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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • AFA Alaska leadership and Alaska Airlines management have reached agreement on a remedy for the delayed May & June bid awards.
  • All Flight Attendants who were active at any point during the May or June 2022 bid months will receive 4.0 TFP on their respective July 20th paychecks.
  • Thank you to the more than 4400 who participated in the “It’s Time to Make It Right!” letter writing campaign, and AFA appreciates management’s commitment to doing the right thing in these circumstances.

AFA Alaska leadership and Alaska Airlines management have reached agreement on a remedy for the delayed May & June bid awards:

All Flight Attendants who were active at any point during the May or June 2022 bid months will receive 4.0 TFP on their respective July 20th paychecks. *

* Flight Attendants must not have been on a leave of absence for the entirety of both bid months and newly hired Flight Attendants must have been eligible to bid for either bid period to be eligible for the settlement. The 4.0 TFP will have applicable taxes withheld at the regular withholding rate and less any other deductions/contributions.

Realistically, an arbitrator would not have awarded 4 TFP to all active Flight Attendants as a remedy to these contractual grievances, so we recognize that management ultimately agreed to more than we would have achieved through arbitration. This non-precedential monetary settlement compensates FAs for the inconvenience resulting from the contractual violations and demonstrates management’s willingness to accept responsibility for their actions. AFA appreciates management’s commitment to doing the right thing in these circumstances.

Thank you to the more than 4400 who participated in the “It’s Time to Make It Right!” letter writing campaign: Our collective action was an impressive show of solidarity that was invaluable in achieving this settlement!

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, June 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, June 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 Haley Hirsch (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Camile Caldwell (SFO), Meg Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Joe Coneglio (SAN).  Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton, MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeill, and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee also met with Inflight Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Nyxalyse Paul from management. 

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:

  • Ongoing concerns about low morale within our work group.
  • Review of upcoming update to Crew Access software and associated fixes to current issues and other improvements.
  • Update on topics of interest that were reviewed at the monthly Scheduling Committee meeting.
  • Review of reserve-related issues that have been escalated to the Scheduling Review Board (SRB) and Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes.
  • Update on probationary and new hire Flight Attendant concerns.  MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Jarod McNeill has been in regular contact with Inflight Probationary Support Supervisor Kaliko Howell to review issues.  Most frequent issues causing probationary occurrences are late to plane and forgetting to check-in on Block2Block.
  • Review of contractual issues and requests to be referred to the Negotiating Committee for consideration.
  • Possible project to create new easier-to-follow and more concise resources for new hire Flight Attendants to use to better understand the CBA and other job-related information.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics.  Reserve coverage is anticipated to remain at approximately 24-26% for the remainder of summer and lineholder line averages will likely stay near the contractual minimum of 75 TFP.
  • Ongoing concerns about the need for relief for reserve Flight Attendants.  Many Flight Attendants who are on reserve outside of SEA have been on reserve for many years with no end in sight.  Management indicates that their plan is to adjust ARC numbers to allow for increased flexibility.  The Committee would like management to offer additional ways to provide relief.
  • Review of management’s planned upgraded telephone system in Crew Scheduling, currently planned for implementation later this year.
  • Review of reserve-related scheduling issues that have occurred recently.

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

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Assisting Probationary Flight Attendants Through the Reserve Buddy Program.   Answering questions from and providing support to probationary Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Reserve Buddy program.
  2. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management is compliant with our contract. 
  3. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for New Flight Attendants.  Working to create a plan to provide more user friendly, easy-to-access resources about the CBA 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 find our contact information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 31 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 Tuesday, May 31, 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 Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Sejal Patel (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX), and Erika Daniel (SAN).  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 and Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert from management. 

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:

  • Ongoing concerns about low morale within our work group.
  • Continued efforts to build relationships with the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRG) to ensure Flight Attendant representation in all areas.  The Committee would like to see BRG activities be more inclusive of Flight Attendant participation and made available in all bases.
  • Management is launching a new general email address for all employees to ask questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The new email address will launch on June 15.
  • Ongoing request to make DEI information easily accessible to Flight Attendants on the Inflight Mobile Device (IMD), including a link to the AFA Human Rights Committee resources page.
  • Tragedies that have taken place recently in communities across the United States and around the world.  The Committee will work with the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee to request that resources be shared with Flight Attendants to help individuals cope with these events.
  • Ongoing issues related to the company’s use of Boxed Water as a supplier and concerns about ownership/investors whose values may be contradictory to those of Alaska Airlines.  The Committee met with management and Daryn Kuipers, CEO of Boxed Water to discuss these concerns.  Kuipers stated that Boxed Water fully supports human rights and treating people equally.  It was also shared that the company is an active supporter of LGBTQ events and has made both monetary and in-kind donations.
  • Management’s proposal to conduct DEI listening sessions with Flight Attendants in each base; discussion about involvement of the AFA Human Rights Committee.
  • Working to increase diversity and representation within the Flight Attendant Special Projects Pool.  

