AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Honolulu (Council 43)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Los Angeles (Council 18 pmAS)
      • Officers
      • Committees
      • Los Angeles/Seattle (Council 47 pmHA)
        • Officers
        • Committees
      • Portland (Council 39)
        • Officers
        • Committees
      • San Diego (Council 15)
        • Officers
        • Committees
        • Seattle (Council 19 pmAS)
          • Officers
          • Committees
        • San Francisco (Council 35)
          • Officers
          • Committees

        • More About Local Councils >>
        Close
      • Master Executive Council
        • Officers
        • Close
      • Committees
          • Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC)
            • Air Quality
          • Benefits
          • Communications
          • Employee Assistance Program & Professional Standards
          • Government Affairs
          • Grievance
          • Hotel
          • Human Rights & Equity
          • Inflight Service
          • Inflight Training
          • Membership
          • Membership Engagement
          • Reserve
          • Retirement
          • Scheduling
            • Pairing Construction
            • Preferential Bidding System (PBS)
          • Uniform

        • More About Committees >>
        Close
      • Contract
          • Contract Home
            • 2025 Alaska Contract
            • 2025 Hawaiian Contract Extension
            • Ask Contract Questions
          • Contract Resources
          • Alaska Contract Negotiations (2022-2025)
        • Close
      • Resources
          • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
          • Issues & Campaigns
          • Newsroom
            • AFA News Now
          • Event Calendar
          • Membership Services
          • New Members
          • About
          • Links
          Close
        • Merger
          • Joint Negotiating Committee
          • Close
        • Contact Us
        You are here: Home / Archives for EAP

        Information about CBD Oils and Drug Testing

        October 29, 2018 12:00

        There has been a lot of interest recently in marijuana oils and products containing Cannabidiol (CBD).  CBD is a different chemical compound than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of the marijuana plant. You may have read about such products or seen them in the news.

        It is important to know that CBD oils and other products containing CBD are considered to be Schedule I controlled substances and are therefore illegal under federal law.  Under federal guidelines, these substances do not have an acceptable medical application.  Regardless of labeling, products containing CBD, may contain traces of THC that would trigger a positive drug test and place your employment at risk.

        You can read more about use of CBD oils and the federal government position on their use in a memorandum from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that you can access by clicking here.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions, please contact the AFA Alaska EAP Committee.  You can find contact information on the EAP Committee pageof the AFA Alaska website.  Any contact made to AFA EAP is completely confidential.

        You may also contact the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol Program (FADAP) Hotline at (855) 333-2327 or visit http://www.fadap.org.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Terry Taylor, Mario de’Medici, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC EAP Committee Co-Chairpersons Elizabeth Dillon and Jeanne McCleave

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2018, CBD, CBD oil, drug testing, EAP, FADAP, marijuana

        July Newsletter

        July 18, 2018 13:30


        Transition Training


        Transition Training began last week.  Despite recent updates to the Cornerstone Training program, we are still receiving reports of technical difficulties with both the app and the desktop version.  If you experience trouble, go to https://support.afaalaska.org, and open a ticket.  We would encourage you to start early, to avoid problems.

        We are also aware it is taking longer than 4 hours to complete. Please make sure to include that in your trouble ticket above.

        The most important thing with any computer or IMD Training, screen shot or take a picture of the completion page. Do not rely on the program to register you as completed.  If it does not show you as completed, we need some sort of evidence to be able to manually process your completion.

        When taking the test remember it is open book and you can take it from your IMD or from a computer. To make the test easier to complete have your Manual, Ghost Manual and Study Guide open on one device and the test open in a separate device so you don’t have to switch back and forth. In the event that you fail the test, you will receive an email advising you that you have 7 days after class ends to retake a paper version.  You can take the paper version during lunch break at TT or schedule to take it at base.

        You can find the Ghost Manual on the Training Tab – Transition Training Resources – “Ghost Manual”

        The Ghost Manual is the combined manual we will be using starting next year.

        Practice your door drills, take a deep breath and go slow. The training is very hands on, try not to stress to much.

         


        CBT Training


        The most recent CBT training was due May 11, 2018.  There were 13 Flight Attendants issued discipline because of failure to complete the training.  Several of these disciplines have been rescinded after AFA was able to determine why the training had not been completed.  If you were issued discipline and have not responded to our attempts to reach you, or you have email or screen shots showing your technical difficulties with the program please contact San@afaalaska.org. There is a possibility of getting the discipline reversed.

         


        Required Items


        In a recent bulletin, Inflight Performance announced that forgotten required items will result in steps of discipline.  We are aware of several recent instances of expired badges, as well as reporting without an IMD.  Make certain that you have all required items before reporting to your flight.

