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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On February 20, 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!

On Tuesday, February 20, our AFA Scheduling 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Managing Director Ops Staffing & Resource Mgt Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on March 26, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • SWGCO – Completed communication about making up days in PDX domicile.
  • Request for blocked seats for DH crews.
  • Researching options for creating names for blocked seats.
  • Concerns about nighttime flying and fatigue.
  • Request from AFA for balance in Redeye flying.
  • Confusion about commuter policy and handling of retimed charter.
  • Discussions about ground commuting vs severe weather policies.
  • Issues with pairing cancellations and pay adjustments.
  • Requests for more consistency in pairings.
  • Questions about crew pay adjustments and confusion.
  • Safety concerns raised about long sit times on aircraft.
  • PBS Bidding in February: Release 23.7.8 loaded, Bid Awards fast, Bid Protest normal/light.
  • PBS Meetings: Updates on pilot calls, focus on prioritizing FA’s after pilot, new release installed with fixes.
  • PBS Future Releases: Estimated in April, Base Sits completed with form to fill out.
  • Pairing selection challenges and frustrations with changing targets monthly.
  • Updates on SRB issues, night rule discussions, and new contract discussions.
  • Updates on upcoming classes, probation completion, and graduation plans.
  • Crew Planning for April: Staffing adjustments, commutability stats, and dealing with 737 Max delays.
  • IROP recovery planning initiatives: Teaming with pilots, In and Backs strategy, and Ice Event post mortem details.
  • Network planning updates: Redeye flying breakdown, route structure changes, and hotel arrangements.
  • AFA seeks discussion on assisting Crew Schedulers in commuting training for Flight Attendants inquiring about air, ground commuting, and severe weather.
  • Crew Scheduling management addresses challenges in scheduling, including high sick leave, reserve utilization, and flexibility levers. Notable points include premium low for February TFP, personal drops, and bulletin drops.
  • Agenda items cover email format concerns with pre-cancels, debrief inconsistencies, and the need for improved communication with CSAs.
  • Commuting issues are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of continued learning for schedulers and proper handling of commuter queries.
  • Discussions on MBL processes, ground commuting delays, and the need for training to address disconnects in communication.
  • Efforts to track and address commuter issues effectively are emphasized by Crew Scheduling and other team members.

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose.
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  4. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that 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.
  5. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  6. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases.

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.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2024

Hotel Committee

  • On February 1, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing program of work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants.
  • The Committee met with management and representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation.
  • If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through CrewCare. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

On Thursday, February 1, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met 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), Cassie Dole (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich also present.

The committee met with Crew Hotels & Administration Manager Nichole Turner, Director of Crew Planning Mike Ostler, Managing Director of Operations Staffing & Resource Management Brittany Audette, and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Sara Cook from management. Representatives from the Company’s crew accommodations vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), and ALPA also participated in the meeting.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items during the meeting with management and API.  Some items discussed include:

  • 2023 hotel and transportation year in review from API.
  • Hotel contract expirations and hotel site visit plan for 2024.
  • Discussion of the new MyCrewCare app update and what new features will be available to help crews on their layovers.
  • Enhanced CrewCare database access for Hotel Committee Chairpersons to better monitor crew compliments and complaints with our hotel and transportation providers.
  • Presentation of Alaska’s newly developed IROPS Playbook and what processes have been implemented to better address crew hotels and transportation during IROPS.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting hotel site visits. Visiting hotels under consideration by management and advocating for management to select the hotel that will provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Our Hotel Committee conducted site visits in over 28 cities in 2023 and have so far scheduled 16 cities for 2024 with more anticipated.
  2. Investigating CrewCare reports. Reviewing CrewCare reports and working to hold hotel and transportation providers accountable through management and API. Your direct feedback fixes problems, and it’s the documentation we need to support the decisions to remain where we are or to advocate for a hotel change.

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 (AS), 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.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2024

Scheduling Committee

  • On January 23, 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!

On Tuesday, January 23, our AFA Scheduling 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Director of Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning/Crew Scheduling.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on February 20, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

JCTE Update

  • Release 23.5 was released in prod, 23.7 is in UAT.
  • Trades: 92.1% of 57,580 trades had a response time of less than 10 seconds.
  • JCTE release coming in February.

Block2Block (B2B)

  • Version 2.5 is in progress.
  • Tap to pay feature.

Crew Planning Update

  • March block hours increased by almost 19k compared to February.
  • Staffing adjustment leaves offered for March: 173.
  • Reserve staffing: Bases around 17% except Seattle around 20%.
  • Review of trip length distribution, consistent with previous months.
  • Commutability in March: SEA/ANC have the best commutability, LAX and PDX are the most challenging.

Teaming And IROP Mitigation

  • Teaming FAs together and with pilots helped minimize cancellations.
  • In and backs strategically scheduled to assist with recovery of cancellations.
  • Teaming is not being used in spring/summer as the cost is too great. 

MAX Cancellations And Advanced Bookings

  • MAX cancellations ongoing, no adjustments made for March pairing selection. 

Updates From Crew Scheduling Management

  • Reserve utilization in January around 77%.
  • Breakdown of reserve usage: 48% covering line holder sick trips, 15.9% reserve absences, 22% unused.
  • Inflight YOY absence rate trending up, LAX/SAN trending down by domicile.
  • Premium not issued since MAX fleet grounded, FAs picking up trips to cover operation.
  • Flexibility impacted by unknown factors, no increases in TSN.
  • Personal drops: 90 in January, 7 Bulletin board drops.

PDX SWGCO And Crew Scheduling

  • 26 FAs couldn’t get to work and have FNS, each case will be reviewed.
  • Efforts made for process improvement, high hold times during pre-cancellations.

Layover And Transportation Issues

  • LAX crew had issues getting back to the hotel, will review and try to accommodate crews closer.
  • Issues with single transportation and long wait times in CUN/GDL, to be reviewed by Crew Planning.
  • Confusion about layovers at domicile vs hotels being provided prior to trips, clarification needed.

Withholding Trips, Pre-Cancellations, And FNS

  • Trips withheld from OT, efforts to address the issue and ensure compliance.
  • Discussion on pre-cancellation processes and FCR footprint, modifications planned.
  • We are seeing an Increased number of FNS, clarification needed on contactability and communication procedures.

CHS-RDU Limo Times

  • Request to review extensively long limo times in all locations. 

What the Committee is Working on

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. There are dates and times scheduled February 2024 for in person and virtual meetings to assist with bidding. 
  2. Pairings Survey. There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occurred June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Teaming. Crew Planning is currently reviewing pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (pilots and Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments. Currently, the system teams around 10-15% of crews, but enhancements were made to increase this to 20-35% for winter operations. The changes were reflected in December pairings. Management provided communication regarding teaming. In December 2023, approximately 23% of sequences were teamed together, while 52% of duty periods were teamed. We didn’t receive any teaming information for January during the meeting today. For March 2024 pairing selection we did not utilize teaming.  
  4. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  5. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that 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.
  6. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  7. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases. 

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.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Update – 1st Quarter 2024

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, January 4, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants’ interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants face onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever, given the challenges we currently face as a workgroup.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed using ReportIt!  Please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, January 4, 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 in person were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN). Also present was MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

The Committee met with Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Geri Jarrett, Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedure Kaliko Howell, Inflight Regulatory Compliance Safety Analyst Danette Thomas, Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist Kevin Weatherbie, Manager of Inflight Safety & Compliance Johanna Giese, Manager of Inflight Safety & Compliance Claudia Modl, Director of Inflight Training & Standards Thomas Kaminski, and Senior Project Manager for Food & Beverage Jessica Johnston.

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting is Thursday, March 4.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • Passenger Service Coordinators (PSCs). PSCs are not on all GDL flights. Inflight will check into the status of the program and assess the need for PSCs on all GDL flights and other routes.
  • Crew parking and parking shuttle safety. The ASHSC provided Inflight with the status of all parking and shuttles at all the bases. The ASHSC asked Inflight to develop standards that they will work for in meetings at all bases. This will be an ongoing effort as Alaska works with the ports that control these facilities and services. Most of the work coordinating with ports on parking and bus issues happens locally. 
  • No AC power resulting in no working PA/Interphone during boarding. Concerns were raised about not being able to communicate with passengers or between crewmembers. The company responded that we are to use the megaphone in an emergency when there is no PA. However, work is being done so we encounter less AC without power.
  •  Coffee “explosions”. There have been four incidents of coffee erupting from brew baskets. We discussed the incidents and possible mitigations with the company. There has since been a bulletin bundle item that covered the topic.
  • Flight Attendant familiarity with removing passenger life vests. We received a concern from a Flight Attendant who did not feel familiar enough with how we would remove or instruct a passenger to remove a life vest from under a passenger seat as we do not see a video of this or have hands-on experience in training. Inflight will look at changing the announcement to provide clearer directions on life vest removal to passengers and putting additional information in a quarterly CBT.
  •  Pointing to life vest on MAX. Many of us are pointing to the location of the life vest on the MAX during the demo. It feels natural to do this since we point out the oxygen in the same location. However, since we don’t point out life vests under seats on other AC types, the decision was made not to point to the overhead life vests for consistency.
  • Announcement about taking valuables when deplaning on a through flight. This recommendation is being made after a recent incident of theft which occurred when a passenger deplaned at a stop and left their bag onboard. Inflight will consider adding this announcement with the next FAM revision. 
  •  Number and size of carry-on bags. The ASHC is concerned about passengers being cleared to board with more than one plus one and with bags which are oversized. This is not in compliance with Alaska’s carry-on baggage program and dealing with these bags can result in injuries. We encourage you to file FAIRs when you need to deal with these kinds of bag issues on a flight.
  • QX baggage signs. QX has added signs near gate areas instructing passengers to place their one small item under their seat and one larger item overhead. Inflight will look at the feasibility of adding something to the Alaska gates Alaska operates out of as well.
  • Announcements on charters. Announcements on charter flights (RDB and others) are not available in B2B. Until they can be added to B2B we are to use the announcements found in Goodreader.
  • Compliance checks on flights that do not go above 10k. There is confusion about what is requested in terms of announcements and compliance checks on short flights that do not go above 10k. Inflight will work with Flight Ops to better understand the system and ensure we have clear guidance about how these flights should be managed. We do know that compliance checks should be occurring prior to landing on all flights unless it is unsafe to do so.
  •  Hand wipes. The ASHSC and Inflight Service Committees continue to advocate for quality hand wipes available on all flights. Although they are no longer catered, alcohol based Purell wipes should be boarded by fleet forward and aft. If you do not find them please request them while at a Fleet supply station, and file a FAIR. Reporting their absence is the best way to improve provisioning.
  • Reporting tools. We are encountering errors when using the ReportIt! app, especially inflight. The company is working on replacing our current reporting system which will result in an improved reporting app and web portal.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. MAX10 MED J/S. Many of you have seen the MAX10 MED mockups which have been installed at our training facilities. The ASHSC notified the Company the layout represented by the mockups does have enough space for us to safely access the MED J/S while passengers are seated. The Company has acknowledged that the layout will not work in the operation and is working on a solution with input from the ASHSC before the A/C goes into service.
  2.  LOSA. We are working with the Company members of the LOSA Steering Committee to ramp up and refine the Continuous LOSA program. We know it has been a long time coming, but we expect to have some results to share by the end of the quarter.
  3. NTSB Investigation of Flight 1282 accident. AFA is a party in the NTSB investigation of this accident. The AFA party is composed of members of the ASHSC at Alaska. This allows us to assist the NTSB in the investigation as subject matter experts.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please help the committee to advocate for improvement and change by filing a report.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports can all be submitted using ReportIt!  If you’re not sure what type of report to file for a particular situation or need help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of your Local ASHSC.

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

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – December 2023

Scheduling Committee

  • Our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, December 26 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to lineholder scheduling.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are experiencing with scheduling, pairings, and bidding.
  • Your Local Scheduling Committee is available to answer questions, provide clarification, or help to resolve any lineholder scheduling-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

On Tuesday, December 26, our AFA Scheduling 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 Heather Reier (ANC), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Kamako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz.

The committee met with Managing Director Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman, Manager of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, and other management representatives from Crew Planning.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on January 23, 2024.

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:

  • There was one OT issue reported that resulted in the withholding of a trip for more than 15 minutes during a shift change. CS needs to follow up with schedulers regarding accountability. Flight Attendants may call regarding trips withheld under Section 12.E.1.d.
  • SWGCO LOA implementation has improved with proactive steps to provide ride shares and hotels during severe weather. This is specific to recent events affecting the Anchorage base.
  • There is a known issue with the co-terminals filter not receiving text alerts.
  • It was reported earlier in the month that the personal calendar is not syncing with crew access. This appears to be resolved. 
  • Reassignment issues for holiday pay. When Flight Attendants are reassigned or pay protected, provisions in Section 21.H can assist with understanding compensation. 
  • Concerns with last minute hotel changes in CUN and other destinations. Crew members are picking up trips to layover at specific hotel locations. 
  • Increase in reassignments and pre-cancellations. Flow Charts are available on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA website. 
  • Issues with base turns and crew pay reconciliation. If Flight Attendants combine or split trips, payroll will reconcile the base turn prior to the next pay cycle.
  • The December PPP bonus, if applicable, pays $350. Review Section 21.R.
  • Positive feedback received for the extended bidding period due to the PBS adjustment and contractual violation for January 2024 bid period. 
  • PBS Bidding: The process was smooth until the 8th of December with a one (1) hour fifteen (15) minute outage. We received feedback that FAs would have appreciated a quicker response via email regarding the delay. Bid awards were difficult for reserves due to overstaffing. No confirmed evidence of the outage affecting bids.
  • PBS Meetings: Various meetings held with our representatives regarding Adhoc and Navblue. Testing and installation of new releases ongoing.
  • Payroll Updates: End of year concerns with FAs attempting to meet 480/960 TFP thresholds. Reassignments and questions regarding pay protection, flying above scheduled, and stranded pay.
  • CBTs are due at the end of the month.
  • ITS Update: PBS testing in progress with automation completed. JCTE testing for release in January with anticipated improvements in trading and performance.
  • Vacation bidding under review for improvement for 2025 bidding.
  • Work ongoing for B2B features.
  • Demo of crew access while using a new function called buddy roster feature. More information to be provided when installed. Feature would allow you to opt in and share your roster with approved crew members (Flight Attendant or pilot).
  • November 2023 was a good month with increased TSN and drop availability. In December we experienced more mechanical issues than usual and increased sick calls.
  • Management has concerns about staffing and sick calls.
  • Crew planning is beginning to work on March 2024 schedule planning and wants feedback on teaming.
  • Working with API to try improving layover crews remain at the same hotels. 
  • Line average for February 2024 around 77 TFP, while Reserve is around 19%.
  • Staffing Adjustment Leave information provided and updated.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. NavBlue. The PBS Committee is seeking feedback on how they can improve their assistance to flight crews regarding bid awards and understanding results. They provided both in-person and virtual meetings for this purpose. They are looking at dates and times in February 2024 for in person and virtual meetings to assist with bidding. 
  2. Pairings Survey: There is a discussion about conducting a survey on pairing construction, and there is a possibility of organizing a virtual session or town hall. A meeting with management occured June 5, 2023, with a follow-up meeting to be arranged. However, there is no update or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the moment.
  3. Teaming: Crew Planning is currently reviewing pairing construction and optimizing teaming strategies to minimize costs and ensure that crews (pilots and Flight Attendants) can stay together for multiple segments. Currently, the system teams around 10-15% of crews, but enhancements were made to increase this to 20-35% for winter operations. The changes were reflected in December pairings. Management provided communication regarding teaming. In December 2023, approximately 23% of sequences were teamed together, while 52% of duty periods were teamed. We didn’t receive any teaming information for January during the meeting today. 
  4. In and Backs. Network/Crew Planning is reviewing initiatives to restart operations when crews are stranded and flights are canceled. The 2023/2024 IROPs plan was reviewed by Alaska management in September/October, creating opportunities to adjust flight schedules on the day of operations.
  5. Chime Communications. Flight Attendants may chat with crew scheduling via app/Microsoft Teams to reduce phone calls. Flight Attendant-initiated contact. Early stages of development, to be discussed with AS Labor Relations and AFA. Testing and implementation to occur in the next few weeks. We are working on a letter of agreement for implementation. This is still pending review. 
  6. Crew Scheduling. There was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that 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.
  7. Crew Planning. Similar to Crew Scheduling, there was a monthly review of PowerPoint presentations that cover subsequent month staffing, trip length distribution, Flight Attendant block hours, special initiatives (e.g., IROPs), commutability, and other relevant agenda items.
  8. ITS. Representatives from ITS joined the scheduling meeting to provide updates on NavBlue, Crew Access, internal systems, and Block 2 Block. These updates include performance reviews, data analysis, and information about future releases.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Scheduling Committee is your voice to management. You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

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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