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Thursday, August 4, 2022.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Developing a Framework for Diversity & Inclusion Listening Sessions.  Discussing proposed plans with management to have our AFA Human Rights Committee facilitate sessions in each base that would allow Flight Attendants to discuss diversity and inclusion topics and concerns with management.
  2. Working to Make Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Information More Accessible.  Encouraging management to make information about DEI events, activities, and programs more accessible and visible to Flight Attendants through links on the IMD and more regular and relevant communication.  Requesting that management include links to the Human Rights Committee’s resource page on afaalaska.org.
  3. Building Relationships with the Company’s Business Resources Groups (BRGs).  Continuing to work to establish relationships with leaders of the Company’s BRGs to find areas where we can join together to advance human rights within the scope of each group.

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 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

Get Ready for Our Negotiations Survey—Update Your Contact Information Now!

Originally posted May 31, 2022

In just a few months, our Negotiating Committee will be conducting a Negotiations Survey of all Flight Attendants.  The results of the survey will be used to help our Negotiating Committee prepare our Opening Proposal.  When it’s ready to launch, the survey will be sent out to all Flight Attendants using contact information on file with AFA.  If your contact information has recently changed, make sure to update it as soon as possible so you’re able to receive your invitation to complete the survey.

Read More >

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

Originally posted June 1, 2022

June 1st marks the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States.  The tradition recognizes the events of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in the LGBTQ rights movement.  Read more about LGBTQ Pride Month, learn about the history of the LGBTQ rights movement, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.  Join the celebration by wearing an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin during the month of June.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

Introducing Our Negotiations Administrative Support Representative

Originally posted June 3, 2022

One of the key mandates of our Negotiating Committee is to prepare and present contractual documents that are thorough, accurate, and complete.  Our MEC recognizes the importance of this responsibility and has determined that it will be beneficial to appoint a dedicated individual to handle these duties.  Kristy Stratton will be taking on this role as our Negotiations Administrative Support Representative.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, June 6AFA Presentation to Initial Training Class 2022-09
Thursday, June 9Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 9Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, June 9Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Human Rights Committee

  • June 1st marks the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States.  The tradition recognizes the events of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a watershed moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. 
  • Read more about LGBTQ Pride Month, learn about the history of the LGBTQ rights movement, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin during the month of June.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

June 1st marks the first day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month in the United States.  The celebration originated to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.  The Stonewell Uprising is recognized as a major milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement.  On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the one-year anniversary on the Stonewall Uprising and the last Sunday in June continued to be celebrated as “Gay Pride Day”.  Over time, the single day event eventually grew to an entire month of events and activities.

Learn More About LGBTQ Pride Month

You can learn more about the history of LGBTQ Pride Month and the history of the LGBTQ rights movement through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin

In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution in recognition of June as LGBTQ Pride month.  A special commemorative pin was subsequently designed for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of June.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee.  Also be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine pin availability.

Important Dates

June 02: Workplace Mental Health First Aid Virtual Training
June 30: Q2 CBT Due

Officer Elections – Thank you Council 35 Members!

Thank you everyone that voted in the recent Council 35 Officer elections.  James, Brad and I (Melissa) are grateful for all your support and look forward to supporting our members for the next 3 years.  Council 35 is also happy to announce and welcome a new addition to our team, Virginia Fritz as Vice President!  As the SFO Scheduling Chair Virginia is no stranger to members’ needs at Council 35, and now she will be expanding her responsibility even further by supporting members in a variety of ways.  Here’s what Virginia has to say about her new role:

I am so humbled and honored that our membership chose to elect me as their new Vice President! I have had a lot of passion in serving C35 as the Local Scheduling Chair and love that I now have more opportunities to do so. I look forward to working with the Re-Elected Team that has been serving as our base for the past 3 years and finding more ways to support C35. Thank you for your faith in me! I look forward to serving you all and ensuring that your trust has been placed in the right person!

