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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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In This Edition

  • TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January
  • Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements
  • REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey

TSA Mask Mandate Extended Through January

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently confirmed that it will extend its federal mask mandate on transportation until at least January 18, 2022. The mandate, which was previously scheduled to expire on September 13, was extended to “minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” according to a TSA spokesperson.

AFA International President Sara Nelson released a statement on Wednesday in support of the extension of the mask mandate and said in part, “…the TSA enforcement directive for the CDC transportation mask mandate will help tremendously to keep passengers and aviation workers safe.”  The complete statement is available on the AFA International website.

AFA Alaska representatives from the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Inflight Service Committee, and Master Executive Council (MEC) have been in communication with inflight management regarding the extension of the mask mandate.  Management has indicated that they do not anticipate any changes to mask/face covering policies at this time and current procedures will remain in effect for the new duration of the mandate.

Mask Mandate in the News

Being Inclusive: A Reminder About Announcements

Human Rights Committee

As Flight Attendants, we are used to certain routines and habitual behaviors when it comes to how we do our job.  The processes of performing the safety demo, setting up our galleys and carts for service, and many others are second nature to us, and we often don’t give them a second thought.  One of those deeply ingrained habits for many is starting our cabin announcements with the phrase “ladies and gentlemen”.

What you may not know, however, is that “ladies and gentlemen” is no longer part of our announcement scripts. Section 10 of the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and the announcements section of Block2Block no longer include any gender-specific references.  Though it may take some effort to drop the habit of using the phrase, doing so is important in creating an inclusive environment for all our fellow Flight Attendants, other co-workers, and passengers.

Our MEC adopted a resolution on gender equality in December 2020.  The resolution affirms the MEC’s support of the right to recognition, acceptance, and inclusion of people of all gender identities and expressions both in and out of the workplace.  As not everyone identifies as male or female, preceding cabin announcements with the term “ladies and gentlemen” does not support a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.  Let’s work together to create an inclusive environment by using language that is welcoming to all!

Questions?

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

REMINDER: Help End Human Trafficking, Take the Survey

AFA International

AFA is partnering with United Against Slavery in a global effort to end the scourge of human trafficking. As Flight Attendants and aviation’s first responders, we are uniquely positioned to identify human traffickers and assist their victims.

Human trafficking is a billion-dollar business, but Flight Attendants can be 100,000 Eyes in the Skies to recognize and report it. We can be the ones to make the difference.

Historical efforts to gather and understand information to implement effective solutions for this crime have been a challenge and success seemed unattainable. Why? They have not involved collecting the knowledge that only those on the frontlines have.

Click here to take the survey >

In This Edition

  • PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews
  • Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

PBS Subcommittee Member Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Background

The PBS Subcommittee, part of the MEC Scheduling Committee, works with the company and the Inflight Crew Planning Department to maintain the company’s preferential bidding system (PBS) and oversee the bidding and bid award processes.  The Subcommittee represents and advocates for the MEC position in matters pertaining to bidding and the preferential bidding system.

The PBS Subcommittee is currently made up of the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and two PBS Subcommittee Members.  The MEC is seeking to fill a third PBS Subcommittee Member position at this time. 

Qualifications

  • Robust working knowledge of hours of service, scheduling, and reserve provisions of the Flight Attendant collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
  • Knowledge of CFRs and other regulations pertaining to flight time, duty time, and crew rest guidelines.
  • Ability to work remotely and attend virtual meetings as required.
  • Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of NAVBLUE PBS, Crew Access, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, analyze data, and prepare reports.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, take ownership of issues, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties

  • Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Scheduling Chairperson on the activities of the subcommittee
  • In advance of the bidding period each month, communicate with the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction to understand changes in pairings for upcoming months and how Flight Attendant bids might be affected
  • Keep members knowledgeable about changes to the preferential bidding system, common mistakes and errors, misunderstandings about the system, and other topics of interest through the MEC Communications Chairperson
  • Provide assistance to Flight Attendants through base sits, one-on-one training sessions, and telephone support during the monthly bidding window and as requested by the MEC or LECs
  • Communicate with the MEC Reserve Chairperson to understand the needs and challenges of Flight Attendants holding reserve schedules and provide bid assistance

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is eligible for Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss (FPL), paid in accordance with section 27.P.1.e of the Flight Attendant CBA.  Time worked is logged on a monthly basis and paid at a rate of 0.75 TFP per hour with a 5% override at “A” pay.
  • Time commitment is approximately 30 to 40 hours per month.  Most of the workload is weighted heavily toward the first half of the calendar month during the bidding and bid awards processes.  These amounts can fluctuate.
  • Most work for this position can be performed remotely.

