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Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Tuesday, May 9, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants.
  • Due to contract negotiations taking place at the same time as the meeting, our MEC did not meet with management as part of this month’s meeting.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27. Please don’t hesitate to contact your LEC President if you have any questions.

On Tuesday, May 9, the Regular MEC Meeting for May 2023 was held as scheduled. Our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee provided updates on their respective areas. Furthermore, the MEC reviewed written reports from other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons regarding their current work. 

No Meeting With Management This Month

Usually, our MEC meets with management during these meetings to discuss current issues and challenges that Flight Attendants face. However, this month, contract negotiations happened at the same time as the MEC Meeting. As a result, most key management personnel from inflight and labor relations were unavailable to meet with our MEC. Despite this, other meetings, such as the bi-weekly Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Meeting, are scheduled with management to address any other issues that come up promptly.

Questions?

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

Grievance Committee

  • Our MEC Grievance Committee successfully settled three outstanding grievances related to COVID-19.
  • Flight Attendants who received $200 from the Company for attesting to their vaccination status get to keep the payout.
  • In some cases, Flight Attendant sick leave will be restored.

We are pleased to inform you that our MEC Grievance Committee has successfully resolved three COVID-19-related grievances with the Company through mediation with Arbitrator Symonette and management. We have settled Grievance 36-99-2-230-21 for violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury, Grievance 36-99-2-234-21 for §21 Non-Negotiated Compensation, and Grievance 36-99-2-233-22 for violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury. Please take a look below for more details on the settlements or review the settlement agreement.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-230-21 – Violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury

The grievance was about how the Company treated vaccinated Flight Attendants compared to unvaccinated Flight Attendants who contracted or were exposed to COVID-19 while on the job. Over two years, the Company’s stance on this matter changed multiple times, resulting in varying pay protections for different groups.

In our contract, Section 16 unequivocally applies to all Flight Attendants, regardless of their vaccination status. A Flight Attendant who is unvaccinated but holds a medical or religious exemption must be treated with the same level of respect and consideration as a vaccinated Flight Attendant. This means that even if an unvaccinated Flight Attendant must undergo quarantine while their vaccinated counterpart does not, they should not be treated differently.

We carefully reviewed the dates and changes made by the Company and devised a solution that will make exempted Flight Attendants whole. However, there were specific dates when we could not provide a remedy for those who did not disclose their status. Those who were covered before the vaccine and had access to exemptions will have their sick leave restored, and in some cases, they will have their attendance points removed. For more information, please refer to the Letter of Agreement.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-234-21 – Violation of §21 Non-Negotiated Compensation

This grievance alleges that the Company violated Section §21 [Compensation], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when it announced on or about September 2, 2021, that it would pay $200 to each vaccinated Flight Attendant who provided proof of vaccination to the Company by October 15, 2021.   The provisions of Section 21 do not provide for any exemptions or differentiations based on vaccination status. Nevertheless, the Company unfairly imposed this exception on the entire bargaining unit without engaging in negotiations with AFA.

Management agreed that Flight Attendants who have been vaccinated will be able to retain their $200. However, they would not agree to give the same amount to those who are unvaccinated, even if they have a medical or religious exemption. After careful consideration, we decided to withdraw the grievance as the mediator expressed doubts about our likelihood of success in arbitration.

Grievance No. 36-99-2-233-22 – Violation of §16 Sick Leave/On the Job Injury

This grievance alleges the Company’s violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement §16 [Sick Leave/On the Job Injury], past practice, and all related sections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement when on or about May 11, 2022, it unilaterally implemented disparate quarantine procedures without adequate notice by posting and/or updating the Company intranet (“Alaska’s World”) with different quarantine requirements for symptom-free vaccinated versus symptom-free unvaccinated Flight Attendants. Our Grievance Committee argued that Alaska’s World articles are not sufficient notice of policy changes since they are not mandatory reading, and Flight Attendants must be informed of changes through must-read bulletins. 

The Company agreed it would notify Flight Attendants of any changes to COVID-19 quarantine policies and procedures through required (“must-read”) bulletins.

Questions?

Overall, the outcome of this settlement was successful, and we are glad to be able to provide some resolution to these grievances. Our commitment to ensuring fair treatment and safe working conditions for all our Members remains firm, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards that goal. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Local Grievance Committee or LEC President with any questions or concerns.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
  • Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a few reminders about mental health, mental illnesses, and available support.
  • You can reach out to your local AFA EAP Committee Members for assistance in connecting with a professional or addressing concerns, for yourself or a loved one.

