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In This Edition

Get Ready For Our Day of Solidarity!

Originally posted August 8, 2023

Don’t forget to RSVP for our Day of Solidarity informational picketing events next week on Tuesday, August 15. As a reminder, Flight Attendants scheduled to work during the events must refrain from participating. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can join our virtual picket using the resources on the contract website.

Read More >

August 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted August 9, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC was scheduled to meet with management to discuss issues affecting our work group, but the meeting was canceled by our MEC due to a lack of availability by many key management participants. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 19.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Don’t Forget – Keep Your Schedule Clear On August 15!

This is a friendly reminder that our Day of Solidarity is coming up on August 15! We appreciate your support and ask that if you RSVP’d to attend, you keep a close eye on your schedule and refrain from picking up or trading into trips that day. Your commitment to attend and participate in the picketing events means everything to our Negotiating Committee, and we’re counting on you to be there. Let’s stand together!

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, August 14 – Wednesday, August 16Contract Negotiations
Tuesday, August 15Day of Solidarity Informational Picketing
Thursday, August 17Scheduling 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!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • The MEC was scheduled to meet with management to discuss issues affecting our work group, but the meeting was canceled by our MEC due to a lack of availability by many key management participants.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 and Tuesday, September 19.

The August 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 9.  The meeting consisted of updates from 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. 

Mobilization and Solidarity Activities

A large part of the meeting focused on discussing mobilization efforts for the upcoming Day of Solidarity informational picketing on August 15. Progress updates were given on logistics and planning for the events.

Meeting with Management Canceled

During most regular MEC meetings, we meet with management to review the challenges faced by Flight Attendants. Unfortunately, many key management participants were unavailable or did not respond to the meeting invitation from AFA this month. As a result, our MEC canceled the meeting as it would not have been productive without key decision-makers present to discuss concerns and work toward solutions.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

 Council #19 Monthly Committee Updates

The committee newsletter is meant to be published on the 2nd Wednesday of every month and the previous version was published prematurely. This version contains corrections and additions that were originally left out of the previous email.

 COMMUNICATIONS 

We are working on new ways to get information to you. As always, we want to get information to you as quickly as possible. We realize not everyone uses the same platforms as others, so if you have suggestions, please let us know by emailing sea.communications.chair@afaalaska.org, 

We have started a new Council 19 Facebook Group, you can join here. We are also scheduling regular newsletters which will be sent out the last Wednesday of every month. You will also receive a monthly committee update on the second Wednesday of every month. We will rotate committee reports, so each committee will report back to members every other month. In addition to this, we will regularly make posts on our website https://afaalaska.org/sea and will link all of the updates to the Facebook page. We appreciate any feedback you give us!

 AIR, SAFETY, HEALTH & SECURITY

In April of this year our uniform policy changed and the requirements for shoes was one of the important changes. In our roles, we are on our feet for long periods of time, and proper footwear plays a critical role in our long-term wellbeing. We had the opportunity to attend a lecture on the aging workforce at a safety conference earlier this year. It was an eye opener to hear about how making smart choices about footwear really makes a difference and was a key factor in keeping an aging workforce active in a BMW plant in Germany. Our revised shoe policy is on page 20 of the Uniform Guides and it makes wearing practical shoes easier. The next time you are out shopping for shoes, remember the following advice:

  • Do not expect that footwear which is too tight will stretch with wear.
  • Have both feet measured when buying shoes. Feet normally differ in size.
  • Buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
  • Buy shoes late in the afternoon when feet are likely to be swollen to their maximum size.
  • Ask a doctor’s advice if properly fitting shoes are not available. 
  • Consider using shock-absorbing insoles

It sounds like common sense, but often we let fashion win over comfort.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The Human Rights Committee was proud to have our Local Chairperson, Yan Yan Teague as a voting delegate at the Biennial APALA Convention on August 3-5.  The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO, was founded in 1992 and is the first and only national organization of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers, most of whom are union members and our allies, building power for AAPI workers and communities.

