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Upcoming AFA Board of Directors Meeting

Your Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and many other LEC Officers and Committee Chairs will be attending the 45th Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting this week in Phoenix, Arizona.  This annual meeting is where AFA conducts the business of our Union at the international level.

Schedule of Events

Friday June 23 Regular MEC Meeting
Saturday, June 24 Executive Board Meeting (MEC Presidents from each airline)
Board of Directors Meeting

BOD Meeting Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and the other members of your Local Council on the Board of Directors and will be casting votes on your behalf at the BOD meeting.  Your MEC Officers serve in an ex-officio capacity on the BOD but do not have voting privileges.

Last year, the BOD approved a change to the AFA constitution and bylaws (C&B) making the AFA annual budget the only advanced agenda item for the BOD meeting in odd numbered years.  As such, the only advance agenda item for consideration at this year’s BOD is the AFA annual budget.  Each LEC held a Local Council meeting over the past several weeks to discuss the proposed AFA budget and gain your feedback.  You can more information at http://afa-bod.org/index-of-agenda-items.

MEC Meeting

In conjunction with the BOD meeting, the regular June MEC meeting is being held on Friday, June 23.

Questions?

If you have any questions or thoughts about the BOD meeting or proposed AFA annual budget, please contact your LEC President.

 

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and LEC Presidents-Elect Terry Taylor and Mario de’Medici

Merger Negotiations Update – June 13-15, 2017

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) concluded negotiations training followed by two days of discussions with management’s team this week. Representing management were Vice President of Inflight & Call Center Services Andy Schneider, Vice President of Labor Relations Greg Mays and Managing Director of Labor Relations Elizabeth Ryan. This week’s meetings focused solely on issues that must be addressed in order to integrate the two Flight Attendant groups. Improvements to the Alaska Contract will be addressed downline.

This first session focused on working with management to create an initial list of items that both sides agree will require further discussion in the months ahead. Representatives from the Human Resources department joined the meeting, bringing their expertise to the discussion. Some issues are complex and will require negotiations, such as integrating both groups into the 401(k) and medical plans, translating points for the Attendance Policy and working through the differences in vacation programs. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.

The JNC will hold an additional preparatory meeting in July just for the committee. Meeting dates with management have been scheduled through the end of the year, with meetings at least once per month starting in August.

We will update you further after the next meeting, August 8-10.

In Solidarity,

Your JNC – MEC President Jeffrey Peterson, Jennifer Wise MacColl, Jamie Cogen, Lindsey Steele and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

Upcoming Nomination Ballot for Local Council Officers

In accordance with the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, your new Local Council will soon nominate and elect Flight Attendants as your AFA Leaders.  The two (2) positions being elected for Council 35 (Virgin America–JFK/LAX/SFO) are Local Council President and Local Council Secretary.  The current Local Council Officers who were appointed when the Local Council was created will transition responsibilities to the Flight Attendants who are elected to these two positons.

The Council 35 Election page can be found at http://afacwa-elections.org/councils/ala-council-35-sfo-lax-jfk/.

Within AFA, Local Council Officer elections are a two-part process.  The first step is to nominate candidates for office from amongst the Flight Attendants at your Local Council and the second step is to elect officers from the nominated candidates.  This communication will focus on the first step, the upcoming nomination process.

Nomination Schedule

Mail Date 06/19/2017 Voting packets are mailed to each Flight Attendant. This contains your personal 16-digit activation code.
Polls Open 06/22/2017
12:00 PM EDT		 The polls are open and voting begins.
Polls Close 07/12/2017
12:00 PM EDT		 The polls close and the count takes place.

Electronic Balloting Information

Both the nomination process and election ballots are conducted through Votenet Solutions, a third-party vendor. The direct web address is https://eballotuv.votenet.com/afa/.  The AFA Election site at http://www.afacwa-elections.org/ will address additional questions and provide information regarding the ballot.

For the nomination ballot, the process is conducted completely online.  You will be nominating your elected leaders from a list of all Flight Attendants in your Local Council.  For the election process where you will be selecting leaders from those nominated, ballots may be cast either online or by telephone.

Voting Instructions for Nomination Ballots

All Council 35 Flight Attendants will receive a voting packet by mail. This packet contains the instructions for casting your ballot along with a 16-digit activation code which allows you to access the ballot. If you have already completed an AFA membership application, you will be able to log into the ballot, select your choices for the two positions and cast your vote.

If you have not completed an AFA membership application, you will not be able to cast your vote right away.  You will need to contact AFA Membership Services in order to complete your application and have your ballot activated.

The 16-Digit Authorization Code

The voting packet includes a 16-digit authorization code. This code allows you to obtain a username and password which is your voting credentials for that ballot only.  This ensures that no one at Votenet or AFA has access to your voting credentials. New activation codes are sent for each and every ballot.