Term of Appointment

This position will serve for the remaining portion of the current MEC term of office, currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2022.

Working Relationships

With The Scheduling Committee

Occasional interaction with the Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Local Scheduling Committee Members.

With The Master Executive Council

This position reports to the Master Executive Council through the MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson.

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Crew Planning Analysts (John Bumanglag and Kelly Yeager) and Manager of Crew Planning (Mac Patterson).

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.  All interviews will be conducted by Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/syy62DpL96ESQazQA.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 7.  After that time, qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule a specific interview time.

Please note that to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Please direct any questions about the position to MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Adam Clarey at adam.clarey@afaalaska.org.

Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

The way we talk about eating disorders matters. Here are some facts you can use to help shape a conversation around eating disorders with family members and friends. If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, remember that your AFA EAP is a confidential resource for support, referrals and access to treatment.

Eating disorders are medical illnesses.

Genetic and environmental factors can influence eating disorders. An eating disorder is not a trend or a choice.

Eating disorders are serious and can be fatal.

Eating disorders often involve serious medical complications that can cause permanent damage or death. People with eating disorders also have an increased risk of dying by suicide.

Eating disorders can affect anyone.

Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and genders.

You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by looking at them.

People with eating disorders can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.

Family members can be a patient’s best ally in treatment.

Eating disorders are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. Family members do not cause eating disorders and can be great sources of support.

It is possible to recover from an eating disorder.

Complete recovery is possible with treatment and time.

Have Questions or Need Help?

Your Local EAP Committee contact information is available at afaalaska.org/eap or you can call (949) 470-0493.

COVID-19 Vaccination Attestation Concerns

Master Executive Council (MEC), Grievance Committee

Several members have reached out to AFA regarding management’s recent email titled, “Vaccination Attestation and Masking policy changes.”  Some of the questions being asked:  Can management ask about our vaccination status?  Is it a violation of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to ask about our vaccination status?  What is AFA doing about it?

Can Alaska Airlines (a private employer) ask about employees’ vaccination status?

In a nutshell, yes.  Given the contagiousness and deadliness of the COVID-19 virus and its more contagious Delta variant, companies have a legitimate business reason to inquire about an employee’s vaccination status.  An employer can ask employees about their vaccination status and/or for proof of vaccination provided it does not make medical inquiries that could prompt discussion about disability-related information, which would violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Employers have a duty of care under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to provide a safe workplace for employees.  Under this duty of care an employer can ask employees about their vaccination status and/or for proof of vaccination, subject to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.  If an employee is unable or unwilling to disclose their vaccination status and/or to provide proof of vaccination, the employer is allowed to enforce workplace safety policies such as mask wearing and/or social distancing.  Management has the discretion to treat such employees the same way as employees who refuse to be vaccinated on non-medical or non-religious grounds.

Identifying employees who are exempt from mask requirements while in Company buildings with tags or stickers is not a discriminatory practice under EEOC guidelines.  Tags or stickers will not be actively distributed to crewmembers because mask requirement remain in place at airports and on aircraft, and there is no exemption to those requirements for crewmembers.

At this point, Alaska Airlines is not requiring proof of vaccination status, but AFA believes it would behoove one to answer honestly since it appears the Company has the legal right to request such proof. If you have concerns about disclosing your status, AFA recommends selecting the opt-out response: “I decline to answer.”

Is it a violation of HIPAA for an employer to ask employees about their vaccination status?

HIPAA applies to covered entities such as healthcare providers and the like.  HIPAA does not apply to most (non-healthcare) employers, so it is not a violation for Alaska Airlines to ask its employees about their vaccination status. HIPPA is designed to keep your medical information safe from being shared with third parties. In other words, management can ask you about your vaccination status, but cannot contact your doctor or healthcare provider to ask about your status. Even so, management will safeguard the records of employee attestations by sharing the information only with Human Resources and those deemed necessary to know in limited circumstances and by storing the data in a separate location from personnel records.

What is AFA doing about it?

Management’s requirement for employees to complete a vaccination attestation is not a contractual violation under our Collective Bargaining Agreement, nor does such requirement appear to be a violation of religious freedoms, civil liberties, or any other federal laws.  The “requirement” to complete the attestation is more like a strongly encouraged request because management has indicated to AFA that employees who do not fill out the form will not be disciplined at this time, so we do not anticipate any resulting disciplinary grievances. Finally, there is an opt-out response available for any who remain concerned about disclosing their vaccination status: “I decline to answer.”

Important Dates

  • August 1: Rainmaker Launch

COVID-19 Points Forgiveness Extended Through September 2021

The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the COVID-19 related absences with supporting documentation.

Your Council 35 officers encourage members to submit the form for any absences related to COVID-19. Please review the MOU for details on what points are eligible for adjustment.  This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. To request a points review, visit:

Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Administration>>Performance>>COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form

California COVID-19 Law and What it Means for CA-Based Flight Attendants

The state of California has recently enacted a law to protect employees from COVID -19 activities.  The basics of the law provides:

  • protection from penalties (points)
  • requires employers to offer a special COVID-19 sick leave bank (including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement)
  • requires employers to notifiy employees of the new CA provisions

Alaska has taken a position that F/As are not eligible for these CA benefits, however AFA does not agree. Your Council 35 officers encourage all CA-based Flight Attendants that have COVID-19 related absences on their attendance to file a wage claim with the state and/or file a labor law violation. This is especially encouraged for those that have submitted for an adjustment and have been denied. For more information, please see the AFA June 2, 2021 communication.

Trending Discipline

Monthly Commuter Audit

Monthly audits of registered commuters have been performed for the last several months.  The most common violation occurs when commuters list for flights using D8Y from a non-registered city when dropping a deadhead leg.  Confirmed violations normally result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (COW) on first offense but can escalate up the steps of discipline if multiple violations occur or other performance issues are on file.

Late to Plane

If a late to plane occurs mid-sequence, such as after a layover, and it causes a delay, steps of discipline will most likely be issued.  Mid-sequence late is considered a performance issue, however if it’s the beginning of a sequence (at check-in), late attendance points are normally assessed.  For a first offense with no previous disciplines on file, the FA can expect to receive a COW.  For more information, please review Section 32 of the JCBA.

Nonrev Issues

A recent company-wide trend has been to issue discipline to Flight Attendants that give “goodies” to nonrevs.  In most cases, passengers are the ones complaining and will trigger an investigation. When passengers see nearby nonrevs get food or beverages they aren’t able to purchase for themselves, it causes a conflict.  This was especially challenging during COVID-19 limited service when passengers got very little in the main cabin.  First offenses have resulted in a Written Warning, which is the 2nd step of discipline. 

Union Member Support Opportunity

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act restores the right of workers to freely and fairly form a union and bargain together for changes in the workplace. It is a worker empowerment, civil rights and economic stimulus legislation, and an essential part of any plan to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression and is now in the hands of the Senate (more information can be found here).  As a Union member, make sure your voice is heard by signing the petition and contacting your Senator to support this bill.  The bill provides others with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits that being part of a Union provides.  For more information please visit the AFA-CWA latest news to sign the petition and contact your state’s Senator to encourage their support.

COVID-19 Resources at SFO

Need a vaccine appointment?  Need a COVID-19 test?  SFO has both options available for travelers and employees.  Please visit FlySFO for more information.

TSA Sponsored Crew Member Self Defense Classes – Limited Availability

The TSA has reinstituted their Crew Member Self Defense classes on a limited basis. More information about the classes and a link for registration can be found here. Please note: although there are no sessions available for SFO for the rest of the year, there is one class scheduled in August and one in September for LAX, LAS, and SEA. A variety of other cities in the midwest and east coast are available for commuters residing in those locations.

Union Plus Services and Discounts for AFA-CWA Members

Your AFA-CWA membership includes discounts and services from a variety of categories offered by Union Plus. Use this link for more information on discounts and services for the following categories: Money, Home, Travel, Auto, Insurance, Health, and Education.

We’re Here to Help:  Online Support Center

\The best way to contact us for support is by submitting an online support ticket.  By selecting the type of concern you have, the best rep for your situation can assist you.  The online support ticket system is for AFA use (not management) and is confidential, so please use a personal email address to open a request.

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Melissa Osborne, LEC President •  Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary •  James.ikehara@afaalaska.org  • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503

In This Edition

  • Protect Our Contract – Don’t Perform Duties Belonging to Other Work Groups
  • Help End Human Trafficking: Take the Survey

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

Grievance Committee

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

Recently, management has made it known that they are having a particularly difficult time recruiting and retaining frontline employees in various locations throughout the route network.  This includes staff who are directly employed by the company, those who are employed by subsidiaries of the company (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 to the Company’s operations and has resulted in some on-the-ground functions being adjusted or modified due to staffing in some situations. 

We all know that Alaska Airlines focuses on hiring Flight Attendants who exhibit kindness and demonstrate a willingness 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 is 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 is similarly important that we respect other work groups and their normally assigned scope of work as well.  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 do not have.  We must allow our colleagues to do the work that they have been trained to do to ensure that it is done in compliance with applicable regulations and to 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 that management uses to adjust and ensure that our colleagues in other departments have the support that they need.  If this data is skewed to show that no problems exist, then no changes will made by management to ensure proper staffing and service levels.

The best way that Flight Attendants can show support for other work groups who might be experiencing short staffing is by reporting the issue to ensure that it gets attention from the right 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.).

Questions?

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

Help End Human Trafficking: Take the Survey

AFA International

AFA is partnering with United Against Slavery in a global effort to end the scourge of human trafficking. As Flight Attendants and aviation’s first responders, we are uniquely positioned to identify human traffickers and assist their victims.

Human trafficking is a billion-dollar business, but Flight Attendants can be 100,000 Eyes in the Skies to recognize and report it. We can be the ones to make the difference.

Historical efforts to gather and understand information to implement effective solutions for this crime have been a challenge and success seemed unattainable. Why? They have not involved collecting the knowledge that only those on the frontlines have.

Click here to take the survey >

Management vs. State and Local Laws – Part 1

Master Executive Council (MEC), Benefits Committee, Grievance Committee

This is the first in a series reporting on management’s opposition to various state and local laws, the latest developments to complex state law litigations related to these laws that are playing out in Washington and California, and what Flight Attendants can do about it.

Background

Management alleges that certain state and local laws do not apply to flight crew

Airlines For America (A4A) is an American trade association and lobbying group representing major North American air carriers such as Alaska Airlines.  A4A and/or Alaska Airlines management has taken the position that the Railway Labor Act (RLA) preempts (i.e., invalidates) certain state and local laws that in its opinion overlaps with, conflicts with or complicates various benefits and provisions provided for in collective bargaining agreements negotiated with labor unions representing flight crew. Simply stated, A4A and Alaska Airlines management are making legal arguments in several jurisdictions (e.g., WA, CA, MA and NY) that specific state and local laws do not apply to Flight Attendants and pilots. However, it is notable that management has been honoring the same laws for ground employees–even if they are also covered by contracts negotiated with their respective labor unions and under the RLA.

Management believes that honoring various local laws for flight crew would ultimately lead to competitive disadvantage and tough business decisions in response

Why? Based on our interactions with management, here are some of the reasons offered by management to justify denying flight crew access to various benefits and protections provided for under what management characterizes as a “patchwork quilt” of state and local laws:

  • Administratively burdensome to honor because of the difficulties in tracking the sheer number of such laws and complying with their complexities.
  • Some laws may overlap with and/or conflict with one another and may also apply only conditionally based on the real-time location of an individual crewmember.
  • Significant challenges with overlaying these laws on top of the provisions of existing collective bargaining agreements (e.g., clock hours versus block hours versus TFP; meal, rest break and wage reporting requirements).
  • Honoring such laws for flight crew would create significant operational and financial liabilities for the Company and thereby result in untenable competitive disadvantage. This in turn could lead management to reevaluate the viability of existing crew domiciles in problematic locations and to make tough business decisions about the location of crew domiciles going forward. Management has cautioned your union leadership to beware of the potential for such unintended and undesirable consequences as these would likely be perceived by you as unacceptably disruptive and universally unpopular.

