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Council 39 August 2026 Update

In This Edition

  • Know Your Rights
  • Dues Rebate
  • Upcoming I-5 Closure
  • Left Behind With Open Seats
  • Save The Date: Council 39 Membership Meeting
  • Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest

From Our Socials:

Know Your Rights

AFA International recently published a guide to knowing your rights as a working Flight Attendant in domestic airports if and when you are confronted with ICE while on duty. The guide includes guidance depending on your working status or location including what to do on the jet bridge or aircraft when working, inside an airport, etc.

Please know that this is a rapidly developing area of the law and this guide should be treated as general guidance.

Your Rights In US Domestic Airports
AFA ICE Reporting Form

Dues Rebate

Dues rebates have landed in your AFA Membership Hub account! For Flight Attendants who have taken any type of leave, it’s important to know whether you have a past-due dues balance. If you do, your rebate will first be applied to that balance before the remainder, if any, is available to you.

If you’re not sure whether you are past due, please reach out to our C39 LEC Secretary Kevin Sharp, and watch the videos below to learn about accessing your dues rebate.

Upcoming I-5 Closure

The closure of the southbound lanes of I-5 through the Rose Quarter is quickly approaching. Flight Attendants who typically commute to work using this part of I-5 are strongly encouraged to plan ahead by finding different routes, carpooling, leaving home earlier than usual or exploring alternate modes of transportation like Trimet.

For more information, click here.

Left Behind With Open Seats

Sadly, most of us have been there: you get to the gate with time to spare, you log in to Fly one last time to triple check, you see there are plenty of open seats, you find a place to wait for your name to be called. An hour later, the jet bridge door closes and you are stuck with Plan B. (Or C.)

If this situation rings a bell, our MEC Grievance Committee wants to hear from you. Click here or visit our Linktree in bio to report your case(s).

Save The Date: Council 39 Membership Meeting

Our Council 39 Bi-annual membership meeting will be held on October 30. Time and location will be announced as the date draws nearer.

“A regular meeting of the Local Council shall be called at least two (2) times per calendar year.” – Article III.D.2.a, AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws

Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest (September 2026)

from our C39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller

September includes some important observances, and one that you can directly participate in at work! Highlights include World Suicide Prevention Day, an especially relevant subject in our industry and in these times, as suicide is on the rise. Please share the resources included if you know someone who is struggling and has or may be considering suicide. Equal Pay Day is also important as it connects with labor in closing wage gaps and paying everyone fairly for the same work.

September 15th begins the wonderful celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month! AFA provides Union pins for this month that you can wear on your uniform to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Please reach out to our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Committee if you need a pin!

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie & Kevin

Council 35 News – August 2022

Important Dates
September 1: Vacation Bidding Round 1 Begins
September  19: Vacation Bidding Round 1 Closes
September 26:  Vacation Bidding Round 1 Awards
September 30:  Q3 CBT Due

Ticket System Back up and Running!

We are pleased to report that the AFA Alaska Online Support Center (support.afaalaska.org) is now back online and fully operational.  AFA representatives have started the process of reviewing outstanding tickets that were filed prior to the outage occurring last Thursday, August 18.  If you filed a ticket prior to August 18th or after the system came back online today, your patience is greatly appreciated as our AFA volunteers begin to work through the backlog.

Section 6 Negotiations

September is here and Section 6 Negotiations for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants are scheduled to formally begin!  Thank you everyone for sending the Negotiations Committee your ideas and for filling out the survey.  Member input is invaluable and guides the committee to prioritize needs. Please bookmark the Negotiations subsite, which can be found on the AFA Alaska website, to stay updated on the progress of negotiations.  Want to get involved?  It’s not too late!  Council 35 is looking for Mobilization Committee members to support Section 6 Negotiations in SFO.  Please reach out to Trista Vanta, the C35 Mobilization Committee chair and/or fill out the online request form to participate in events.

Bernstein v. Virgin America Lawsuit

For months now Council 35 officers have been asking the company for updates on possible compliance solutions to the California meal and rest break law.  Alaska maintains that the decision is forthcoming however will not commit to any possible scenarios.  Your Council 35 officers have made it clear that the delay in communicating to Flight Attendants has created a high level of anxiety in all of us, but especially with CA-based Flight Attendants. The company has recently communicated that they will host California base sits. A member of the Alaska legal team will be available to answer Flight Attendant questions, however it is unclear whether or not any new and/or helpful information will be offered.  Flight Attendants are encouraged to visit the Bernstein v. Virgin America subsite on the plaintiff’s attorney webpage to balance all information and get perspective on both sides of the issue.