         


        EAP Committee


        We recently posted openings for EAP representatives.  We were overwhelmed by the number of Flight Attendants who expressed interest.  We reviewed the applications and chose 3 flight attendants to join our EAP Committee. We will be looking again at the beginning of the year and will be contacting those who were not selected to gauge interest and open it to anyone interested to apply again including hopefully Flight Attendants on the Airbus side who will have been able to transfer into SAN.

         


        Supplemental Insurance


        Supplemental Insurance Enrollment, through National Group Protection, will take place during the week of 8/14-16, in SAN.  The premiums for these coverages can be payroll deducted.  If SAN isn’t a convenient location, drop into any base during scheduled visits.

        · Seattle                July 23rd—27th  

        · Anchorage         July 30th–August 1st

        · Los Angeles       August 6th—8th

        · San Diego          August 14th—16th

        · Portland              August 20th—22nd

        Accident Insurance

        Critical Illness Coverage

        Whole Life Insurance

        There are some benefit enhancements/upgrades this year, so please take the time to sit down with a benefit counselor and review your options.  This is also an excellent time to make sure you have filed for your annual health screening benefits, which are part of the accident and critical illness benefit plans.

        ·       Supplemental – these plans supplement any existing coverage

        ·       Voluntary – members choose to participate

        ·       Limited Underwriting – no medical or physical exams required

        ·       Family Coverage – available with all of the plans

        ·       Portable – members can continue coverage if they leave the company

        ·       Payroll Deduction – premiums are paid through payroll deduction

        If you have any questions regarding the upcoming enrollment, please contact National Group Protection (NGP) at 800-344-9016.

         


        Workers Comp Using Your Own Doctor


        Non California Residents

        Forms can be obtained from Base Management or from your Officers

        In the event you sustain an injury or illness related to your employment, you may be treated for such injury or illness by your personal medical doctor (M.D.), doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) or medical group if:

        • on the date of your work injury you have health care coverage for injuries or illnesses that are not work related;

        • the doctor is your regular physician, who shall be either a physician who has limited his or her practice of medicine to general practice or who is a board-certified or board-eligible internist, pediatrician, obstetrician-gynecologist, or family practitioner, and has previously directed your medical treatment, and retains your medical records;

        • your “personal physician” may be a medical group if it is a single corporation or partnership composed of licensed Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy, which operates an integrated multispecialty medical group providing comprehensive medical services predominantly for nonoccupational illnesses and injuries;

        • prior to the injury your doctor agrees to treat you for work injuries or illnesses;

        • prior to the injury you provided your employer the following in writing: (1) notice that you want your personal doctor to treat you for a work-related injury or illness, and (2) your personal doctor’s name and business address.

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: CBT, EAP, July Newsletter, Required, supplemental, training, TT

        Opportunity to Become a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (NCPRSS)

        February 20, 2018 12:59

        Do You Want to Become a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (NCPRSS)?

        The National Association of Drug and Alcohol Counselors (NAADAC) is offering a ONE-Time test exemption pathway to obtain this certification. This certification will allow you to seek employment /volunteer within substance abuse treatment facilities  that are using recovery peers to support their patients in early recovery.  This offer is open until December 31, 2018.  Below are the specifics that you need to know:

        To qualify, you must have:

        • A High School Diploma
        • Minimum of 2 years of recovery from substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorder
        • 200 hours of direct practice (volunteer or paid hours) in a peer recovery support environment.
        • Provide evidence of 60 hours of education. 50%  of those hours must be from face to face learning (not online).  6 of the hours must be in ethics (within the last 6 years) and 6 must be in HIV and other pathogens (within the last 6 years).

        To Apply:

        • Complete the application and submit it before December 31, 2018.
        • The application must include two references, one of which must be professional contained in sealed envelopes.
        • You must mail the completed application and all supporting documentation with the application fee.

        The Application Fee:

        • The application fee is $150.00.
        • It must be submitted with the application.

        For More Information

        • More information including the application forms can be found at https://www.naadac.org/ncprss

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: 2018, EAP, NAADAC, recovery

        Protecting Yourself from Sexual Violence

        February 6, 2018 12:00

        A message from your AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee

        Flight Attendants, both male and female, are not immune from the risks of violence, including sexual assaults. Consider the following statistics on rapes and attempted rapes from the Department of Justice:

        • Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
        • Most rapists are not a masked or unknown person. Approximately 70% of female victims and 74% of male victims know their assailant (i.e. friend, acquaintance etc.)
        • Only one out of ten rapes involves the use of a weapon.
        • 60% of rapes take place away from the victim’s home and most take place between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

        Physical force or the threat of physical force is the primary mode of victimization.  This includes the use of drugs that renders the victim physically helpless and usually unable to remember what happened.  These drugs are called “date rape drugs”.  They often have no color, smell or taste and can be easily added to flavored drinks without the victim’s knowledge.  Educate yourself on the use of these drugs and ways in which you can protect yourself, on and off the job.  Below is some information to help you with this.