AFA is closely following the preemption litigations with great interest

AFA is closely following the preemption litigations with great interest because the outcomes affect our members at various airlines. However, the legal arguments themselves are generally outside of AFA’s “jurisdiction” in the sense that the Association’s sole duty is to act as the agent for members of the collective bargaining unit under the RLA and to fairly represent them. AFA neither has an obligation to directly participate in the preemption disputes nor has the resources to broadly do so, but nonetheless we have very strategically chosen to intervene in some of the preemption litigations over the past ten years. Several current and former MEC officers and chairpersons have been directly involved in a few cases as complainants, subject matter experts and/or deposed witnesses.

Recent Cases

Washington Family Care Act: Alaska Airlines v. Schurke (WA L&I)

In approximately 2012, Alaska Airlines sued the State of Washington regarding provisions of the Washington Family Care Act (WFCA), alleging that the WFCA does not apply to Washington-domiciled Flight Attendants.  AFA intervened as a defendant in the suit, as this was a case of first impression, and we wanted our interests protected in an area of law not yet addressed. 

The case was initially decided in favor of the State of Washington and AFA. Alaska Airlines appealed the case to the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.  A panel of three justices decided in Alaska Airlines’ favor. At that point, the State of Washington and AFA requested an en banc opinion, with all justices making a decision.

In August 2018, the en banc opinion ruled in favor of the State of Washington and AFA. Alaska Airlines then filed an appeal with the United States Supreme Court.  The US Supreme Court did not grant the writ of certiori, which means it did not accept the case, and the 9th Circuit ruling stands in favor of the State of Washington and AFA.

The case went back to a state administrative hearing, and the administrative law judge ruled for the State of Washington and AFA.  Alaska Airlines then appealed this ruling. We are currently awaiting a ruling on the appellate case, which hopefully will be issued within the next few months. In the meantime, Alaska Airlines is still not honoring this law. 

Washington Paid Sick Leave: A4A v. WA L&I and Joel Sacks

In early 2018, AFA demanded that Alaska Airlines comply with a new State of Washington law:  Washington Paid Sick Leave (WPSL) law.  Alaska’s response to AFA’s formal demand was to have A4A file suit against the State of Washington on behalf of all airlines it represents.  Again, AFA was an intervenor in this lawsuit.  The State of Washington and AFA won this suit in a summary judgment motion; A4A appealed the ruling.

On November 17, 2020, the parties argued in front of the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and a decision was returned very recently that ruled in favor of the State of Washington and AFA.  At this juncture, AFA has every reason to believe that A4A will attempt an appeal with the US Supreme Court.  In the meantime, Alaska Airlines is still not complying with the law. 

California overtime, meal & rest breaks, and wage statement laws: Bernstein v. Virgin America

In 2018, a California state court ruled in favor of Virgin America Flight Attendants, which resulted in an initial award of just under $78 million when factoring in legal fees and other costs.  Alaska Airlines appealed this judgment, and it currently remains in the appeal process. 

California wage statement laws: Gunther v. Alaska Air Group Inc.

In May 2019, a California state court ruled in favor of an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant who brought her own wage statement non-compliance lawsuit against Alaska Air Group.  The court ruled against Alaska Airlines on behalf of all California-domiciled Flight Attendants and issued an award of $25 million.  Seventy-five percent of the award is to be paid to the State of California, and the remaining twenty-five percent of the award is to be paid to California-domiciled Flight Attendants with no more than $4,000 to each Flight Attendant. Alaska Airlines also appealed this judgment, and it is presently still in the appeals process.

New and Pre-Existing Laws Denied

In response to litigation of the Washington State leave laws initiated directly by Alaska Airlines management or indirectly via Airlines for America (A4A), management has simply denied flight crew access to the benefits of new laws. Management also retracted a Flight Attendant’s ability to use several state laws already existing at the time litigation was filed. One example of such retraction is the California Family School Partnership Act, which management allowed California-domiciled Flight Attendants to use for many years prior.

