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Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson

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

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

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

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

In Solidarity,

Jeff

In This Edition

Negotiating Committee Blog

Originally posted September 21, 2022

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

Read More >

This Week’s Blog Questions

Shared on Social

We CARE about an industry leading contract!

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

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 27Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

In This Edition

We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

Originally posted September 11, 2022

Read More >

Power of the Pin

Originally posted September 13, 2022

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

Read More >

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

Originally posted September 15, 2022

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

Read More >

September 2022 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted September 15, 2022

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

Read More >

First Negotiation Session

Originally posted September 15, 2022

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

Read More >

Shared on Social

Negotiation Session 1 Recap Video

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

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, September 21Quarterly Inflight Service Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 22SAN Base Safety Meeting
Thursday, September 22Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

Master Executive Council (MEC)

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

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

Joining our Negotiating Committee for Opening of Contract Negotiations

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

Meeting with Management

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

Some of the topics that were discussed include:

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

MEC Policy & Procedure Manual Amendment

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

Questions?

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

AFA Never Forget Website

United Flight 175

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

United Flight 93

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

American Flight 11

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

American Flight 77

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

In This Edition

Block? TFP? … or Better?

Originally posted September 6, 2022

Thank you for filling out our Negotiations Survey. Continue to send feedback directly to the Negotiating Committee.  What is the best pay system: TFP? Block? Duty? Or…?  There are several trends when comparing pay systems.  Our goal is to negotiate the best possible contract with the best possible pay.

Read More >

Mobilization Moment – First Negotiation Session

Originally posted September 8, 2022

Our Negotiating Committee has their first negotiations session next week with management.  It’s time to show our solidarity and show management we are ready for an industry leading contract.  Wear your AFA pin with pride, follow AFA social media, and ensure you are signed up for AFA emails.

Read More >

2022 AFA September 11th Honor Guard

Originally posted September 9, 2022

Twenty-one years ago, we made a promise to Never Forget the events of September 11, 2001 and never allow them to be repeated. No matter the uniform we wear, the routes we fly, or the years we have worn our wings we will always remember the events of September 11th and lift up our heroes. 

Our seventh annual AFA Honor Guard will attend services at our nation’s three national memorials to ensure the public remembers the sacrifice of Flight Attendants. This Honor Guard is comprised of Flight Attendants who have done work to advance our Never Forget priorities.

Read More >

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2022

Originally posted September 9, 2022

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, September 8 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 >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 13 – Thursday, September 15Contract Negotiations Begin
Tuesday, September 13 – Wednesday, September 14Regular MEC Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

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

Reserve Committee

  • Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, September 8 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, September 8, 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), Megan Zablan (PDX), Camile Caldwell (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN).  Also present were 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 Kiana Shaw 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:

  • Plans for Initial Training classes for the remainder of the year and next year.  Management has indicated intent to hire more Flight Attendants but specific numbers will be dependent on other company growth factors.
  • Anticipated return of service flights to Initial Training.  Management is still working out details.
  • Top causes of occurrences for probationary Flight Attendants.  Recent increase in issues with forgetting to check in for trips and APSB on Block2Block and requirement to physically be in base while on call during Reserve Availability Periods (RAP).
  • Support for probationary Flight Attendants through the Reserve Buddy Program.
  • Increase in requests for assistance with PBS and bidding.  The committee is seeking ways to provide additional training and support in this area.
  • Reminder to new hire F/As about AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.
  • Increase in lineholders picking up reserve days which has resulted in some increased flexibility for Reserve Flight Attendants.
  • Review of the Master Executive Council (MEC) letter to management regarding proportional domicile staffing. 
  • Management staffing within Crew Scheduling.  Four new Crew Scheduling Supervisors will be hired to help support operations. 
  • Review of reserve utilization statistics.  Reserve coverage is anticipated to be at approximately 21-22% for the remainder of the year.
  • Request that management provide additional flexibility for reserve day shifting by decreasing the ARC maximum.  Management agreed to review possible changes.
  • Ongoing concerns with hotel information not being loaded into Crew Access by the time a Flight Attendant arrive in a layover city, despite management having several hours to arrange for the hotel.  Please report these issues through the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so that AFA representatives can follow up with management. 
  • Review of reserve-related scheduling issues that have occurred recently.

The committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 1.

What The Committee Is Working On

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

We Want to Hear From You!

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

AFA International

Twenty-one years ago, we made a promise to Never Forget the events of September 11, 2001 and never allow them to be repeated. No matter the uniform we wear, the routes we fly, or the years we have worn our wings we will always remember the events of September 11th and lift up our heroes. 

Our seventh annual AFA Honor Guard will attend services at our nation’s three national memorials to ensure the public remembers the sacrifice of Flight Attendants. This Honor Guard is comprised of Flight Attendants who have done work to advance our Never Forget priorities:

National Flight 93 Memorial Shanksville

Shane Dillon, United Council 21 Washington, D.C.
Yan Yan Teague, Alaska Council 19 Seattle

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Martin Monteblanco, Alaska Council 19 Seattle
Bruni Agosto, Hawaiian Council 43 Honolulu

September 11th Memorial New York

Karen Augustus, United Council 21 Washington, D.C.
Tanya Clarke, Endeavor Council 45 New York

Important Dates

September   1:  Vacation Bidding Round 1 Begins

September 19:  Vacation Bidding Round 1 Closes

September 26:  Vacation Bidding Round 1 Awards post

September 30:  ** Q3 CBT Due **

AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee Appointments

Linda Gunselman

Linda has been a Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 24 years, the majority of that time in the Portland base. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University and an Investigator degree from the Academy of Legal Investigators. Additionally, she has had extensive training in personal development as well as case advocacy through the CASA program (court appointed special advocate.)  

