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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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        Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

        March 16, 2026

        On Thursday, February 26, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work in representing our Flight Attendants and advocating 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 pmAS), Gary Manoi (LAX pmHA), Andrew […]

        2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention Recap

        March 13, 2026

        The 2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention concluded on Wednesday, marking the end of an engaging and productive three days. Delegates participated in a full agenda: hearing from elected officials and union leaders, joining a spirited picketing event at PDX to support Horizon Flight Attendants in their contract fight, honoring the achievements of AFA award recipients, electing […]

        Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

        March 12, 2026

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, March 5, representatives from our pre-merger Alaska AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO) & MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire […]

        2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention: What You Need To Know

        March 4, 2026

        Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members will attend the 53rd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Convention in Portland, Oregon. They will join representatives from other AFA airlines to address our Union’s business at the international level. Watch […]

        Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update

        March 2, 2026

        Management currently requires Flight Attendants to provide proof of relocation to receive the flat-rate moving expense, a policy that the AFA is formally challenging through the grievance process. While this dispute is ongoing, Flight Attendants able to submit proof of relocation must submit two forms of documentation, such as a lease or updated driver’s license, within 60 days of transfer if they wish to be paid under management’s terms. The union continues to advocate for a fairer process and encourages members to keep records of all related interactions.

        Recent Posts

        • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026
        • AFA News in Review – March 13, 2026
        • 2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention Recap
        • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026
        • Council 39 Elections Notice
        • AFA News in Review – March 6, 2026
        • Council 39 February 2026 Update (February 26, 2026)
        • AFA-CWA Board of Directors Convention
        • Council 39 January 2026 Update (January 31, 2026)
        • Council 39 December 2025 (December 14, 2025) Update
        • Council 39 November 2025 Update (November 17, 2025)
        • 2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention: What You Need To Know
        • Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update
        • AFA-CWA Council 19 Election Notice
        • AFA News in Review – February 27, 2026

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