        What are date rape drugs?

        These are drugs that are sometimes use in facilitating a sexual assault. Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to.  It can include inappropriate touching, sexual intercourse and attempted rape. The effects of these drugs render victims physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, and unable to remember what happened. The drugs often have no color smell or taste and are easily added to flavored drinks without the victim’s knowledge. There are at least three common date rape drugs.  (Although we use the term “date rape,” most experts prefer the term drug facilitated sexual assault.”).

        • GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) is a drug used to treat narcolepsy. The drug can be in many forms including liquid, powder and pill.
        • Rohypnol is a used for sleep disorders and as an anesthetic. It also comes in pill form.
        • Ketamine is a drug used as an anesthetic for humans and mostly for animals. The drug is a white powder.

        What effects do these drugs have on the body?

        These drugs can affect you quickly.  The length of time that the effects last varies. It depends on how much of the drug is taken and if the drug is mixed with other substances, like alcohol.  Alcohol can expedite and worsen the drug’s effect.  These drugs can cause relaxation, drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, impaired motor function, memory problems, numbness, distorted perception of sight and sound, confusion, vomiting, even coma and death.

        How can I protect myself ?

        • Never leave your drink or food unattended, not even with a person whom you think you should be able to trust.
        • Only order beverages that are brought to your table in sealed bottles.
        • If you have a history of black-outs from drinking, you can never predict when one will occur. For your safety, consider ordering only non-alcoholic beverages.
        • Should you find yourself awakening without any memory in a strange environment or situation, proceed immediately to the emergency room to be tested for the presence of a date rape drug and medically evaluated for a sexual assault.
        • If you have a friend who passes out, do not let anyone take the unconscious person to her/his room. Instead, keep the person exactly where they are and insist that medical help be called.

        Assistance available to you

        Remember, confidential support and assistance is just a phone call away through your AFA EAP.  Call anytime.  AFA Alaska EAP can be reached at (949) 470-0493 or you can find contact information for your Local EAP Committee at http://afaalaska.org/eap.  You can also contact the International AFA EAP Helpline at (800) 424-2406.

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: 2018, EAP, Employee Assistance Program

        Flight Attendant Alert: Changes to DOT Testing Effective January 1, 2018

        December 4, 2017 17:00

        This message was created by the International Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Department

        Background

        The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final notice that four commonly prescribed medications will be added to the DOT testing program effective January 1, 2018. These four medications fall under a category of drugs known as opioids. They include:

        • Hydrocodone (example: Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Maxidone, Norco, Zydone)
        • Hydromorphone (example: Diluadid, Exalgo, Hydromorph Contin, Palladone)
        • Oxycodone (example: Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, Roxicodone, Endocet, Xtampza, OxylR)
        • Oxymorphone (example: Opana, Numorphan).

        Opioid medications are typically prescribed for the management of pain after injury, surgery, dental procedures and diagnosis of a medical illness with painful symptoms.

        Important Regulatory Clarifications

        • Starting January 1, 2018, DOT testing will now for the very first time detect the use of these specific medications.
        • If the testing lab confirms the presence of these medications in a Flight Attendant’s drug test, the Flight Attendant will be contacted by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to determine if the Flight Attendant has a legally valid prescription within the overall meaning of the Controlled Substance Act (CSA).
        • DOT has made it clear that it will not issue guidance to the MROs on how long a prescription may be considered valid for the purpose of providing a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory positive. Specifically, DOT states “it would not be appropriate for the Department to substitute its judgment for that of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is the Federal agency with the authority to determine what constitutes a valid prescription under the CSA. The DEA has not set a maximum duration for the length of time a prescription can be considered to be legally used by the person to whom it was prescribed…. Consequently, DOT will not create a time limit on the use of a legally valid prescription. Instead, MROs will make individualized determinations for each donor.”
        • Regardless of whether medical marijuana is prescribed by a physician, it cannot be the basis of a legitimate medical explanation. It will be verified by the MRO as a test positive.
        • When verifying the prescription an employee provides to the MRO, the DOT is now recommending “MROs should speak with the pharmacy and not simply rely on a photograph of the prescription label”.
        • If an MRO has concerns about an employee’s ability to safely perform her/his duties while taking a prescription, a new process has been put in place by DOT to ensure that “an employee is not caught off guard by the MRO’s decision to report the medical information regarding a legally valid prescription to a third party”. Effective January 1, 2018, the MRO must give the employee five (5) business days to have her/his prescribing physician contact the MRO to determine if the medication(s) can be changed to one that does not make the employee medically unqualified or that does not pose a significant safety risk before reporting the safety concern to a third party. If the MRO does not receive such information from the prescribing physician, the MRO would then report to third parties. Previously, the MRO would report to the third party and then engage with the prescribing health care provider.

