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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Scheduling Committee

  • 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!

Tuesday, June 27, 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), Martin Vance (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, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The committee met with Managing Director Ops Staffing and Resource Management, Brittany Audette, Managing Director Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Inflight Operations Michaella Littman, 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 July 25, 2023.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Reserve Utilization. In June we saw utilization around 80-90%, we expect this to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to mention there is an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates up to 12.9%. We see a high percentage on weekends. We’ve asked to increase TSN and personal drops for flexibility but were told that is doubtful unless sick leave is reduced. Premium is being offered some weekends to help cover the operation and you are able to filter for premium trips using filters.
  • No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where flight attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on the contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Leaves. There were no leaves for July. Crew planning is working on August pairings. The line averages are around 80.1 TFP. We will see a reduction in the schedule for the fall and hope there will be leave opportunities during that time.
  • Van Times. Pilots and Flight Attendants sharing transportation should have the same van times. There were reports of crews waiting in the van for pilots. Pilot Scheduling/Crew Scheduling should coordinate any transportation changes on behalf of the crews.
  • NavBlue Pattern Bidding. In July we are anticipating adding a new feature that will allow pattern bidding. Look for more information on how to utilize this new option. The PBS Committee is updating the help files in the system to be more user friendly. If you need assistance in bidding please email them.
  • Per Diem. In some circumstances you will see taxed layover per diem based on state/federal requirements. Rainmaker is programmed to process the taxes automatically based on the limits. You can review taxation on CONUS Rates. Company is required by law to process the taxation.
  • Pilot Retiming Block In/Out. AFA sent a request to Labor Relations and Inflight management asking for communication on when/how pilots are able to adjust block in/out times. Crew members are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request and will send out a communication.
  • Retimes. There are several flights that will require being retimed/rescheduled. This could cause several pre-cancellations. Scheduling will be working on these as they receive updated information.
  • Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows crew members to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the FA will receive the full protections under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication.
  • Base Turns. Each month FAs are surprised they combine two sequences over 10 hours 30 minutes and that some of their contractual legalities are waived. If you are adding sequences together refer to Section 8.T.
  • Business Model. Company is saying they are focused on leisure travel and they haven’t seen an increase in the business consumer. Announcement of new routes and frequencies. Our network is getting longer, not shorter in relation to route structure.
  • MyTravelApp. This is active and a great tool for flight attendants.
  • Personal Drops. AFA is aware of situations where personal drops are not being assigned in order. If you believe a drop was awarded out of order please file a claim with AFA and provide documentation so we are able to research these potential violations.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. Base sits took place in July.
  2. Crew Access Filters. Filters were implemented but due to processing errors retracted. We are working on testing the filters and a new update expected around September 2023.
  3. Handshake Trades. This change would allow users to post trips for trade on Crew Access and accept/decline offers submitted. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. The Committee participated in a presentation and testing of the new feature.
  4. Pairings Survey. It’s been a few years since we completed a survey on pairing construction. We are discussing survey questions and the possibility of a virtual session or town hall. Meeting with management occurred July 5, 2023. 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.

CALL TO ACTION: 

ITS TIME FOR A RED HOT SUMMER!!!!

It’s time we stand together and show management that WE ARE DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR OUR FAIR SHARE!

Please join your LEC Officers, Local Mobilization Volunteers and your fellow Flight Attendants , picketing Alaska Airlines at Seatac on July 19, 2023. 

Click to sign up >> https://forms.gle/Kp6FRrdvmXZP9YfJ9

If you are not 100% able to attend, please do not RSVP. We need to keep as accurate a count on who will be present. A weak showing is worse than none at all. There is strength in numbers!! 

Is our next contract worth 1 to 2 hours of your time? YES!

Do we all need to participate? YES!

If you are available, we need you there! If you are unable to attend this one there will be more events, but try to attend as many as you can!

When:

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Where:

The Seattle Tacoma International Airport Flag Pavilion (located on International Airport at the main entrance of the airport, across the street from the Radisson Hotel). 

May I bring a Guest? 

Yes, your friends and family are welcome to come out and support us! 

What to Wear?

Wear your Uniform, including your RED AFA pin. If friends or family are joining you, have them wear a RED shirt! 

