AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met last week on Tuesday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 9 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight, labor relations, and executive 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, March 8.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

The February 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held last on Tuesday, February 8 and Wednesday, February 9.  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. 

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 EVP & COO Constance von Muehlen, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Strategy & Support Gloria Chow, Vice President of Labor Relations Jenny Wetzel, Managing Director of Labor Relations Carmen Williams, and other management employees from inflight, labor relations, crew administration, and payroll.

Some of the topics that were discussed include:

  • Flight Attendant hiring update and staffing plans.  Management plans to increase the size of upcoming initial training classes to 90 people per class beginning in April.
  • Uniform policies and updates that are being planned by management.
  • Open inflight management positions and what progress the company is making to fill them.  Management indicated that they are also planning to increase the number of supervisor positions in SEA as well as add new base admin positions to provide support in designated locations.
  • COVID-19 policies and contact tracing protocols.  There is still a lack of clear information posted and accessible to Flight Attendants.  AFA has asked inflight management to put out an FAQ document offering additional clarification with real life examples.  AFA also provided management with a list of questions to help expedite the development of the FAQs.
  • IMD connectivity issues in the State of Alaska related to the changeover of the company’s cellular service provider.  

Questions?

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

In This Edition

  • Before It Becomes a Grievance: Understanding ADR and SRB
  • New Medical Billing Protections For You

Before It Becomes a Grievance: Understanding ADR and SRB

Originally posted February 8, 2022

When AFA and management disagree on a contractual issue, it doesn’t necessarily become a grievance right away.  Most times, there is an intermediate step taken to try to resolve the issue.  Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) brings together decision makers from AFA leadership, inflight management, and labor relations management to try to work the issue out.  Scheduling Review Board (SRB) is a similar process that involves AFA Representatives and Crew Scheduling management.  If everyone can’t agree on a resolution, our AFA Grievance Committee can still file a formal grievance and address the issue through the contractual grievance process.

Read More >

New Medical Billing Protections For You

Originally posted February 9, 2022

New rules that went into place on January 1, 2022 will provide new billing protections related to some medical care expenses.  The new rules provide expanded protections against the practice of “balance billing” by providers in certain instances.  You can read more about these new protections at www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers.

Read More >

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • New rules that went into place on January 1, 2022 will provide new billing protections related to some medical care expenses.
  • The new rules provide expanded protections against the practice of “balance billing” by providers in certain instances.
  • You can read more about these new protections at www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers. 

Starting January 1, 2022, consumers will have new billing protections when getting emergency care, non-emergency care from out of network providers at in-network facilities, and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers. Through new rules aimed to protect consumers, excessive out-of-pocket costs will be restricted, and emergency services must continue to be covered without any prior authorization, and regardless of whether or not a provider or facility is in-network. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 contains many provisions to help protect consumers from surprise bills starting in 2022, including the No Surprises Act under title I and Transparency under title II. 

What are surprise medical bills?

If you have health insurance and get care from an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility, your health plan may not cover the entire out-of-network cost. This can leave you with higher costs than if you got care from an in-network provider or facility. In the past, in addition to any out-of-network cost sharing you might owe, the out-of-network provider or facility could bill you for the difference between the billed charge and the amount your health plan paid, unless banned by state law. This is called “balance billing.” An unexpected balance bill from an out-of-network provider is also called a surprise medical bill.

What are the new protections if I have health insurance?

If you get health coverage through your employer, the Health Insurance Marketplace®, or an individual health insurance plan you purchase directly from an insurance company, these new rules will:

  • Ban surprise bills for emergency services, even if you get them out-of-network and without approval beforehand (prior authorization).
  • Ban out-of-network cost-sharing (like out-of-network coinsurance or copayments) for all emergency and some non-emergency services. You can’t be charged more than in-network cost-sharing for these services.
  • Ban out-of-network charges and balance bills for supplemental care (like anesthesiology or radiology) by out-of-network providers who work at an in-network facility.
  • Require that health care providers and facilities give you an easy-to-understand notice explaining that getting care out-of-network could be more expensive and options to avoid balance bills. You’re not required to sign this notice or get care out-of-network.

Are there exceptions to these protections?

Some health insurance coverage programs already have protections against high medical bills. You’re already protected against surprise medical billing if you have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care, or TRICARE.

If you would like to learn more about protections for consumers, understanding costs in advance to avoid surprise bills, and what happens when payment disagreements arise after receiving medical care go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers.

Grievance Committee

  • When AFA and management disagree on a contractual issue, it doesn’t necessarily become a grievance right away.  Most times, there is an intermediate step taken to try to resolve the issue.
  • Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) brings together decision makers from AFA leadership, inflight management, and labor relations management to try to work the issue out.  Scheduling Review Board (SRB) is a similar process that involves AFA Representatives and Crew Scheduling management.  
  • If everyone can’t agree on a resolution, our AFA Grievance Committee can still file a formal grievance and address the issue through the contractual grievance process.

