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Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, March 22 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, March 22, 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), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey, and MEC Reserve Chairperson Julie Thornton. The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Crew Scheduling Duty Manager Sara Cook, 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:

  • Pairing construction including concerns about high line averages, reserve utilization, and fatigue.
  • Concerns about reassignments, conversion of deadheads, sick calls, and the number of trips consistently in Premium Open Time.
  • Review of PBS Base Sits including training video views and level of participation at the base sits and on conference calls.
  • Spring Incentive Premium including both negative and positive feedback received from Flight Attendants.
  • Concerns about PBS bid groups causing issues with bidding and raising the low line average higher.
  • Inclusion of scheduled charter flying in bid packets and PBS pairing search.
  • Feedback about the Jeppesen Crew Access core system for the vendor.
  • Discussion about the company’s network planning strategy and how flying is assigned to Alaska, Horizon, and/or Skywest.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. PBS Base Sits.  Conducting virtual meetings, trainings, and in-person meetings in preparation for the sunsetting of NAVBLUE ClassBid PBS.  
  2. Reassignment Flow Chart.  Developing an easy-to-follow flow chart to help explain how reassignments work, similar to the pre-cancellation flow chart.  A rough draft is expected next month for further review by the Scheduling Committee.
  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. Review of user guides and links of Flight Attendant website.  Ensuring information is still accurate in existing resource materials, links are still active and working, etc.
  5. Updating Crew Access videos.  Working with management and ITS to update the Crew Access instructional videos to reflect updates and changes to the user interface.

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.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Management has developed guidance on how to deal with COVID-19 exposure that uses different terminology, definitions, and recommendations than the guidance currently offered by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
  • To most effectively manage your personal risk in the event of an exposure, it’s helpful to understand how management’s definitions and guidance compare to the CDC guidance.
  • More information about CDC guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can be found on the CDC website.

Fortunately, we are in a period of relatively low COVID-19 transmission and reported hospitalizations and deaths continue to trend downward. Despite low case counts, there is the possibility that another spike in COVID-19 cases could occur if new variants emerge and precautions like mask mandates and social distancing are reduced.

To help understand and manage your personal risk as we enter this next phase of the pandemic, it is helpful to know how the Company handles and communicates known COVID-19 exposures and how that differs from current CDC guidance.  The Company has created two categories of exposure, “low risk” and “high risk”. 

Company Defined “Low Risk Exposure” – It is AFA’s understanding that the Company’s “low risk exposure” is essentially the same as the CDC’s “close contact”.  This occurs when you were less than 6 feet away from an infectious person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.  A person is considered infectious starting 2 days before they have any symptoms, or if asymptomatic 2 days before taking a test which came back positive for COVID-19.

Company Defined “High Risk Exposure” – This differs significantly from the CDC’s definition of “close contact”.  To qualify as “high risk exposure”, the person you were less than 6 feet away from for a cumulative 15 minutes over a 24-hour period must also have symptoms of COVID-19 while (or within two days of the time that) you were with them. One of you must also have been without a mask.  If the exposure was to an asymptomatic COVID-19 positive individual or you were both wearing a mask, it will not be classified as “high risk”. As you can see, this greatly reduces the chance of an exposure being categorized as “high risk”.

To manage risk, we recommend that you treat notifications of “low risk” exposure from the Company as “close contact” as defined by the CDC.

If you are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations or have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 90 days, it is not necessary to quarantine.  However, the CDC still recommends that you take certain precautions.  Even if you don’t develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after you last had CDC defined “close contact” with (or Company defined “high risk” or “low risk” exposure to) someone with COVID-19. Until 10 days after that contact/exposure you should also watch for symptoms, isolate if you develop symptoms, wear a well-fitted mask any time you are around others, and avoid being around people who are at high risk.

Check out this link for additional CDC guidance for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who have had “close contact”.

In This Edition

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Originally posted March 14, 2022

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, March 10 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!

Read More >

Management Eliminates Remaining Pay Protection and Points Reduction Related to COVID-19 Effective Today

Originally posted March 15, 2022

Management eliminated all remaining COVID pay protection and attendance points forgiveness, effective today. Going forward, Flight Attendants who experience COVID-related illnesses–even if attributed to workplace exposure—will be forced to use sick leave to replace lost income during Company-directed quarantine and will be subject to attendance points in accordance with Section 32 of our contract.  AFA leadership attempted to work with management to enter into an agreement for continued attendance points forgiveness related to COVID-19, but management declined to engage.