Hotel Committee Update

by Cassie Dole, C35 Hotel Committee Chair
The Hotel Committee committee is working through issues with rooms not being available when crew members arrive at a hotel and having to wait, sometimes for an extended period of time. It is important that Flight Attendants call Crew Scheduling upon arrival if rooms are not ready and then again when provided with a room. Management has been providing additional compensation for documented wait times of one hour or longer.  If you’ve had an unacceptable or substandard experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider, please report the issue!  Our AFA Hotel Committee receives a copy of every CrewCare report filed and each one is read and reviewed. Please follow up by documenting with a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Participation Request: Human Rights and Uniform Surveys

by AFA International
The Human Rights and Uniform Committees want to hear more from Flight Attendants! To better know what Flight Attendants need and what can be done to fight for FA rights, please take two important surveys:

Human Rights and Equity Committee Survey

Uniform and Gender Expression Survey

Interested in joining the Human Rights Committee?  We have openings!  Please email your Council 35 officers to set up a time to discuss this opportunity.

No Stock Buybacks in Aviation Until Problems are Fixed!

by AFA International
COVID relief legislation temporarily prohibited airlines from using stock buybacks that enrich executives and big investors on the backs of workers and consumers. But those prohibitions end on September 30. Now is not the time to start sending cash to Wall Street when the airlines can’t yet meet public demand or manage effectively through operational challenges. Airline workers have had contract negotiations on hold for years – delaying raises and improving working conditions needed to keep skilled workers on the job and attract new applicants.

We call on all airline CEOs to extend the COVID relief ban on stock buybacks until:

  • operational meltdowns are not the norm
  • staffing and flight schedules are aligned to support public demand
  • labor contract negotiations are concluded.

Stabilizing the industry must be CEOs #1 priority. Not $1 in stock buybacks until this is achieved.  Join the fight and take action by signing the petition.

Got a question?

Contact information for Council 35 committee members can be found on our website.  You can also open an online support ticket and the appropriate rep will respond.

In solidarity,

Melissa, Virginia, James and Brad

Melissa Osborne, LEC President •  melissa.osborne@afaalaska.org • 415-275-1322
Virginia Fritz, LEC Vice President •  virginia.fritz@afaalaska.org • 408.489.8200
James Ikehara, LEC Secretary •  James.ikehara@afaalaska.org  • 415-289-9011
Bradley Young, Council Representative • bradley.young@afaalaska.org • 916-508-3503

August Updates and Information

Covid Vaccination Concerns

Being AFA Officers we have a duty to fairly represent all our members regardless of personal beliefs, we will continue to represent our entire membership. We have heard from members who want us to advocate for mandatory vaccinations and members who want us to advocate for voluntary vaccinations. This is a complex issue with strong opinions on both sides. It’s just not possible to advocate for both at the same time. That being said, AFA Alaska has advocated for neither position. We have, however, continued to inform management regarding the varying opinions of our membership and their concerns.  

The reality is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has very clearly stated that companies are well within their legal rights to implement a vaccination requirement as long as they offer accommodations for religious or medical exemptions—provided such accommodations do not pose an undue burden on the company. There is no freedom protected by law that is violated in doing so, but nonetheless, we understand the concerns from many of our members about the perceived violation of their personal liberties and their bodies.  

If the company does decide to mandate the vaccine, that decision will trigger discussions between the union and management.  We can not impose anything on the company, we can only negotiate.

Grievance vs Gripe

Not all concerns brought forward to AFA can be resolved by the union.  Knowing the difference between a Grievance and a Gripe is key to understanding how we can assist you.  

Grievance

A grievance is a formal challenge to management that our contract has been violated or that unjust discipline has been issued.   Example: “Charter flying was awarded out of seniority order.” We have specific contract language citing how Charter Bids will be awarded, therefore, this could be a grievance.

Prior to filing a grievance, your local union reps will attempt to resolve the concern with management, if that proves to be unsuccessful, a formal grievance may be filed.  

Gripe

A Gripe is a complaint that is not a contractual violation.

Example: “It’s not fair that I was flown into a day off”.   It may not seem fair, but it is contractual, therefore this would be considered a gripe.     Or   “I thought I had the day off because my flight canceled, why did I get a no show? This isn’t fair! Our contract states that you must report as scheduled if no contact is made with crew scheduling for canceled flying, therefore this would be considered a gripe. 

Occasionally we hear from members that are upset because they were unaware of contractual language or a company policy that has been violated.  It’s everyone’s responsibility to know our work rules. Not knowing the rules doesn’t prevent management from issuing discipline. 

Your SAN union reps are always available to help determine when a complaint is a gripe or a grievance.  We are always willing to assist you with contract interpretation. SAN@afaalaska.org

Please ensure that you have our contact information saved on your phone. You never know when you may need to reach out to us.  