As we know, our collective bargaining agreement provides many protections related to our working conditions, pay, and benefits.  Our AFA Grievance Committee and other AFA Representatives work constantly to ensure that management is doing right by our Flight Attendants according to the language in the contract.  Sometimes, however, disagreements arise between AFA and management about how a particular provision in the contract should be applied or whether or not a contractual violation occurred in the first place.

Our contract provides an established process for handling disagreements such as these.  Section 19 [Grievance Procedures] and section 20 [Board of Adjustment] of our CBA, often referred to collectively as the contractual grievance process, outline the procedures for how disputes about contractual language and interpretation are handled.  But before a matter is referred to the grievance process, there is often an intermediate step taken to try to work the issue out with management.

Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process is intended to give AFA Representatives and management the opportunity to resolve issues more quickly and with more flexibility while saving on the expenses related to processing a grievance.  ADR meetings are held every two weeks and include the AFA MEC Grievance Committee and management counterparts in Inflight management and the Labor Relations department.  During these meetings, the group reviews each case and attempts to work through issues that would otherwise be forced to the grievance process directly.

Scheduling Review Board (SRB)

Alongside ADR is a parallel process that specifically addresses scheduling-related issues.  The Scheduling Review Board (SRB) meets once per month and includes representatives from our AFA MEC Grievance, Scheduling, and Reserve Committees along with Crew Scheduling management.  The goal of SRB is the same—work to resolve issues more quickly than the grievance process would allow while achieving the best possible outcome for Flight Attendants.

How Do I Know If My Issue Has Been Referred to ADR/SRB?

If you’ve reported a concern to AFA and the issue has been referred to ADR or SRB, the status of your ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center will show as “escalated to ADR” or “escalated to SRB” accordingly.  The AFA Representative assigned to your case will continue to be your point of contact and provide you with updates following ADR/SRB meetings.  Our MEC Grievance Committee also maintains a log of current and past ADR items that can be viewed on the Grievance Committee page of the AFA Alaska website (click the “view the ADR log” button under the ADR process heading).   

What If We Can’t Work it Out?

While an issue is being addressed through ADR or SRB, the time limitations outlined in the contract for when a grievance must be filed are placed on hold.  This ensures that the Flight Attendant and our contractual rights are protected as we try to resolve the issue.  If we aren’t able to reach an agreement with management that is acceptable to everyone involved, our AFA Grievance Committee maintains the right to address the issue by filing a formal grievance.

Questions?

If you have questions about the ADR process, don’t hesitate to contact your Local Grievance Committee Chairperson.  For any questions about the SRB process, contact your Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson or Local Reserve Committee Chairperson.

In This Edition

  • Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000
  • Celebrating Black History Month
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2022
  • Introducing Our Negotiating Committee
  • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000

Originally posted January 31, 2022

Today we reflect on the tragic loss that occurred on January 31, 2000, when Alaska Airlines Flight 261, flying between Puerto Vallarta and San Francisco, went down in the Pacific Ocean between Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island off the coast of Southern California.

We will never forget Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco and Allison Shanks; Captain Ted Thompson; First Officer William Tansky; Sheri Christensen, Rachel Janosik, Ileana Ost, Sarah Pearson, Anjesh Prasad, James Ryan and Stacy Schuyler.

Read More >

Celebrating Black History Month

Originally posted February 1, 2022

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced a week-long event to build awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals.  Read more about Black History Month, learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.  Join the celebration by wearing your Black History Month AFA Pin during the month of February.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2022

Originally posted February 2, 2022

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

Read More >

Introducing Our Negotiating Committee

Originally posted February 2, 2022

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted final interviews this week for three Negotiating Committee Member positions who will represent us in upcoming contract negotiations with the Company. Our MEC would like to thank the candidates who demonstrated willingness to represent our Flight Attendants. 

After thorough deliberation, the voting members of your MEC, consisting of the six directly-elected LEC Presidents, have appointed Sandra Morrow, James Bozanich, and Kiara Jenkins to the positions. 

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Originally posted February 3, 2022

Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.  The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.  If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.   

Read More >

Bidding Reminders

Top, Down

When bidding, please remember that the program reads your bid from the top, down, starting at line 1.   Each bid line may  impact those below it, but not those above it.   
   

Example:   At line 10 you Prefer Off March 7 & 8.  If honored,  you will not be awarded trips or reserve days touching those dates from Line 11 – 150 (provided your bid is not affected by denial or coverage awards).  Bid lines 1 through 9 would not be affected by this request.

​

Bid Groups

Bid Groups should only be used by expert bidders that are requesting very specific schedules.  We frequently see bid protests when members use Bid Groups incorrectly Click here for more information on using Bid Groups.  

​

Which Bid will determine my award?

The system will always award from your Current Bid if anything is entered.    If you bid using your Default Bid, please ensure there are no accidental entries on your Current Bid.  

While we encourage you to become familiar with WebApp. We are aware that some members may use both versions during the learning phase.  When switching between Classbid (older) and WebApp (newer) versions of PBS, remember that the last bid submitted will be used by the system to award your schedule. 

Questions?
Please reach out to the AFA PBS Committee at​pbs@afaalaska.org. 

T Mobile Sim and IMD Usage

You should have received via UPS a T-Mobile Sim card, it was sent to your address on file with the company. if you have not updated your address since you moved please do so in Peoplesoft.

The Sim comes in a big padded envelope with instructions on how to change it out along with a little metal tool that’s easy to miss. This process takes maybe 5 minutes at the most to do. Make sure you change your SIM card out as soon as you receive it. If you have not received one, please reach out to base management,

 Most of you know that T-Mobile offers 1 hour of free internet on flights for their customers, Keep in mind the IMD is company property. if you add a personal Apple ID to your work device you have now given the company access to your personal information, they can check your IMD at anytime remotely for Apps that have been added, conversations via text or 3rd party apps, Photos, Videos ETC ETC.

Advice from your Local AFA Officers, use your IMD for work ONLY, People have been called into meetings and disciplined for content found on the device and usage of their devices both on personal time and during work hours that is not work related. 

Sunset of ClassBid

ClassBid, the older version of our PBS bidding program will no longer be supported by NavBlue after the March 2022 bid period (for April schedules). 

WebApp, also known as the newer version of the program (https://asapbs.navblue.aero/webapp) has been available to all Flight Attendants for several years now.  If you are still unfamiliar with the newer version, you may wish to start reviewing the online training materials sooner rather later.  The program is accessible outside of the bid period, so you may log-in and practice using the system under your Default Bid. 

​

Your local AFA Scheduling, and Reserve Committee’s will be hosting Base Sits during the bid period over the next few months. Dates for February and March are listed below, April dates will be published in time for bidding.  Base Sits are intended to help you fine tune your knowledge and ask questions one-on-one.  Please bring the tablet, laptop or mobile device you normally bid on. Computers are available in SAN. If you would like a more formal approach, the AFA PBS Committee will be hosting another round of virtual on-line classes in March and April.  Virtual Training will be on Microsoft Teams.  You must be​logged into your AAG account to attend.  Please review the training materials available on-line prior to attending a virtual class or a base sit.  

SAN Crew Room

  • Feb 8  10AM to 3PM
  • Feb 9 10AM to 3PM 
  • March 5 6AM to 11AM 
  • March 6 10AM – 3PM
  • March 7 6AM – 11AM
  • March 8 10AM – 3PM
  • March 9 10AM – 3PM

Virtual Training – Online Class

​

Available WebApp Training Resources

WebApp Quick Reference Guide

WebApp Tutorial Video 

Q&A from WebApp Virtual Trainings (May – July 2021)

WebApp Program Guide

Basic Line Bidding Video

Basic Reserve Bidding Video 

Additional WebApp Videos 

401K Matching

Are you losing out on free money? The company match for your 401K is 7.5%. We have noticed there are many people still at 7%, make sure you sign into your Vanguard.com account and increase yours to at least 7.5% if you are able so that you are getting the full company match.

CBT Due Date: February 10, 2022

The Annual Compliance Training (ACT) CBT due date has been extended to February 10, 2022.   Please ensure you have completed this required training.  It was initially due late last year.   Please see Bulletin 2022-0013 for more information. Failure to complete your CBT by this date will result in steps of discipline.

Personal Emails for AFA Updates

With Negotiations on the Horizon, it’s very important to stay current with AFA newsletters and updates. Make sure you have your Personal Email on file with AFA. We do not use the company email. to Register your personal email click here: https://afanewsletters.org/subscribe/

Uniform Committee

  • Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, February 1 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability.
  • If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible.  Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.   

On Tuesday, February 1, our AFA Local Uniform 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 Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Milner (LAX), and Denise Sheldon (SAN).  Also present were MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Todd Scarlett; MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom; and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Director of Fuel* Lauren Kriegler, Marketing Product Delivery Manager Kelly Cuthill, and PDX Base Manager Kristie Stafford from management. 

* Within the company’s supply chain management division, fuel and uniforms are managed by the same group of people. 

