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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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NavBlue is sunsetting the old PBS bidding interface, ClassBid, after the March 5-14 bid period. Once ClassBid is retired, Flight Attendants will only have access to the new interface, WebApp, for PBS bidding.  

3 months of PBS Base Sits – February 2022-April 2022

Look for the March base sit schedule prior to February 5th, and the April base sit schedule prior to March 5th

February- Access to both ClassBid (old) and WebApp (new)

March- Access to both ClassBid (old) and WebApp (new)

April- Access to only WebApp (new)

February Base Sit Schedule:

Location SEA Inflight

  • 2/5 9am-9pm
  • 2/6 9am-5pm
  • 2/7 5am-9pm
  • 2/8 5am-9pm
  • 2/9 5am-9pm

WebApp Help:

WebApp Quick Reference Guide

WebApp Tutorial

WebApp Q&A from May-July 2021 WebApp Virtual Trainings

WebApp Program Guide

WebApp Videos

(You will need to be logged into your AAG account to access WebApp Quick Reference, WebApp Q&A, and WebApp Program Guide)

Your Default bid will not need to be re-created in WebApp it is already there, the only time your Default bid is erased is when you transfer/swap bases.

Login to Webapp through the Inflight Page>Schedule & Bidding>Line Bidding or by going directly to the site, https://asapbs.navblue.aero/webapp. Once ClassBid is retired the ClassBid (old) link on the Inflight Page will go away, and the URL will redirect to WebApp.

You can reach the PBS Committee by emailing pbs.qa@alaskaair.com.

In This Edition

  • December 2021 Pacific Northwest Snowstorm

December 2021 Pacific Northwest Snowstorm

Originally posted December 28, 2021

The snowfall that occurred over the last several days in the Pacific Northwest has caused operational havoc throughout the Alaska Airlines system.  Many Flight Attendants are being impacted by cancelled flights, reassignments, and other scheduling issues.  Your contract is one of the best resources to help answer questions about pre-cancellations, reassignments, duty times, and rest.  The AFA Scheduling Committee has also put together an updated quick reference guide with some key contractual information.  If your flying has been impacted by the snowstorm and you have contractual questions or concerns, please open a support ticket using the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  AFA Representatives are working to resolve issues as expeditiously as possible.

Read More >

December 2021 Update

End Of Year Reminders

Complete by 23:59 Dec 31st

  • Current Uniform Allotment Expires – If you need new pieces make sure to use any allotment remaining, you’ll receive a new allotment Jan 1 thats good for 2 years
  • Annual Compliance Training (ACT) CBT  – Check Cornerstone, Discipline issued if not completed
  • Guest Passes – Exchange your travel credits for passes, no need to print them they live in your guest pass history. We recommend you convert them 1 at a time, multiple passes. Do not convert all of them into 1 pass

COVID Points Forgiveness (Positive Test)

Per the new agreement with management, Flight Attendants can once again submit for points forgiveness for COVID absences with proof of a positive test. The time limits for submitting have been suspended.  If you’ve had a previous submission denied and can provide a positive test result, please resubmit for points removal.  Performance Supervisors will be reviewing each submission individually, so please be patient while your request is reviewed.     To submit your request, visit: Alaskasworld> Inflight> Administration> Performance> COVID+/Vaccine Reaction Point Forgiveness Form

Grievance Committee Update

Recent Investigations Resulting in Discipline

  • Failure to Complete CBT on time
  • Commuter Policy Violations
  • Missing Required Items
  • Delays caused by Flight Attendants

AFA Membership Dues

Many Council 15 members are behind on their monthly AFA dues.  After 90-days,  a member can fall into Bad Standing.   Once in Bad Standing, a member’s vote is not counted nor are they permitted to attend local council meetings until they are become current or make alternate payment arrangements with AFA Membership Services.   Unpaid dues could result in termination per  Section 26 C, D,  & E of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.  

Our Local Membership Committee can provide you with balance information- but we do not have access payment or billing history.   If you have questions about your account, please reach out to AFA Membership Services.

AFA Membership Services844-232-2228Ext. 3 – Dues and Account information 
   or Online
http://afacwa.org//dues_questions

Benefits and Leaves

The Committee is receiving an unprecedented number of inquiries regarding Medical Leaves. While we are here to assist, we need everyone to be informed and aware of leave guidelines. Please be aware that there is a Leave Handbook for each type of leave. The Leave Handbooks provide step by step instruction to help you begin the process and navigate your leave. We suggest reading through the appropriate handbook prior to starting your leave in order to have familiarity with the process.  Leave Handbooks can be found on Alaskasworld> Inflight Page> Administration> Leaves

You can aslo reach outt o our AFA Benefits Chair Sonia Quackenbush click HERE.

Irregular Operations Guide

As most already know, the cold and winter weather in Portland and Seattle has caused operational challenges all around our network. We realize many of you have and will find yourselves stranded in cities you were not necessarily expecting to be in, working longer hours or changes to flying. please keep this link handy to help guide you.

Irregular Operations Quick Reference

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The snowfall that occurred over the last several days in the Pacific Northwest has caused operational havoc throughout the Alaska Airlines system. Many Flight Attendants are being impacted by cancelled flights, reassignments, and other scheduling issues.
  • Your contract is one of the best resources to help answer questions about pre-cancellations, reassignments, duty times, and rest. The AFA Scheduling Committee has also put together an updated quick reference guide with some key contractual information.
  • If your flying has been impacted by the snowstorm and you have contractual questions or concerns, please open a support ticket using the AFA Alaska Online Support Center. AFA Representatives are working to resolve issues as expeditiously as possible.

This week’s snowstorm and continued winter weather have had a significant impact on Alaska Airlines operations in Seattle and Portland.  Hundreds of flights have either been delayed or cancelled which has had a ripple effect throughout the system leaving virtually no Flight Attendants unimpacted.  AFA Representatives are actively working to try to resolve Flight Attendant concerns that have been reported, but management’s availability has been limited as they focus on fixing the operation.

If Your Flight Cancels

  • If your flight has been cancelled, you must still report as scheduled unless contacted by Crew Scheduling or you accept a cancellation notification in Crew Access.
  • If contacted by Crew Scheduling regarding a pre-cancellation, know your options.  Review section 10.S of the contract or the pre-cancellation flowchart.
  • If you have already reported for duty and your flight cancels, you must remain at the airport until released by Crew Scheduling.  Your duty period will run continuously until released.

Difficulty Making it to the Airport

Significant Weather Ground Commuting Operations (SWGCO) have been declared for Seattle and Portland.  SWGCO provides additional ground commuter protections for Flight Attendants who may have difficulty reporting on time due to the inclement weather.  In order to receive protections under SWGCO, you must notify Crew Scheduling at least one hour prior to report that you won’t be able to report on time due to the weather.  Please review pages 3 and 4 of the full side letter of agreement for more information.

Management is also offering hotel rooms near the airport in SEA and PDX for those who are reporting for trips the following day.  Please fill out this form to request a hotel room.  They have also authorized any F/A to expense $100 for Uber/Lyft transportation to/from the airport in order to get to work.  No advance approval is required and your base management can provide assistance with reimbursement.  Questions about in-base hotels or transportation reimbursement should be directed to the Inflight Snow Ops Command Center at InflightSnowOps@alaskaair.com.  

Hotel or Transportation Issues While Flying

If you are currently flying and are having issues with hotels or ground transportation, you may be able to receive a quicker response from the Inflight Snow Ops Command Center by emailing InflightSnowOps@alaskaair.com.  Requests that go through the command center, especially ones that are not time sensitive, will free up Crew Scheduling to attend to other operational duties.  The command center is open from 08:00-20:00 Pacific time.  Outside of these hours Crew Scheduling will be your point of contact.

Pay Questions & Rainmaker

If your flying has been impacted by irregular operations, be sure to monitor Rainmaker closely to ensure that your pay is reflected accurately.  Any pay questions should be submitted directly in Rainmaker as a pay query. 

Contractual Questions, Issues, and Concerns

Your contract is your best resources to answer scheduling and pay-related questions.  You can access the contract on the AFA Alaska website or on your IMD in Goodreader > ASFASupplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement > Contract.  The AFA Scheduling Committee has also put together an updated irregular operations quick reference guide with key contractual information that may be helpful. 

If you have a contractual concern or issue that has come up and need assistance from an AFA representative, please open a support ticket using the AFA Alaska Online Support Center.  Members of the AFA Grievance, Reserve, and Scheduling Committees are working through submitted tickets as quickly as possible, but resolution may be delayed in some cases as management’s immediate focus is on operational issues.

For additional support, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee (lineholders), Local Reserve Committee (reserves), or your LEC Officers. 