        Resources to Help You Balance Safety and Medication

        There are a number of resources under the Flight Attendant Drug and Alcohol (FADAP) Website (www.FADAP.org) to help you balance safety and the use of prescription medications including the 4 new medications for which DOT will test effective January 1, 2018.

        Medication Safety Film for Flight Attendants: View this short film to understand the safety issues and best practices around medication use by Flight Attendants. ->

        Medication and flying article “What Medications Can I Take While Flying?” Read this three-page article to get a more rounded understanding of the issues surrounding medication use by Flight Attendants and best practices. ->

        “Flight Attendant Essential Job Functions” wallet card: There is no list of DOT banned prescriptions for flight attendants, other than prescription marijuana. The decision of which medications you can take and safely perform your Flight Attendant duties is generally determined by your health care provider (including dosage, frequency and timing of use in relation to your work schedule).

        To help you inform your provider of your safety sensitive duties, provide your health care provider with your job description for incorporation into your medical file. ->

        You can also download wallet size lists of Flight Attendants’ essential job functions for your provider’s quick reference each and every time a medication is discussed. ->

        Health Care Provider’s Medication Note: Should your health care provider prescribe a medication containing an opioid or amphetamine (both of which are detectable under DOT testing) have your provider sign this note for your submission just in case you are challenged about the safe use of the medication. ->

        * * *

        Have more questions? Contact AFA International EAP at 800-424-2406.

        In Solidarity,

        Your AFA EAP

        Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee Tagged With: DEA, DOT, drug testing, drugs, EAP, marijuana, MRO

        • « Previous Page
        • 1
        • …
        • 4
        • 5
        • 6
        • 7
        • 8
        • …
        • 10
        • Next Page »

        Need Help?

        Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

        Latest News

        • Why Do PBS Awards Take So Long?
        • AFA News in Review – October 9, 2026
        • Council 43 Update – Local Council Meeting: November 6
        • Reserve Survey Now Open
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026
        • AFA News in Review – October 2, 2026
        • That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026
        • MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026
        • PBS Webinar – October 7, 2026

        Reserve Survey Now Open

        October 6, 2026

        Our JNC encourages all members to participate in the Reserve survey, regardless of your current Reserve status. Whether you are on Reserve now, pick up Reserve days occasionally, or have not been on Reserve recently, your input is valuable. The survey will be open until Tuesday, October 20 at Noon PT.

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

        October 5, 2026

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 29, 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), […]

        That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

        October 2, 2026

        As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

        Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

        October 1, 2026

        On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

        MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

        October 1, 2026

        Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

        Recent Posts

        • Why Do PBS Awards Take So Long?
        • AFA News in Review – October 9, 2026
        • Council 43 Update – Local Council Meeting: November 6
        • Reserve Survey Now Open
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026
        • AFA News in Review – October 2, 2026
        • That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026
        • MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026
        • PBS Webinar – October 7, 2026
        • Meet Our Local Chairpersons – September 2026
        • URGENT: Sleep Room in Portland?
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026
        • Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21
        • FlightPAC: Building Our Collective Influence

        Local Councils

        • Anchorage
        • Honolulu
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Alaska)
        • Los Angeles/Seattle (pre-merger Hawaiian)
        • Portland
        • San Diego
        • San Francisco
        • Seattle (pre-merger Alaska)

        Master Executive Council

        • MEC

        Contract

        • Contract Home

        Committees

        • Air Safety, Health, & Security
        • Benefits
        • Communications
        • EAP/Professional Standards
        • Government Affairs
        • Grievance
        • Hotel
        • Human Rights
        • Inflight Service
        • Membership Engagement
        • Reserve
        • Retirement
        • Scheduling
        • Uniform

        News By Month

        News By Category

        AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee
        • Email
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • YouTube

        Want To Stay In The Loop?

        Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska + Hawaiian news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
        Sign Up for Emails
        Sign Up for Text Updates

        Connect With AFA

        • Contact Us
        • Online Support Center
        • AFA International
        • CWA
        • AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Social Media Guidelines
        • AFA-CWA Mutual Respect Policy

        Copyright © 2013-2026 Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO