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    You are here: Home / Archives for hotels

    Council #19 May Hotel Update

    May 20, 2023 02:11

    Council #19 Hotel Update – May 2023

    Recent Hotel Changes

    San Francisco: It was recently announced that we will be moving to downtown San Francisco for our longer layovers. The hotel chosen can be found in the hotel hotline (the name has been excluded from this communication for safety/security reasons). This is a 4-star hotel and is considered a level 7 (Superior, First Class) on the Travel Weekly rating board which we use for determination for our layovers. Out of the hotels inspected, this was the top AFA Choice. It is within walking distance to may dining establishments and shopping, as well as many tourist opportunities.  AFA also liked this hotel because in addition to a downtown location, each room has a coffee maker and refrigerator, and there is a microwave for use onsite (although these items are not contractual). This hotel houses many other airline crews so has experience with what we require.  We hope you enjoy it. Please make sure to submit BOTH positive and negative feedback via the crew care link, or via the link on you IMD.

    Safety Reminders

    The Seattle committee has received some concerns about the locations of some of our hotels in regard to crime and homelessness. In todays world, there is an increase to homeless populations in most  cities across the globe, we also see it in some of the suburban areas. This is something we have to deal with. It is important to keep safety in mind when out and about. Always check with the front desk to find out if there are areas to avoid. When venturing out, leave the paper sleeve your room key comes in at the hotel (the room number is usually written on this), that way if you drop your key, your room number will not be obvious to whoever picks it up. If you are going out at night and are concerned, use the buddy system. AFA, ALPA, Alaska and API research crime in the areas and we often bring corporate security on our site inspections so we can get their input as well, but its important to keep safety in mind when you are out and about. If you have any issues come up or have safety concerns, please submit them on Crew Care.

    Our Relationship with API

    We often get questions about what our relationship with API is and what exactly they do for us. Simply put, API manages our contracts with our hotel and transportation vendors. They also manage the communication between Alaska and those vendors. Alaska is their largest account, and we have an account manager who is assigned only to us. In addition, API has employees who are dedicated 100% to our operation. There is an API representative who now has a desk in the HUB building, so our schedulers and operations team have a direct contact on property. There is also one remote person strictly dedicated to Alaska Airlines. 

    It is important to remember that API does not make decisions on what hotels our crews will be staying in. This decision is made by Alaska Airlines with input from both AFA and ALPA. Once a decision is made, API negotiates the terms and then manages the contract for Alaska. 

    When a crew member files a Crew Care report, it is automatically sent to API, Alaska Management, the AFA Hotel Committee Members and the ALPA Hotel Committee Members. Once received, API then takes the concerns (or compliments) and sends them to the property or transportation committee in the report and awaits their reply. If it was a compliment that was sent in, it simply goes to that property/transportation company and the matter is closed. If you are writing about a specific employee, the property/transportation company will recognize them on the compliments given or will take action with any concerns reported. Once API hears back from the property/transportation company about your concerns, they will update the report you filed with their responses. Most of the reports received are similar, so it may feel like you are getting “cookie cutter” responses, however, EACH AND EVERY report is followed up on. If you have more information or want to reply, once the matter is “closed”, you can go back into your initial report and follow up. To do so, simply go back to the list of feedback in your account and click on the feedback ID number and it will open the report, then at the bottom of that page you can leave additional feedback/information and it will reopen your ticket. The people that respond to our feedback respond for multiple airlines, so it may take a couple of days to hear back, but they work hard to get the information needed as quickly as possible. Please remember, they also are at the mercy of the property/transportation vendor and how long it takes them to respond. 

    Thank you so much for using Crew Care, it is so important! 

    Crew Care and New Resources Coming

    Your hotel committee is in the process of testing a new tool that is coming to Crew Care that will help you closely monitor hotel assignments, van times, feedback, and more. Please stay tuned for information coming about this exciting resource. Also, we will be in the base the morning of June 6th to show it off! 

    Upcoming Hotel Site Inspections and Site Inspections Process

    Site inspections are common when a contract comes up for renewal. Sometimes a current hotel is not interested in continuing the relationship, the hotel no longer meets the contractual language, or we are simply re-assessing the market to see what other properties have become available.  We have site inspections coming up in the following markets:

    ·       TPA/RSW

    ·       KOA

    ·       PHX

    ·       SEA

    ·       BUR

    ·       ORD

    Have you been curious about the site inspection process? Have you always thought that the final determination is money? Here is a little bit of information on how the hotel selection process works. 