Read More >

Spring 2022 Incentive Premium & Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 Backpay

AFA and management have agreed to a temporary incentive program designed to encourage Flight Attendants to pick up additional flying over the next several months.  For the months of March, April, and May 2022, qualifying TFP greater than or equal to 100.1 TFP in that bid month will be paid at two times (2.0x) your trip rate.  Certain exceptions and restrictions apply.  At AFA request, management also agreed to include an additional payout for Flight Attendants who reported to work during the Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 eligibility period between December 23, 2021, and January 2, 2022; experienced a flight cancellation; and were previously pay protected at 1.0x.

Read More >

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Barcode Required for KCM Checkpoints

Effective March 31, 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require the Known Crewmember (KCM) Program eligible crewmembers to scan a KCM-issued barcode card when utilizing a KCM access point. Crewmembers will no longer be permitted to manually enter their KCM data.

Crewmembers who do not have a KCM barcode card, have a worn/unreadable barcode card, or have not completed the registration process will be referred to the passenger screening checkpoint for entry into the airport sterile area. If a crewmember does not present an active KCM barcode card and is referred for screening, then they must follow the TSO’s instructions and complete the screening process at the passenger screening checkpoint. Failure to submit to screening at the passenger screening checkpoint (e.g., using a SIDA badge to avoid screening), is considered circumvention of screening and TSA may take enforcement action in accordance with the KCM Disqualification Protocols (KCMDP). Crewmembers may request a new or replacement KCM barcode card from their base manager or supervisor.

This is an update from TSA and it is our responsibility to strictly follow the KCM rules in order to maintain access to this alternate screening program for crewmembers.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, March 22Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 24Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • AFA and management have agreed to a temporary incentive program designed to encourage Flight Attendants to pick up additional flying over the next several months.
  • For the bid months of March, April, and May 2022, qualifying TFP greater than or equal to 100.1 TFP in that bid month will be paid at two times (2.0x) your trip rate.  Certain exceptions and restrictions apply.
  • At AFA request, management also agreed to include an additional payout for Flight Attendants who reported to work during the Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 eligibility period between December 23, 2021, and January 2, 2022; experienced a flight cancellation; and were previously pay protected at 1.0x.

Late Wednesday afternoon, management approached the MEC with a proposal for an incentive premium to encourage Flight Attendants to pick up additional flying over the next several months. After several proposals back and forth over the past few days, the parties reached an agreement late this Friday afternoon. You can read the Spring 2022 Incentive Premium Letter of Agreement that provides more details by clicking here.

Key Details

  • The Spring 2022 Incentive Premium will be in effect for the March, April, and May 2022 bid periods (March 2 through May 31, 2022).  Each month will be considered individually.
  • All qualifying “Spring Incentive 2022 TFP” (based on Worked TFP) greater than or equal to (≥) 100.1 TFP in a bid month will be paid at two times (2.0x) the applicable trip rate.  Some exclusions apply (see below).
  • Spring 2022 Incentive Premium pyramids on Premium Open Time premium(s) but is capped at two times (2.0x) the applicable trip rate.

FAQs

What is Worked TFP?  All paid TFP excluding vacation/Longevity PTO and sick leave. This includes sit pay, minimum pay rules (MPRs), stranded pay, delay pay, training pay, and any other compensation that is paid in TFP.

What else is excluded from Worked TFP to define the qualifying Spring 2022 Incentive TFP?  Pay protection and initial training (RQ3) pay is specifically excluded and will not count toward the 100.1 TFP Spring 2022 Incentive Premium threshold.

Does the Spring 2022 Incentive Premium affect other contractual premiums?  The Spring 2022 Incentive Premium has no effect on all contractual premiums except for Premium Open Time premium(s).  If a Flight Attendant picks up Premium Open Time at one and one-half times (1.5x) the trip rate and is also eligible for the Spring 2022 Incentive Premium of two times (2.0x) the trip rate, the Premium Open Time premiums pyramids up to a maximum of two times (2.0x) the trip rate; Premium Open Time premium rates of two times (2.0x) the trip rate or higher will remain the same.

Will I be able to see my Spring 2022 Incentive Premium pay in Rainmaker?  Management has indicated that it is not likely that incentive premium pay will be reflected in Rainmaker quickly, if at all. Management believes this will be processed directly through Peoplesoft, so the applicable pay will be visible on your paystub.

Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 Backpay

AFA initially asked management about this back in January, but we were not able to reach an agreement on the concept at that time. As part of the negotiations for this incentive program, the parties agreed to provide an additional payout to Flight Attendants who reported to work and experienced a flight cancellation between December 23, 2021, and January 2, 2022.  Affected Flight Attendants who reported for work during the above dates, scanned in or checked in for duty, experienced a flight cancellation, and were pay protected at 1.0x pay will be eligible for an additional payout of $250 each. The $250 backpay is a flat amount per person and is not per sequence or per flight.