To Activate

  1. Enter the 16-digit code you received on the front page of the Votenet website
  2. The site will generate a username and ask you to create a password.
  3. Write the username and password down

Once a Flight Attendant obtains their username and password they may proceed to vote.

Ballot Help Line

The AFA-CWA Membership Services Department handles all voter questions and issues new activation codes should you misplace yours.  The Ballot Help Line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time.  If you have a question or need a new 16-digit activation code, you may contact the Ballot Help Line at 800-424-2401, then press 1 and dial extension 706.

If your call goes to voicemail, please leave a message and someone will call you back.

Count Day

The ballot will end and no additional votes may be cast after the end date and time listed on the Voting Instructions.  The time will always be listed as Eastern time, NOT your local time.  The opening and closing dates of the ballot are set in accordance with the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws.

The counting of the electronic ballots is conducted in accordance with the AFA Constitution & Bylaws by the Ballot Certification Committee.

Each person who has completed a Commitment to Serve and received at least 2 nominations will appear on the election ballot.

Commitment to Serve

Each Flight Attendant who wishes to run for office must complete a Commitment to Serve (http://afacwa-elections.org/commitment-to-serve-form/) in order to be eligible to appear on the election ballot.  If a Flight Attendant receives two nominations and has not completed a Commitment to Serve, AFA Membership Services will contact those people on the count day and allow them to complete the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who receives the Voting Notice and Instructions (Ballot Packet)?

A: All Flight Attendants in your Local Council will receive the voting packet including Flight Attendants who have not completed a membership application.

Q: If I change my mind after I cast my ballot, can I revote?

A: No, once you cast your ballot your credentials are separated from your vote. This way no one can see how anyone casts a ballot.

Q: Can a person who has not completed a membership application vote?

A: No. They will receive a voting packet but if their membership application is not on file then they will be stopped from casting a ballot.  However, you may contact AFA-CWA Membership Service to complete a membership application and once completed you will be eligible to vote.

Q: Who do Flight Attendants call if they did not receive the Voting Notice with the 16-digit authorization code?

A: The AFA Ballot Help Line at 800-424-2401, press 1 and dial extension 706.  The Ballot Help Line is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time.

 

Equal Rest for Flight Attendants: Call Your Senators NOW

The following is a message from your AFA Government Affairs Committee

The Senate is drafting their version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill and we need them to make combating Flight Attendant fatigue a top priority.

Tell Senators to include our 10 hours minimum rest provision along with a Fatigue Risk Management Plan (FRMP) in the base bill.

Call your Senator TODAY at (855) 534-1774 and tell them Flight Attendants need 10 hours minimum rest and not a minute less!

Congressional fatigue studies confirm we need more rest. This is about safety, health and equality – the flight deck has 10 hours minimum rest and so should we!

Call your Senator TODAY at (855) 534-1774! Calling is easy: When you dial the number, you will automatically be connected to one of your Senator’s offices after a brief message. It may take several attempts to reach both your Senators, so keep calling!

Here’s what you can say when you are connected:

“I’m your constituent and a Flight Attendant. Studies show I can become fatigued at work. I’m calling to urge the Commerce Committee to include 10-hour, non-reducible minimum rest for Flight Attendants and a Fatigue Risk Management Plan in the FAA Reauthorization Bill. Thank you.”

For more information on our #Fightfor10 Campaign visit afacwa.org.

 

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry

AFA Online Issue Reporting Is Here!

Your AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) is excited to introduce the new AFA Alaska online support center.  This new system is designed for you to document and report scheduling and reserve concerns, situations where you might be facing discipline, potential contractual grievances, and any other issue where you might need AFA support.  The system will also allow AFA representatives to better track issues that are occurring, identify trends, and address and resolve issues with management.

You can access the system using the following link:

http://support.afaalaska.org

Reporting New Issues

You can report a new issue in the system by opening a ticket, just follow these steps:

  1. Visit http://support.afaalaska.org/
  2. Click the blue “Open a New Ticket” button
  3. Fill in your personal information (including a non-company email address)
  4. Select the help topic that relates to the issue
  5. Fill in the issue-specific information and provide details

From this screen, you’ll also be able to attach pictures, PDF files, screenshots, and other information that will help your AFA representatives to have more information available about the issue.

Once you’ve opened a ticket, you’ll receive a confirmation email and with a ticket number.  Behind the scenes, your ticket will be assigned to an AFA representative who will assist you with the issue.

Checking on Open Issues 

With your ticket number, you’ll be able to track the status of the ticket online, add additional information and attachments for your AFA representative to have available.  To check on your ticket:

  1. Visit http://support.afaalaska.org
  2. Click the green “Check Ticket Status” button
  3. Enter your email address and ticket number
  4. Click the “View Ticket” button

Questions?

If you have any questions about the AFA online support center or need assistance with an issue, you can always contact your LEC Officers.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

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 […]

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2025

On Monday, October 13, 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), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee […]

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