Will picket signs be provided? 

Yes, AFA will be providing these. We ask that you do not make your own. They will be handed out at 12:30 at the Flag Pavilion.

Where do I park? 

We suggest carpooling. There are several lots in the area that you can utilize. You can also park at the Angle Lake light rail station and take the train one stop. 

What can I do to make this event a success?

Recruit your friends and family to show up! Share this email annd encourage others to sign up.This will help us plan accordingly. and ensure our message is heard loud annd clear! Our Local Mobilization Committee will handle all the details. 

How do I sign up? 

CLICK HERE

Questions?

Ian.haywood@afaalaska.org

Picketing FAQs can be found by CLICKING HERE

Our Red-Hot Summer is Heating Up!

Week of Solidarity – Red AFA Pins! 


This week, there are activities happening at all bases encouraging solidarity. Some bases, as you may have heard, are having “Pop-Up Pickets”. Unlike our System-Wide planned picket on August 15th, these are smaller events and planned to be more of a “surprise”. In ANC, we did not have ample time to obtain the necessary permits to allow an event such as this to happen. However, we will be participating in this Week of Solidarity in a different way.

What will that look like? 

Your Local Officers and members of the Mobilization Committee will be in the airport throughout the day on July 21st to:

  • Distribute Red Pins!
  • Provide guidance on how FAs can best support negotiations in the months ahead
  • Encourage Engagement and Solidarity
  • Provide live sign-up assistance for the August 15 picket
  • Answer questions from FAs about what to expect at the picket

August 15th – Show Your Solidarity!

Remember to mark your calendars for August 15th!  We will be picketing from 2pm-3pm (AKST) on the departure level of the airport. We will be gathering everyone and staging at 1:30pm. All FAs should be in a compliant uniform with RED PINS! Any family joining should show support by wearing RED shirts!  RAIN or SHINE, we will all need to SHOW UP to send a loud message to management! Obtaining an Industry Leading Contract MUST be worth an hour of your time! Thank you to ALL who bid this day off, looking forward to walking that picket with each and every one of YOU!

Get Involved!

Become a Mobilization Volunteer!  

Share reliable information and help promote solidarity and mobilization events!
Learn more here.  

Wear your RED AFA pin proudly while flying and at all company events, including training and special events.

Stay Informed!


**RED HOT SUMMER  (stay up to date with all activities)

**Picketing FAQs

Bookmark the official AFA Alaska Negotiations website https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/

Update your newsletter subscription at afanewsletters.org.

In Red-Hot Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

In This Edition

Tell Management: We Deserve Better!

Originally posted July 10, 2023

It’s time to let management know we won’t accept a contract that doesn’t respect and value our contributions to the company’s success. Take action now and send a letter to executive management telling them to deliver a proposal that puts Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants at the top of the industry. Keep track of our progress on the campaign page and encourage your flying partners to join in!

Read More >

Protect Our Contract – Don’t Perform Duties Belonging to Other Work Groups

Originally posted July 12, 2023

In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups. Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made. Similarly, only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Read More >

Pop-Up Pickets Start Next Week!

Originally posted July 14, 2023

As our Red Hot Summer continues, we’re putting pressure on management to return to the negotiating table with a deal recognizing our contributions to Alaska Airlines’ success. Our next activity will do just that! Starting next week, our Mobilization Committee will launch a series of pop-up picketing events!

Read More >

“Summer of CARE” Employee Events

Originally posted July 14, 2023

Management has a long tradition of hosting summer events for company employees, family members, and friends. This year is no different; management sent an all-employee email earlier this week with information about this year’s “Summer of CARE” events. Many people have asked our Negotiating Committee about participating in these events. 

Read More >

Shared on Social

Almost 6000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 11, 2023

Almost 6000 letters sent in a little over one day?!? 🤯

Let’s keep this momentum going and hit 7000 today! Check in with your crew to see if everyone has sent their letter!

Over 7000 Letters Sent!

Originally posted July 12, 2023

Our solidarity is strong! Over 7000 letters have been sent in just a little over two days. Check with your flying partners and other Flight Attendant friends to see if they’ve sent their letter. If not, now is the time!

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, July 17Pop-Up Pickets Begin
Thursday, July 20Alternate 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!