Next Up (in “Management vs. State and Local Laws – Part 2”)

  • Definition of Sick Family/Sick Child
  • Applicable State Laws
  • Filing a Claim with the Appropriate Agency

In This Edition

  • Unruly Passenger Survey
  • What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Unruly Passenger Survey

AFA International

As unruly passenger incidents remain at an all-time high, our union is launching a platform to collect your experiences to fully assess the problem and help get meaningful support to all crews. 

Take this five minute anonymous survey to share your experiences with unruly passengers onboard this year.

Self Defense Training

This week, the TSA announced the resumption of Crewmember Self Defense Training classes on July 1. The program is helpful in gaining skills for defense and confident positioning. However, as we have advocated since September 11, 2001, this training should be mandatory and part of our paid initial and recurrent training in order to build the muscle memory to use the tactics immediately when attacks advance without warning. Still, the resumption of the voluntary course is positive and should send a message to the flying public as well that these unruly incidents are serious. Flight Attendants are onboard for the safety and security of everyone on the plane.

The voluntary four-hour training is offered to flight crew members free of charge and is held at 24 locations around the United States. All active flight crew members for domestic carriers are eligible to register for the training. You can register here.

Our union continues to work with other unions, lawmakers, the FAA, DOT, and airline management on more that needs to be done to get this under control. 

The Role of Alcohol

Alcohol is a major contributor to unruly passenger events. Make sure you keep this regulation handy as you advise the public that they cannot carry a drink onto the plane or consume their own alcohol on the plane. Federal regulations also affirm passengers may be refused boarding if they appear to be intoxicated. 

The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulation §121.575 alcoholic beverages: (a) No person may drink any alcoholic beverage aboard an aircraft unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to him.

AFA EAP is always available at (949) 470-0493. Additionally, make sure you’re copying in your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) on unruly incidents to ensure our union can follow up with the airlines and regulators.

Sample of News Stories on Unruly Passengers

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing severe irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a “bad mood.” DMDD symptoms are severe. Youth who have DMDD experience significant problems at home, at school, and often with peers. They also tend to have high rates of health care service use, hospitalization, and school suspension, and they are more likely to develop other mood disorders. 

The Signs and Symptoms of DMDD include:

  • Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral), on average, three or more times per week
  • Outbursts and tantrums that have been ongoing for at least 12 months
  • Chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (at home, at school, and with peers)

Youth with DMDD are diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must have experienced symptoms steadily for 12 or more months.

What is the difference between typical irritability and severe irritability? All children can become irritable sometimes. It’s a normal reaction to frustration. Children experiencing severe irritability (as observed in DMDD) have difficulty tolerating frustration and have outbursts that are out of proportion for the situation at hand. These outbursts occur more often and are more severe than what you would typically expect for children of this age.

Over time, as children grow and develop, the symptoms of DMDD may change. For example, an adolescent or young adult with DMDD may experience fewer tantrums, but they begin to exhibit symptoms of depression or anxiety. For these reasons, treatment may change over time, too.

If you think your child has DMDD, it is essential to seek a diagnosis and treatment.

DMDD can be treated. If you are concerned that your child may have DMDD, talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care provider.  Your AFA EAP can also assist you with a referral for your child.  Your local AFA EAP Committee members contact information is available at https://afaalaska.org/eap or call (949) 470-0493. 

In This Edition

  • AFA-CWA & Union Plus Scholarships Awarded

AFA-CWA & Union Plus Scholarships Awarded

AFA International

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to dependents of AFA Flight Attendants who will be attending a college or university.

This year’s recipients of AFA-CWA Scholarships:

  • Kaila Aiwohi, daughter of Arvi Aiwohi, United AFA Flight Attendant.
  • Savannah Armas, daughter of Kelly Armas and sister of Alexa Armas, both Spirit AFA Flight Attendants.
  • Amrine White, daughter of Taryn Call, Alaska AFA Flight Attendant.

Alternate – Hannah Kropp, daughter of Karen Kropp, United AFA Flight Attendant.

Additionally, Union Plus awarded three scholarships to AFA-CWA:

  • Karlee Barrett, daughter of United AFA Flight Attendant, Orinthia Barrett.
  • Sydney Pizzinato, daughter of United AFA Flight Attendant, Mary Ann Pizzinato.
  • Isabelle Shook, daughter of Alaska AFA Flight Attendant, Veda Shook.

Congratulations! We’re so proud of you. 

Important Dates 

  • June 30: Q2 CBT Due

COVID-19 Points Forgiveness

The Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19 MOU provides Flight Attendants an opportunity for points adjustment for the following COVID-19 related activities:

  • Non-work related exposure
  • Vaccine appointments
  • Side effects of the vaccine

Management has agreed to review all points related to COVID-19 with documentation. Details of the MOU can be found on our website.  Your council 35 officers encourage members to submit the form for any absences related to COVID-19.  To request a points review, visit:

Alaskasworld>>Inflight >>Administration>>Performance>>COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form

It is recommended that F/As save all receipts and appointment confirmations.  F/As may be required to send evidence to the performance supervisor for conversion.  This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record.  

Call to Action: New California COVID-19 Law

The state of California has recently enacted a law to protect employees from COVID -19 activities.  The basics of the law provides.

  • Protection from penalties (points)
  • Requires employers to offer a special COVID-19 sick leave bank (including employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement)
  • Requires employers to notify employees of the new CA provisions.  

So far Alaska has taken a position that F/As are not eligible for these CA benefits, however AFA does not agree with Alaska. Your Council 35 officers encourage all CA-based Flight Attendants to file a wage claim with the state and/or file a labor law violation.  For more information, please see the AFA June 2, 2021 communication.

PBS WebApp Training

The next training sessions on Microsoft Teams are Tuesday June 8, 1pm-2pm Pacific and Wednesday, June 9, 10am-11am Pacific. Links will only be live during the training period.  If you miss these training dates, there will be more dates in July.  This is the same technology used for the all-employee webcasts. If you have any issues installing Microsoft Teams or viewing the training sessions, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 1-877-238-1077 or email ITS.Service.Desk@alaskaair.com.

Welcome New Council 35 Committee Members

Benefits Committee Chair:  Julie Pearson

Julie began her Flight Attendant career with Virgin America in April 2010, upgrading to the Inflight Team Leader position in early 2011. In October 2018, Julie joined the Council 35 Crew Systems Integration team where she took on the task of helping her teammates during the Alaska systems integration, conducting base sits and helping train flight attendants in the NavBlue PBS and Crew Access systems, as well as answering questions regarding the JCBA. Prior to becoming a flight attendant Julie received her BA in Communications from Saint Mary’s College of California. After college she moved to London, where she stayed for 5 years and worked in content licensing. In her free time you’ll find her exploring San Francisco and hiking the Bay Area with her husband and 5 year old son.

Inflight Service Committee:  Matt Voges

Coming from a long time airline family, Matt realized his passion for travel very early in life, but only fully recognized his love for the Aviation Industry in 2008 when he was hired at Virgin America.  After earning his wings, he realized he had more to offer by lending his restaurant and event catering experience with the on-board service team and moved in to a role from Inflight Team Leader to Service Coach and later Air Transportation Supervisor.  With these roles, he worked closely with the LSG kitchen and on-board Service Manager to help develop and teach the onboard experience to new hires.  He hopes to continue this path in moving forward with the AFA to help provide a better and more seamless on-board experience for both Flight Attendants and Guests.  Matt currently resides in San Francisco and spends his spare time traveling the world experiencing new cultures, food and languages.  He is also active in playing softball, learning to race cars and everything to do with cooking (including eating).  

June Pride Month

Help celebrate June Pride with an AFA pride pin or an AFA Pride luggage tag. A limited supply is available now at the supervisor’s office in the SFO Village.

Free COVID-19 Vaccinations in SFO

SFO is offering 2 free vaccination programs for the public, including arriving and departing passengers, on domestic and international flights. More information about the programs can be found here.  The J&J single-dose vaccine for people aged 18 and older is available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis.

Location: SFO Medical Clinic, International Terminal Departures Hall, A-Side
Days/Times:  Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

In partnership with Safeway Pharmacy during the month of June, the J&J vaccine, for people aged 18 and older and Pfizer, for people ages 12 and older will be available.