In This Edition

  • Our Contract 2022 – Latest Negotiations News
  • Winter Holiday Incentive 2021
  • Shared on Social

Our Contract 2022 – Latest Negotiations News

Winter Holiday Incentive 2021

Originally posted December 22, 2021

In response to the current operational challenges, your MEC approached management earlier this afternoon with an eleventh-hour proposal for a winter holiday incentive. After some conversation back and forth, the parties ultimately agreed to implement the following program in recognition of the unique challenges to the operation and to the Flight Attendant group due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Less than one week left to submit your expression of interest to serve as part of our Negotiating Committee!  Find out more about the position or submit your expression of interest and resume on the Contract 2022 website at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/committee/afa-alaska-negotiations-update-october-29-2021/#committee.  Expressions of interest will close on Tuesday, December 28 at 5 PM Pacific time.

Winter Holiday Incentive 2021

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • Double time (2.0x) premium on all flights flown, including surface deadhead, and/or Airport Standby (APSB) that begin or end between and including 00:00 (midnight) 12/23/2021 and 23:59 1/2/2022 local time
  • Holiday reassignments pay protection (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day)

In response to the current operational challenges, your MEC approached management earlier this afternoon with an eleventh-hour proposal for a winter holiday incentive. After some conversation back and forth, the parties ultimately agreed to implement the following program in recognition of the unique challenges to the operation and to the Flight Attendant group due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Double time (2.0x) premium

Flight Attendants will be paid double time (2.0x) premium during the Winter Holiday Incentive 2021 period on all flights flown, including surface deadhead, and/or APSB. This will further increase Premium Open Time premiums, holiday pay premium, over-duty premiums, etc., by an additional one times the trip rate (1.0x) on the existing premium.

Examples:

  • 1.0x (“straight time”) –> 2.0x
  • 1.5x (e.g., Premium Open Time) –> 2.5x
  • 2.0x (e.g., holiday pay, over-duty pay, Premium Open Time) –> 3.0x

Please note the premiums under this incentive program are not pay protected—the same as all other premiums in the contract except where indicated otherwise.

Holiday reassignments pay protection (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day)

Flight Attendants who are scheduled to fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day will be pay protected for any reduction to holiday pay resulting from a reassignment. Flight Attendants must submit for the applicable pay protection in Rainmaker.

Example: If a Flight Attendant were scheduled to fly Seattle to Anchorage on a holiday but was instead reassigned to fly Seattle to San Francisco, the FA would normally be paid 2.0x holiday pay on the 2.0 TFP for SEA-SFO instead of on the 4.0 TFP for SEA-ANC. However, the FA will be pay protected the difference under this incentive program if the FA submits for the applicable pay protection in Rainmaker.

We sincerely hope Flight Attendants will find this program to be a meaningful incentive for helping to support the operation over the holidays and during such a challenging time. If you are not already flying and have the capacity to do so, please consider picking up additional flying at this increased premium.

In Solidarity,

Your AFA Alaska MEC – Jeff, Brian, Linda, Matt, Terry, Steve, Melissa, Tim, Brice

In This Edition

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021

Originally posted December 13, 2021

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, December 10 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.  The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.  Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  Management has seen a decrease in reporting in the weeks since the November 4th service expansion and believes that problems have been resolved.

Read More >

Mental Health Resolutions for the New Year

Originally posted December 16, 2021

The New Year is not just a ritual. It is the celebration of new hopes and dreams. It is an opportunity to start with a clean slate. Typically, New Year resolutions tend to focus on weight, general health and finances.   But, what might the new year offer us if we used it as an opportunity to commit to improvements in our emotional and mental well-being.  Below are seven positive mental health resolutions that you can borrow for your new year.  

Read More >

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REMINDER: Expressions of interest for our Negotiating Committee positions are still open through Tuesday, December 28 at 5 PM Pacific time. Read more about the position or submit your expression of interest and resume on the Contract 2022 website at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/committee/afa-alaska-negotiations-update-october-29-2021/#committee.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

The New Year is not just a ritual. It is the celebration of new hopes and dreams. It is an opportunity to start with a clean slate. Typically, New Year resolutions tend to focus on weight, general health and finances.   But, what might the new year offer us if we used it as an opportunity to commit to improvements in our emotional and mental well-being.  Below are seven positive mental health resolutions that you can borrow for your new year.  

  1. “I will treat myself with respect and speak nicely about myself.”  Try taping a list of positive characteristics about yourself in various places throughout the house to remind you of these affirmations.
  2. “I will be physically active on a daily basis.”  Multiple studies show a link between exercise and improved mental health.
  3. “I will act and not react.”  Many times we feel like everyone is “pushing our buttons”. When this happens, we are caught up in a reaction cycle.  If you know you’ll be around someone who says negative things, plan for this and have a list in your head of disarming statements. You might even consider modifying your plans to limit exposure to negative people.
  4. “I will learn to relax and enjoy.”  Many times we become so busy we forget how or even when to take care of ourselves. Find or “re-discover” an activity that is relaxing and enjoyable to you. Dedicate time to this daily or at a minimum, weekly.
  5. “I will be mindful.”  Being mindful is about staying in the moment. We cannot change yesterday and we cannot predict tomorrow. We do, however, have control over our attentiveness in the here and now. So, commit to being aware in the moment, and enjoy that moment.
  6. “I will work towards being the person I want to be.”  When we see life as a journey and a time to continue to be the person we desire to be, we find hope and fulfillment in our tomorrows. 
  7. “I will resolve to be mentally healthy”.   There is still a stigma about seeing a mental health professional.  However, it is truly one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. A therapist gives us an unbiased ear and can also help us to understand why we do the things we do … think of seeing a therapist as a mental health oil change. If you need assistance finding a referral, give your AFA EAP a call.  Your local AFA EAP committee members are listed at afaalaska.org/eap.   We are just a phone call away.  

These suggestions have been adapted from an email written by Chip Coffey, the Director of Outpatient Services at St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center.

Inflight Service Committee

  • Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, December 10 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!  Management has seen a decrease in reporting in the weeks since the November 4th service expansion and believes that problems have been resolved.

On Friday, December 10, our AFA Local Inflight Service 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 Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN).  Also present were MEC Inflight Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett and MEC Vice President Brian Palmer.  The committee met with Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Director of Product Development & Delivery Amber Simonsen, Managing Director of Guest Products Todd Traynor-Corey, and other management representatives from the food & beverage, catering operations, and inflight mobile teams. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items both during internal AFA-only conversation and when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Review of Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) issues and concerns, including the number of steps that are required to process a transaction using a swiped credit card.
  • Update on upcoming Block2Block software fixes and improvements.
  • Review of the updated seat back menu that includes a full listing of picnic pack contents and pricing for snack items, expected to be onboard by early January.
  • Discussion about inadequate trash stowage space on many flights given how full galleys and carts are loaded, expected service levels, and trash being brought onboard by passengers.  Management says they are looking into the issue further and would like to implement short term fix within 60 days. 
  • Concerns about catering accuracy, including carts being packed properly and supplies being loaded onto the aircraft correctly.  Flight Attendants are continuously having to deal with missing supplies and are tired of having to apologize for errors caused by others.
  • Update on first class menu changes for the first half of 2022.
  • Discussion about the need for printed menus for First Class meals that include a better description of the dishes and a listing of whether the item contains common food allergens.
  • Review of main cabin service flow, the pre-order meal delivery process, and possible options to increase efficiency and decrease time that Flight Attendants need to spend in the aisle.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Addressing Inadequate Trash Stowage Issues.  Pushing management to make much needed changes to resolve onboard trash stowage problems through solutions such as dedicated trash carts in every galley on every flight and eliminating double catering.
  2. Advocating For the Tools We Need to Do Our Job.  Escalating catering issues reported through Block2Block, voicing Flight Attendant frustration with ongoing errors in catering provisioning and loading, and working to hold management accountable to fix the problems that make our job more difficult.
  3. Pushing Back on Unnecessary Service Complexity.  Strongly advocating against changes that add unnecessary complexity to onboard service and keep us in the aisle longer than necessary.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block.  If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt!  Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

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

In This Edition

  • Messages From the MEC President
  • Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021
  • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021
  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021
  • Shared on Social

Messages From the MEC President

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021

Originally posted December 9, 2021

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, December 6 to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.  The Committee was scheduled to meet with management, but management cancelled the joint portion of the meeting with short notice due to the inflight management changes that took place at about the same time.  Management rescheduled the meeting to take place on January 11, 2022.  If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

Read More >

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021

Originally posted December 10, 2021

Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants.  The Committee also met with management to review a number of specific concerns that were brought forward by Flight Attendants.  Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any reserve related issues.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Read More >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2021

Originally posted December 10, 2021

Our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, December 9 to discuss their ongoing program of work to protect and improve the quality of Flight Attendant hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers.  The Committee met with representatives from management and the Company’s crew accommodations vendor to review current trends and concerns related to layover hotels and transportation.  More than ever, the Committee needs your help in reporting hotel and transportation concerns through CrewCare.  If issues aren’t reported through CrewCare, then management believes they don’t exist!

Read More >

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Contract negotiations are scheduled to begin in September 2022.  Are you in the loop about the negotiations timeline and what’s scheduled to happen between now and then?  Check out more at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/about/timeline.

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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