Born and raised in Oregon, Linda spends most of her free time with family and friends. She can regularly be found following her youngest daughter around to cheer events or volunteering with her cheer program, school or Rose Festival. Linda has been married for 17 years and lives in West Linn. She has three children, two grandchildren, a Cavalier King Charles, Dexter and cat, Sasha.

“With all the new obstacles we are faced with today, I understand how those things can trigger challenges in our lives. One of my strengths is the ability to look at the big picture while addressing the smaller things that can build up and be hard on us. I look forward to being able to assist my fellow Flight Attendants as an EAP rep!” – Linda 

Barb Moynier

After graduating from Weber State University with an Associate’s degree in general studies, Barb moved to Oregon in 1991. She started her flying career with SkyWest Airlines, and then joined Alaska Airlines in 1997.

Previously, Barb served on the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee as both MEC & local PDX LEC chairperson. While on the committee she worked the ETOPS Certification flight and served as an ASAP ERC (event review committee) alternate.

When not playing tour guide on work layovers, Barb enjoys volunteering for many non-profits, hiking, spending time on the river Dragon boating/kayaking, or just spending time in the great outdoors. Some may also consider Barb to be a soccer fan(atic) and she has been spotted at many Portland Timbers and Thorns matches!

Crystal Schrader

Crystal was born and raised in Oregon. At the age of 20, after being in nursing school and realizing it wasn’t for her, she applied to be a Flight Attendant on her 21st birthday. Having been flying for over 15 years now, she feels the lifestyle, friendships, and community the job has brought her is unmatched.Crystal is excited to be joining the EAP committee so she can give back to all of her fellow Flight Attendants who have supported her all these years. When she isn’t flying, you will find her teaching spin classes, riding bikes with her nine-year-old son, or line dancing!

“I feel peer to peer support is so important in our line of work and am so honored to be a part of such an amazing committee. Our work group is made up of some of the best humans and I look forward to working with all of you!” – Crystal

Please join us in welcoming our newest committee members!

Section 6 Negotiations 

September is here, and Section 6 Negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) for Alaska Airlines’ Flight Attendants are scheduled to formally begin! Thank you everyone for sending the Negotiations Committee your ideas and for filling out the survey. Member input is invaluable and guides the committee to prioritize needs. Please bookmark the Negotiations subsite, which can be found on the AFA Alaska website, to stay updated on the progress of negotiations.  

Council 39 is looking for Mobilization Volunteers to support Section 6 Negotiations in PDX.  Please fill out the Mobilization Volunteer Expression of Interest form and reach out to Ahnawake Kriese, our local Mobilization Committee chairperson, at ahnawake.kriese@afalaska.org to participate in events.

No Stock Buybacks in Aviation Until Problems are Fixed!

from AFA International

COVID relief legislation temporarily prohibited airlines from using stock buybacks that enrich executives and big investors on the backs of workers and consumers. But those prohibitions end on September 30. Now is not the time to start sending cash to Wall Street when the airlines can’t yet meet public demand or manage effectively through operational challenges. Airline workers have had contract negotiations on hold for years – delaying raises and improving working conditions needed to keep skilled workers on the job and attract new applicants.

We call on all airline CEOs to extend the COVID relief ban on stock buybacks until:

  • operational meltdowns are not the norm
  • staffing and flight schedules are aligned to support public demand
  • labor contract negotiations are concluded

Stabilizing the industry must be CEOs #1 priority. Not $1 in stock buybacks until this is achieved.  Join the fight and take action by signing the petition.

Participation Request: Human Rights and Uniform Surveys

from AFA International

The Human Rights and Uniform Committees want to hear more from Flight Attendants! To better know what Flight Attendants, need and what can be done to fight for FA rights, please take two important surveys:

Human Rights and Equity Committee Survey

Uniform and Gender Expression Survey

Labor Day message

excerpt from CWA President Christopher Shelton

“As we continue to organize for transformational change, let us believe in ourselves, believe in one another, and have complete faith in the fact that when we come together and build true solidarity, there is no issue too big, no corporation too powerful, no challenge too tough, no goal too high that we cannot achieve.

When we fight, we win. Happy Labor Day.”

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

In This Edition

Election Notice: Alaska MEC Officer Elections

Originally posted September 1, 2022

The term of office for our current Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2022.  The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the regular November MEC meeting.  This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with article III.C.1 of the MEC Policy Manual.

Read More >

Uniform Gender Expression Survey

Originally posted September 2, 2022

Everyone should be able to dress and express themselves at work in a manner that is reflective of their true self.  AFA is working with other aviation unions and PRIDE@Work to ensure that all Flight Attendants are supported in exercising our rights.  Your participation in the Uniform Gender Expression Survey will help to identify where discrimination exists and improvements to uniform choices, policies, and guidelines need to be made.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, September 7Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, September 8Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 8Scheduling 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!

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, March 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

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