What is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Can your mental health change over time?

Yes, it’s important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors.  When the demands placed on us exceed our resources and coping abilities, our mental health could be impacted. 

How common are mental illnesses?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness. About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as major depression.

What causes mental illness?

There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as:

  • Adverse Childhood experiences such as trauma or a history of abuse 
  • Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

How can you protect and support your own mental well-being?

Evaluate your mental well-being on a routine basis just like you are advised to do for your physical health. Your AFA EAP can help you connect with a professional to assist you with that process or to address any concerns you may have about your or a loved one’s mental health.  Your local AFA EAP Committee Members can be found on the EAP Committee page of the AFA Alaska website or you can call (949) 470-0493.

In This Edition

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Originally posted May 1, 2023

May 1st marks the first day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States.  This tradition dates back to 1978 when Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage week the following year. Read more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, learn about the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and find out about events that you can take part in using the resource links below. Join the celebration by wearing an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin during the month of May.  If you need a pin, check with your Local Council for more information.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2023

Originally posted May 2, 2023

Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, April 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 >

Other Parents Like Me (OPLM)

Originally posted May 3, 2023

Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a free online resource for parents and other caregivers of children struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. Other Parents Like ME (OPLM) offers several resources free of subscription charge for one year with the code/link provided. This free subscription is a gift from OPLM founder and retired United Airlines Flight Attendant Cassie Fariello.

Read More >

Building Community Power: Now and Then

Originally posted May 4, 2023

Our Human Rights Committee wants to invite you to our 2023 celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month on May 23rd. Join our online presentation, Building Community Power: Now and Then, with panelists discussing community power in the past and present day. AFA is joined by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, and the International Women’s Alliance for this event.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 9Regular MEC Meeting
Tuesday, May 9Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 9 – Thursday, May 11Contract Negotiations

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!

Human Rights Committee

  • Our Human Rights Committee wants to invite you to our 2023 celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month on May 23rd.
  • Join our online presentation, Building Community Power: Now and Then, with panelists discussing community power in the past and present day.
  • AFA is joined by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, and the International Women’s Alliance for this event.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Join CWA Human Rights for Building Community Power: Now and Then, our 2023 celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month! We will hold an online presentation and panel on Tuesday, May 23, at 7pm EST, on what building community power for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander workers has looked like in the past and the present day.

We are excited to facilitate a discussion with panelists from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities, and the International Women’s Alliance. AANHPI workers, as well as all union siblings and allies, are encouraged to attend.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • Our AFA EAP Committee wants to share a free online resource for parents and other caregivers of children struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues.
  • Other Parents Like Me (OPLM) offers several resources free of subscription charge for one year with the code/link provided.
  • This free subscription is a gift from OPLM founder and retired United Airlines Flight Attendant Cassie Fariello.

Other Parents Like Me (OPLM) is an online peer support community designed for parents and other caregivers of children struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. Normally, it is a fee-based resource, which is now being provided to Flight Attendants free of any subscription charge for one year (1 year). 

OPLM offers a number of resources including:

  • Daily support groups: 17 virtual peer-led meetings every week that include, Men’s and Women’s, Adoptive Families, Meditation, to name a few
  • Subject Matter Speakers: At least 5 speaker meetings per month followed by a Q&A 
  • Parent Stories & Blogs: Personal stories and insights into the journey of parents like you
  • Resource Hub: Search podcasts, articles, apps, books, and more 

This free one-year subscription is being gifted by the OPLM founder and retired United Airlines Flight Attendant Casie Fariello who herself struggled with maintaining her career responsibilities while addressing behavioral health crises with her children.   

Flight Attendants can access their free one-year subscription by using this code: FADAP2023 or link: https://oplm.com/register/?coupon=FADAP2023.

DISCLAIMER OF ENDORSEMENT. AFA’s participation in notifying Flight Attendants of this free OPLM subscription does not constitute endorsement by AFA. AFA does not authorize, endorse, support or sponsor any OPLM product, service, or activity.