At the convention, a new APALA Executive board was elected. Workshops included how to engage union members, creating mentorship and learning about undocumented Asian workers. You can read about the highlights of the convention here:

If any AFA member is interested in becoming an APALA Member, please reach out to Yan Yan to learn more.

HOTEL

Your Hotel committee is continuing to advocate hard for the best hotels possible. We have seen recent changes to downtown locations in SFO, ORD and JFK. We will be looking at additional downtown locations as contracts expire.

Other cities that are currently being looked at or will be soon are: TPA, RSW, BUR, SEA, SJC, ONT, KOA, CUN, RDU, BWI, EWR (short) and more to come!

We appreciate all of the Crew Care reports that come in daily. They help us when choosing or reviewing a property. Please continue to submit both negative and positive feedback.

We launched a new API tool called “My Travel” to give you the most up to date hotel layover information. You will see an icon on your IMD with the “API” logo. This is a quick link to the My Travel page. It will transition to a up to date, stand alone application in the coming weeks. 

Please reach out if you have any questions about hotels. We can be reached at sea.hotel.chair@afaalaska.org

 BENEFITS, RETIREMENT & MATERNITY

The Benefits Committee attended the first Quarterly Benefits Check-in meeting on July 18th along with representatives from the Alaska Benefits Team assigned to Inflight. We were able to discuss ongoing concerns with the team. Kathy O’Malley and Terry Taylor for Council 19 represented SEA Flight Attendants. 

Since we have changed our Workers Compensation administration company 14 months ago, we’ve had many issues and difficulties with Sedgwick. Terry Taylor met with Absence Management representatives and others, to discuss these concerns on July 21st, along with Stephanie Adams, MEC Grievance Chairperson. We are pleased that we were heard, and changes to the administration staff and processing of Worker’s Compensation leaves for SEA have been implemented. 

We also discussed some of the main pain points since the transition from Matrix to Hartford in January 2023. We seem to be making progress with Hartford, and have specific contacts with Absence Management to resolve issues with processing and administering leaves of absence.

We will be switching 401(k) Plan Administrators this fall. The Retirement committee will be attending the first meeting to prepare for the transition on August 8th. More information will be provided  by both the company, and the Committee.

We continue to support all bases with Maternity general questions & assistance with leave planning through the Alaska Airlines Maternity Connection Facebook group.

EAP & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Hello everyone! We hope you are enjoying the summer and getting ready for the upcoming events. Here are some updates from SEA EAP:

  • We have been working with Inflight management to educate them about our FAAS Pathway program, which helps FA’s who may be struggling with substance use or other issues to seek help in a safe, non-, non-judgemental way.
  • We have created a comprehensive list of options for counseling and mental health provider assistance, as Active Support has not been reliable or consistent for our FA’s. 

We want to remind you of some important tips when flying:

  • If you notice a FA who seems impaired, disoriented, or unwell, please check on them and contact MedAire or Global Lifeline if needed. They may be having a medical emergency or need help. 
  • If you suspect a FA may be under the influence of a substance, please urge them to call EAP, initiate a Pathway 1 through the FAAS Program, or call out sick. Do not let them fly if they are not fit for duty. Safety First!
  • EAP is a safe and confidential place to ask for support. We do not share your information with the company unless you authorize us, or it is necessary. We can work with benefits, grievances, and other AFA committees to help you with your needs. You can contact us through AFA tickets, referrals, your flying peers or directly. 
  • Professional Standards is a confidential option that allows feedback to a FA who may be violating safety or company policies, or who may have a work style or personality conflict with you. We will reach out to the reported FA confidentially and try to resolve or defuse the issue. Please do not contact the FAs who reported you or retaliate against them in any way. This could lead to discipline from the company. 
  • EAP/Professional Standards does not handle BOA Visa issues, non-payment with trip trades, or social media issues. Please be mindful of what you post on social media and avoid negative, hurtful, or inappropriate comments that could target someone by name. Doing so may result in unwanted attention and discipline from the company. Be respectful, supportive, and kind to each other online and off-line.

We are here for you, and we appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

This section contains revisions and clarifications. 