Workplace Mental Health First Aid Virtual Training

Provided by AFA International EAP
The Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) is offering a special in-depth virtual training opportunity to discuss workplace issues and learn best practices dealing with mental health and substance abuse concerns for Flight Attendants and their friends and family. Utilizing components of the Mental Health First Aid curriculum, a nationally used workplace training program, the program will explore the topics below. Time will be available for questions and answers. Topics to be covered include:

  • Signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Assessment, warning signs, and interventions for suicide
  • Understanding traumatic events
  • Facts and risk factors for substance abuse
  • Understanding stages of change and interventions for substance abuse

Date: June 2. 2022
Time: 1400-1800 Eastern
Where: Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 840 1525 7760
Passcode: 774802
One Tap Mobile:

+13017158592,,84015257760# US (Washington DC)

+13126266799,,84015257760# US (Chicago)

Dial By Location:

    +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

    +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

    +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

    +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Welcome to SFO!

As of May 1, SFO has welcomed 19 new Flight Attendants and look forward to more for the month of June!  Council 35 members, please give our newest Flight Attendants a warm welcome and be sure to show them  what we love about our SFO base. If you’re a new hire or transfer to SFO-Welcome!  Please be sure to sign up to receive Council 35 newsletters (like this one) and be sure to save the link to Council 35 committee resources for future reference.

AFA Help for Crew Conflict

We have all had those days…days we go to work and the crew just doesn’t click.  As professionals, we have been trained to use our communication and CRM skills to get through the trip.  But what do we do when that doesn’t work?  If you and a fellow crew member can’t resolve a disagreement and/or conflict on your own, or you find yourself uncomfortable confronting a fellow crewmember, let’s consider the options to reach a resolution:

Contact Base/Performance Management or Human Resources/HR:

This option is easy to begin with, however take a moment to understand what happens next when you choose this option.  Once management receives a report, they are obligated to follow through with an investigation.  This may include a series of interviews with crew members and could result in disciplinary action.  The challenge with this option is that once management is aware, there is no turning back.  Take time to consider if enduring an investigation and/or facing discipline for another and possibly yourself is the desired outcome.  Please consider whether there is a way to resolve the issue that doesn’t involve permanently impacting an FA’s personnel file.

File an ASAP Report (Compliance and/or Safety Concern)

This option is perfect for reporting possible safety and compliance issues that cause a disagreement.  The Aviation Action Safety Program (ASAP) Event Review Committee (ERC) includes AFA, Alaska (AS) management and the FAA. The ERC evaluates reports that are  scrubbed of all identifying features so the issue is considered, not the individual who caused it.  This provides a fair and discipline-free option to resolve an issue without involving a performance investigation.  Keep in mind that the ASAP program has exceptions for reports involving alcohol and intentional disregard for policy and procedure.  Please review the ASAP webpage for more details.

EAP Professional Standards (Our Favorite!)

Professional Standards (PS) is a division of the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) committee.  Committee representatives are specially trained in mediation and have many options available to offer Flight Attendants that find themselves in a conflict with another FA. The beauty of this program is that it does not involve AS management at all.  It is completely confidential and avoids the stressful investigation process that would be the result from contacting management alone.  Keep in mind, once management is involved, EAP/PS cannot step in to help.  Therefore your Council 35 officers strongly recommend that FAs consider Professional Standards first, before any other option.  Any Flight Attendant who has endured an investigation due to being “turned in” by another FA would agree that avoiding management’s involvement is always a better option.

To contact SFO EAP Professional Standards, please reach out to sfo.eap@afaalaska.org for a consultation.

Scheduling Quick Links

by Virginia Fritz, VP Elect and Scheduling Chair

Pre-cancellations

Have a precancellation and don’t know what options you have? Please review the flow chart on our webpage to see which scenario fits your specific situation.\

IROPs

On a trip and experiencing an IROP situation? Save the link to the AFA Scheduling IROPs guide to understand pay and scheduling options for each scenario.

Fly Now, Grieve Later

Keep in mind that there will be times when there may not be time to evaluate the legalities of a situation you encounter. You may need to fly the trip and open a ticket for review after the fact.  Your SFO Scheduling Committee can help you through the resolution process if an issue is not able to be resolved at the time it occurs.  

More questions? Contact sfo.scheduling@afalaska.org.

New Council 35 Committee Openings:

Government Affairs Committee Chair

The Government Affairs (GA) committee promotes the AFA-CWA agenda by supporting legislative efforts that benefit our members or lobbying to discourage laws that will negatively impact members.  What can be achieved in legislation takes away the need for negotiation in our contracts.  If you have an interest in government issues, please visit the GA webpage on the AFA Alaska website. Submit your letter of interest to SFO@afaalaska.org for consideration. 