    First, there are a few things that “trigger” a hotel site inspection. These can include, but are not limited to:

    ·       A new market Alaska is going to serve.

    ·       A market whose contract is expiring, and the property is no longer interested in our business.

    ·       A market whose contract is expiring, and the property is significantly raising their rates.

    ·       A property that has fallen below our minimum hotel standards.

    ·       A property that receives a larger than normal amount of feedback that needs addressing.

    When an inspection is announced, API gets right to work. They reach out to ALL properties (after removing the ones that they know right away do not meet our contractual requirements) in that area to see if they are interested in our business. At this point, there is no dollar value attached, simply a request to see if they are interested. If they are, they will submit their reply with prices, hotel amenities, etc. API will determine which on the list meet our contractual requirements and remove the remainder. From an outside perspective, it’s easy to think that there are many properties in a particular city so it should not be hard to find a long list of interested properties, but not all hotels want crew business. Let’s take Miami as an example. Think about how many hotels are in the Miami area. API was able to get proposals from 90 properties in the Miami area (excluding airport areas). Out of those 90, 13 of them replied that crew did not align with their overall strategy, 10 said they didn’t want our business even if we paid the highest rack rate, 4 could not accommodate our arrival/departure times, 4 were not willing to accept our minimum requirements for placement per our contract, 11 could not accommodate the number of rooms we needed or were at the maximum number of crews they allow, and 3 were in the middle of heavy renovations. Out of the 90, we were able to look at 8 (this included 2 by the airport for irregular operations or short layovers), the remaining 37 didn’t even reply to the opportunity of crew business. This is well before nightly rates, etc. are even talked about. It is important to know this is sometimes what we are up against in today’s hotel environment, in certain markets. 

    Once the site inspection list is complete, API arranges the tours/visits. Our API Account Manager travels to the sites along with a member of Alaska Management (from the hotel team), 1 ALPA Hotel Committee Chair and 1 AFA Hotel Committee Chair. There are on occasion additional management staff present as well. For example, if it’s a new destination, or a destination that has safety concerns, a member from the Alaska Airlines security team will come along to check out the area and property. Also, there are sometimes members from the Inflight accounting team present so they can better understand what we as crew look for in a property and why certain things are so important to us, this way they are not just deciding based on a dollar amount. Once we arrive on site, we conduct back-to-back inspections of the different properties. We meet with hotel management and ask questions about their processes (check in, cleaning, etc.). We also check several things on property including, but not limited to:

    ·       HVAC vents and cleanliness

    ·       Water pressure

    ·       Black out shade effectiveness

    ·       Bed comfort

    ·       Amenities in the room (safe, ironing board/iron, refrigerator, luggage rack, door locks, etc.)

    ·       Food options

    ·       Amenities in the hotel vicinity

    ·       Hotel security and access (are there cameras, elevator key card access, etc.)

    ·       And so much more (too much to list)

    We do the above at each property we visit. At the end of site sections, both AFA and ALPA will send in their reports to management. It will include our recommended hotel, our acceptable hotels, and our unacceptable hotels. From that list, Alaska will then go to API and ask them to see what they can negotiate with the properties. This is when dollars and amenities come into play. They will negotiate our crew discounts/amenities as well as the rate Alaska will pay. Once that process is complete, Alaska will make the decision on the property. Obviously, it is nice when AFA and ALPA have the same thoughts on the properties visited, as we have a little more “pull” but that does not always happen. Financials are not always the determining factor. For example, in Miami (as used in the above example), our current hotel was chosen by AFA, however it was quite a bit more expensive than the other acceptable hotels. Alaska decided that the location of the current hotel and the amenities (gym, pool, dining, room comfort, etc.) outweighed the financial savings. 

    It is once again important to remember that API does not choose our hotels, they only manage our contracts. 

    As always, we advocate hard for the best hotels we can possibly secure. We always appreciate your feedback; we take it to heart and use all feedback when making our recommendations on crew layover hotels. If you have questions that do not warrant a Crew Care, you can reach the Seattle Hotel Chairperson at sea.hotel.chair@afaalaska.org.

