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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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In this Edition

  • Workplace Wellness
  • Spotlight on the Contract
  • CBT Reminder
  • Council 19 Meeting Recap
  • FlightPAC
  • Text Notifications
  • AFA International HRE Committee
  • Membership Dues
  • Human Rights Chair Position
  • Uniforms
  • Native American Heritage Pins
  • Social Media

Workplace Wellness

Being healthy at work is extremely important. If you are not feeling well, it lowers your focus and can lead to accidents and/or mistakes. There are many ways to be “healthy”. When we talk about being healthy, it is important to remember that we need to focus on both mental and physical health.

Research shows that just 30 minutes of regular activity 5 days a week will help strengthen and boost your immune system, increase energy and endurance, improve sleep, reduce the risk of many diseases, as well as reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. 

Did you know that being on the airplane is drier than being in the Sahara Desert? There are many benefits to drinking at least 8–10 glasses of water a day. Some of those benefits included an increase in energy, relief of fatigue, weight loss, flushing of toxins, improved skin complexion, maintaining your regularity, it boosts your immune system, and is a natural headache remedy. Drinking those 8–10 glasses is what is recommended on the ground, so with the dryness of the plane you should increase that amount. Try to drink at least a large “box” of water per flight and remember to take your opened box with you on your layover.

It is also important to try to eat healthy. We realize that this can be difficult when flying but try to choose more fruits and vegetables. Most people should aim for at least 9 (4.5 cups) servings a day. Look for different kinds and colors to give your body a mix of nutrients. Best bets? Dark leafy greens, cooked tomatoes, and anything that’s rich orange, red and yellow in color. It helps lower blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 

Part of the above was taken from “Understanding Reserve: An informational series by the Council 39 Reserve Committee.”

Spotlight On the Contract

This month we will be focusing this section to our Reserve Flight Attendants, specifically to Reserve Flight Flight Attendants who commute.

Commuting on Reserve 

You must be physically in domicile during your reserve availability period (AM: 00:00 – 14:00, PM: 10:00 – 23:59, ER: 00:00 – 23:59) This includes the beginning and end of your reserve availability period. 

For example: At the beginning of your block, you have a 4-day PM reserve block starting on the 20th. On the 19th between 10:00 -14:00 you self-assign a 4-day trip with a 21:00 report on the 20th. You still must be in domicile prior to 10:00 on the 20th. You cannot commute in a few hours before your report of 21:00. Even though you have self-assigned a trip, scheduling can still contact you at 10:00 and under certain circumstances they can even remove your self-assigned trip and give you a new assignment. 

Also, on the last day of your Reserve block, if the last Company-operated flight that you would be legal to work (per the last flight of the day report) has departed the domicile you must call scheduling and ask to be released from the remainder of your reserve availability period before you commute home. Failure to do so can result in an attendance issue up to termination even on first offense.

CBT Reminder

Do not forget to complete your CBT (Annual Compliance Training) by the end of the year deadline. It is important to remember if you do not complete the required training, the discipline is progressive. If you are already in steps of discipline, failure to complete your CBT will move you up the steps, up to and including discharge. If you encounter any technical issues, please contact the ITS Help desk. To verify your CBT is complete, check that your Cornerstone transcript lists under “Completed” and check your email for a confirmation. 

Council 19 Meeting Recap

On October 3rd, we held our Council 19 membership meeting, which was open to all council members. In addition to our Council 19 Officers and Committee Chairs, several members attended. We discussed current issues, committee updates, and got a negotiations update from our MEC President, Jeff Peterson. If you would like to view the minutes from the meeting, you can visit: https://afaalaska.org/sea/10-3-member-meeting

FlightPAC

Did you know that none of your Union Dues goes to support a political candidate? With elections around the corner, it is more important than ever to support candidates that support OUR UNION. 

In order for AFA-CWA to maintain our influence in the legislative arena, it is essential to support political programs which complement our legislative activity, and that’s why we have FlightPAC. Dues from our members are never contributed to campaigns. FlightPAC contributions are voluntary. FlightPAC provides financial support to our federal candidates in office who are committed to helping us accomplish our goals. 