WSLC – Convention July 18-20, 2023

  • In attendance: SEA Flight Attendants Andrew Stinson, Tracy Pettit, Jerry Sinclair, Melinda Jorge
  • As delegates we voted on resolutions and declarations for labor union activities
  • There were many open Mic discussions, Guest Speakers, and Guest Candidates Running for WA State offices
  • We spoke about the Pop-Up Picket and the day of Solidarity on August 15 for Alaska FAs
  • We handed out over 500 flyers at the convention – speaking points regarding Alaska’s Flight Attendants fight for an Industry Leading Contract & Wages
  • We learned of a $5,000 grant through WSLC that we can apply for funds to assist with our mobilization strategies

Meeting with MLK Labor – 07/26/2023

  • Seattle current and future number of delegates (voting) – per capita increase

FAA bill HR 3935

  • passed 07/20/2023

Meeting with Pierce County Labor Council

  • 07/31/2023 – Beginning a new relationship with Pierce County Labor

GRIEVANCE

Revised to add CBT discipline can progress up to and including discharge.

On June 2, 2023, there was a Grievance Committee Update published for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022, and 1st quarter of 2023. Items discussed included:

  • Steps of Discipline
  • Subjects of most recent discipline
  • Recent Arbitration/Mediation
  • Recent grievance Settlements
  • Grievances recently filed, denied by management and currently awaiting arbitration dates. 

CBTs

In Council 19, there were over 50 disciplines issued for failure to complete the Q2 CBT. It is important to remember that discipline is progressive, so if you are already in steps of discipline, failure to complete your CBT will move you up the steps, up to and including suspension discharge. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact the ITS Help Desk. To verify that your CBT is complete, check that your Cornerstone transcript lists under “Completed” and check your email for a confirmation.

Q3 CBT curriculum has now been pushed to your device. Please make the effort to complete it  and avoid any last-minute technical issues. If necessary, have an accountability partner and set a goal to get it done by the end of the month. Don’t forget, you get 1TFP for completing the CBT, and if you complete it in August, it will count towards your single month $350 PPP bonus for August!

GET INVOLVED

We are looking to engage more young Flight Attendants in the Union. Our NextGen program is looking for a few flight attendants under 35 years old who are eager to join and gain more experience working in the union with other union sectors. To learn more about NextGen, contact Yan Yan Teague.

In Solidarity, 

Jarod, David, Kathy, Yan Yan, Andrea, Melinda & Paula


Our System-wide Informational Picket is just around the corner and your leadership and mobilization teams are working hard planning and organizing a successful event! Here are some important details you should know:

RSVP:

We already have hundreds of RSVPs and continue to add more every day. Please continue to invite your family, friends and labor allies to stand along side us. If you haven’t already, please RSVP here and help us to prepare for the size of crowd to expect. 

Special Guests:

We are delighted to announce that AFA International President, Sara Nelson, will be standing in solidarity with us in Seattle. She, along with our local leaders will add to the power of our voices as we show management and the public that our Flight Attendants are united and ready to fight for the contract we have earned.

Meeting Point Location:

Angle Lake Park, Shelter C (map)
19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188

Schedule of Events:

11:30-12:20pmCheck-In / Walk-up Registration
Signs and chant cards distribution 
Pre-Picket Rally
12:20-12:30pmPicketers walk to picketing locations (see map)
  – In front of the HUB and Corporate
  – March to Flag Pavilion and in front of AFA office
12:30-2:00pmGET RED MAD AND GET LOUD!
2:00-2:30pmCheck-Out and sign return
2:30-3:00pmLocal Council Meeting for members in good-standing


Parking:

There is limited parking at Angle Lake Park. There are several lots in the area that you can utilize. We highly encourage carpooling and using public transportation. You can park at the SeaTac light rail station and take the train one stop to Angle Lake Station which is about a .5 mile walk to the park. 

We would like to concentrate our picketing around the HUB and Alaska Corporate. Our Negotiations Committee and management will be returning to the negotiating table at our AFA Office location which is about 1 mile north of Angle Lake Park and right across the street from the Flag Pavilion, which is where we had our Pop-Up picket last month. For those willing and able, we would love to have a picket march up to the Flag Pavilion and Union Office and line all along International Boulevard in between.