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:

  • Results from the recent wear test of a prototype warm weather/Aloha shirt that was conducted by the Uniform Committee and ASHSC.
  • Concerns that management does not involve the Uniform Committee early enough in the process of developing new uniform components and policies, resulting in unnecessary time and/or expense when problems are identified by Flight Attendants after initial development is in progress or complete.
  • Proposal by AFA to expand the ability to wear boots in order to improve Flight Attendant health and safety.
  • Status of backordered uniform items and projected availability.
  • Ongoing uniform quality issues, specifically about recent reports of zippers breaking off.
  • Concerns about sweaters in the female uniform collection being perceived as too thin and not providing enough warmth.
  • Requests for pockets in maternity uniform pieces.
  • Requests for improvements to the transition jacket, specifically increased warmth and wind resistance.
  • Concerns regarding inconsistent enforcement of uniform policies and standards by management. 
  • Continued requests to simplify uniform policies and guidelines to improve clarity and make compliance easier for Flight Attendants.
  • Status of AFA request for non-binary/gender non-conforming uniform and appearance standards.
  • Possible expansion of crew luggage program to include a spinner-type suitcase.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Improving the Uniform Boot Policy. Working with management and the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) to allow for a broader range of Arctic boots, to allow Arctic boots in Alaska any time there is snow or ice on the ground, and to allow boots outside of terminals and the aircraft anytime there is inclement weather (policy not yet in effect).
  2. Simplification of Uniform Policies.  Advocating for an overall simplification of company uniform policies through clearer guidelines, removal of excessive or unrealistic restrictions, and other common sense changes.
  3. Uniform Wear Testing.  Participating in wear testing of new or modified uniform pieces under consideration by management, including providing in-depth feedback and promoting changes that make pieces easier to wear and care for.  

We Want to Hear From You!

Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync at alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com with any quality issues you are experiencing.  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include photos if you can.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

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

Scheduling Committee

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

On Tuesday, January 25, 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), Virginia Fritz (SFO), Brie Donoghue (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 Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Denia Pisia, Manager of Crew Planning Mac Patterson, and other management representatives from Crew Scheduling and Crew Planning. 

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:

  • Snow Operations – Precancellation, reassignments, diversions, stranded and hotel/transportation concerns reported by Flight Attendants through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.
  • Regional aircraft flying within the State of Alaska and the lower 48. How it affects our bases and block hours. 
  • Filing Activity Claim Forms within Rainmaker to assist Flight Attendants with pay related questions.   Scheduling representatives do not have access to individual Flight Attendant Rainmaker profiles and need to request screenshots when assisting with pay.  
  • Contactability requirements of Section 8.Q. Reviewed when Flight Attendants are required to be contactable and return calls to scheduling.  Also being available for ground time while on duty. 
  • El Paso flying locked in SEA base March through May 2022. 
  • Sick Leave and staffing, if sick leave is reduced could potentially add more line holders and reduce the overall reserve staffing system wide. 
  • Flight Attendants with ground time on more than 4 hours need to request day rooms.  Scheduling will wait to book the room until the Flight Attendant makes contact.  
  • Pyramiding Pay – premium, holiday, over duty, winter incentive

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Information Technology Improvements.  Including, but not limited to, Block2Block/Inflight Mobile, Flight Attendant website performance, JCTE performance, Open Time statistics and trade processing times, JCTE releases, and Crew Scheduling/Crew Admin items (non-JCTE).
  2. Reassignment Flow Chart.  Developing an easy-to-follow flow chart to help explain how reassignments work, similar to the pre-cancellation flow chart. 
  3. 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. 
  4. Sunset of NAVBLUE ClassBid PBS.  Conducting PBS base sits to help support Flight Attendants in preparation for the cutover.

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.

Human Rights Committee

  • February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced a week-long event to build awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals.
  • Read more about Black History Month, learn about the accomplishments of Black Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below.
  • Join the celebration by wearing your Black History Month AFA Pin during the month of February.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.
Carter G. Woodson

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States.  The celebration has a long tradition that can be traced back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week”, which sought to raise awareness of the contributions made by Black individuals to society and the world.  It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month.

Learn More About Black History

You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of February as Black History Month.   The resolution established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month of February.

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.

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Today we reflect on the tragic loss that occurred on January 31, 2000, when Alaska Airlines Flight 261, flying between Puerto Vallarta and San Francisco, went down in the Pacific Ocean between Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island off the coast of Southern California.

We will never forget Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco and Allison Shanks; Captain Ted Thompson; First Officer William Tansky; Sheri Christensen, Rachel Janosik, Ileana Ost, Sarah Pearson, Anjesh Prasad, James Ryan and Stacy Schuyler.

AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025

In This Edition Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month Originally posted September 15, 2025 Join us in celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, a time dedicated to honoring the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Discover the history, participate in special events, and grab your commemorative Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have […]

Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections

The term of office for our current Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025. The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the November Regular MEC meeting. This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual. […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on September 11 to review their response to our September 5 proposal.  We feel that it is important to acknowledge the challenges within our company as Alaska management is struggling to understand our Collective Bargaining Agreement […]

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 Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX 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 Committee 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 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