    In Solidarity, 

    Your Seattle Hotel Committee

    Filed Under: Council 19 SEA Tagged With: Hotel Committee, hotels

    AFA Alaska Update – September 3, 2021

    September 3, 2021 17:00

    In This Edition

    • September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin
    • Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!
    • Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders
    • Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11th

    September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin

    AFA International

    Our September 11th Unity Remembrance Pin was designed in solidarity with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) to honor our heroes.  AFA and APFA members lost their lives on September 11, 2001, but Flight Attendants across the industry – whether in our unions or not – feel the significance of this day and promise alongside us to #NeverForget. We welcome all Flight Attendants across the industry to wear this pin representing the crews of all four flights and the bond we have as Flight Attendants. Wear this pin on September 11th and throughout the month of September, along with your official AFA pin. 

    How Do I Get a Pin?

    Local Councils will be distributing these pins in person starting this week.  Be on the lookout for a communication from your Local Council with more information on how pins will be distributed locally at your base.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers.


    Uniform Quality Issues – Your Help Is Needed!

    Uniform Committee

    Our Uniform Committee is continuing to advocate for improvements in uniform quality and needs your help!  Committee Members have heard your concerns loud and clear and want to continue driving change that will improve the quality of our uniforms. 

    Management and Unisync, the Company’s uniform vendor, currently have a matrix in place to “red flag” issues after hitting a threshold number of complaints. The more individual reports that are received by Unisync, the more likely a particular issue will get management’s attention.  Management is incredibly focused on this data and uses it almost exclusively to dedicate resources to making changes and resolving issues.  Our Uniform Committee is asking for your help by reporting every uniform quality issue that you have in a documented email to Unisync.

    Some progress has already been made based on response to the most recent survey and emails sent by Flight Attendants. As of July 1, 2021, the following changes have been put in place:

    • All new production of pants, skirts and dress hems will be double-stitched at the factory.*
    • All hems performed at the distribution center will be double stitched and only done in-house.*
    • Thread loop counts will be increased on all buttons for new production garments at the factory.*
    • Unisync has increased inspections performed on new garments and returns coming into the distribution center and will repair any hems or buttons to the above standard.

    * Please note that some residual stock may remain with the previous manufacturing method.

    There are still more issues to be addressed such as fabric quality and accessory/detail pieces like wings and zippers.  Please help our Uniform Committee by taking the time to email Unisync with any quality issues you are experiencing.  Contact information for Unisync can be found below or on the Uniform Subsite under “Customer Service.”  When sending an email, please describe the issue with as much detail as possible and include a photo if possible.  Please CC your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so that the Uniform Committee can track the issues as well.

    Smaller issues such as buttons falling off or hems coming out can be fixed at the Uniform Fit Center or through a tailor of your own choosing and submitted for reimbursement following the alterations guidelines; however, we ask that you still report to Unisync so the issues can be tracked and monitored.

    How To Report Issues to Unisync

    Email: alaskaservice@unisyncgroup.com
    Phone: 1-833-5-ALASKA / 1-833-525-2752
    Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM Pacific time

    When emailing, please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the CC line

    Questions?

    Thank you for joining us in this process. We want all of you to be proud to wear our uniform!  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Uniform Committee. 


    Hotel Resources & Safety Reminders

    Hotel Committee

    Hotel Hotline Document

    Each month, management publishes a resource document with information about layover hotels and transportation providers.  This document, called the Hotel Hotline, is available on both the Inflight website (Hotel Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline) and in GoodReader on the IMD (ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline).  In the Hotel Hotline, you’ll find a wealth of information including current local face covering requirements, food & beverage options and discounts, and other amenity information for each hotel.

    Verify Your Transportation Provider

    You can find information about the designated transportation provider for your layover in your trip information in Crew Access.  The Hotel Hotline document often provides additional details including what type of vehicles the provider operates, what they look like, and how they might be marked.  To ensure your safety, it is always a good idea to know who your transportation provider is and what the vehicle that will be picking you up should look like.

    When a transportation provider arrives and indicates they are scheduled to transport your crew, ask the driver to verify the airline and flight number that they have been assigned to pick up. All drivers should have this information.  If the driver is unable to verify the flight number, call the transportation provider using the phone number listed in Crew Access or the Hotel Hotline to confirm that they have dispatched the driver.  If you are unable to get in contact with the transportation provider, call Crew Scheduling for additional verification before getting into the vehicle.

