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This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, April 14, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met for 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), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams, and Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett from management.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, May 12. Following that, on May 21, the Committee will participate in a quarterly business review meeting facilitated by API, along with management and ALPA. If you have any topics you would like us to address, please get in touch with your Local Hotel Committee Chairperson. 

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Final Hotel Decision Updates: The Hotel Committee has submitted reports from recent site visits and is awaiting final decisions for the following locations: SAT (Long Stay), LIR (Long Stay), STL (Long Stay), MCO (Short Stay), and MKE (Long Stay). A decision has been made for AUS (Short Stay). For more details, please refer to the Hotel Hotline, as information about our crew hotels cannot be made public. LIR has presented significant challenges for long stays due to limited options and a lack of interest in accommodating crew business. Of the two hotels that submitted bids for the February site visit, one has withdrawn its bid, while the other comes with a substantial cost increase. As a result, a final decision is still pending. We recognize that travel time to our current hotel option inconveniences our Flight Attendants, but we have minimal choices in this market. The Hotel Committee continues to monitor the situation and is committed to advocating for options that better serve our Flight Attendants.
  • CrewCare Reporting: We want to highlight the crucial role that CrewCare reports play in driving improvements. Your feedback—whether positive or negative—is invaluable when it comes to evaluating hotels and ground transportation providers. Instead of sharing hotel-related issues on Facebook, which may not lead to effective resolution, we encourage you to submit a CrewCare report. Management closely monitors this official channel, and using it provides us with the necessary data to strengthen our advocacy on your behalf. We understand that you might want to inform your fellow Flight Attendants about issues in a public forum, but please know that formal reporting is far more effective at driving real change. By using the MyCrewCare app, you can easily share your experiences and help us create a better environment for everyone.
  • City-Specific Issues: The Hotel Committee discussed concerns regarding properties in SIT and FAI. Crew Hotels (management and API) has been asked to engage with the hotels and explore alternative options in the market. Our smaller cities present challenges in securing contractually compliant options and inventory. Additionally, PVR was reviewed concerning the current group booking, and discussions focused on how to mitigate discomfort when standard hotel amenities are severely limited in the future. 

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Scheduled site visits include IAD (May), FLL (May), LAS (May), RSW (June), SEA (June), and FAT (July). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: Our first group meeting between management and AFA is tentatively scheduled for the second week of May. Management has already met internally to begin research and data collection necessary to thoroughly analyze the viability of this program. As a reminder, the recently ratified 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) includes a Commitment to Negotiate a Hotel Gain-Share Program Letter of Agreement (LOA). This LOA states that within four months of the CBA’s ratification, both parties will schedule and engage in negotiation sessions to discuss the Hotel Gain-Share Program. The goal is to implement the program, if feasible, within six months of the CBA ratification. The parties may mutually agree to extend these deadlines.

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

In This Edition

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews

Originally posted April 5, 2025

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) is moving forward with integrating our MEC committees, with plans to merge the first group starting on June 1. During the May MEC Meeting, we’ll hold interviews for MEC Committee Chairperson positions for the merged Communications, Government Affairs, Human Rights, and Inflight Service Committees. Interested candidates should submit an online expression of interest form by May 6, 2025, at 5 PM PT.

Read More >

Introducing Our Negotiations Support Representative

Originally posted April 8, 2025

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for the Negotiations Support Representative position, a key role supporting our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). We’d like to sincerely thank all candidates for their participation and willingness to serve our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we’re pleased to announce that Lea Franzoi has been selected for this position.

Read More >

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

Originally posted April 11, 2025

On April 3, our AFA Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in safety, health, and security. The committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues faced by Flight Attendants onboard the aircraft. Reporting safety concerns is crucial in these challenging times. Use ReportIt! to file FAIR, ASAP, and fatigue reports. Contact your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, April 14Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Tuesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 17Joint Contract 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!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, April 3, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) 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 Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Merritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present were Hawaiian MEC ASHSC MEC Chairperson Kerri Ruiz and Alaska MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Geri Jarrett, Cabin Safety Manager Heidi Stiley, Temporary Manager of Inflight Policy and Procedure Jesse Sexton, and Manager of Inflight Safety Programs Johanna Giese. 