Red AFA Pin

Thank you so much for wearing your red AFA pins as a show of solidarity and unity! Do you still need a red AFA pin? Fill out this Request Form and we’ll do our best to get one to you.

Please continue to check your emails and our Facebook group for any updates as we get closer to the picket. Encourage your crew members to subscribe to our Council 19 Newsletter and join our Council 19 Facebook Group to stay informed and connected to our council news. We are excited to see you all on August 15th!

In This Edition

Talking To The Public About Contract Negotiations

Originally posted July 31, 2023

Our Negotiating Committee would like to offer some guidance on how to handle questions from various individuals regarding negotiations. Passengers should be directed to raise their concerns through Alaska Listens. Family, friends, and allies can support by participating in informational picketing events or posting on Alaska Airlines’ social media accounts. Media inquiries should be referred to an AFA spokesperson.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2023

Originally posted July 31, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 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 >

Building Support In Our Communities

Originally posted August 4, 2023

We’ve launched a new page on the contract website to inform our communities about our fight for a fair contract. The page includes ways for everyone to show support, including a petition, social media tools, and printable signs. Please share the page with family, friends, and community members and ask that they do the same.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 8 – Wednesday, August 9Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, August 8Retirement Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 8Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Thursday, August 10Quarterly Hotel 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!

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, July 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, July 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), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Natalie Codd (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

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

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on August 22, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Block hours reduction. Line averages will be lower during the fall of 2023, starting with the September bid month.
  • JCTE/Crew Access update. We are expecting a new update (7.4 MR13) for filters and a “trade handshake” in September 2023. 
  • Leaves. At this time there are no leaves expected through the remainder 2023. We expect to see leaves offered in January 2024.
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. Management recently issued a bulletin bundle providing an update on this issue and a plan for implementation in a future Crew Access update. 
  • Base Turns. Each month Flight Attendants are surprised when they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some contractual legalities are waived. When adding sequences together, refer to Section 8.T.
  • Vacation Bidding. In preparation for 2024 vacation bidding we are completing user testing with payroll. 
  • Section 34.A.5. It was discovered after bid awards that Flight Attendants were flying and transporting within Mexico alone. AFA remedies included 1.5x premium for the entire trip and/or pay protection for affected Flight Attendants. 
  • Section 11.E.1.c. “ISA” marker. Unavailable for self assignment. When Flight Attendants trade into/out of trips with this label, the premium will disappear. If you notice a trip in Open Time labeled as “ISA” without premium, you can contact CS and request removal of the ISA label or for the premium to be added back onto the trip. Crew Scheduling has the discretion to determine which action they choose. 
  • Hotel wait times. If you wait in excess of over one (1) hour for a hotel please ensure you keep in contact with Crew Scheduling and open a ticket with AFA. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. We’ve reviewed the base sits and would like more feedback and participation from Flight Attendants. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas on involvement in reviewing bids. 
  2. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we submitted a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. A follow up meeting needs to be scheduled.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management.  You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

Milestone Anniversary Celebration Event

Originally posted July 25, 2023

Management recently sent an email to employees celebrating a milestone anniversary with the company this year (10 years of service and every five years after that) with an invitation to this year’s milestone anniversary celebration on September 23.  For those of you who received one, we want to congratulate you on reaching these milestones and on your commitment to our career!

Read More >

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

Originally posted July 27, 2023

Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, July 13 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft. Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, August 3Alternate 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!