    Layover Safety

    Safety is always our primary responsibility while on the aircraft, but we should also remain focused on safety when on layovers.  Taking additional precautions and keeping personal safety at the forefront of your mind is always a best practice.  Here are a few tips:

    • If not staying at hotel, leave contact information with other crewmembers or a trusted contact if not traveling with other crew members.
    • Prop the guestroom door open with luggage while examining closets, bath, windows, under beds, and ensuring all locks are in working order—if there is an intruder, you have an opportunity to yell for help and quickly leave room.
    • Use the buddy system to ensure each crew member’s room is clear.
    • Always use chain latch/bar latch (secondary lock) while in room.  If you must open door, keep chain/bar latched.
    • Always use optical viewing port when available.
    • If anyone should request entry to room, verify with front desk that the individual has a need for access.
    • While moving about hotel (restaurant, lounge, pool area, etc.), if you feel that you are being followed or closely watched, inform the hotel front desk.  Remain at the front desk until a determination has been made concerning suspicion.
    • Leave TV on and turn volume up a little louder when leaving room.
    • During evening hours, when outside the hotel, walk in pairs—it is always a good idea to use buddy system.  Do not assume all areas are good areas to walk or jog.
    • Do not use back stairways and avoid dark areas around hotels.
    • Do not wear expensive jewelry on layover—do not be a target.

    You can find more information about layover safety in the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM), section 7.600, pages 8–11.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your Local Hotel Committee.


    Personal Strategies for Approaching the Anniversary of September 11th

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    As we approach the anniversary of September 11th, many of us will begin to plan how we’ll recognize this day. Anniversaries offer an opportunity to acknowledge our memories and experiences, to connect with others who share in them, and to pay tribute to our individual and collective journeys.  They can also serve as personal and professional milestones of our healing and resiliency.   For some, September 11th will be marked with private personal gestures such as observing a moment of silence, spending quiet time reflecting, or dedicating our flying to our profession.  For others, it will be marked with collective activities such as ceremonies and memorial services.

    There is no right way or better way to recognize the anniversary; but, there are some suggestions that may prove helpful as we approach the anniversary of September 11th. 

    • Observe the anniversary in a way that’s comfortable for you.  Say no to events or activities that you sense may flood you with too many feelings.  Find more gentle ways of honoring the anniversary.
    • Don’t compare yourself to how others around you appear to be dealing with the September 11th anniversary.
    • Acknowledge that we all heal at different rates, in different ways, and with different outcomes.
    • Give yourself permission and time to be affected.  Though uncomfortable, anticipate and plan for having a stress reaction as the anniversary approaches.  Trust that if you have moments of difficulty, you’ll be able to pull yourself back together.
    • Try not to isolate yourself.  Pre-plan now to be with people if you know you have this tendency.

    However you choose to structure your day this September 11th or however it just naturally unfolds, please remember that your AFA EAP Committee Members welcome being a part of it.  If you or a flying partner needs a confidential ear, please call us at (949) 470-0493 or find your Local EAP Committee contact information at afaalaska.org/eap.  Remember, we’re just a phone call away.  

    Filed Under: EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2021, hotels, layovers, safety, September 11th, uniforms, Unisync

    AFA Update – April 6, 2020

    April 6, 2020 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training
    • Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals
    • Reporting Uniform Reactions
    • Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information
    • AFA EAP Support Services
    • CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    Cancellation of April & May Recurrent Training

    On Friday, management announced that they would be cancelling recurrent training (RT) for the months of April and May as a precautionary measure in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.    Along with the cancellation announcement, management also provided information about an FAA temporary exemption granting a two-month extension to Flight Attendants with April and May base months (as well as some Flight Attendants scheduled for RT at the end of March).  This exemption will give affected Flight Attendants an additional two grace months during which to complete RT in 2020 (e.g. a Flight Attendant whose base month is April and grace month is May will now have June and July as additional grace months this year).

    AFA representatives have requested that management remove the April cancelled classes from rosters in Crew Access as soon as possible in order to allow Flight Attendants to manage their schedules and trade and/or pick up flying if desired.  Crew Planning is also in the process of removing RT pre-planned absence from NavBlue to allow Flight Attendants who were scheduled for class in May to bid normally.  Management has indicated that they will contact Flight Attendants whose RT class has been cancelled to discuss rescheduling options but they have not yet provided AFA with specifics on what the process for rescheduling will be.

    If you have questions about the April/May recurrent training cancellations, please contact Inflight Training management directly at inflight.training@alaskaair.com.


    Reminders About Layover Transportation and Meals

    Hotel Committee

    Dedicated Crew-Only Layover Hotel Transportation

    The AFA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 19, 2020 provided information about the temporary implementation of dedicated crew-only layover hotel transportation.  Management also communicated this information in bulletin #2020-0016, issued on March 17.  As a reminder, this crew-only transportation may be either hotel-provided van that is dedicated for crewmembers only or separate contracted transportation.  Please reference your trip information in Crew Access to determine whether the hotel or a contracted vendor will be providing layover hotel transportation.  You can also find a complete list of dedicated transportation providers on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Dedicated Transportation.

    As always, if you encounter any issues with a transportation provider, please notify your AFA Hotel Committee by filing a CrewCare report.

    Food Availability on Layovers

    At the request of AFA, management has compiled a list of food availability at each layover hotel throughout the system.  This list is updated regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information.  It can be found on the Inflight website > Hotel, Travel, & Station > Hotel News > Food Availability.

    Questions?

    Your AFA Hotel Committee is here to assist and support you in all matters related to layover hotels and transportation.  You can find contact information for your Local Hotel Committee by clicking here.


    Reporting Uniform Reactions

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

    With the launch of the new Unisync uniform, our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Uniform Committee would like to offer a reminder about how to report reactions or safety concerns related to the new uniform pieces.  Management has outlined the process for reporting these concerns in a document that is housed on the uniform subsite of Alaska’s World.  You can access the document directly by clicking here (AAG sign on required).

    Questions?

    If you have questions about how to report uniform reactions or need assistance in navigating the process, please contact AFA Uniform Safety Representative Deb Wallstrom at uniform.reactions@afaalaska.org.


    Voluntary Benefits Updates & Information

    Benefits Committee

    Our AFA Benefits Committee has received information that Alaska employees who have either 401(k) through Vanguard or Alaska Credit Union loans may be eligible for modified payment arrangements.  National Group Protection (NGP) has also provided information about continuation of coverage for anyone enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program who takes a leave of absence.

    Vanguard – 401(k) Loans

    • You can suspend a loan for up to 12 months
    • It can take up to two pay periods to process the suspension
    • Once the request has been processed, the 12 month suspension begins
    • You can reinstate payments earlier without penalty
    • You can also make payments during the suspension of any amount without penalty.  If you choose to do so, it will not restart your loan.
    • You will accrue interest during that time – but this is interest you pay yourself.  This may adjust your loan payment amount once your loan is reinstated.

    For assistance with Vanguard 401(k) loan suspensions, contact Vanguard Participant Services at (800) 523-1188 (available Mon-Fri, 5:30 AM to 6 PM Pacific time).  You can also reach out to Jamie Smalley with specific questions at jaime.smalley@alaskaair.com.

    Alaska Air Group Credit Union Loans 

    The Alaska Air Group Credit Union (AAGCU) is offering an emergency skip-a-payment option that may allow customers to skip to three monthly payments on certain AAGCU loans.  For more information about this program, including a link to apply, please visit the AAGCU website by clicking here.

    AFA Supplemental Benefits – National Group Protection

    National Group Protection (NGP) has provided information for those who are enrolled in the NGP/CAIC supplemental benefits program and take a Leave of Absence (LOA).  These special provisions include:

    • Coverage will continue without interruption during the LOA
    • Premiums are not due during the LOA
    • CAIC will honor claims during the LOA
    • No action is required on your part to maintain your coverage

    Complete information can be found in this document.  If you have any questions, please contact National Group at (800) 344-9016 or service@ngp-ins.com.


    AFA EAP Support Services

    Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

    AFA EAP has put together several resources to help Flight Attendants manage their personal mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 outbreak.  All services are available in either a telephone or online format.  For a complete list of support services being offered, schedules, and access information, please click here.

    Questions?

    Please contact your Local EAP Committee for more information or assistance.


    CWA/NETT and LinkedIn Learning

    AFA International

    As a part of CWA, AFA members are entitled to take advantage of complimentary online learning through CWA/NETT.  CWA/NETT provides you and your family with access to hundreds of online training courses through LinkedIn Learning. This might be the perfect time to brush up on existing skills or learn new ones. 

    Examples of learning titles include:

    • Zoom Meetings
    • Microsoft Collaboration
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Sharepoint

    You can get started by completing this form.  The form requires your CWA local number, which you can find on the Contact Us page of the AFA Alaska website under FAQs > Membership and Dues Questions > What’s My CWA Local Number.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact your LEC Officers.

    Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Benefits Committee, EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Hotel Committee, Inflight Training Committee, Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: 2020, Benefits, COVID-19, CWA, EAP, hotels, layovers, novel coronavirus, recurrent training, transportation, uniform, uniform reactions

    AFA Update – August 16, 2019

    August 16, 2019 12:00

    In This Edition

    • Hotel Crew Room Blocks Card Now Online
    • REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming
    • TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!
    • Cabin Air Quality Resources

    Hotel Crew Hotel Room Blocks Card Now Online

    Hotel Committee

    Your AFA Hotel Committee has succeeded in their effort to have the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card uploaded to an easily accessible location on both the Inflight website and the IMD.  The Crew Hotel Room Blocks card (commonly known as the “purple card”) is a quick reference card that provides information about appropriate hotel room features and room locations.  This card can be shown to hotel staff when you are assigned a hotel room that does not meet the requirements of the company’s contract with the hotel in order to hopefully remedy the situation on-the-spot. 

    Going forward, the Crew Hotel Room Blocks card will be published on the first page of the monthly Hotel Hotline document.  The Hotel Hotline can be found on the Flight Attendant website under Hotel, Travel & Station > Hotel Hotline.  On the IMD, you can find the Hotel Hotline under ASFASupplemental > Hotel Hotline.

    If you have any questions, please reach out to your Local Hotel Committee.

    REMINDER: Human Rights Committee Forming

    Human Rights Committee

    In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors approved the creation of Human Rights Committees across AFA, with committees to be formed at each Local Council and MEC.  Members of the Human Rights Committee will work to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.  This work will involve close coordination with local community and CWA allies to engage in efforts that advance both human rights and worker’s rights.

    As part of the formation of the Committee, volunteer involvement opportunities are available both at the local level (Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson) and the airline level (MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson).  If you are interested in filling the role of Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson, please refer to recent communications from your Local Executive Council (LEC) Officers or contact your LEC President.

    MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

    Information about the MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson can be found in the August 2, 2019 AFA Update.

    The MEC will hold interviews for the position of MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson during the September MEC meeting on Tuesday, September 17.  Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/bns2FHqC11PLe3889.  The deadline for submissions is 5 PM Pacific time on Tuesday, September 10.  After that time, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

    Please note that in order to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

    TAKE ACTION: Stop Toxic Fumes!

    Government Affairs Committee

    The Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019 aims to protect airline passengers and crew from the harmful effects of toxic cabin air.

    “Our workspace is the public’s travel space and in that space today, crews and passengers are breathing toxins and it has to stop,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson.

    Call your Representative and Senators today and tell them to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act. The House bill is H.R. 2208 and the Senate bill is S. 1112. 

    Call Your Representative: 866-937-4359

    Call Your Senators: 877-750-7411 

    “Hi, my name is_________. As a constituent and a Flight Attendant, I am calling to ask you to cosponsor the Cabin Air Safety Act of 2019. Flight Attendants and passengers can be exposed to toxic fumes in the cabin. We need the FAA to intervene and implement protections. Support clean air onboard for passengers and Flight Attendants!”

    AFA’s efforts to improve the cabin environment span the last three decades, from advocating for smoke-free skies to stopping poisonous pesticide spraying to addressing the dangers of contaminated bleed air. We advocate that the airline industry either end the use of engine bleed air for cabin air supply like on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or mitigate the circulation of contaminated air. In 2015, AFA was an active member of the ICAO task group that published Circular 344, which advises airlines to enhance their operational procedures to minimize onboard exposure to smoke and fumes. This led to an FAA Safety Alert published in 2018. This is progress, but it doesn’t go far enough. 

    “Most Americans go to work with the expectation of breathing clean air. Flight Attendants don’t have this guarantee, and it is past time for that to change,” AFA President Sara Nelson said.

    Cabin Air Quality Resources

    Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Air Quality Subcommittee

    Your AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and Air Quality Subcommittee have worked with AFA International to put together a number of tools and resources to use in the event of a cabin air fume event.  Some of the resources available are listed below.

    Air Quality Fume Event FAQs

    The Committee has compiled a comprehensive question and answer document to help provide information about many of the questions and concerns that have been received about cabin air fume events.

    You can access the Q&A document by clicking here.

    Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card

    The Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card is a wallet sized card that explains what to do in a contaminated cabin air exposure event.  The card can be kept in a badge holder behind your company ID or in your wallet.

    The card was recently updated by the Committee and now includes information about the Airbus fleet.  If you currently have an older version of the card, please destroy your old card and replace it with a newly updated one. The updated cards are currently being distributed to each domicile.

