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        You are here: Home / Archives for medical

        Medical Leave Tips

        February 18, 2017 09:30

        We know filing for a Medical Leave or Worker’s Compensation can be challenging and we are working to make the process a little easier for you. For now, here are some tips.

        When filing for a Medical Leave you have several ways to choose to file your claim.  ​

        • Online at www.matrixabsence.com.
        • Matrix application, that once it is downloaded to your device allows you to use your camera to send documentation.
        • Phone Matrix at 888-205-2590 to file your intake claim. When calling, you will be given the option to have the forms emailed to you or sent by regular mail, the quickest option is to have it sent via email (you will need to print the documents). You have the option of using your Alaska email address and print them at work.

        Once you have been assigned a claims examiner, you should ask for their phone number, extension, email address and their fax number. We do hear occasionally that phone calls are not returned in a timely manner, by sending an email you have proof of submitting required paperwork or answering pertinent information.

        Matrix will need your doctor’s name and fax number so that they can send a medical certificate that he/she needs to complete and sign. Once your doctor has completed this form and faxes the information to Matrix we think it will be beneficial for the doctor to send you a copy also, they can do this by fax or by email. This gives you the heads up that the documents were sent and also gives you a copy to work from if there should be any questions or need for follow up. If for any reason Matrix should tell you they did not receive this form, please feel free to take it to our Inflight office and they will help you fax the form. Keep the fax receipt as proof it was sent!

        For those with Kaiser, you would bypass having the doctor’s office fax and just use the other recommendations.

        Our AFA benefits chair is Sonia Quackenbush and she can be reached at 951-252-5707 or Squack22@gmail.com and our AFA Workers Compensation chair is Jill Haller 760-524-6554 or hallers737@msn.com.

        If a Medical absence or Workers Compensation claim should cause financial difficulties, the Employee Assistance Fund could be of some help. You will find them on Alaskasworld.com under the Employee Resources tab. Your EAP Representatives are a great resource, if you would like to make contact, give Jean Sharrock a call at 949-257-9663 and she will give you a list of available Representatives and you can always contact one of your Officers.

        We are working on making Worker’s Compensation an easier process and will send a communication soon.

        In solidarity,

        Filed Under: Council 15 SAN Tagged With: leave, matrix, medical, tips

        Travel While on a Medical, Maternity, or Workers’ Compensation Leave of Absence

        February 10, 2015 17:00

        Our contract provides the ability to use on-line travel benefits while on a medical, maternity, or Workers’ Compensation leave of absence.  In order to use these travel benefits, you’re required to provide a doctor’s release that states that travel will not adversely affect your ability to return to active service.  This requirement is spelled out in section 15.J.1 of the contract:

        A Flight Attendant on a leave of absence who wishes to secure on-line travel passes will coordinate such travel through Inflight management. In the case of a medical, maternity or Workers’ Compensation leave s/he must provide a doctors release specifying such travel will not adversely affect the Flight Attendant’s ability to return to active service. 

        Due to the contractual requirement that you provide a doctor’s release in these instances, AFA recommends that you obtain a doctor’s release to travel when you go out on any of these types of leave if you intend to use your travel benefits and your doctor is comfortable providing such a release.

        For more information about this requirement or travel while on a leave of absence, please contact your Local Benefits Committee or one of your LEC Officers.  You can find contact information at afaalaska.org/benefits.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Becky Strachan, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt and MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson Terry Taylor

        MEC 5B Logo

        Filed Under: Benefits Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2015, Benefits, leave of absence, maternity, medical, travel, workers' compensation

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        Latest News

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        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

        October 21, 2026

        On Monday, October 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (pmAS SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

        Reserve Survey Closing Soon

        October 19, 2026

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs. The survey […]

        Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants this Wednesday, October 14

        October 12, 2026

        This Wednesday, October 14, Horizon Air Flight Attendants will take to the picket line to demand the fair contract they rightfully deserve. During our own contract fight, Horizon Flight Attendants never hesitated. They showed up for us on our picket lines, stood shoulder to shoulder with us at every rally, and proved what true solidarity […]

        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), […]

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