AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Latest News

Benefits Committee

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

Re-Enrolling After A Leave

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

Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

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

Direct Billing Notice Errors

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

No Direct Bill Received

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

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

Service Charges May Apply

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

Reporting Issues And Questions

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

In This Edition

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Originally posted November 1, 2023

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

Read More >

Save the Date: Systemwide Informational Picketing on December 19

Originally posted November 1, 2023

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

Read More >

Know the Facts about Microdosing Psychedelics, Including Psilocybin

Originally posted November 2, 2023

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

Read More >

Shared on Social

Horror Story 2023

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

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

New Negotiating Committee Blog Post

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

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

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

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

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

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

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

In This Edition…

  • Election Day
  • Washington State Labor Council 
  • Why Voting Matters
  • Washington State Voters Guide

Election Day

This November 7th is Election Day. For those of you who live in, or are new to Washington, this is a vote-by-mail state. The website https://www.vote411.org/washington is a great site that provides all of your voter information including how to register to vote for new residents. This site also provides links to other states for those who live outside of Washington. 

Voting Endorsements

We all have different political beliefs, and nobody should tell someone else how to vote, but one thing stands strong…. we all want to propel our professions, and our workplace rights. Supporting candidates that support our professions, our unions, and who are “pro-labor” is essential. If you would like information on what candidates are endorsed and/or supported by the Washington State Labor Council, you can visit: https://www.wslc.org/union-members-only-election-information/

Why Voting Matters

​​At its core, voting is the cornerstone of democracy. It’s a mechanism through which we, as citizens, actively participate in the decision making process Here are some key reasons why voting matters:

  • By casting your vote, you contribute to the selection of leaders who will represent your interests and values in government. 
  • Voting allows us to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions. It’s a way to voice approval or dissatisfaction with their performance.
  • Your vote directly influences the development of policies on issues that affect your daily life, from education and healthcare to the economy and environment.
  • Voting fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, as it brings people together to collectively decide on the direction of their society.

The above was taken from www.caprw.org

Washington State Voters Guide

You may not have received your voters guide via mail, but they can all be accessed online. Select your county to view local candidates at: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/election-results-and-voters-pamphlets/2023-primary-election-voters-guide

In the end, the most important thing is that you exercise your right to vote. 

If you have any questions about the process, current events, or any of the candidates, please reach out to your Council 19 Government Affairs Chairperson, Melinda Jorge at melinda.jorge@afaalaska.org or any member of the Council 19 Government Affairs Committee.

In Solidarity, 

Your Council 19 Government Affairs Committee

See Below to view a PDF version with graphics

Government-Affairs-UpdateDownload

In This Edition

  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2023
  • Contactability Flow Charts
  • Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2023

Originally posted October 25, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, October 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 >

Contactability Flow Charts

Originally posted October 25, 2023

Our Scheduling Committee has created some new tools to help you better understand contractual language. These tools consist of two flowcharts that illustrate when you are required to be reachable by Crew Scheduling. One flowchart addresses situations when you are on duty, while the other covers times when you are on a RON/layover, on call as a Reserve, or off duty. Both flowcharts are available on the Scheduling Committee page of afaalaska.org for reference as needed.

Read More >

Benefits Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted October 26, 2023

On Tuesday, October 24, the AFA Benefits Committee Chairpersons held a meeting to discuss their continued efforts in assisting Flight Attendants with work-related benefits such as insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and address concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants. If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Benefits Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

Read More >

Shared on Social

United AFA Day of Action – October 26, 2023

Yesterday, United Airlines Flight Attendants conducted a powerful Day of Action with informational picketing events systemwide. United management continues investing in new planes, gates, service, and lounges. Meanwhile, United Flight Attendants are still without a new contract recognizing the hard work and sacrifice they’ve put in to make the company successful.

It’s time for United management to recognize the value of their Flight Attendants and deliver a contract with the improvements they have earned. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants proudly stood in solidarity with our United counterparts on the picket lines, and we will continue to stand together—their fight is our fight! Our collective voice is strong and cannot be ignored!