FlightPAC is non-partisan. We give to candidates who help Flight Attendants. AFA understands that not all members have the same political/social beliefs. The fact remains that there are issues that affect all members. These include 10-hour rest, human trafficking awareness, the fight to collective bargaining, air quality and a host of other workplace issues. 

In these difficult and uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we have a strong and powerful voice in Washington, DC. We must stand together to protect ourselves and our flying partners. Please join us in supporting FlightPAC today. You can visit this link to sign up: http://legislative.afacwa.org/docs/COPE-FPAC_brochure.pdf.  You can also automatically set donations up through Peoplesoft (peoplesoft, payroll, voluntary deductions, add deduction, search AFA Political Action Committee, make your choices, submit). 

Every dollar helps our agenda, so any amount is great!

If you have any questions about FlightPAC, please contact our LEC Government Affairs Chairperson, Melinda Jorge at melinda.jorge@afaalaska.org.

Text Notification System for MEC Messages

We are excited to announce a new way to receive messages from the MEC. You can now sign up for text message updates from AFA Alaska. Initially, these will only be messages being sent from the MEC level. We are looking at ways to utilize this from the local level, and more information will come soon. We will not flood your phones with messages. AFA Alaska text messages will only be sent for significant events and time-sensitive alerts. You can visit the sign-up page to enroll. 

AFA International HRE Committee

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care. We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people. 

Click Here to view the latest HRE Committee Newsletter 

Membership Dues

We will be planning solidarity events soon, so it is important to make sure that you are up to date on your membership dues. Also, please remember that when a tentative agreement is reached with the company, you must be up to date in order to vote! If you have questions about your dues status, please reach out to our LEC Secretary, Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org. 

Human Rights Committee Chair Opening

To ensure we have an equitable process in selecting a new Chairperson, the SEA LEC will hold interviews for eligible candidates during the week of December 4, 2023. If you are interested, please plan to bid around that week. All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet video conferencing. 

Visit our AFA Alaska Human Rights Committee page to learn more and download roles and responsibilities of the committee. Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest to sea@afaalaska.org, no later than November 1, 2023.

Uniforms

We have a few Uniform Committee reminders. The first is to make sure to login to our uniform website and check your remaining allotment amount. Please remember to spend this prior to the end of the year, or you will lose it. This amount will NOT rollover. This is a great time to buy those pieces you have been wanting and use the funds that were negotiated for you. 

Also, all active employees should have received the uniform survey from Management to their Alaska Airlines email by now. If you have not received it, make sure to check the “other” box on your outlook email. This is the time to share your feelings on the uniform with management. As always, you can reach out to our Council 19 Chairperson at sea.uniform.chair@afaalaska.org.

Native American Heritage Pins

For those of you who would like to wear a Native American Heritage pin, there will be a supply available in the inflight office by November! Please remember, it is approved to wear this pin for the month of November.

 

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up to date information on our Council 19 Facebook Group. Click below to join our group and stay connected. We have also launched a new Council 19 Instagram page, which you will find a link for below as well. Our communication team is researching other social media platforms, more information will come soon!

There are times in our lives of whole-hearted inspiration. All of you together, is nothing short of inspiration. We endeavor to provide our very best, every moment, of every day, to each other and our guests. We simply are the best in the industry. Presently, we once again are shining, as our unity has never been stronger. Our resolve has never been more ignited. Our passion for a true industry leading contract has never been more laser focused. Thank you for this moment in history, of once again whole-hearted inspiration in unity as we endeavor to bring change as a collective, in solidarity. Keep the resolve, keep the fire ignited and the inspiration in unity as a beacon that continues on…..

In Solidarity,

Your Council 19 Officers and Committees

SEE BELOW FOR A PDF VERSION OF NEWSLETTER WITTH GRAPHICS

Council19October2023NewsletterFINALDownload

Our next Council meeting will be Wednesday, October 25, 10:30am to 12pm at the Bayshore Clubhouse, 3131 Amber Bay Loop, Anchorage, AK. 

Members must be active status and in good standing (dues current) to attend local council meetings. To check your status, text or email Annie Madsen at 907-362-1319 or annie.madsen@afaalaska.org.

If you need a ride to the meeting lease contact Thresia Raynor at 907-952-0639.

