Alaska MEC

What's New at Alaska MEC

Woo Hoo!

Posted On: Jun 16, 2009 (20:34:37)

Stop the Madness! Yes! Finally a motion to curb carry-on craziness! Read this AFA article to learn more:

ASSOCIATION OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS-CWA SUPPORTS CARRY-ON LIMITATION BILL

Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) today announced support for a bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) that seeks to set one enforceable standard for all bags carried onboard U.S. commercial aircraft. The Securing Carry-On Baggage Act, H.R. 2870, would create a universal size requirement for carry-on bags instead of allowing each carrier to determine its own size requirements. The bill also requires that restrictions be enforced at screening locations through use of a template.

“We applaud Representative Lipinski for his strong leadership on this issue and for his responsiveness to our members’ pleas for help in fixing this exploding problem. The lack of uniformity in carrier programs and effective enforcement makes carry-on baggage a multi-faceted problem onboard aircraft today,” said Patricia Friend, AFA-CWA International President. “Current programs to control the weight, size, number and contents of carry-on bags are inconsistent, inadequate, confusing and outdated. Passengers must navigate a maze of carry-on baggage programs that differ at each airline while flight attendants continue to have to settle overhead bin disputes and are often times injured by items that do not meet current guidelines.”

Current standards for carry-on baggage were established more than a decade ago when passengers brought far fewer items on board with them. Checked baggage fees, implemented by airline management recently, have drastically increased the amount of luggage being brought into the aircraft cabin. The revised guidelines will expedite the security screening and boarding processes and ultimately result in fewer delays.

The proposed bill would allow items 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches or smaller in the aircraft cabin. The bill also requires that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) install and utilize a template with depth and width limitations that would prevent items that exceed the prescribed dimensions from passing through the conveyor belt.

For over 60 years, the Association of Flight Attendants has been serving as the voice for flight attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill. More than 50,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines come together to form AFA-CWA, the world’s largest flight attendant union. AFA is part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afanet.org.

Beware: Bed Bugs

Updated On: Jun 11, 2009 (16:51:00)

Ever heard the cold war theory that after a nuclear annihilation only cockroaches will survive? Well, apparently they have competition for last pest standing. Bed bugs are making an unfortunate comeback. Once thought extinct in North America, the number of reports of bed bug infestations has grown. In fact according to the New York Times, the number of reports in San Francisco alone has doubled in just a few years. Getting past the eww yuck factor this is important information for our FAs because while the bugs may be harmless, once they get into your home there is no cheap and easy solution for getting rid of them. These little suckers are good at stowing away during the day and your bags are vulnerable in any hotel regardless of quality.

Arm yourself with information. Check those sheets before and after you sleep in your bed. Any tiny black spots or blood specks are the key signs that they’re there. Another good idea is to keep your luggage on those luggage racks provided, not the floor. It’s a good extra measure to ensure they don’t crawl in.

If you fear you may have been in contact with bed bugs the most important thing is to not allow even one to take the trip home with you. If there is any possibility that one hitched a ride, let your crew know since your bags will be in direct contact with each other. When you get home, do not bring your bag in! Leave it outside until you have time to properly inspect your luggage. It’s also a good idea to take out your vacuum cleaner and really go over the bag and contents.

Finally, have no shame over it. It’s not a reflection of personal cleanliness. So sleep tight and. . . oh you know.

TSA Authorization Passes House of Representatives With Important Flight Attendant Security Provisions

Updated On: Jun 05, 2009 (17:09:00)
Washington, DC – The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) today hailed the United States House of Representatives for passing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization - with flight attendant security training included – by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 397 - 25. The bill, H.R Read More...

World Class Airline

Updated On: Jun 05, 2009 (17:09:00)

Check out the latest video from the Delta and NWA Flight Attendants. (Click on image to view video)

New Pay Step 17

Updated On: Jun 05, 2009 (17:08:00)

Been here 17 years or more? If yes, remember to check your paycheck on June 20th. You should see your 2% raise. This is due to the implementation of 'Step 17' established in our 2006 Flight Attendant Agreement. Step 17 was created in the 2006 agreement to be 1% ($44.68) unless Alaska earned any adjusted pre-tax profit in 2008, which they did, thereby giving us the new Step 17 at $45.12 as of May 1, 2009.