Grievance Committee

  • In order to protect our contract and show respect for other employee groups’ scope of work, Flight Attendants must not perform work belonging to other work groups.
  • Support other work groups by reporting staffing issues through a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) so management knows changes need to be made.
  • Only Flight Attendants may perform Flight Attendant duties; report any instances of supervisors or other employees performing Flight Attendant work to AFA.

Note: this is an updated version of a post previously published in an AFA Alaska Update on July 30, 2021.

Over many decades, we have all worked hard to improve our working conditions and strengthen our collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These improvements have been achieved through several avenues, including demonstrating solidarity during contract negotiations, lobbying management to make changes that benefit our profession, and rigorously enforcing the contractual language we have already achieved. We must continue to protect and defend our contract and hold management accountable for what has been agreed upon between our Flight Attendants and the company.

Over the past few years, management has made it known they’ve had challenges recruiting and retaining frontline employees in various locations throughout the route network. This includes staff who the company directly employs, those employed by company subsidiaries (e.g., McGee Air Services), and contract vendors who provide above- and/or below-the-wing services at various stations. The situation has caused a noticeable impact on the company’s operations and resulted in some on-the-ground functions being adjusted or modified due to staffing in some cases. 

We all know Alaska Airlines focuses on hiring Flight Attendants who exhibit kindness and are willing to help. Because these traits are such a pervasive part of our culture, it may be tempting to want to jump in and assist our coworkers from other work groups when we see that they are short-staffed. Unfortunately, this causes more harm than good for several reasons. 

As previously mentioned, it’s up to each of us to protect the provisions of our collective bargaining agreement. Section 24.D of the CBA says in part, “A Flight Attendant will not be required to perform work normally assigned to a cleaner, provisioner, ramp or operations agent.” Just as we expect other work groups to honor our contractual language by not performing Flight Attendant duties and responsibilities, it’s similarly important that we respect other work groups and their typically assigned scope of work. Doing so protects the security of both Flight Attendant jobs and the jobs of our coworkers in other departments.

Customer service, ramp, mechanics, pilots, fleet service, catering, and other work groups receive specific training to perform their duties that Flight Attendants don’t have. We must allow our colleagues to do the work they’ve been trained to do to ensure it complies with applicable regulations and company standards. If there are concerns with staffing in a particular department, management needs to receive the corresponding reports of flight delays, complaints from passengers, and performance audit results. These are all indicators management uses to make adjustments and ensure our colleagues in other departments have the support they need. If this data is skewed to show no problems exist, management will make no changes to ensure proper staffing and service levels.

The best way Flight Attendants can show support for other work groups who may be experiencing short or inadequate staffing is by reporting the issue to ensure it gets attention from the proper levels of management. This can be accomplished by submitting a Flight Attendant Irregularity Report (FAIR) detailing the date, flight number, and specifics of the situation (e.g., areas that were skipped/missed, etc.).

Only Flight Attendants May Perform Flight Attendant Duties

Closing the overhead bins, confirming luggage is stowed correctly, and making passenger announcements during boarding are all duties that traditionally define our work but are only a fraction of what we are ultimately responsible for. When supervisors* or other employees perform this undisputed Flight Attendant work, it violates our contract.

If someone who isn’t a Flight Attendant assigned to pre-board or work the flight begins to perform Flight Attendant duties, calmly advise them the work will be completed before the aircraft door is closed, consistent with all applicable policies and regulations. Reassure them that the crew is aware of their duties and responsibilities that need to be accomplished. If this approach is ineffective, advise them they’re violating our contract and respectfully ask them to stop.

If you encounter a supervisor or another employee performing Flight Attendant work onboard the aircraft, please report the situation by opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. The purpose of this isn’t to get anyone in trouble but to ensure that any misunderstanding is promptly corrected. Quickly addressing the issue helps protect our jobs and prevent management from assigning our work to other work groups or vendors simply because it’s easier or less expensive for them to do so.

*Inflight management who hold an FAA Flight Attendant certificate may perform Flight Attendant duties only during a check-ride or IOE, when assigned to pre-board a flight if minimum crew is not available, or if assigned to work the flight as a Flight Attendant consistent with the limits of our contract.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee.