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, July 13 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, July 13, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Blair Kimbal (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Manager Inflight Training Delivery Ken Hawkins, Infight Policy & Procedure Specialist Kevin Weatherbie, Manager of Inflight Safety & Compliance Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedure Kaliko Howell, Inflight Regulatory Compliance Safety Analyst Danette Thomas, Manager Inflight Base Operations Olinga Asress, and Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

  • Checking luggage for Unaccompanied Minors and passengers needing assistance. The ASHSC is advocating for checking UM roller bags as part of the program, and a complimentary gate-check (orange tag) offered to passengers needing assistance. This would reduce bin and bag injuries and speed up boarding and deplaning.
  • 3-point briefing Clarification. The 3-point briefing policy needs clarity on the meaning of “expeditiously”. Inflight is working to provide updated FAM language on this topic.
  • Cabin Gadgets. Clear guidance is needed about which devices are permitted for use at different phases of flight in the cabin. Inflight is actively working on updating the FAM language on this topic.
  • Employee shuttles & parking. The ASHSC is advocating for the development of minimum requirements regarding employee parking lot environments and shuttle services. This would include maximum passenger loads, minimum wait times, lot surveillance, etc., and would be used to hold ports and shuttle vendors accountable.
  • AED MEL on ETOPs flights. The Company is looking at maintaining a stock of AEDs in the islands to avoid flying transpacific without an operative AED (the MEL allows the AC to fly one leg without an AED).
  •  “On-ing” passengers prior to asking boarding questions. We have reports of CSAs “on-ing” passengers prior to boarding safety questions being asked, resulting in them lining up in the jetbridge waiting for permission to board. This is not a documented procedure and Inflight is following up with AOCS on the topic.
  • Hand and surface wipes. Passengers are still requesting wipes, and Flight Attendants prefer alcohol-based hand wipes. A surface wipe is preferable to Sanicide spray.
  • Fanny packs/small purses. Due to increased popularity, compliance conversations about these items are occurring more frequently. It would be helpful if CSAs also monitored for these and asked passengers to place them inside carry-ons before boarding to comply with the one-plus rule.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Equipment preflights and Flight Attendant briefings.  We conducted time testing to determine how much additional time is needed to complete equipment preflights and Flight Attendant briefings prior to passenger boarding and continue advocating for dedicated time to do so.
  2. Continuous Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA). The LOSA program is evolving into a continuous program that will include approximately forty monthly observations. Observations will continue to record only de-identified information which will be used to better understand threats to the cabin environment and to improve policy and training within Inflight and other divisions.
  3. Second round of AFA ASHSC SBMs (Semiannual Base Meetings). The ASHSC is working with Inflight and the Safety Department to continue the practice of holding safety meetings at all bases twice a year. Please consider signing up to attend or submitting a safety concern for discussion when you see the invite from Base Leadership and your Local ASHSC.
  4. Improved ReportIt App. The ASHSC has been involved in the process of improving our reporting system. As part of that process, we are advocating for a more approachable and dependable interface.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please help the committee to advocate for improvement and change by filing a report.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports can all be submitted using ReportIt!  If you’re not sure what type of report to file for a particular situation or need help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of your Local ASHSC.

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

***This post is from a previous email communication, so may appear out of order and is being posted as an FYI.

 WE ARE OFF TO A GREAT START IN OUR 

 RED HOT SUMMER CAMPAIGN

We would like to thank all of our members who joined us on July 19th to  kick off our RED HOT summer! Over 250 people joined our Pop Up Picket to show management that we are turning up the heat. Let’s continue the momentum by continuing to wear your RED PINS to show solidarity and by signing up for the August 15th day of Solidarity events. There are strength in numbers, so we encourage you to bring your friends and family. Please continue to share photos of the event to raise awareness. 

The events across the system got some great presence in the media, visit the links below for specific Seattle coverage!

LOCAL COUNCIL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT

We are planning on holding a Council #19 meeting directly after the Systemwide Day of Solidarity event. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet our LEC Officers and Committee Members.

Date: August 15th

Time: 2:00 – 3:00PM

Location: Angle Lake Park, Shelter “C”

Please stay tuned for social media posts and email newsletters for further details and meeting agenda.

SYSTEM WIDE DAY OF SOLIDARITY

We look forward to seeing everyone at our August 15th Systemwide Day of Solidarity! Things are heating up and we would like to continue the momentum and have as many people as possible at our event. Please bring your friends and family and encourage them to wear RED!  CLICK HERE to sign up for the event. 