#AFAAlaska #ContractNow #PayUsOrChaos #SolidaritySeason #1u

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, November 2SFO Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, November 2Scheduling 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!

Benefits Committee

  • On Tuesday, October 24, the AFA Benefits Committee Chairpersons held a meeting to discuss their continued efforts in assisting Flight Attendants with work-related benefits such as insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. 
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and address concerns brought forward by Flight Attendants.
  • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Benefits Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

On Tuesday, October 24, representatives from our Local AFA Benefits Committees met to discuss their ongoing work related to Flight Attendant work-related benefits, including insurance, maternity, worker’s compensation, and leave of absence programs. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), Kathy O’Malley (SEA), Ann LaRue (PDX), Julie Pearson (SFO), Majo Tanco, (LAX), and Sonia Quackenbush (SAN). Also present were MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Terry Taylor and MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson Stephanie Adams.

The committee met with the following management representatives: Mike Link, Senior Labor Relations Program Manager; Josh Madsen, Director – Health and Absence Management; Tiffany Perry, Health and Welfare Program Manager; Leah Ables, Director-Payroll, Margo Fincher, Manager-Absence Management; and Tracy Middleton and Stevie Ray Brown, from the Absence Management Department.

The committee’s next meeting will be scheduled for early January.

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:

  • Difficulty connecting with the Inflight FA Leave Team, either via telephone, returned message, or email. Should you encounter this problem, please reach out to your Local Council Benefits Representative. 
  • Challenges with the Return to Work process. Once you are released to return to work, you must send your written release to FA.Leave@alaskaair.com, as well as to Hartford or Sedgwick.
  • Introduction and description of new AirGroup EAP provider, Lyra. This program will take the place of Active Support starting January 01, 2024. Lyra will offer 10 free counseling sessions per covered employee/family member, per situation. They will offer both in-person and telehealth sessions. Those who are currently using Active Support counselors can complete the current six offered Active Support Sessions and will still be eligible for 10 sessions with Lyra starting in January.
  • An electronic version of the Pay Preference form has been in development for some time. This will be very helpful to those employees who do not have access to a printer. It is expected to be available by the end of the year.
  • Washington Paid Family Leave will go into effect for our work group in January 2024. Premiums are partially paid by the company, and partially payroll-deducted. This plan requires online application through the State of Washington. Oregon Paid Family leave went into effect in June of this year, with premium contributions starting that month. Each state has an ‘hours worked’ minimum requirement for eligibility.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Health Benefits following Staffing Adjustment Leave (SAL). We disagree with the new process requiring re-enrollment in health benefits following SALs. We are working to resolve this issue.
  2. Implementation of Washington Paid Family Leave, Oregon Paid Family Leave, and Washington Paid Sick Leave. We have requested the company communicate their processes and intent with implementation, application, and administration of these programs.
  3. Calculator Challenges. We continue to hear from members who believe the TFP calculators are inaccurate. The recent Flight Attendant Website Alert (10/20/23) indicated the company is aware of this and is working on it. As the end of the year draws closer we need these tools repaired and accurate.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you have any feedback or concerns that you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your Local Benefits Committee is here to assist and represent you to management. You can find our contact information on the Benefits Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. We are committed to helping you in any way we can!

Scheduling Committee

Our Scheduling Committee has created some new tools to help you better understand contractual language. These tools consist of two flowcharts that illustrate when you are required to be reachable by Crew Scheduling. One flowchart addresses situations when you are on duty, while the other covers times when you are on a RON/layover, on call as a Reserve, or off duty. Both flowcharts are available on the Scheduling Committee page of afaalaska.org for reference as needed.

Click here to view the on duty contactability flow chart >

Click here to view the Reserve, RON, and off duty contactability flow chart >

The development of these flowcharts was a collaborative effort between the Scheduling, Reserve, and Grievance Committees. To produce the flowcharts, the Committees enlisted the assistance of MEC Negotiations Strategic Communications Representative Justin Wetherell. We want to thank Justin for their time and dedication to this project.

Questions or Feedback?

We’d like to hear from you if you have any feedback on the flowcharts or suggestions for other helpful documents. For any questions about the flowcharts or contactability in general, please get in touch with your Local Scheduling Committee.