Mobilization Committee Chair

Council 35 is looking to fill the chair position for upcoming Section 6 negotiations.  The chairs from each base will compose the committee with the goal to help motivate and provide assistance to members during the negotiations process.  If you are passionate about improvements to our contract and understand the power of solidarity, please apply!  Submit your letter of interest to SFO@afaalaska.org for consideration.  For more information, please see the recent MEC communication announcing the role.

Interested in another committee position?  Please review the duties and responsibilities on the AFA Alaska Committee website.  Please submit your letter of interest to SFO@afaalaska.org for consideration.

Complimentary In These Times for AFA-CWA Members

Provided by AFA International
Each year, In These Times magazine makes a limited number of subscriptions available to valued readers – for free. This year, they’ve invited AFA-CWA members to take part. In These Times is an award-winning, monthly magazine that has covered movements for social and economic justice since 1976. With over 40 years of chronicling and informing the labor movement, they report from the perspective of workers, not the bosses. There’s no payment or credit card info required, and no strings attached. The only catch is that there is a limited number of free subscriptions available, so take advantage of this and sign up now!  To claim your free subscription, visit the In These Times website.

SFO KCM New Location

Effective May 12, 2022 TSA relocated the KCM entrance for SFO Terminal 2. It has been relocated to the C-gate check point (near Green Beans Coffee) where you will find a dedicated KCM crew line. This check point is open from 0400-0030 daily.

Got a question?

Contact information for Council 35 committee members can be found on our website.  You can also open an online support ticket and the appropriate rep will respond.

In solidarity,

Council 35 Officers:

Melissa Osborne, President
Virginia Fritz, Vice-President Elect
James Ikehara, Secretary
Brad Young, Council Representative

Melissa Osborne, LEC President •  Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary •  James.ikehara@afaalaska.org  • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503

In This Edition

AFA Council 18 (LAX) Election Results

Originally posted May 24, 2022

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

LEC President: Timothy Green
LEC Vice President: Kelese Richardson
LEC Secretary: Majo Tanco
Council Representative: Bryan Wall

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2022

Originally posted May 25, 2022

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, May 24 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 >

AFA Council 15 (SAN) Election Results

Originally posted May 25, 2022

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

LEC President: Brice McGee
LEC Vice President: Melanie Buker
LEC Secretary: Stephen Couckuyt

Read More >

May 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted May 25, 2022

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, May 24 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.  As part of the meeting, our MEC joined the May 24th Negotiating Committee Listening Session to hear directly from our Flight Attendants about experiences, thoughts, and ideas for upcoming contract negotiations.  The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 15.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

Read More >

AFA Council 35 (SFO) Election Results

Originally posted May 26, 2022

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

LEC President: Melissa Osborne
LEC Vice President: Virginia Fritz
LEC Secretary: James Ikehara
Council Representative: Brad Young

Read More >

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2022

Originally posted May 26, 2022

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, May 25 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 >

Negotiating Committee Listening Sessions Conclude

Originally posted May 27, 2022

Our Negotiating Committee just wrapped up a week-long series of listening sessions.  The Committee will now shift their focus to the upcoming Negotiations Survey, which will allow all Flight Attendants the opportunity to provide input and feedback about priorities for our upcoming contract negotiations.  You can also provide direct feedback to our Negotiating Committee at any time by email or online feedback form.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Over 4000 Letters Sent 

Over 4000 letters sent to management telling them to Make it Right! Has management responded back to anyone directly?

Just in case you haven’t sent your letter yet or need the link to share with your friends and flying partners: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-management-its-time-to-make-it-right?source=direct_link&

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 31Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 2PDX 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!

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, May 25 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, May 25, 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 were MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  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:

  • Ongoing issues with errors in catering execution, provisioning, and loading across the entire system.  The committee believes management needs to get back to basics and significantly reduce the errors that are occurring before adding any additional products or making additional changes.
  • Issues with catering of flights to/from PAE that are catered in non-hub stations.  Catering errors on this flight have been substantial and highly impactful.  Management is looking to open a catering location in PAE.  In the meantime, they are looking to modify/reduce service so that something can be offered that is actually consistent given the current circumstances.
  • Concerns with lack of hands-on, practical service training during initial training.  New hire Flight Attendants continue to be placed at a disadvantage by management by not being set up for success.  The committee advocates for the reinstitution of service flights as part of initial training curriculum.
  • Products that are being advertised or promoted on the menu card are running out (True Lemon/True Lime).  If a product is being actively promoted, additional stock needs to be boarded in anticipation of increased demand from passengers.
  • Review of June 22nd catering changes.  Adding cranberry juice (boarded in 1 liter cartons) and POG as well as changes in beer and first class wine products.  Additional bags of liquor minis will be added to first class beverage carts for summer flying.
  • Safety concerns have been identified with coffee carafes falling off the beverage cart.  Management is looking to take action to address the concern.  There will be a new requirement that coffee carafes be placed inside a drawer on top of the cart to keep them from falling over.
  • New CSA announcements are being added for departures from some stations asking passengers to stow bags on sides in overhead bins (like a book on a bookshelf) and encouraging passengers to use restrooms in the terminal before boarding.  Corresponding Flight Attendant announcements will be added about bag stowage and at D-10 indicating that lavatories are closed until after takeoff.
  • MAX aircraft coffee maker brew baskets have been redesigned to better fit our coffee filter packs.  The new design has been tested by management and shows improved performance.  The redesigned brew basket should roll out across the MAX fleet across the next few weeks as the new parts are manufactured.
  • Continued supply chain issues affecting management’s ability to procure and stock service items and other products.  Most recently, this has affected stir sticks and potato chips.  Management is working to procure substitute products.  A disclaimer is being added to the menu card indicating that items may not be available and/or a substitute product may be offered due to supply chain issues.
  • Discussion about management’s desire to raise the main cabin pre-order meal limit.  The Committee shared concerns about the corresponding increase in trash and additional workload for Flight Attendants.
  • Discussion about some catering locations not providing an empty cart for trash as required.  Some stations are leaving carts onboard from previous legs with supplies or other items in them.  Please report these issues.  Conversely, please refrain from asking catering staff to load additional supplies in empty carts intended for trash stowage.
  • Concerns that the current snack basket being provided for first class passengers is lacking and not enough product is being loaded to allow all passengers much choice or selection.
  • Staffing levels within catering operations and currently open positions that management is working to fill.
  • Installation of Wi-Fi on newly delivered aircraft will continue to lag behind due an increase in aircraft deliveries and capacity limitations from the installation vendor.  Passengers will be notified by email and text message that their aircraft doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
  • Upcoming cabin refresh on the 800 fleet.  Will include new seat covers, seat cushions, carpet, bulkhead, and cabin divider.
  • Review of Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) replacement project scheduled to take place later this year.  Current devices will be replaced with the iPhone 13 (new hires are receiving the iPhone 12).  Block2Block will be updated to utilize the expanded screen space.  The new phones have the potential to use tap-to-pay functionality, which management is currently evaluating for potential use.
  • Update on upcoming Block2Block software fixes and improvements.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Addressing Catering Errors and Shortages.  Escalating catering issues reported through Block2Block and other reporting channels, voicing Flight Attendant frustration with ongoing errors in catering provisioning and loading, and working to hold management accountable to fix the problems that make our job more difficult.
  2. Reviewing Block2Block (B2B) Updates. Working to provide feedback to management on changes and improvements to the B2B app, focusing on ensuring that any changes are functional and that the app remains easy for Flight Attendants to use.
  3. Providing Input on New Aircraft Galley Designs.  Working to ensure that Flight Attendant needs are prioritized in the design of galleys and galley components for new aircraft that the company has on order.

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. 

Master Executive Council (MEC)

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

LEC President: Melissa Osborne
LEC Vice President: Virginia Fritz
LEC Secretary: James Ikehara
Council Representative: Brad Young

View the certified election results here >>

These officers will serve a term of office starting July 1, 2022 and concluding on June 30, 2025.

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

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, May 24 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • As part of the meeting, our MEC joined the May 24th Negotiating Committee Listening Session to hear directly from our Flight Attendants about experiences, thoughts, and ideas for upcoming contract negotiations.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 15.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

The May 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, May 24.  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.  In addition, the proposed 2022-23 fiscal year MEC budget was approved at the meeting by the voting members of our MEC (LEC Presidents).

Negotiating Committee Listening Session

Our MEC joined the scheduled May 24th Negotiating Committee Listening Session to directly hear some of the thoughts, ideas, and challenges that are being shared with our Negotiating Committee as they gather feedback from our Flight Attendant group.  Thank you to everyone who has gotten involved in the process and participated in or is planning to attend a listening session.  If you’re interested in signing up for one of the remaining listening sessions, you can find more information on our Contract 2022 website.     

No Meeting with Management This Month

With the AFA Board of Directors Meeting having been held earlier in the month, this month’s MEC Meeting was scheduled as a one-day event.  Given the shortened meeting length and full schedule, it was not possible for our MEC to meet with management as part of this month’s MEC Meeting.  Our MEC will resume standing meetings with management during the June 2022 Regular MEC Meeting. 

Questions?

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

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025

On Monday, October 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

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