In this edition:
- Happy Labor Day! – September 1st
- Save the date – Local Council Meeting November 21st
- Volunteer Committee Opportunities
- Grievance Committee Update – Trending investigations and disciplinary issues
- Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders
Happy Labor Day!
Whether you’re working or enjoying Labor Day festivities today, we hope you can take a moment to reflect on the history and successes of Labor in our country, and how far we’ve come in the Labor movement.
Click Happy 80th Birthday, AFA – Association of Flight Attendants-CWA to read about the history of AFA, celebrating 80 years this summer!
Save the date
November 21, 2025 – Local Council Meeting. Location and time TBD.
Volunteer Committee Opportunities
Communications Committee
Steve Maller, LECP
The Communications Committee works to maintain regular and timely communication with the membership through relevant channels including print, web, social media, and emerging platforms.
Government Affairs Committee
Colin Weaver, Chairperson
The Government Affairs Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and pursue legislative activities that relate to the AFA-CWA political agenda and to build positive relationships with candidates for office and elected officials.
Human Rights & Equity Committee
Aaron Miller, Chairperson
The Human Rights & Equity Committee’s responsibility is to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.
Inflight Service Committee
Todd Horn, Chairperson
The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses Flight Attendant complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.
Please take a moment to review the specific Duties and Responsibilities link provided. These are all VOLUNTEER opportunities. Please reach out to the respective chairperson for specific committee related questions.
If you would like to be considered for one of these volunteer opportunities, please email pdx@afaalaska.org. Please include the committee of interest, and any relevant experience you may have.Grievance Committee Update
Trending investigations and disciplinary issues
The Council 39 Grievance Committee continues to see increased disciplinary actions in the following key areas. Please review and stay informed to protect yourself from preventable violations.
CBT Completion
Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs remains one of the top trends.
- Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete any missed CBTs.
- Forgetting or being too busy is not considered a valid excuse and will not overturn discipline.
- If you experience technical issues, the Grievance Committee may be able to assist. Be sure to document everything and open a ticket with Alaska IT support.
- Important: Multiple missed CBT deadlines, or any other performance related disciplines, within 18 months will escalate on the progressive discipline scale.
- Example: Two missed CBTs = Written Warning.
Commuter Violations
Every Monday, management runs a commuter audit focusing on D8Y usage.
- Ensure you’re using D8Y travel only in accordance with the commuter policy.
- The correct usage guidelines are listed on the commuter registration form. Read and follow them carefully.
- Misuse will likely result in disciplinary action, even if unintentional.
Social Media Discipline
Social media remains a significant source of disciplinary investigations, including terminations on first offense.
- Even with private settings, your content can be screenshot and forwarded to management.
- If your account has any identifiable link to Alaska Airlines (e.g., uniform photos, employer listed, Alaska-specific group membership), you may be subject to discipline.
- There is no “free speech” protection or guaranteed privacy when it comes to social media and employer-related content and infractions.
Posting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook videos may very well be seen by management and bring you under scrutiny. Be cautious. Think before you post or comment!
Reserve Violations
Violations related to Reserve requirements are also on the rise.
- You must be in base and within required proximity for RAPs and airport standby.
- Leaving the airport while on airport standby is a terminable offense, even on the first violation.
Delays
- If a delay is coded to a specific Flight Attendant, it will be investigated, with a meeting with Inflight performance management.
- If the Flight Attendant’s conduct is found to be the root cause of the delay (most commonly a forgotten required item) it will likely result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (first step of progressive discipline) unless you’re already in a step of discipline.
If you have any questions about these topics or need support, please reach out to your AFA Grievance Committee or LEC Officers. Early guidance can help you avoid a formal investigation and potential discipline.
Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders
If you are registered under Commuter Status (D8Y), please review the following important reminders to ensure compliance and avoid potential violations:
Permitted Use of D8Y
- D8Y may only be used when commuting to or from work at your domicile.
- Both direct flights and connections are allowed on Alaska metal and other carriers (proof of offline travel is required.)
- D8Y is not permitted for personal travel or out of base pick-ups under any circumstances.
Update Your Commuter Info If:
You must submit an Update or Removal Request via the Commuter Form on the Inflight website if any of the following have changed since you enrolled:
- Registered commuter city
- Primary residential address
- Permanent domicile
- Temporary base swap
Keeping your information accurate is essential to maintaining your commuter status.
D8Y Is Not Permitted When:
- Picking up a trip outside your base.
- Choosing to be released from a deadhead segment that was scheduled to return you to your domicile.
Improper use of D8Y, even unintentionally, may result in disciplinary action. Be sure you’re using this benefit appropriately and only for its intended purpose.
If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to your LEC Officers or Grievance Committee. We’re here to help!
In Solidarity,
Steve, Krystle and Bethany
Steve Maller, LEC President, steve.maller@afaalaska.org
Krystle Berry, LEC Vice President, krystle.berry@afaalaska.org
Bethany Badalamenti, LEC Secretary, bethany.badalamenti@afaalaska.org