    Look for more information from your Local Council about where to pick one up at your base.  You can access and print the card on the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

    AFA Alaska Website

    Additional air quality information, including a flow chart that describes what to do in a cabin air fume event, can be found at afaalaska.org under Committees > Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC) > Air Quality.

    Questions?

    If you have additional questions about cabin air quality or the AFA resources available, please email airquality@afaalaska.org or contact a member of your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC).  

    Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Government Affairs Committee, Hotel Committee, Human Rights Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2019, air quality, cabin air, committee chairperson appointment, crew rooms, Government Affairs, Hotel Committee, hotels, Human Rights Committee, interviews, MEC Committee Chairperson, toxic fumes

    Layover Hotel and Transportation Issues: 4 Things to Know

    August 23, 2016 17:00

    Along with the busy summer travel season has come an uptick in issues with crew hotel accommodations and layover transportation.  Management has a responsibility to provide hotel accommodations and corresponding transportation to and from the hotel to Flight Attendants on a layover.  This information is contained in section 34 of the contract.

    1. If you have a problem with your hotel or transportation, report it!

    Management, in conjunction with their hotel vendor API, has recently launched a new version of CrewCare, the website that is used to give feedback on hotel and transportation issues.  The new system, My Crew Care, can be accessed through the new Flight Attendant Website.

    In order to take action on issues with layover hotels and transportation, your AFA Hotel Committee needs to know when you have a problem.  Reports submitted through My Crew Care are automatically routed to your AFA Hotel Committee so they can track issues and trends in our layover locations.

    To Access My Crew Care

    1. Log-in to the inflight website (http://asainflight.alaskaair.com)
    2. Open the menu
    3. Click “Hotels”
    4. Click “Hotel Links”
    5. Click “My Crew Care”
    6. Open the menu
    7. Click “Feedback”
    8. Click “Provide Feedback”

    IMG_2172    IMG_2173    IMG_2174    IMG_2175    IMG_2176

    First Time Using the New My Crew Care System?

    When you open the My Crew Care site for the first time, you’ll need to register with your alaskaair.com email address.  After registering, the system will send you a confirmation email.  From the confirmation email, click the link to confirm your registration.  Once you complete this registration process, you won’t need to do it again.

    API has written a user guide for the My Crew Care system that you can access here: https://api2.apicrewcare.com/Uploads/Public/UserGuides/CrewMember/CrewmemberUserGuide_AlaskaAir.pdf.

    2. If your transportation is late, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft!

    If your van hasn’t arrived to pick you up from the airport within 35 minutes of block-in, you have the right to take other transportation and submit the expense for reimbursement from management.  The same thing applies if your van hasn’t arrived to pick you up from the hotel within 10 minutes of the scheduled departure time.  You can find this contractual language in section 34.B.  Be sure to save your receipt and submit an expense report after your trip.  Your supervisor can assist you with completing an expense report.

    3. There’s been an increase in unscheduled layover hotel blunders

    Recently, Crew Scheduling and the Company’s hotel vendor, Accommodations Plus International (API), have dropped the ball in multiple cases involving unscheduled layover hotels and transportation.  Your Hotel Committee has been advised of recent situations where layover hotel rooms were not secured until after crew arrival in a layover city, transportation not being booked, and hotels being booked that didn’t meet minimum contractual requirements. Crew Scheduling is following policy and using a hotel vender as required by management, so AFA holds management ultimately responsible for these unacceptable and ongoing slipups. Management has an obligation to have contractually compliant hotel accommodations reserved and transportation arranged prior to crew arrival in their layover city.   AFA has requested a meeting with management and API to call for immediate resolution of these issues.

    4. You can check to see if your unscheduled layover hotel meets contractual minimums

    Travel Weekly classification example

    Example of how to determine the Travel Weekly classification for a specific hotel

    If you end up with an unscheduled layover, it’s possible that the regular crew hotel in that city could be full and you might end up with a room at an alternate hotel.  Section 34.A.4 of the contract specifies that the company must make every reasonable effort to ensure that an alternate hotel meets the minimum requirements outlined for regular layover hotels.  At a minimum, Flight Attendant layover hotels must meet a rating of 5 or above as rated by Travel Weekly.  You can check to see how your alternate hotel is rated by typing the hotel name into the search box at http://www.travelweekly.com/Hotels.

    If you have been placed at a hotel that doesn’t meet the minimum rating of 5 or above, you should contact Crew Scheduling immediately to request a different hotel that meets contractual minimums.  If you’re told that no other hotels are available, please forward your pairing information, hotel name, and hotel address to your Local Hotel Committee as soon as possible.