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, April 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, April 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), 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 Supervisor Inflight Crew Scheduling Matthew Trujillo, 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 May 23, 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. April Reserve utilization was around 85%; utilization is expected to increase in the spring/summer. Management continues to discuss an increase in sick leave usage and absence rates. Typically reserves are 60% AM and 40% PM, however in June for SEA/ANC it will be around 50/50. 
  • No Shows. We continue to receive reports of circumstances where 
    Flight Attendants were issued no shows incorrectly based on contactability requirements of the contract. If you believe you are assessed points incorrectly, please follow up with your local AFA representatives.
  • Hotel wait time/assignment. AFA is aware of issues with wait times and transportation. If you are required to share rooms, stay at a non-approved hotel, or wait in the hotel lobby more than one (1) hour, please file a Crew Care Report and contact your local Hotel Committee Chairperson and Scheduling Committee Chairperson. AFA and management are reviewing the processes in place for IROPS and Severe IROPS with the intent to improve wait times and bookings. 
  • Leaves. Leaves will not be offered in June. We expect to see line averages around 79 TFP and 21% reserve ratio system wide. 
  • 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 help files to be more user friendly. If you need assistance with bidding, please email them. 
  • Charters. Voluntary charters no longer exist. All charter flights will be paid. AFA successfully advocated for this change. 
  • 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. Flight Attendants are seeing changes to their rosters and want clarification on the process. Management is reviewing our request.
  • Sick Child/Sick Family (LOA 5 in CBA). California passed a new law that allows Flight Attendants to designate one primary person per year. This person will be designated and the Flight Attendant will receive full protection under the law. Labor Relations and AFA are working on the implementation of this improvement. Look for more information in a future AFA communication. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Subcommittee asked management for base sits to assist Flight Attendants with bidding. We are waiting for further details.
  2. Crew Access Filters. There is a meeting with Jeppesen scheduled in late April to discuss filters. We expect implementation in a 3rd quarter release. 
  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. 
  4. 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. 

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.

Council #19 Elections

Elections are underway for Seattle AFA-CWA Officers

Elections for the next term of office are underway. The three-year term begins July 1, 2023. In order for your votes to be recorded, you must be a member in good standing. However all members will be mailed ballots. If you have recently moved, and have not changed your mailing address with AFA-CWA, you may not receive a ballot. If you need assistance, please contact one of your local officers.

Election Schedule:

4-25-2023: Voting notice and voting guide are mailed containing your personal 16-digit activation code. 

4-28-2023: 12:00PM EST –  Polls open and voting begins

5-18-2023: 3:00PM EST –  Polls close and the election count takes place

Here are the candidates running for office:

LEC PRESIDENT:

Paula Isla-McGill

Kiara O’Bryant

Teresa (Terry) Taylor

LEC VIce President:

Ian Haywood

Jake Jones

Melinda Jorge-Henderson

Ty Tufono-Chaussee

LEC Secretary:

Adam Clarey

Bianca Dew

Jarod McNeill

LEC Council Representative (2 positions):

Megan E Brown

LeAnne Canton

Daphne Clarkson

Anuhea Beverly Coubertier

Erik Mastrud

Jorge “Martin” Monteblanco 

Jarod “Jerry” Sinclair

Andrew Stinson

Julie Thornton

Kaitlyn Zemp

In This Edition

AFA Alaska Online Support Center Planned Outage

Originally posted April 24, 2023

Our Grievance Committee is working to make back-end improvements to the AFA Alaska Online Support Center (support.afaalaska.org) to help ensure that AFA Representatives can provide you with the best possible help when you need it. These improvements will require a planned outage, during which the AFA Alaska Online Support System will be offline and unavailable. The outage is scheduled to begin at 7 AM Pacific time on Friday, April 28. The system is anticipated to return to service by 5 PM Pacific time on Monday, May 1.

Read More >

REMINDER: AFA Alaska Online Support Center Planned Outage

Originally posted April 27, 2023

Earlier this week, we shared news about upcoming back-end system improvements to the AFA Alaska Online Support Center (support.afaalaska.org) that require a planned system outage. In preparation for the work, the system will go offline tomorrow (Friday, April 28) at 7 AM Pacific time. The system is anticipated to return to service by 5 PM Pacific time on Monday, May 1.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 2LAX Base Safety Meeting
Wednesday, May 3Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Thursday, May 4Scheduling 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!

Grievance Committee

Earlier this week, we shared news about upcoming back-end system improvements to the AFA Alaska Online Support Center (support.afaalaska.org) that require a planned system outage. In preparation for the work, the system will go offline tomorrow (Friday, April 28) at 7 AM Pacific time. The system is anticipated to return to service by 5 PM Pacific time on Monday, May 1.

If you have any issues to report or need assistance while the system is offline, please get in touch with your LEC Officers.

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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