Soup and rolls will be provided as well.  

Clink on link below to view flyer:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFx6wjzrBM/f29aZOFXjKb9IUFE4q0zxA/view?utm_content=DAFx6wjzrBM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

In Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

In This Edition

Dues & Voting—What You Need To Know To Make Sure You Can Vote

Originally posted October 17, 2023

Voting is an essential part of our Union’s democratic process. Only active Members in good standing who are current on their dues are eligible to vote on any AFA ballot. Contact AFA International Membership Services if you have questions about your membership or dues account status.

Read More >

Join The Picket Line: Support United Flight Attendants on Thursday, October 26

Originally posted October 19, 2023

United Airlines management continues investing in new planes, new gates, new service, and new lounges—but not a new contract for United Flight Attendants. Time is up for United management to make good on their corporate slogan, “Good Leads the Way,” with the contract improvements United Flight Attendants have earned. They are ready to stand strong together to let the company know their dissatisfaction and the expectation that management needs to work with the Union to address their concerns constructively.

Read More >

Negotiation Session 20

Originally posted October 19, 2023

Management shared their first economic counter-proposal since June, which triggered us to cancel our November session. They proposed a 1% increase adjusted for inflation, proving they do not value Flight Attendants. They refused to adequately address necessary improvements to other pay and work rule provisions (e.g., reassignments, MPR/RIGs, open time, ER conversions, vacation, 401k match, 480/960, longevity, per diem, “A” pay, holiday, etc.). We will meet again in December when the assigned mediator can be present.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Constance’s Message

Alaska management’s employee Town Hall meeting included some interesting statements. “Show up for the shift you bid” has us wondering, does management care that we’re constantly reassigned?

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 24Quarterly Benefits Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 24Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 25Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Wednesday, October 25Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, October 26United AFA Day of Action Informational Picketing

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)

United Airlines management continues investing in new planes, new gates, new service, and new lounges—but not a new contract for United Flight Attendants. Time is up for United management to make good on their corporate slogan, “Good Leads the Way,” with the contract improvements United Flight Attendants have earned. They are ready to stand strong together to let the company know their dissatisfaction and the expectation that management needs to work with the Union to address their concerns constructively.

Let’s show our solidarity and join United Flight Attendants on the picket lines during their upcoming Day of Action on Thursday, October 26. Together, we can send a powerful message to United Airlines management and the entire airline industry that Flight Attendants deserve nothing less than the best. It’s time to take action and demand the respect and recognition we all deserve. Plan to participate and show your unwavering support!

United AFA Day Of Action Picketing Event Information

Date: Thursday, October 26

Locations: AUS, BOS, CLE, DEN, EWR, FLL, GUM, HNL, IAD, IAH, LAS, LAX, LGA, LHR, MCO, ORD, PHX, SAN, SFO, TPA

Click here for event details and to RSVP >

Membership Committee

  • Voting is an essential part of our Union’s democratic process.
  • Only active Members in good standing who are current on their dues are eligible to vote on any AFA ballot.
  • Contact AFA International Membership Services if you have questions about your membership or dues account status.

As we continue with our contract negotiations, it will be time for us to vote at some point. Voting is a powerful tool that lets your voice be heard. It’s a vital aspect of democracy in our Union. To be eligible to vote under the AFA Constitution, it’s necessary to be an active Member in good standing.

What Is An Active Member in Good Standing?

An active Member in good standing is a Flight Attendant who has completed an AFA Membership application, has completed their four-month AFA Apprentice Membership, and is referred to as a “Member.” This Member is flying and has a financial obligation for dues to AFA. A Flight Attendant on paid leave (coordinating sick and/or vacation time) is active and eligible to vote as long as their dues account is current.

Most Flight Attendants fill out and submit an AFA membership application during initial training. A Flight Attendant who hasn’t submitted one is not a Member and is not eligible to vote, even though they must pay a fee equivalent to the dues amount each month for representation. Local Membership Committees will be reaching out to anyone who doesn’t have an AFA membership application on file to offer the opportunity to submit one and become a Member.