Location: International Terminal, Level 3, Departures Hall, between Aisles 6 & 7 (at the back of the building)
Days/Times:

Tuesday, June 8, 10:00am – 6:00pm

Walk-ups are available however an appointment is recommended.

In solidarity,

Melissa, James and Brad

Melissa Osborne, LEC President •  Melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary •  James.ikehara@afaalaska.org  • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • Bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503

SAN Updates

​

Base Staffing and July Bidding

Approximately 80 SAN based Flight Attendants will be returning from EVF-9 on July 1, 2021.  Please be aware of the impact this may have on your July bid award.  If you are currently a line-holder bidding just above the reserve “cut-off”, you may find yourself on Reserve for July.  Each month the anticipated number of Lineholders and Reserves is posted in the Bid Packet Cover Letter.   
Inflight Page> Scheduling& Bidding> Line Bidding> Bid Packets

If you need assistance bidding, you may reach out to the AFA PBS Committee or your local Reserve or Scheduling Committees.

June is Pride Month

AFA-CWA supports all LGBTQ+ Flight Attendants and workers as we fight for protections on the job and in our communities. AFA’s mission is to unite all Flight Attendants and promote equality and employment for all, regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This has been codified in our Constitution since 1976.

Discrimination of any kind undermines the strength of our country. We must work together to protect the rights that should belong to every human being. We stand up for fairness and equal opportunity for all American workers.

AFA is a longtime supporter of Pride At Work, the AFL-CIO diversity organization working towards full equality for LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.

Show your support! Wear your AFA Pride Pin during the month of June.  We have a very limited number of Pride pins available, please request one by emailing san@afaalaska.org. 

SAN Parking

Effective Monday June 7th parking was moved to the Terminal 2 West Lot.  Parking for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza will be turned off. The new parking area is approximately a 7 minute walk to TSA. Make sure you allow enough time to Park and walk to the terminal.

If you are a commuter and have your car in the old parking, you need to make arrangements to move your vehicle ASAP.

 Access the Terminal 2 West Lot from Harbor Drive by turning right on McCain Rd, then turn right into the parking lot.  Address of the lot is 2395 McCain Rd, San Diego, CA 92101.  Please park west of the exit plaza, Please check your company email for a PDF map and pictures.

Recent AFA Communications

Section 32 Attendance Policy Points Related to COVID-19​ June 2, 2021
Information regarding points forgiveness for absences related to COVID-19.

Settlement: Violation of §10.S Pre-Cancellations and Schedule Changes May 29, 2021
This settlement agreement requires that all pre-cancellations, retimes, flight routing changes, and aircraft downgrades (i.e., from a four-position aircraft to a three-position aircraft) that occur in advance of the day of departure of a sequence will be handled under JCBA §10.S [Pre-Cancellations]. 

AFA Alaska Update​ May 28, 2021
Grievance Committee Update,  Delta AFA Campaign, UNCF Commitment Aircraft, Mental Health Awareness Month 

Important Reminders 

Remember to check by the end of each quarter to see if you have any CBTs you have not finished. there is 1 every quarter that needs to be completed by the end of that quarter unless you are on leave. failure to complete your CBT on time will result in Progressive Steps of Discipline.

Q2 CBT is due June 30

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, October 28, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters 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), […]

Sick Leave Survey Now Open

Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) prioritizes your health and well-being and seeks to understand which aspects of our paid sick leave policy matter most to you. We encourage you to participate in the survey, which is open until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT, to ensure your voice is heard in shaping our support for your healthcare needs.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This session was marked by the Negotiating Committee’s strong advocacy for protections and enhancements that would support the Seattle base as a viable option for transferring Flight Attendants. With insights from Ryan St. John, the Vice President of Finance, Planning, and Investor Relations for Alaska Airlines, the Negotiating Committee highlighted the necessity of combining data-driven strategies with hands-on experience and sufficient resources for long-term success.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

During our recent negotiations, the Joint Negotiation Committee focused on key sections, particularly reaching a Tentative Agreement on Lodging and Transportation, which improves food availability and transportation safety. We also engaged with Council 19 to clarify negotiation processes and differences between contracts. Stay tuned for our upcoming session with management from November 18 to 20.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

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