    Have Questions?

    Your Local Hotel Committee can help!  You can find contact information on your Local Council’s committee page or on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

    In Solidarity,

    Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC Hotel Committee Chairpersons Laura Hinojosa and Jodi Snow

    Filed Under: Hotel Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2016, API, Hotel Committee, hotels, layovers, transportation

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    Need Help?

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

    Instagram

    Our AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met on Tuesday, August 8 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to uniforms. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are reporting related to uniform quality, wearability, and availability. If you are experiencing any issues with uniform quality or construction, please report the issues to Unisync as soon as possible. Please include your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson on the email so they can help track any issues or trends that might be developing.
    This year’s company milestone anniversary celebration is coming up on Saturday, September 23, and we’re ready to turn the party into a RED HOT event! If you’re planning to attend as someone being recognized for a milestone anniversary (10 years of service and every five years after that) or joining someone who is as a guest, don’t forget to wear red (including your red AFA pin) to the event. Let’s show management our solidarity and turn out a sea of red to demonstrate that we’re fired up about a contract recognizing our contributions to the company’s success over our many years of service!
    Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) met this week on Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19, to conduct their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants. The MEC also met with executive management and a group of union leaders from other company workgroups to receive updates and discuss concerns affecting employees company-wide. The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11.
    We continued discussing Section 10.R-S: Scheduling and MPRs/RIGs this session, but progress has slowed considerably since June. We have been assigned a Mediator, who we anticipate joining our negotiation sessions starting in November. We are planning additional Mobilization activities in the coming months and expect to share additional details next week.
    Our AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, September 14, to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent and advocate for our Reserve Flight Attendants. The Committee also met with management to review specific concerns that Flight Attendants brought forward. Your Local Reserve Committee is available to answer questions, clarify contractual language, or help resolve reserve-related issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
    Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met on Wednesday, September 13 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to catering and onboard service/sales. The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft. The Inflight Service Committee continues to work with management to continuously improve onboard catering and engage in discussions leading to future improved processes. Please continue to report catering issues through Block2Block and safety-related issues through ReportIt!

    Latest News

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    • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023
    • September 2023 MEC Meeting Recap
    • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023
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    Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

    September 22, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Uniform Committee On Tuesday, August 8th, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Present at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN), and MEC Uniform […]

    September 2023 MEC Meeting Recap

    September 20, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Master Executive Council (MEC) The September 2023 Regular MEC Meeting was held this week on Monday, September 18, and Tuesday, September 19. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs […]

    Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

    September 19, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Reserve Committee On Thursday, September 14, representatives from our AFA Local Reserve Committees met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Brandi Urban (ANC), Conner Gallagher (SEA), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). Also present were MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie […]

    Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2023

    September 18, 2023 Leave a Comment

    Inflight Service Committee On Wednesday, September 13, our AFA Inflight Service 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 Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), Johanna Thomas (LAX), and Chase Vandergrift […]

    Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

    September 15, 2023

    Human Rights Committee September 15 marks the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States.  The celebration, also called National Hispanic Heritage Month, began as Hispanic Heritage Week when it was established by legislation signed into law by President Lydon Johnson in 1968.  In 1988, the single-week event was expanded to a month-long period to […]

    Response to the November 18th Inflight Town Hall Webcast

    November 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    California meal & rest breaks Management’s continued scare tactics and speculative “what-if’s” as put forward during the Inflight Town Hall webcast today regarding California meal & rest breaks are unnecessary and extremely disappointing. Although it is true there are some challenging aspects of compliance with California meal & rest break laws for commercial aviation, AFA […]

    ALPA Alaska Approves Tentative Agreement for Pilot Ratification

    September 23, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    Master Executive Council (MEC) President Jeffrey Peterson The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) Alaska Airlines leadership recently announced they approved a tentative agreement (TA) with Alaska Airlines management for pilot ratification. Click here for the Alaska Airlines Pilots TA Quick Guide (September 2022) > At a quick glance, the TA contains impressive improvements to scope, […]

    Masks Are No Longer Required in Airports or Onboard

    April 18, 2022 By Jeffrey Peterson (MEC President)

    The CDC and TSA report the federal mask mandate is no longer in effect after today’s court ruling. Additionally, Alaska Airlines management just announced via multiple channels that the mask mandate is lifted effective immediately on all aircraft.

    RSS Negotiations News

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    • Join The Picket Line: Support Southwest Flight Attendants
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