted and asked for clarification about the procedure.

        MEC Policy & Procedure Manual Amendment

        This month, our MEC took action on one agenda item for amendment of the MEC Policy & Procedure Manual.  The agenda item incorporates new language establishing structure within the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to support the new Inflight Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) program. This agenda item has been incorporated into the manual and posted to the AFA Alaska website.

        Questions?

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

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: MEC Meeting

        September 11, 2022 05:46


        AFA Never Forget Website

        United Flight 175

        Robert J. Fangman
        Amy N. Jarret
        Amy R. King
        Kathryn LaBorie
        Alfred G. Marchand
        Michael C. Tarrou
        Alicia N. Titus
        Captain: Victor Saracini
        First Officer: Michael Horrocks
        Customer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez

        United Flight 93

        Lorraine G. Bay
        Sandra Bradshaw
        Wanda A. Green
        CeeCee Lyles
        Deborah Welsh
        Captain: Jason Dahl
        First Officer: Leroy Homer

        American Flight 11

        Barbara Arestegui
        Jeffrey Collman
        Sara Low
        Karen Martin
        Kathleen Nicosia
        Betty Ong
        Jean Roger
        Madeline Sweeney
        Dianne Snyder
        Captain: John Ogonowski
        First Officer: Thomas McGuinness
        Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell

        American Flight 77

        Michele Heidenberger
        Jennifer Lewis
        Kenneth Lewis
        Renee May
        Captain: Charles Burlingame
        First Officer: David Charlebois

        Filed Under: AFA News Now Tagged With: September 11

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