Scheduling Committee

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

On Tuesday, October 24, 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 Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Manager Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on November 28, 2023.

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:

  • Single Duty Pairings with three (3) legs are not desirable for some flight attendants. We are looking to see if there is a way to utilize the optimizer to reduce these types of sequences. 
  • Night rule flying discussions surrounding compensation. There are three (3) items that must occur which include: duty on 4:29 am local time, flying on duty past 8:30 am local time, and duty over 10:30. There is a special exception with 4k flying that includes a 4K nighter carve out. Compensation is not applicable until 12.5 hours because of the waiver.
  • Crew Access bubble(s) that display report and debrief will be removed in a November 2023 release.
  • Second Round of vacation bidding is complete. Awards are published this week. If you are assigned vacation it will be in reverse calendar year order. Vacation Opentime will commence on October 27, 2023. 
  • Staffing adjustment leaves will be offered in January, between 400-500 volunteers based on current block hours. 
  • Management has formed a new Hotel IROP Committee and Process team to assist during Irregular Operations. There are several processes outlined up to seven (7) days prior to an event, and event level determination with focus cities.  
  • Crew Planning continues to review commutability of departures and arrivals, and commute efficiency. SEA and LAX tend to have the best commutability, while SAN and PDX are the most challenging. This is based on departures between noon and 1800 and arrivals between 0600 and 1800. 
  • Increase in redeye flights is concerning. AFA has asked both Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling to monitor the trips as they relate to sick leave, reserve utilization, fatigue, and other mitigating factors.  
  • Pre-cancellations and Reassignments are still happening frequently – please refer to the flow charts as additional contractual resources.  
  • Pay related questions should be directed to payroll representatives, not crew schedulers.  If you experience an error or have a potential grievance please contact your Local Scheduling Chairperson for resolution. 
  • Contactability with a no show or other points from Crew Scheduling is being investigated by the Performance Engagement Team. If you believe you received points incorrectly please file a ticket with AFA for research.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee spent time on base sits with Flight Attendants. In person and virtual meetings were available. We would like to hear your feedback on how the committee could better assist you with bid awards and understanding results. 
  2. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management was set for June 5, 2023 and a follow up meeting needs to be scheduled. There is no update or ETA.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is reviewing pairing construction and the optimization of teaming. Teaming attempts to keep costs low and crew together (pilots/Flight Attendants) for multiple segments within a sequence. The system currently teams around 10-15%. The new enhancements would increase this in the range of 20-35% for the winter operations. You will see this in December pairings. We’ve asked management to send out a communication about teaming. For December 2023 flying approximately 23% of sequences will be teamed together while 52% of duty periods are teamed. 
  4. In and Backs. These are flights that follow the crew and aircraft. Network/Crew planning is reviewing initiatives that would help us restart the operation when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. Alaska management will start reviewing the 2023/2024 IROPs plan in September/October. This creates opportunities to clear the flight schedules on day of operations. 
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants could chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft teams to alleviate phone calls. This would be Flight Attendant initiated contact. This is in the early stages of development and needs to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. The parties are still working on testing and implementation in the next few weeks. 
  6. Crew Scheduling. Each month the committee reviews PowerPoint presentations related to reserve utilization for system/bases, detailed reserve breakdowns, sick leave week by week and year over year (YoY), premium, personal drops, and any other relevant agenda items.
  7. Crew Planning. Each month the committee reviews PowerPoint presentations related to the subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, FA block hours, special initiatives such as IROPs, commutability, and any other relevant agenda items. 
  8. ITS. A representative from ITS joins us at each scheduling meeting to review updates related to NavBlue, Crew Access, Internal systems and Block 2 Block. These include performance updates and data review as well as future release information.

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.

In this Edition

  • Workplace Wellness
  • Spotlight on the Contract
  • CBT Reminder
  • Council 19 Meeting Recap
  • FlightPAC
  • Text Notifications
  • AFA International HRE Committee
  • Membership Dues
  • Human Rights Chair Position
  • Uniforms
  • Native American Heritage Pins
  • Social Media

Workplace Wellness

Being healthy at work is extremely important. If you are not feeling well, it lowers your focus and can lead to accidents and/or mistakes. There are many ways to be “healthy”. When we talk about being healthy, it is important to remember that we need to focus on both mental and physical health.