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, July 17.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

  • Door Closure Procedure Clarity: There is concern that passengers may be in the forward lavatory or vicinity during door arming, which can be distracting. Ideally, passengers should not be near the forward galley during door closure to prevent unnecessary distractions. Jesse will update the ASHSC on this matter on April 16 at the SAN semi-annual base meeting (SBM).
  • Better Care/Procedures for Pets in Hold: Ramp agents must handle pets in cargo with extreme care. Pet-in-hold tags should be given at least 15 minutes before door closure to prevent delays, and a checklist should verify that the pet-in-hold tag matches the information in B2B. To address this, we propose additional training and increased awareness. Jesse will provide additional FAM guidance and a procedure for verifying pets on hold.
  • Safety Concerns About Sitka Crew Hotel: Reports suggest there may be various issues related to safety and health, including potential hazards and maintenance challenges. Moving to another hotel in the area is proposed. Although options are limited, alternate hotels will be considered and discussed at the next meeting between the MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson and management.
  • Tangled MedLink Headsets: MedLink Headset cords are often tangled when needed. The Committee discovered that maintenance does not check for cord tangling, but inflight management will send out a reminder to ensure headsets are stowed correctly after use.
  • Seat Backs That Won’t Stay Upright for Taxi, Takeoff, & Landing: Better guidance is needed for seat backs that won’t stay upright when no other passenger seats are available. A straightforward procedure is proposed in the FAM. Geri shared that this will be addressed in the Q2 CBT.
  • Cabin Jumpseat Briefing Cards Not Used: The briefing cards in the stationary kit are not always used when Horizon Flight Attendants travel on Alaska Flight Attendant jumpseats. The briefing cards will be updated, a bulletin will be issued, and Heidi will check with Horizon to see if they have similar issues when Alaska Flight Attendants travel on Horizon Flight Attendant jumpseats.
  • Passengers Needing to Pre-Board Should Not Be Assigned Exit Row Seats: Passengers with exit row seats who attempt to pre-board should receive additional vetting by the CSA to ensure they are qualified to sit there. Geri will get Inflight ASAP ERC data and talk to Airport Operations & Customer Service (AOCS) about improving exit row questions/vetting during boarding.
  • Add Absorbent Material to UPK: The Committee requests that management add an absorbent product, like absorbent powder, in addition to the “towels” in the UPK for liquid/vomit/smell. This is something Hawaiian Airlines has provisioned on its aircraft. Geri will ask Fleet about this and check with the SOC group about the plan for UPKs for the merged airline.
  • Cross-Body Bags: With the popularity of cross-body bags, we need better tools to ensure passenger compliance with the requirement to stow these bags. We recommend that CSAs take additional care in monitoring “one plus” and that a Flight Attendant boarding announcement be developed regarding the requirement to remove and stow these bags. Management will review the current CSA announcement and look at adding a Flight Attendant announcement.
  • Minimum Amount of Potable Water for Safety: To ensure safety and well-being, the Committee recommends that a minimum number of water bottles be onboard to dispatch an aircraft. Geri will look into this request.
  • When to Board Without Pilots: Clarity and alignment between the FAM and CSM are needed regarding when it is okay to board without Pilots, including power requirements for the aircraft. Management stated that to board passengers, the aircraft must have full power/all cabin systems powered, including the interphone, and may not be on “ground service power.”
  • Commingling Demo Kits with Carry-On Bags in Overhead Bins: Demo kits are sometimes commingled with passenger carry-on bags (COBs) in overhead bins, making them difficult to access. We believe a divider should separate the demo kits from COBs. Geri will review the request with Alaska Maintenance and Engineering.
  • Paper Clips/Hard to Find and Use, Need Manual Release Tools: Ideally, every Flight Attendant jumpseat would have a manual release tool (MRT). Geri is working on something and will coordinate with the ASHSC on the project.
  • Passengers Waiting for Baggage, etc., in Jetbridge After Deplaning: Flight Attendants need to be able to go to their next assignment or be released after the last passenger deplanes, and CSAs need to be available to attend to passengers still in the jetbridge.
  • Pet Carriers Do Not Fit Under Aisle Seats: Passengers with pets and carriers often have assigned aisle seats where even size-compliant carriers may not fit. Geri and Jesse will set up a discovery meeting about this issue.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Merger—Policy and Procedure: As we move towards achieving a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) with Hawaiian, we will merge policies and procedures as much as possible. This will result in a shared Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) that will be used by the combined group of pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants. The ASHSC has advocated for the opportunity to provide recommendations on which policies and procedures will be adopted by the combined carrier.
  2. Merger—Uniform: The ASHSC is collaborating with the Uniform Committee to ensure we have the opportunity to provide recommendations on uniform safety issues and maintain a trusted and reliable supply chain for uniform items.
  3. Merger—Aircraft Interiors: The ASHSC is working with our MEC and Grievance Committee to ensure that our contractual right to review and provide feedback on any changes to aircraft interiors is upheld.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report. You can use ReportIt! to submit Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports. If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for the Negotiations Support Representative position, a key role supporting our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). We’d like to sincerely thank all candidates for their participation and willingness to serve our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we’re pleased to announce that Lea Franzoi has been selected for this position.

About Lea

Lea has been a Honolulu-based Flight Attendant with Hawaiian Airlines since 2006. Her involvement with the Union began when she filled a vacancy as the Hawaiian MEC Secretary-Treasurer from August 2022 to June 2023 and again from August 2023 to February 2025. Drawing on her strong organizational skills, Lea is eager to contribute to the team’s success by supporting the needs of the Joint Negotiating Committee and collaborating to ensure that Members stay well-informed throughout the joint contract negotiations process.

Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Lea holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hawai’i Pacific University. Since 2012, she has been commuting from Las Vegas. In her free time, Lea enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with her husband.

About the Negotiations Support Representative

As the primary note-taker during negotiation sessions, Lea will ensure accurate documentation of all discussions, proposals, and related materials. Her extensive knowledge of the current Hawaiian collective bargaining agreement, along with her strong organizational skills, will be invaluable in managing communication strategies for the JNC.

Lea will also develop engaging informational content for our Members, coordinate social media activities, and collect feedback to amplify our Members’ voices. Her proficiency with digital tools and ability to create compelling communications will significantly benefit our efforts to promote transparency and engagement within our Flight Attendant group. She’ll work closely with the MEC Communications Committee to ensure all communications and activities contribute to strengthening our position at the bargaining table.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

As we move forward with the integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs), our MEC has had important discussions regarding the timing and process for merging our various MEC committees. During this week’s MEC meeting, we developed a plan that outlines how and when these mergers will take place. We’ve set a specific date for the first group of committees to merge: June 1.

As part of the committee merging process, our MEC will elect a Chairperson for each newly merged committee from among the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant groups. The newly elected Chairperson will coordinate activities across both airlines and support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils— both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. The MEC will conduct interviews during the May MEC Meeting for the following roles:

Other committees will merge later in the process. We’ll keep you informed about the integration timeline for each committee, including interview schedules, as we approach those dates.

General Qualifications

Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

  • Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing
  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
  • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
  • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Term of Service

Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028). Their official term will begin on June 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2028.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the May Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing. 

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

In This Edition

State Sick Bank Implementation

Originally posted April 1, 2025

The new state sick bank will be implemented May 1, 2025. Your CBA bank will be the default bank for sick calls unless otherwise stated when calling Crew Scheduling. The Sick Leave and Attendance video and Sick Leave Usage Flow Chart resources are available.

Read More >

Upcoming 2025 AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Originally posted April 2, 2025

Members of our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives will attend the AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting this weekend. Your LEC President will represent you at the BOD Meeting, voting on approval of the AFA International budget on your behalf. If you have any questions about the BOD Meeting or the proposed budget, please contact your LEC President.

Read More >

Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

Originally posted April 4, 2025

Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, March 25, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community. The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Saturday, April 5AFA Board of Directors Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, March 25, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Louise Borras (LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Freddy Vega (SEA). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II was also present.

The committee met with several members of management: Vice President of Inflight Matt Prainito, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Interim Regional Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for June 12.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Removal of Q1 CBT “Understanding Transgender Identity”: The committee had concerns about why this module was removed from the training curriculum. Management explained in more detail that the module didn’t undergo the mandatory review process to ensure it’s necessary, timely, and consistent in tone and content with other training modules. The Committee expressed concerns about the timing of this removal and would like to see the module relaunch in another CBT. Management also stated that although the module was removed, topics related to gender identity were covered in an Annual Compliance Training module previously offered to all Alaska employees. The committee and management will continue discussions surrounding this concern.      
  • MedLink App Gender Identifier Update: The MedLink app has been updated to include an option for users to select “male,” “female,” or “other.” This change was part of the 11.30 version update.  
  • Working More Closely With CWA Districts: Local Human Rights Committee Chairs will connect with their local CWA District, which will give the committee a broader national awareness of Human Rights.      

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our six current domiciles and also requesting consideration of HNL.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
  4. Gender Neutrality Of CSA Manual. Requesting removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non-rev travel.
  5. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025. 

We Want to Hear From You!

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

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

This weekend, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers and Committee Chairpersons will be attending the 52nd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting in Orlando, Florida. They will come together with representatives from the other airlines that make up AFA to conduct our Union’s business at the international level.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 4Executive Board Meeting (MEC President from each airline)
Saturday, April 5         Board of Directors Meeting

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and other members of your Local Council on the BOD. They will be casting votes on your behalf during the BOD meeting. While our MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD, they do not have voting privileges.

This year, as in all odd-numbered years, the only advanced agenda item for consideration by the Board is the annual AFA-CWA budget. Each Local Council has held or will hold a Local Council meeting before the BOD meeting to discuss the proposed budget and gain your feedback. Details about the proposed 2025-2026 AFA-CWA budget can be found on the AFA BOD Meeting website.

Learn More About The BOD Meeting

If you’re curious to know more about the BOD meeting and what happens there, you can find an interactive module with more information on the AFA Online Learning Academy. This module is an excellent resource that will give you valuable insights into the important role of the BOD meeting in conducting business and making decisions at the international level of our Union. Whether you want to learn more about how our Union works or are looking to get more involved, this module is the perfect opportunity to explore our constitutional process and expand your knowledge.

Click here to access the “What is the AFA Board of Directors?” module >

Note: If it’s your first time using the AFA Online Learning Academy, you’ll need to register for a free account to access the module.

Questions?

If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or any of the submitted agenda items, please contact your LEC President.

In This Edition

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2025

Originally posted March 28, 2025

On March 25, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work representing Flight Attendants’ interests in lineholder scheduling. The Committee met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems Flight Attendants face with scheduling, pairings, and bidding. Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to assist with any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, April 1 – Wednesday, April 2Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, April 3Quarterly Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, April 3Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Friday, April 4Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Friday, April 4Council 39 (PDX) Local Council Meeting
Friday, April 4Council 47 (LAX) Local Council Meeting
Friday, April 4AFA Executive Board Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, March 25, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, and PBS Subcommittee Member Adam Clarey. 

The committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Interim Managing Director of Inflight Operations and Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Hawaiian Airlines Director of Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Director Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Senior Manager of Product Management (ITS) Rick Mitchell and other management representatives from Crew Planning and Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 22.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Drug Testing Procedures: A significant concern was raised about the drug testing protocol occurring at the end of flight sequences, particularly regarding whether the debrief period is extended. A specific case was mentioned where an FA had to wait for 90 minutes before being tested, which could impact crew schedules and rest periods. Crew Scheduling said they would extend if the Flight Attendant called and notified them.
  • Hotel/Transportation Procedures: Discussions highlighted that the current procedures for hotel and transportation remain unchanged. Questions were raised about when crews would return to their hotels, especially regarding ongoing investigations. Crews expressed a preference for their established routines and suggested that relocating to specific hotels may be more efficient.
  • Crew Access Notifications: The need for improved notifications regarding drops for Open Time/Flight Attendant to Flight Attendant trading was stressed. Members requested a structured list for submitting grab/handshake requests to enhance communication and operational efficiency.
  • Payroll Queries: Concerns were voiced about unnecessary payroll queries that complicate the submission process for missing information. A desire to streamline this process was expressed to allow Flight Attendants to focus on the items listed for submission.
  • RT Rescheduling Issues: There were complications regarding rescheduling recurrent training in ANC, particularly for those scheduled less than seven days out. AFA contacted management to obtain more information about the process. 
  • FAI Turn Concerns: Flight Attendants reported ongoing issues with ANC-FAI turns being dropped into Open Time, resulting in them being required to stand up overnight in hotel accommodations for a trip that only pays 6 TFP. This situation raises safety concerns, as the time spent checking into the hotel leaves crew members with insufficient rest.
  • Hotel Map Issues: It was reported that the hotel map was not populating correctly on Crew Access. ITS is aware and has notified the vendor. 
  • Open Time Filter and Reassignment Queries: Challenges were noted with an OT filter issue related to IOS 18.4. Furthermore, there were discussions regarding reassignment and deadhead conversion processes, particularly the impact on boarding pay during these conversions. Flight Attendants reported not receiving notifications of reassignments, which should be communicated through the scheduling system.
  • Transportation Delays: A particular incident involved crew members arriving early for a redeye flight and experiencing delays in van service, exacerbated by difficulties contacting the transportation service. Please file CrewCare reports with API so AFA and management can document these events.
  • Hotel Changes and Bid Packet Issues: Concerns were raised about hotel changes that were not appropriately communicated in the bid packets for CUN layovers. Issues included blackout dates not being assigned and the need for a phased approach to the assignment process, as hotels often do not respond promptly to Alaska Airlines.
  • Reporting Hotel and Transportation Issues: Flight Attendants were encouraged to report any hotel and transportation issues they encounter. This feedback will help hold vendors accountable and improve service quality. The API ticketing system was highlighted as an important tool for tracking these issues.
  • Payroll and Compensation Reviews: Clarifications regarding payroll processes were provided, emphasizing that Crew Scheduling does not determine compensation, and that payroll will review trips for due payments.
  • PBS Bidding Updates: The April bidding process was reportedly efficient, with most tasks completed by Subcommittee Members. There was a noted increase in OT in SEA, though overall, it remained relatively low compared to other bases.
  • PBS Bid Protest Statistics: The Subcommittee reported a total of 51 bid protests last month, indicating areas where Flight Attendants are expressing their concerns.
  • PBS NAVBLUE Meetings: Various meetings were conducted, including a demonstration addressing iOS scrolling issues. Despite past concerns, NAVBLUE believes improvements should be classified as enhancements, though management is pushing back.
  • TA2 Items: The AFA Implementation Representative reported on the prioritization of boarding pay as a critical item for the new CBA. The Negotiating Committee indicates that an interactive online CBA will require significant formatting work, including the adjustment of hyperlinks and redlining of the contract, which will be available soon.
  • ITS Update: The testing for the 25.1 release has shown promising results, with automated processes being developed. Crew Planning is focusing on CBA items and their scope, with trade metrics remaining stable at 57k and no recent trade issues. There is a Crew Access update scheduled for April 1, 2025. 
  • Payroll Update Query Resolutions: Progress on resolving payroll queries was discussed, focusing on reducing unnecessary filings. The committee is awaiting updates on compensation guidelines related to the new CBA.
  • Staffing and Block Hours: An increase in block hours was recorded, with staffing planned to average 77.5 TFP in May. The reserve block ratio is 19%, indicating a robust operational capacity. 
  • Operational Adjustments: Route planning has included considerations of IRROP mitigation strategies for the spring, particularly in response to SAN construction and the potential impacts of volcanic activity on operations.
  • Sick Leave Trends: A notable decrease in sick leave usage (down to 9%) was reported, signaling improved attendance among Flight Attendants. An update on sick leave and state bank policies was planned, with guidance to be provided to Flight Attendants.
  • Reserve Utilization: The highest reserve utilization was reported in SEA, with efforts to manage scheduling needs effectively. Reports indicated reduced fatigue incidents among Flight Attendants, with only 13 reported in March compared to 27 in February.
  • CBA Timeline and Changes: An overview of the new CBA implementation timeline was shared, including critical changes around call-out documentation and reassignment processes.

The detailed discussions across various bases revealed a commitment to addressing operational challenges and enhancing the Flight Attendant experience. Key topics included safety, communication, payroll efficiency, and the implications of the new CBA. The committee is focused on creating actionable solutions while fostering a collaborative environment with management to improve processes and outcomes for Flight Attendants.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NAVBLUE. The PBS Subcommittee preparing for a new release of NAVBLUE. Once received they will test before the release is implemented. The Committee is also continuing to provide in person and virtual base sits so that all flight attendants may attend and get answers to all PBS bidding related questions.
  2. Crew Scheduling. A monthly review of PowerPoint presentations covered various aspects such as reserve utilization, detailed breakdowns, sick leave (week by week and year over year), premium, personal drops, and other relevant agenda items.
  3. Crew Planning. Crew Planning shared a monthly presentation about Pairing Statistics. Crew Planning is focused on anticipating increased block hours as the summer season approaches, with specific strategies to optimize trip lengths and identify commutability for flight crews. The team is also collaborating with operational analytics to develop dashboards that facilitate better decision-making and efficiency in scheduling.
  4. Crew Pay. Crew pay is working on additional communications aimed at improving clarity and addressing the high volume of queries surrounding pay discrepancies. The payroll team is committed to resolving ongoing issues quickly to ensure crew members receive their compensation accurately and on time.
  5. AFA Payroll Representative. The Committee has been advocating for a streamlined process to resolve outstanding pay issues for crew members efficiently. The focus is on ensuring timely compensation and improved communication. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections

The term of office for our current Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025. The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the November Regular MEC meeting. This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual. […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on September 11 to review their response to our September 5 proposal.  We feel that it is important to acknowledge the challenges within our company as Alaska management is struggling to understand our Collective Bargaining Agreement […]

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, September 11, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present […]

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States, a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the rich contributions and diverse cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Spanning a full month, this observance—also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month—has its roots in Hispanic Heritage Week, which was established by legislation signed into law by […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Monday, September 8, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle 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), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary […]

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