Members On An Unpaid Leave of Absence

Flight Attendants on an unpaid leave of absence continue to owe dues for the first 90 days; this includes voluntary furloughs and company-offered staffing adjustment leaves. After completing the 90-day leave commencing period in which dues are owed, they’re considered by AFA to be on leave, having no further financial obligation to AFA-CWA until they return to the line. They are NOT ELIGIBLE TO VOTE unless they have chosen to “Leave and Remain Active.”

The AFA Constitution allows for a Member on an unpaid leave of absence from their airline to remain active with AFA by notifying AFA of their desire to stay active and continue to pay their dues each month. These Members are eligible to vote if their dues accounts are current.

If You Receive A Statement From AFA International

A statement from AFA International indicates that a dues payment you owe has not been received. If you receive an invoice for dues from AFA International, it’s essential to take action as soon as possible to ensure you remain in good standing as a Member.

Dues are owed each month you are active or the first three months of an unpaid leave of absence. You’ll be invoiced if your dues are unable to be fully deducted each month. The deductions that occur from the 20th of the month paycheck each month apply to that month. For example, if you receive an invoice for unpaid dues from May, your dues were not deducted from your May 20 paycheck.  

The payroll department cannot deduct past-due balances and they must be paid directly to AFA. Payments can be made online through the AFA dues payment site. AFA Membership Services offers Flight Attendants with past-due accounts the ability to set up a payment plan to keep you in good standing while making payments. Please get in touch with the AFA Membership Services Department to set up a promissory agreement.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your membership or dues account status, contact AFA International Membership Services using this link. You can also reach out to your Local Membership Committee for assistance.

In This Edition

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2023

Originally posted October 10, 2023

Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, October 5, 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 face onboard the aircraft. Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever, given the challenges we currently face as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed using ReportIt!  Please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

Read More >

October 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

Originally posted October 11, 2023

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight, crew planning, and labor relations management to discuss issues and concerns facing our work group and needing to be addressed. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14.

Read More >

Sign Up For Text Message Updates From AFA Alaska

Originally posted October 12, 2023

We’re excited to announce a new way for Alaska Flight Attendants to receive important news and updates. Starting today, you can sign up for text message updates from AFA Alaska. The process is quick and easy – just visit the sign-up page and provide your name, mobile number, and a few other details. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive an email confirmation to let you know that your sign-up was successful.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Tell Them What You Think: Take Management’s Pulse Survey

We are so pleased to know that management wants to hear from all of us. Let’s make the October Pulse survey a success by telling management how we really feel!

Here are some talking points you may want to share in the comments section of your anonymous survey:

  • How all of the unpaid duty time is illegal and affecting your livelihood
  • If you are disappointed that management continues to prioritize “economic feasibility” over your well-being
  • How lack of scheduling integrity through reassignments is eroding morale
  • How 90%+ reserve utilization is unsustainable and inhumane

Encourage your crew members to take the survey!

Check your company Outlook email or Team AAG (AAG sign-on required) for the link. 

The survey closes at 23:59 Pacific Time on Sunday, October 22.

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, October 17 – Thursday, October 19Contract Negotiations
Thursday, October 19SAN Base Safety 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!

Communications Committee

We’re excited to announce a new way for Alaska Flight Attendants to receive important news and updates. Starting today, you can sign up for text message updates from AFA Alaska. The process is quick and easy – just visit the sign-up page and provide your name, mobile number, and a few other details. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive an email confirmation to let you know that your sign-up was successful.

Click here to sign up for AFA Alaska text message updates

Don’t worry, we won’t flood your phones with messages. AFA Alaska text messages will only be sent for significant events and time-sensitive alerts. For other news and information, you can continue to find updates on our websites, social media accounts, and email newsletters.

Text message updates from AFA Alaska will be sent to your phone from 49484. Please note that these messages are one-way only, so if you have any questions or need more information, please don’t reply to the message. Instead, feel free to contact your Local Council directly for assistance.

If you transfer to a different base, please submit a new sign-up form with your new base to update your record. At the moment, it’s only possible to subscribe to text message updates from one base at a time. We’re looking into ways to allow multiple base subscriptions in the future.

We’re excited to keep you informed about the latest happenings in a way that’s quick and convenient. Sign up now to stay connected and never miss an important update again!