Research shows that just 30 minutes of regular activity 5 days a week will help strengthen and boost your immune system, increase energy and endurance, improve sleep, reduce the risk of many diseases, as well as reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. 

Did you know that being on the airplane is drier than being in the Sahara Desert? There are many benefits to drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water a day. Some of those benefits included an increase in energy, relief of fatigue, weight loss, flushing of toxins, improved skin complexion, maintaining your regularity, it boosts your immune system, and is a natural headache remedy. Drinking those 8–10 glasses is what is recommended on the ground, so with the dryness of the plane you should increase that amount. Try to drink at least a large “box” of water per flight and remember to take your opened box with you on your layover.

It is also important to try to eat healthy. We realize that this can be difficult when flying but try to choose more fruits and vegetables. Most people should aim for at least 9 (4.5 cups) servings a day. Look for different kinds and colors to give your body a mix of nutrients. Best bets? Dark leafy greens, cooked tomatoes, and anything that’s rich orange, red and yellow in color. It helps lower blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 

Part of the above was taken from “Understanding Reserve: An informational series by the Council 39 Reserve Committee.”

Spotlight On the Contract

This month we will be focusing this section to our Reserve Flight Attendants, specifically to Reserve Flight Flight Attendants who commute.

Commuting on Reserve 

You must be physically in domicile during your reserve availability period (AM: 00:00 – 14:00, PM: 10:00 – 23:59, ER: 00:00 – 23:59) This includes the beginning and end of your reserve availability period. 

For example: At the beginning of your block, you have a 4-day PM reserve block starting on the 20th. On the 19th between 10:00 -14:00 you self-assign a 4-day trip with a 21:00 report on the 20th. You still must be in domicile prior to 10:00 on the 20th. You cannot commute in a few hours before your report of 21:00. Even though you have self-assigned a trip, scheduling can still contact you at 10:00 and under certain circumstances they can even remove your self-assigned trip and give you a new assignment. 

Also, on the last day of your Reserve block, if the last Company-operated flight that you would be legal to work (per the last flight of the day report) has departed the domicile you must call scheduling and ask to be released from the remainder of your reserve availability period before you commute home. Failure to do so can result in an attendance issue up to termination even on first offense.

CBT Reminder

Do not forget to complete your CBT (Annual Compliance Training) by the end of the year deadline. It is important to remember if you do not complete the required training, the discipline is progressive. If you are already in steps of discipline, failure to complete your CBT will move you up the steps, up to and including discharge. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact the ITS Help desk. To verify your CBT is complete, check that your Cornerstone transcript lists under “Completed” and check your email for a confirmation. 

Council 19 Meeting Recap

On October 3rd, we held our Council 19 membership meeting, which was open to all council members. In addition to our Council 19 Officers and Committee Chairs, several members attended. We discussed current issues, committee updates, and got a negotiations update from our MEC President, Jeff Peterson. If you would like to view the minutes from the meeting, you can visit: https://afaalaska.org/sea/10-3-member-meeting

FlightPAC

Did you know that none of your Union Dues goes to support a political candidate? With elections around the corner, it is more important than ever to support candidates that support OUR UNION. 

In order for AFA-CWA to maintain our influence in the legislative arena, it is essential to support political programs which complement our legislative activity, and that’s why we have FlightPAC. Dues from our members are never contributed to campaigns. FlightPAC contributions are voluntary. FlightPAC provides financial support to our federal candidates in office who are committed to helping us accomplish our goals. 

FlightPAC is non-partisan. We give to candidates who help Flight Attendants. AFA understands that not all members have the same political/social beliefs. The fact remains that there are issues that affect all members. These include 10-hour rest, human trafficking awareness, the fight to collective bargaining, air quality and a host of other workplace issues. 