Flight Attendants who are eligible must self-identify by completing a Company payout request form no later than April 10, 2022.  Flight Attendants with scheduled vacation days during this time and those on a leave of absence will have the deadline extended accordingly. Please see management’s communication for specific information about how to submit the payout request form. You can read the Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 Backpay Letter of Agreement that provides more details by clicking here.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Spring 2022 Incentive Premium, please contact your LEC President for more information.

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Management eliminated all remaining COVID pay protection and attendance points forgiveness, effective today.
  • Going forward, Flight Attendants who experience COVID-related illnesses–even if attributed to workplace exposure—will be forced to use sick leave to replace lost income during Company-directed quarantine and will be subject to attendance points in accordance with Section 32 of our contract.
  • AFA leadership attempted to work with management to enter into an agreement for continued attendance points forgiveness related to COVID-19, but management declined to engage.

As indicated in “Further COVID Policy Changes” which was emailed to all employees on March 10th, Alaska Airlines management eliminated all remaining pay protection and Attendance Policy points reduction related to COVID-19, effective today. Management cited employee rates of infection having dropped “to only a handful of cases this week,” “vaccinated employees…staying out of the hospital even if they get infected,” and overall “lower risk to our employees” as justification for this most recent policy change.

Although those statements are currently true—and we hope that they remain true, AFA Alaska leadership strongly disagrees with management’s decision. Until the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) officially reclassifies COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic disease, then pushing financial and work performance ‘liability’ for this disease to employees is, in the MEC’s opinion, premature.

AFA leadership would be remiss if we overlooked the other commercial factors that management did not acknowledge:

  • Shifting pay replacement for absences related to COVID-19 from the Company to employees’ respective personal sick (or PTO) banks minimizes the Company’s pandemic-related financial burden; and
  • Assessing attendance points (or similar work performance ‘demerits’) to employees for absences related to COVID-19 may lead to increased reluctance by employees to call out sick for other issues, which potentially minimizes pandemic-related operational challenges and inefficiencies—and ultimately improves the bottom line in a roundabout way.

Management advised AFA leadership of the plan to return to situation normal some weeks ago, and we lodged our pandemic vs. endemic objections at that time. Whether it was because of pushback from union leadership or perhaps other factors, management temporarily delayed rollout. However, management was unwilling to wait any longer.

The MEC also requested that the parties bargain on another temporary agreement for point reduction related to COVID-19 absences similar to AFA MOU “§32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19” that expired on September 30, 2021. Unfortunately, management declined to engage.

Stay tuned for more details about that drama in a forthcoming update!

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, March 10 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, March 10, 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), 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:

  • Issues and glitches with Crew Access that are affecting Reserve Flight Attendants.  Review of where known issues are documented and prioritization for programming fixes.
  • Update on planned Flight Attendant hiring and initial training classes for 2022.  Starting with class 2022-03, class sizes have nearly doubled to 90 students each.  Larger class sizes will continue.
  • Review of contractual language related to new hire and probationary Flight Attendants (section 7)
  • Update on AFA Reserve Buddy program.  Reserve Buddies are very busy supporting new Flight Attendants.  Reminder to refer Probationary Flight Attendants to their Reserve Buddy for answers to questions about contract and work rules.
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics.  Reserve coverage will remain at approximately 20-21% during the 2nd quarter.
  • Review of reserve-related scheduling issues that have occurred recently.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Providing Support to New Flight Attendants in Initial Training.  Facilitating the new hire AFA presentation, Crew Access training, and PBS training as part of Initial Training and participating in base orientation after graduation.
  2. 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.
  3. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns.  Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management is compliant with our contract. 

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. 

In This Edition

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2022

Originally posted March 9, 2022

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, March 4 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!

Read More >

March 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted March 10, 2022

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, March 8 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.  The MEC was originally scheduled to meet with management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups, but the meeting was cancelled by management due to scheduling conflicts.  The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

Read More >

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Support for the People of Ukraine

More than 1 million people have fled Ukraine, according to the United Nations refugee agency and is “set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis this century.” The United Nations estimates that 12 million people will need relief and protection inside Ukraine, a country with a population of around 43 million, as Russia intensifies its military assault and targets civilian areas.

The AFA Executive Board unanimously adopted a resolution last week in support of the people of Ukraine, February 28, 2022. The resolution reads in part:

WHEREAS, a peaceful world is central to freedom, free movement, and equality – all central principles to the mission of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and directly the job security of our members;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the AFA-CWA Executive Board strongly condemns the premeditated act of aggression by the Russian government against the people of Ukraine; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, war is inherently violent, deadly, and destructive, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those impacted by this conflict; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that as a symbol of our support for the people of Ukraine and all who stand with them, we encourage AFA-CWA members to wear blue and yellow ribbons under our AFA pin and we will continue to stay closely informed on developments in Ukraine and around the world to ensure AFA members are aware of any impact to our jobs and/or threats to our world-wide security.

Next Week’s Events

Monday, March 14AFA Presentation to Initial Training Class 2022-04
Thursday, March 17LAX Semi-Annual Base Safety Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, March 8 to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • The MEC was originally scheduled to meet with management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups, but the meeting was cancelled by management due to scheduling conflicts.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LEC President if you have any questions.

The March 2022 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, March 8.  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 Cancelled

As part of this meeting, the MEC was scheduled to meet with company management and a group of union leaders from the other union-represented workgroups within the company.  The intent of these meetings, usually held once per quarter, is to receive updates from management and allow for a broader discussion of issues and concerns facing all company employees.  Unfortunately, management had to cancel the meeting due to scheduling conflicts.

MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

Last month, Krystle Berry stepped down from the MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson position to allow her to focus on other responsibilities.  The MEC thanks Krystle for her years of service in the position and commitment to our Flight Attendants.  Krystle will continue to serve in her role as Council 39 Portland LEC Vice President.

Martin Monteblanco has served as AFA Alaska CWA NextGen Representative since January 2020.  In this role, he has taken on duties as an alternate to the MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson and most recently has stepped up to serve as Acting MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson during the transition period.  Given his experience, the MEC has appointed Martin to permanently fill the position for the remainder of the term through December 31, 2022.

Questions?

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

Human Rights Committee

  • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, March 4 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 Friday, March 4, 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 Matthew Cook (ANC), 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 Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Labor Relations Carmen Williams, California Regional Director of Inflight Operations Robbi Burton, 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.
  • Possibility of expanding current uniform and appearance standards to be more inclusive of varying cultural identities.
  • Support for the people of Ukraine and what the company, the inflight division, and AFA are doing.
  • Concerns about company suppliers/vendors whose values may be contradictory to those of Alaska Airlines.  Management is continuing to research this issue.
  • Concerns about a perceived lack of cultural sensitivity surrounding how the company chooses to participate in certain public events and promotional activities.
  • Ways for the committee to start building relationships with the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs) and expand existing relationships with the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) department.
  • Management’s proposal to conduct DEI listening sessions with Flight Attendants in each base; discussion about involvement of the AFA Human Rights Committee.
  • Request to make DEI information easily accessible to Flight Attendants on the Inflight Mobile Device (IMD).
  • Management’s progress on DEI initiatives and plans for upcoming work.
  • Request that management provide more timely and visible DEI updates and information about upcoming events and opportunities.  Specifically, providing Flight Attendants with enough notice to bid time off for activities they’d like to participate in.
  • Ensuring diversity and representation in company photo shoots and promotional materials that depict employees.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Tuesday, May 31, 2022.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Exploring Ways to Engage with Flight Attendants About Human Rights.  Discussing possible opportunities to work with management to conduct and participate in DEI activities in each base.

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

  • Upcoming Pilot Informational Picketing
  • Welcoming Our Newest Flight Attendants
  • What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
  • Next Week’s Events

Upcoming Pilot Informational Picketing

Originally posted March 2, 2022

Alaska Airlines pilots and management began negotiations in spring of 2019, and have recently entered into mediation under the authority of the National Mediation Board (NMB). Some of the pilots’ key negotiating priorities are schedule flexibility and job security improvements.  The pilots will be conducting informational picketing in a number of locations on Friday, April 1 to bring attention to the issue.  Flight Attendants in full uniform who participate in the “rules of engagement and picketing training” portion of the event are welcome and encouraged to picket with our pilots as a show of unity.

Read More >

Welcoming Our Newest Flight Attendants

Originally posted March 3, 2022

We are excited to welcome our newest Flight Attendants to the line!  Operating experience (OE) flights for the first class of 2022 are finishing up, and some of our new Flight Attendants will start flying the line as early as this week.  With new Flight Attendants joining us, now is a good opportunity to brush up on some new hire related programs that haven’t been active for a while, such as Operating Experience (OE) and job familiarization flights.  Ensuring that our newest Flight Attendants have accurate and correct information about our contract and work rules is critical to their success while on probation.  If questions come up, please refer them to an official AFA resource or their Local Reserve Committee for assistance. 

Read More >

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? 

Originally posted March 3, 2022

Many people go through short periods of time where they feel sad or not like their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spring, with longer daylight hours.

In some cases, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior whenever the seasons change, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression. 

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, March 8Regular MEC Meeting
Wednesday, March 9Scheduling Review Board (SRB)
Thursday, March 10Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 10Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Sick Leave Survey Now Open

Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) prioritizes your health and well-being and seeks to understand which aspects of our paid sick leave policy matter most to you. We encourage you to participate in the survey, which is open until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT, to ensure your voice is heard in shaping our support for your healthcare needs.

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 […]

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