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • As part of the meeting, the MEC met with members of inflight, crew planning, and labor relations management to discuss issues and concerns facing our work group and needing to be addressed.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14.

Our MEC held its regular meeting for October 2023 on Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11. The MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates during the meeting. The MEC also reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their ongoing work.

Meeting with Management

As part of most Regular MEC Meetings, our MEC meets with management to review the current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants face. Attendees from management this month included Vice President of Inflight Matt Prainito, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Allen Thieman, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow, Director of Inflight Training & Standards Thomas Kaminski, Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Vice President of Labor Relations Jenny Wetzel, Managing Director of Labor Relations Carmen Williams, Senior Labor Relations Program Manager Mike Link, Director of Payroll Leah Ables, Vice President of Finance Ryan St. John, and Managing Director of Operation Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette.

Some of the topics discussed include:

  • Payroll training resources for Flight Attendants. Crew pay will be working to develop additional materials to help Flight Attendants understand how we’re paid. This will include a short training video geared toward new hire Flight Attendants.
  • Crew Scheduling chat functionality. Management is working toward implementing the ability for Flight Attendants to have a text chat with a Crew Scheduler for help performing certain scheduling-related functions. Conversations will only be able to be initiated by Flight Attendants. Hopefully, this functionality will improve response times during irregular operations or weather events. Programming is ongoing, and the system should be ready for testing soon.
  • Inflight irregular operations hotline. Management has devised a process to help alleviate long hold times for Crew Scheduling during weather events or severe irregular operations. Some management employees are being trained to assist with calls not specifically related to scheduling so that Crew Schedulers can focus on scheduling-related matters.
  • Distribution of iPhone 13 Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs). Management continues distributing iPhone 13 IMDs to Flight Attendants with iPhone 7 or 8 Plus IMDs. Currently, over 600 Flight Attendants still need to be issued new devices. (Note: to view the iPhone 13 IMD distribution LOA, click here).
  • Recurrent training (RT). Management is currently conducting practice run-throughs of the 2024 RT curriculum with a group of Flight Attendant Instructors. The 2024 RT program will include differences training on the MAX10 aircraft and a half-day service training review.
  • Flight Attendant staffing. Management shared information about staffing plans for the remainder of this year and hiring predictions for next year. The projections are constantly shifting based on anticipated aircraft deliveries and market conditions.
  • Pairing construction and keeping Flight Attendant and pilot pairings together. Management is exploring ways to keep Flight Attendant and pilot pairings together as much as possible (called “teaming”). The intent is to help improve operational efficiency as entire crews follow the aircraft instead of being split up frequently. Not all pairings will be teamed due to different contractual and regulatory rest and duty limitations for each work group.
  • LOSA observations. LOSA observations resumed this week and will continue at a rate of one week per month on an ongoing basis (note: the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee shared information about the continuation of LOSA observations in this article published last week).

Contract Negotiations, Mediation, and Mobilization

Our MEC held a productive discussion about our ongoing contract negotiations, upcoming mediation, and mobilization strategy. Our Negotiating Committee is fully prepared to return to the bargaining table with management next week and continue their fight for the improvements in pay and work rules we have rightfully earned. Additional solidarity activities are currently in the planning phase and will be announced before the start of December bidding.

Questions?

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

In this Edition

  • ASHSC Committee Update
  • Benefits Committee Update
  • Communications Committee Update
  • EAP Committee Update
  • Grievance Committee Update
  • Hotel Committee Update
  • Human Rights Committee Update

ASHSC Committee

The Seattle Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee has continued working towards creating a safer work environment for our workgroup. We have participated in discussions around changing processes and announcements as we continue to grow and change. The Flight Attendants that conduct our Cabin LOSA observations had their annual recurrent training and are getting ready for the audits that will begin again in October.

This year, the switch from Summer to Fall seems to have happened overnight. With this change, we are starting to see the fall storms and the days are getting shorter. It’s important to remember to review and adjust some of our habits to stay safe. With more darkness, be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots, on layovers, and other places that aren’t well lit. While driving during this transition period, be aware that there are still lots of people out and often they aren’t wearing clothing that’s geared towards the dark. We also deal with a lot more wind which requires additional attention while driving. 

Both NOAA and the national Weather Service have lots of good information on their websites. A couple of links follow:

https://www.weather.gov/

Click to access fall_2020_presentation.pdf

https://www.noaa.gov/

https://www.noaa.gov/stories/4-safety-tips-for-fall-hazards-small-actions-can-have-big-impacts

Benefits, Retirement & Maternity

Our Benefits Committee is always very busy assisting Flight Attendants with planning their medical, maternity, and workers comp leaves. 

When a staffing leave is offered, many calls are generated regarding benefits while on a staffing leave. We had many SEA based Flight Attendants that are on the October staffing leave. It is very important to double check your benefit enrollment when you return. An email will be sent from our benefits department with a link to your benefits enrollment. 

The 2024 annual enrollment period is right around the corner. This year, the dates are 10/24/2023 – 11/17/2023. This is your once per year time to review your benefits and make any changes for plan year 2024. Our Benefits Committee will be doing base sits 11/9, 11/10, 11/16 & 11/17. Watch for detailed information regarding annual enrollment. 

Our Benefits, Retirement and Maternity committee are committed to helping our SEA based Flight Attendants in any way we can.

Communications Committee

We launched our first newsletter since bringing on new committee members. As with any change, there will be some growing pains, and we are working to streamline our processes. 

Moving forward, you will receive two regular email communications from us each month. The first will be our monthly committee update (like the one you are reading now) containing information/updates on a portion of our committees, being sent the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The second will be a monthly newsletter, coming the 4th Wednesday of each month. 

In addition to the above communications, we will send out emails when we need to get important information out to the membership. 

We are also going to focus on social media. We have already launched our new Council 19 Facebook group, and we will be launching our Instagram page soon. Moving forward, we will continue to evaluate other social media platforms to keep our members informed. As always, we will continue to make posts on our Council 19 webpage https://afaalaska.org/sea.

EAP Committee

Are you looking for a counselor? Alaska is in the process of switching to a new provider for company sponsored EAP benefits, which will be available in early 2024. In the meantime, we want to ensure that you have access to timely and quality counseling services. EAP has compiled a comprehensive list of providers that you can choose from if you need extra support. We can also assist you in finding someone who matches your needs and preferences, especially if this is your first time seeking professional help. Please visit the AFA EAP website for resources or email Andrea Korican at andrea.k@me.com or Lisa Haugen at skylis@hotmail.com and share your personal email for an updated list. 

We continue to see professional standards concerns with social media misuse, unauthorized trip trades, bullying, and unprofessional behaviors on the airplane. We urge you to resolve any conflicts or issues through respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. Remember that everyone may be facing different challenges and stressors at work or in their personal lives. If you encounter a situation that you are unsure about or that makes you uncomfortable, you can always seek confidential guidance and support from an EAP Professional Standards representative or chairperson. They can help you with strategies and solutions to address or cope with your concerns. 

Joint Meetup with AFA and ALPA Professional Standards Committees

Your AFA Professional Standards Committee, in coordination with ALPA’s Professional Standards Committee, invites you to coffee and snacks in the Seattle Village (i.e., the crew lounge on the first floor of the North Satellite) on October 19 from 0800 – 1100.

AFA and ALPA are making a joint effort to provide information about the committees and how they can support you on the line. The AFA and ALPA Professional Standards Committees are each part of their respective Assistance Programs available to all union members.

Your Professional Standards Committees goal is to provide you with a better understanding of who we are and how our two committees work individually and together to assist our fellow flight attendants and pilots. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and gain a better understanding of how the professional standards process works. We are committed to assisting our fellow crew members by resolving situations that arise at the lowest level possible so they can continue to perform their duties professionally and safely in an increasingly challenging work environment. Please take a few minutes to stop by for coffee and snacks and meet our committee volunteers! We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!

Grievance

On September 12, 2023, there was a Grievance Committee Update published for the 3rd 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

Steps of Discipline

As stated in the update, the steps of discipline are:

  1. Confirmation of Oral Warning (COW)
  2. Written Warning (WW)
  3. Suspension – the number of days varies
  4. Termination

These disciplines remain in your file for 18 months and then are eligible for removal. It’s important to understand that each violation builds on another, regardless of if they are related or of a different nature. So, if a Flight Attendant is still within the 18-month period of a previous discipline, then a subsequent violation will be the next step and the 18 months starts again.

For example, a Flight Attendant receives a COW for being late to plane and causing a delay. Twelve months later, the Flight Attendant loses their IMD and is issued a WW. Eight months later, the Flight Attendant forgets to do their CBT and is suspended. Even though it’s been 20 months since the first violation and the COW will have been removed from their file, they are still in the steps of discipline for the WW, so the next step is still suspension.

For more information regarding the removal of discipline, refer to the CBA, §19.D:

DISCIPLINARY EIGHTEEN (18) MONTH REMOVAL

All letters of discipline (warning or suspension) will be expunged after eighteen (18) months after the date of issuance and, at the request of the Flight Attendant, will be removed from the Flight Attendant’s personnel file.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all violations follow the steps of discipline. Some violations, including but not limited to, theft or sick leave abuse is cause for termination, even if the Flight Attendant is not already in a step of discipline.

Attendance Discipline

Unlike other violations, attendance disciplines follow a separate track and are dependent on point accumulation. Refer to the CBA, §32.E.1 to learn more about the steps of discipline related to occurrences of absenteeism. It is up to the Flight Attendant to be aware of the status of their own point accumulation. Make sure that you are utilizing your Quarterly Point Reduction form to help mitigate your point accrual. You have until the end of your next sequence to designate the sequence for your point reduction form. If you don’t submit your form in time, it will be denied, and your points will stay. In other words, a Flight Attendant can’t wait until the end of the quarter and try to use their form for a sequence weeks prior if they had already returned to work and flown subsequent trips since.

For example, a Flight Attendant calls out for a 4-day trip. They are off for 3 days and then report to work for their next 4-day trip. The Flight Attendant has to submit their Quarterly Point Reduction Form prior to their release on Day 4 of their trip. 

Hotel Committee

Your hotel committee continues to advocate for the best hotels possible, while maintaining the language in our CBA.

We have seen an increased number of Crew Care reports coming through which is great. Please remember to continue to send the reports for both complaints and compliments. These reports are essential when we are evaluating markets. The Crew Care reports can be accessed directly on your IMD by clicking the API Icon, or on the Inflight Website, Hotels, Hotel Links, My Crew Care. 

Our committee has been busy doing site inspections the last couple of months. Members of the committee have recently conducted inspections in CUN, BWI, DEN, SJC, ONT, EWR & PIT. Upcoming inspections include NAS, RDU, GUA, ZIH, IAH, and BNA. 

We have seen recent new hotels in Downtown Seattle, and Downtown Chicago, we hope you are enjoying these great new locations and properties!

We hope you have been utilizing the API quick link on your IMD for all your hotel information and needs. Important information like shuttle pick-up times/locations, hotel amenities, and more can be found via the link.  The quick link will be replaced with a stand-alone app in the next couple of months. We are currently testing the app and are happy with what we see so far. More information will come on this as we get closer to the launch. We are also planning a base sit in Seattle to highlight the functions!

Human Rights

A note from Yan Yan Teague, Local Human Rights Chairperson:

Hello Council 19,

After four years as your LEC Human Rights Chairperson, I have decided to step down at the end of the year. 

To quote Chris Jackson as Washington in Hamilton:

“If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on, it outlives me when I’m gone”

While I by no means am comparing my position to that of the nation, I do believe that it is important to get a fresh new perspective in this position. I know there is still so much to tackle, but I am proud of what we were able to accomplish in the past four years.

To ensure we have an equitable process in selecting a new Chairperson, the SEA LEC will hold interviews for eligible candidates during the week of December 4, 2023. If you are interested, please plan to bid around that week. All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet video conferencing.

Visit our AFA Alaska Human Rights Committee page to learn more and download roles and responsibilities of the committee. Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest to sea@afaalaska.org, no later than November 1, 2023.

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up to date information on our Council #19 Facebook Group. Click below to join our group and stay connected. Also, our communication team is researching other social media platforms, more information will come soon!

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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