First, thank you for your patience and understanding as we maneuver through these times. We realize everything is somewhat ‘fluid and vague’, but we are working to get more concrete plans in place, and as soon as we do, you will know! Keep in mind, when we set up events, there are processes that have to take place (permits, etc). 

Thank you for showing solidarity with your fellow Flight Attendants by wearing your RED AFA pin. Continue to monitor social media to see the hours of distribution. If you are at Seatac Airport, swing by the area across from gate D2 and you may see someone handing them out! We are working on ways to make distribution more streamlined. 

Did you know we have a new Seattle Council #19 Facebook Group? You can request to join it by CLICKING HERE. Please note that all councils have their own pages, this is the Seattle page.  We will post updates here and also send emails.

Try to attend the following events. We are hyper linking the events to our Facebook events page, but also including the information for those of you who are not on social media.

  • July 19, 2023: Informational Picketing at the Seattle Tacoma Airport flag pavilion. We will meet at 12:30 and the event will last until 2:00pm. There is limited parking at the AFA Office. We suggest parking at the SeaTac Light Rail station and take the train to the airport. Try to carpool if you will be parking. We also ask that you wear your uniform. 
  • August 15, 2023: Systemwide Day of Solidarity. We are still working out the details on where we will be staging and where we will send people, so keep your eyes out for future communications.

Where is the Flag Pavilion? The Flag Pavilion is located right at the entrance to the airport, across the street from the Radisson Hotel. 

SIGN UP HERE for JULY 19 EVENT: We have our permit for the event, however, the Port of Seattle limits the number of people who can attend. If you know you can attend, SIGN UP HERE. 

Stay tuned for more information on our RED hot summer! We will post on our Facebook page and also send updates via email, so make sure to check your email regularly for our communications!

In This Edition

Bidding Reminder: Day of Solidarity – August 15

Originally posted July 6, 2023

Remember to bid Tuesday, August 15 off for our Day of Solidarity informational picketing! If you can’t bid the day off, you can also bid around the picketing time for your base. Our Negotiating Committee is counting on your support to demonstrate our solidarity during the first negotiation session since the expiration of management’s promise of industry-leading pay. More information, including meet-up locations for each base, will be coming soon!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Red AFA Pins Are Red HOT!

Red AFA pins are spreading like fire throughout the system! Once you receive your red AFA pin, wear it whenever you fly, attend training, or participate in a company event. Tag #SelfiesForSolidarity when you post pictures of you or your crew with red AFA pins on so we can feature you!

Do you need a red AFA pin? Mobilization Volunteers are working hard to get pins into everyone’s hands ASAP. Want to know when Mobilization Volunteers will be out at your base? Check your Local Council’s Facebook page for information, or contact your Local Mobilization Committee Chairperson.

#AFAAlaska #RedHotSummer

Next Week’s Events

Monday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 12CWA Convention
Thursday, July 13Quarterly Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting
Thursday, July 13Scheduling 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!

​

Red AFA Pins! 

​We have heard you loud and clear! Council 15 – SAN members are eager to start wearing our red-hot AFA pins!​Mobilization volunteers will begin distributing red AFA pins beginning next week. Please begin wearing them immediately!  We appreciate your patience; it may be several days before all local volunteers receive the pins.

you can also reach out to our mobilization chair Samantha Wolff sam.wolff@afaalaska.org

Mobilization Events – Coming Soon!  

​Management’s insulting compensation offer has members hot and ready to stand up against corporate greed! It’s time for us to demand our fair share! Our Mobilization Committee is busy planning events designed to harness that energy!  

​Save The Dates:

  • July 17th SAN
  • July 18th LAX
  • August 15 ALL BASES Bid the date off! Additional information will be provided soon. 

Reach out to SAN@AFAAlaska.org for more info on the events

Show Your Solidarity!

Wear your red AFA pin proudly while flying and at all company events, including training and special events.

Get Involved!

​Become a Mobilization Volunteer!  

Share reliable information and help promote solidarity and mobilization events!
Learn more here.  

Stay informed!​

Bookmark the official AFA Alaska Negotiations website https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/

​​Update your newsletter subscription at afanewsletters.org.

​

In Red-Hot Solidarity,

Brice, Melanie, Stephen, Sam

In This Edition

Harvard Flight Attendant Health Study – Fourth Wave

Originally posted June 26, 2023

The Flight Attendant Health Study, launched in 2007, aims to advance knowledge that can improve working conditions for flight crew in the U.S. and internationally.

Flight Attendants are some of the most understudied workers, yet flight crew are exposed to many physical and psychosocial stressors, such as cosmic ionizing radiation, higher ozone levels, stressful interactions with passengers, hypoxia/reduced oxygenation, potentially severe circadian rhythm disruption, and other exposures.

Read More >

It’s Going To Be A Red Hot Summer!

Originally posted June 27, 2023

It’s time to turn the heat up on management. The official AFA pin at Alaska Airlines is now red. Mark your calendar for August 15 and plan to bid the day off for solidarity events in all bases.

Read More >

June 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted June 28, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, and Wednesday, August 9.

Read More >

Setting the Record Straight

Originally posted June 29, 2023

Our Negotiating Committee was asked to provide an official response to the statements management made last week about negotiations. We are committed to negotiating an industry-leading contract with many significant improvements. Our value does not diminish on June 30th – or any other arbitrary date!

Read More >

Shared on Social

Share The News!

As part of our mobilization efforts, use this statement for your social media profile picture and status:

Nearly 7,000 Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, the largest labor group at the company, are currently negotiating our first full contract since 2014. There are many essential changes needed to address how far behind the industry our contract has fallen in the past 9 years. Management initially agreed to place us at the top of the industry in pay, but they indicated their commitment has expired. 

We were instrumental in Alaska Airlines and the entire airline industry surviving the Covid-19 pandemic, and our airline is back to making record profits. Other labor groups have recently ratified contracts with vast improvements. Now is the right time for Alaska Airlines to Do the Right Thing and negotiate a Flight Attendant contract we deserve.

Based on their recent negotiations proposals, it’s clear Alaska Airlines management doesn’t value me or my fellow Flight Attendants. We are mobilizing for a “Red Hot Summer” to support our Negotiating Committee’s efforts to negotiate a contract equal to our value. Alaska Airlines – show us you CARE!

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, July 6Alternate 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 Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, and Wednesday, August 9.

The June 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27. 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. Council 19 (SEA) LEC President-elect Paula Isla-McGill joined the MEC for the meeting in preparation for the upcoming officer transition.

It’s Going To Be A Red Hot Summer!

On Monday afternoon, our MEC met with our Negotiating Committee and MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson to discuss the next steps after last week’s negotiation session with management. Following the discussion, the first part of our Red Hot Summer campaign was put into motion. The distribution of red AFA pins will soon be underway, and more activities are planned to let management know that we stand behind our Negotiating Committee as they go back to the table to negotiate the industry-leading contract we deserve! 

More information about the Red Hot Summer campaign can be found on the Contract 2022 website.

Meeting with Management

As part of this meeting, the MEC met with company executive 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.

Our MEC came to the meeting with a full display of solidarity, dressed in red with red AFA pins on. MEC President Jeffrey Peterson offered a statement on behalf of our MEC that management must do better and provide our Negotiating Committee with an industry-leading contractual proposal that recognizes the contributions of our Flight Attendants to the company’s success. Flight Attendants will accept nothing less!

System Board of Adjustment Interviews

Our MEC spent part of Tuesday interviewing candidates for the System Board of Adjustment position that was previously posted in April. Members of the System Board of Adjustment are responsible for arbitrating any disputes or grievances that may arise under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Alaska Airlines and its Flight Attendants. Our MEC would like to thank all of the candidates who expressed a willingness to serve and interviewed for the positions.

After extensive discussion and thorough consideration, the voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) have re-appointed Rene Celestin to the position. Rene’s term of appointment will begin on July 1, 2023 and conclude on June 30, 2025.

Action on Agenda Items

The MEC took action on two agenda items that were submitted in advance of the meeting.

  • A proposed update to the Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) letter of agreement was approved. The letter of agreement will now be sent out for signing by representatives from AFA and management.
  • A resolution in support of negotiations was unanimously adopted. The resolution changed the color of the official AFA pin at Alaska Airlines to red.

Questions?

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

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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