Performance Investigations and Disciplines

CBT

Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs is continuing to trend.  Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete CBTs.  The Council 15 Grievance Committee has been successful in assisting FAs dispute discipline when evidence of technical difficulties exists.  Being busy and forgetting to complete the CBT has not been accepted as extenuating circumstances to miss a CBT deadline and the discipline will remain.  If more than one CBT deadline is missed, discipline will progress to higher steps on the discipline scale (i.e. 2 missed CBTs in 18 month period will escalate to a Written Warning, 3 to a suspension, the 4th could result in termination).

Commuter Violations

Monthly audits are occurring, and Council 15 has seen disciplines for misuse lessen however there are still Flight Attendants that are using it incorrectly.  Please be sure your registered cities are current and comply with guidelines set forth in the commuter program.

D8Y Commuter status is a negotiated benefit and those traveling on D8Y status have a very high priority, traveling above executives on leisure travel and all other nonrevs.

Flying using D8Y Commuter status is for flights starting/ending in your HOME RESIDENCE AIRPORT and SAN AIRPORT only. you can take a flight that has a connection, but only if all legs are on Alaska Metal.

You CAN NOT use D8Y status for out-of-base pickups, releasing from DH and flying home, or between any cities that do not start and or end in SAN or the Airport where you reside. for these examples, you would list as E1Y.

Operational Concerns

Management continues to assert that we are properly staffed.  

While their plan may look good to them on paper, those of us flying every day certainly feel otherwise.   While we endure the constant barrage of Reassignments, Premium Trip notifications, and Reserve burn-out; management continues to rely on a pre-COVID game plan that is no longer valid.  It’s time for management to evaluate their staffing models and account for the impact of the pandemic. 

Know your work rules:
Download a copy of the Contract to your mobile device. 
Review:  Section 10.R [Reassignments] & 10.S [Pre-Cancelations] &
        Section 8 [Hours of Service].

Save your Local Union Reps contact information:

Email & Office Phone Number are monitored throughout the day

SAN@afaalaska.org  or Call 206-457-2010 ext 5

Line Holder Scheduling Questions  

SAN.Scheduling@afaalaska.org

Reserve Questions

SAN.Reserve@afaalaska.org

Covid Points

COVID-19 Points Forgiveness Extended Through September 2021

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

Your Council 15 officers encourage members to submit the form for absences related to COVID-19. Please review the MOU for details on what points are eligible for adjustment.  This process is manual, so allow some time for the adjustment to show on the attendance record. To request a points review, visit:  Alaskasworld> Inflight> Administration> Performance> COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form. See Bulletin #2021-0046  for more information.

Leaves, Benefits, Retirement

If you have any questions regarding various Medical Leaves, FMLA, and Worker’s Compensation please reach out to our Local Benefits Committee Chairperson Sonia Quackenbush

Retirement questions should be directed to our Local Retirement Committee Chairperson,  Stephen Couckuyt.

Contact information for all local committees can be found here.

Fatigue Reporting

When too fatigued to fly, you have the option of notifying Crew Scheduling that you are unfit to fly by calling in Fatigued. Once you call, you are put immediately into 10 hours rest, whether at domicile or mid trip. Once this rest period ends, you may be required to rejoin your original trip.  

There is no penalty for utilizing the Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP). Following a fatigue call, you are required to submit a fatigue report within 48 hours of the end of your rest period.  The Fatigue Review Board (FRB) meets regularly to review submitted reports.  You may be contacted if they have any questions. If your event falls within the fatigue guidelines, the report will be accepted.   If the FRB determines that your event does not meet the guidelines, it will be coded as sick or sick on-line and appropriate points will be applied.  

If you would like more information (including the list of fatigue event categories) please review the Fatigue Risk Management Plan Manual on Alaska’s World. The FRMP Letter of Agreement may be found by clicking here. It is also available on your IMD.  ASFA Supplemental> Collective Bargaining Agreement> Fatigue Risk Management Plan

In Solidarity,

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change. MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs […]

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11: Never Forget

A quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally transformed our world and redefined aviation safety forever. Today, as members of the Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family, we stand together to reflect on that pivotal morning, honor the memory of those we lost, and reaffirm our solemn promise: We Will […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Government Affairs

As Flight Attendants, we wear many hats, but at our core, we are aviation’s first responders. The moment we step onboard, our training takes over—not just to get passengers seated and doors closed, but to fulfill our primary role as safety professionals. We’re the ones who calmly handle onboard medical events and emergencies, manage the […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, August 25, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 18 – August 2026

This week, the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian JNC engaged in four days of collective bargaining with management in Seattle. Despite presenting a comprehensive proposal to address Section 19 (Grievance) and Section 30 (Training), the committee and the company were unable to reach an agreement. The JNC remains dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our members.

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