We have received a lot of questions about the event, please make sure to visit the Picketing FAQ’s post for your answers, or reach out. You can contact Iay Haywood,  our Council 19 Mobilization Committee Chairperson at sea.mobilization.chair@afaalaska.org.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED?

We are looking to gather a list of members who are  interested in getting involved in YOUR UNION! We want to hear from you if you are interested in volunteering on one of our committees. Please note, we may not have current availability on all of our committees, but we are looking to form a list of people that are interested, so we can keep in touch when openings come available. We will also be posting openings on our website, social media and in our newsletters each month when there are openings. CLICK HERE to go to our form to express your interest.

HAVE YOU MOVED?

Have you moved recently? It is important that AFA has your current mailing list on file. The address that is on file with international is the address any ballots for future elections, etc will be mailed to. Be prepared to receive future ballots in the mail by updating your mailing address by CLICKING HERE.

REPORTING AN ISSUE

We would like to remind you of the importance of reporting any issues you have directly with AFA. We have a ticketing system at https://support.afaalaska.org/ where you can report all issues you have. We have seen an increase in social media posts on issues that do not have a corresponding ticket filed with AFA. We can’t take action on situation we read about on social media—we must have a ticket filed. By filing a ticket, you will get contacted by the appropriate person, and it also helps us track trends and stay up to date with what is happening. Please make sure to visit our ticketing system at https://support.afaalaska.org/. 

 ARE YOU UP TO DATE ON YOUR UNION DUES?

Life happens and you can fall behind in dues. Did you know that you have to be in good standing to vote on a proposed contract? Making sure you are current on your dues now could help avoid headaches in the future. If you have received any notices from AFA about past due union dues, make sure to take action. If you owe an amount that is a bit out of reach, they will work with you on a plan to get them paid off. If you contact them now, your plan may help you get current prior to any vote we have in the future. Reach out to AFA Membership to find out if you are past due and get on a plan. Visit the AFA-CWA Membership Page by AFA-CWA Membership, you will find all the resources and contact information. 

OUR NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE

Did you know we have a new Facebook group? We are always looking for ways to get information to you via the platforms you use most, so we have started a Council #19 Facebook group. You can access it at https://www.facebook.com/groups/afaalaskaseattle . In order to be accepted into the group, you must answer the questions and agree to the group rules. Failure to do either will result in an automatic denial by the auto-responder.

In This Edition

Headed To A Picket? Wear Your Uniform!

Originally posted July 15, 2023

We have every right to wear our uniforms while picketing, and everyone should do so when attending one of our Red Hot Summer picketing events! We have power, and we’re asserting our rights. From United to Spirit to Piedmont, Flight Attendants picket in uniform. Same for the pilots across the industry. This is an official Union event.

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August 15th Day of Solidarity – RSVP Now

Originally posted July 18, 2023

Our August 15 Day of Solidarity is coming up soon! Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the first negotiation session since management’s promise of industry-leading pay expired. Plan to join one of the informational pickets being held in all six bases, and RSVP now using one of the links below to let us know you’ll be there!

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Solidarity Is Our Power: Acting As One To Support Negotiations

Originally posted July 19, 2023

Monthly activities are planned to maintain pressure on management during the Red Hot Summer campaign. It is crucial to follow the “status quo” and participate only in officially endorsed actions during negotiations. Flight Attendants should avoid illegal activities like encouraging work disruptions or unprotected concerted actions, as they can lead to termination of employment and personal financial liability.

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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – June 2023

Originally posted July 20, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, June 27 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!

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A Week Of Undeniable Solidarity!

Originally posted July 21, 2023

This week, we made it perfectly clear to management that we stand together in our demand for a contract that recognizes and respects our value. On short notice, we came out in force at pop-up pickets in Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle, making our voices heard. Days of solidarity took place in San Francisco and Anchorage (happening today) to mobilize Flight Attendants and build unity in support of our Negotiating Committee. We sent a message to management that we are unified and will not back down!

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Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, July 25Monthly 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!

Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

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

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

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

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026

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

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

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

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Monday, July 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and […]

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