In these difficult and uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we have a strong and powerful voice in Washington, DC. We must stand together to protect ourselves and our flying partners. Please join us in supporting FlightPAC today. You can visit this link to sign up: http://legislative.afacwa.org/docs/COPE-FPAC_brochure.pdf.  You can also automatically set donations up through Peoplesoft (peoplesoft, payroll, voluntary deductions, add deduction, search AFA Political Action Committee, make your choices, submit). 

Every dollar helps our agenda, so any amount is great!

If you have any questions about FlightPAC, please contact our LEC Government Affairs Chairperson, Melinda Jorge at melinda.jorge@afaalaska.org.

Text Notification System for MEC Messages

We are excited to announce a new way to receive messages from the MEC. You can now sign up for text message updates from AFA Alaska. Initially, these will only be messages being sent from the MEC level. We are looking at ways to utilize this from the local level, and more information will come soon. We will not flood your phones with messages. AFA Alaska text messages will only be sent for significant events and time-sensitive alerts. You can visit the sign-up page to enroll. 

AFA International HRE Committee

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care. We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people. 

Click Here to view the latest HRE Committee Newsletter 

Membership Dues

We will be planning solidarity events soon, so it is important to make sure that you are up to date on your membership dues. Also, please remember that when a tentative agreement is reached with the company, you must be up to date in order to vote! If you have questions about your dues status, please reach out to our LEC Secretary, Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org. 

Human Rights Committee Chair Opening

To ensure we have an equitable process in selecting a new Chairperson, the SEA LEC will hold interviews for eligible candidates during the week of December 4, 2023. If you are interested, please plan to bid around that week. All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet video conferencing. 

Visit our AFA Alaska Human Rights Committee page to learn more and download roles and responsibilities of the committee. Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest to sea@afaalaska.org, no later than November 1, 2023.

Uniforms

We have a few Uniform Committee reminders. The first is to make sure to login to our uniform website and check your remaining allotment amount. Please remember to spend this prior to the end of the year, or you will lose it. This amount will NOT rollover. This is a great time to buy those pieces you have been wanting and use the funds that were negotiated for you. 

Also, all active employees should have received the uniform survey from Management to their Alaska Airlines email by now. If you have not received it, make sure to check the “other” box on your outlook email. This is the time to share your feelings on the uniform with management. As always, you can reach out to our Council 19 Chairperson at sea.uniform.chair@afaalaska.org.

Native American Heritage Pins

For those of you who would like to wear a Native American Heritage pin, there will be a supply available in the inflight office by November! Please remember, it is approved to wear this pin for the month of November.

 

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up to date information on our Council 19 Facebook Group. Click below to join our group and stay connected. We have also launched a new Council 19 Instagram page, which you will find a link for below as well. Our communication team is researching other social media platforms, more information will come soon!

There are times in our lives of whole-hearted inspiration. All of you together, is nothing short of inspiration. We endeavor to provide our very best, every moment, of every day, to each other and our guests. We simply are the best in the industry. Presently, we once again are shining, as our unity has never been stronger. Our resolve has never been more ignited. Our passion for a true industry leading contract has never been more laser focused. Thank you for this moment in history, of once again whole-hearted inspiration in unity as we endeavor to bring change as a collective, in solidarity. Keep the resolve, keep the fire ignited and the inspiration in unity as a beacon that continues on…..

In Solidarity,

Your Council 19 Officers and Committees

SEE BELOW FOR A PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER WITTH GRAPHICS

Council19October2023NewsletterFINALDownload

Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

As part of Membership Engagement Committee Focus Month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our core missions: empowering you with knowledge and confidence to participate more fully in our Union. When we understand how our Union works, we strengthen our collective voice and create a more engaged community. To help you on this journey, we’re […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, July 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Global Training Center to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026

This session, the JNC focused on refining the Reserve survey to ensure a comprehensive representation of member concerns. Significant progress was also made on Section 23 (Insurance Benefits), with proposals aimed at enhancing Flight Attendant protections and securing tailored insurance provisions. Additionally, productive discussions continued on Section 30 (Training). Further improvements are anticipated pending management’s response to our latest proposal.

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

On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Monday, July 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska + Hawaiian news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates