Union Break with Council 35

Union Break Podcast | 2027 Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll! Open Enrollment is here, and there are some important changes to your benefits for 2027! In this episode of Union Break, Council 35 hosts Mischelle and Mya welcome back Julie Pearson, SFO Benefits and Retirement Chairperson, to break down what's changing with medical, dental, and vision coverage and what Flight Attendants need to know before making their selections. Here's what we're talking about: Spousal and Domestic Partner Coverage: Why you must actively re-enroll your spouse or domestic partner this year. Medical Plan Changes: Understanding the differences between Core PPO, Premier Saver, Kaiser Core HMO, and Kaiser Saver plans. HSA vs. FSA: How health savings accounts work and how to take advantage of company contributions. Dental and Vision: New plan options, coverage differences, and choosing what works for you. Deductibles, Coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket Maximums: What these terms really mean for your wallet. Automatic Enrollment: What happens if you don't make your benefit elections. IMPORTANT: Open Enrollment closes November 20, 2026! Have questions? Reach out to Julie Pearson, your SFO Benefits and Retirement Chairperson, for assistance. Grab a coffee, take a Union Break with us, and get the information you need to make informed decisions about your benefits. #UnionBreak #AFACouncil35 #SFO #UnionStrong #solidarity

Union Break California Timecard: Questions, Concerns & Accountability The California timecard process has raised a lot of questions among Flight Attendants, and we're hearing your concerns! In this episode of Union Break, Mischelle and Mya take a closer look at the issues Flight Attendants are experiencing with the timecard app, including connectivity problems, cellular data usage, recording time during multi-day pairings, and how training and company business hours are handled. LECP Melissa Osborne also tackle one of the biggest concerns: Could timecard errors lead to discipline? With reports of technical issues involving other company systems, Flight Attendants want to know what protections are in place when technology fails. Why are California based Flight Attendants being asked to follow different procedures? Should additional administrative requirements come with compensation? And what is the company doing to ensure the process is accurate, reliable, and fair? These are questions coming directly from the line, and they deserve answers. Join us as we continue the conversation about accountability, employee protections, and the importance of making your voice heard. Have questions or concerns? Reach out to your AFA representatives. We want to hear from you! Union Break — Your Union. Your Voice. Your Podcast.* #UnionBreak #afaCouncil35 #FlightAttendants #SFO #Solidarity #unionstrong

Union Break Podcast: Membership Engagement What is Membership Engagement, and why does it matter to you? In this episode of Union Break, hosts Mischelle and Mya welcome Dani Kellogg, SFO Council 35 Membership Engagement Chairperson, for a fun, informative, and honest conversation about connecting Flight Attendants with our union. With so many changes happening across our airline and at our SFO base, knowing where to turn for reliable information and support is more important than ever. We discuss how Membership Engagement helps bridge the gap between members, local officers, and union committees, why getting involved doesn't have to mean a huge time commitment, and how every Flight Attendant can make a difference. Whether you have questions, need support, want to volunteer, or simply have an idea to share, your voice matters! Plus, enjoy plenty of laughs, crew stories, and a little unexpected adventure with Mya! Remember: A stronger union starts with connection, communication, and YOU. Tune in, stay informed, get involved, and join us for another Union Break!

Union Break: California Timecards & No-Show Changes There’s a lot happening right now, and Union Break is breaking down two important changes affecting Flight Attendants. Mischelle and Mya sit down with Council 35 LEC President Melissa Osborne to talk about the new California timecard/clock-in and clock-out process, why it’s being implemented, the concerns AFA has raised, and what members need to know as the process rolls out. The conversation also covers questions surrounding compliance, potential discipline, and AFA’s continued pushback on the new requirement. The episode also tackles the change involving No Shows and employee travel privileges including what the policy could mean for Flight Attendants who No Show a trip and the questions AFA is raising about how the policy will be applied. Most importantly, your voice matters. Melissa wants to hear your questions and concerns so they can be brought forward in upcoming discussions with management. #SFO #afacouncil35 #unionbreak #unionstrong #solidarity

Low Bid Options Low Bid Options are back, but what exactly are they, how do they work, and what could they mean for our Membership? In this episode of Union Break with Council 35, Mischelle and Mya sit down with Virginia Fritz, Council 35 Vice President and Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson PBS, to break down Low Bid Options and give members a look at what happens behind the scenes. Virginia shares the history of Low Bids, why they are being considered again, and how they can provide Flight Attendants with greater flexibility while also serving as a staffing tool. The conversation explores the differences between Low Bids and Staffing Leaves, how awards can affect the rest of the bid through a trickle down effect, and why staffing levels, reserve percentages, and average line values all play a role. The group also tackles an important concern for SFO Flight Attendants: high average line values and their impact on workload and work-life balance. Virginia explains why Low Bids can be a positive option—but also why they work best as part of a larger staffing strategy rather than as a stand-alone solution. If you've been wondering what Low Bids mean for you, your schedule, or the future of bidding, this episode helps put the pieces together. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And as always, fly safe and take care of each other. Information that matters, straight from your union

In this episode of Union Break, we take a closer look at one of the most common questions members have: What is a Record of Discussion (ROD), and what does it really mean? Whether you've received an ROD, know someone who has, or simply want to be prepared, this episode breaks down the process from start to finish. We discuss the difference between coaching, an ROD, and formal discipline, how progressive discipline works, what your rights are during an investigatory meeting, and why contacting our union representative early is so important. We also cover common mistakes members make during disciplinary conversations, the value of keeping good documentation, and how resources like Professional Standards and EAP can often help prevent issues from escalating. Our goal is simple: to provide the knowledge and confidence every Flight Attendant needs to navigate these conversations and understand the protections available under our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Tune in for an informative discussion designed to help you protect your rights, understand the process, and know you're never alone.

This week on Union Break, Mischelle and Mya sit down with Council 35 President Melissa Osborne for a candid conversation about the current state of the SFO base. Together, they tackle some of the biggest rumors and concerns circulating on the line, including questions about base staffing, reserve numbers, potential furloughs, and speculation surrounding the future of San Francisco flying. Melissa shares what Council 35 is hearing directly from company leadership, explains why rumors and facts don't always align, and offers reassurance about what is actually known today. The discussion also dives into reserve staffing increases, line construction challenges, sick leave trends, premium pay, and how scheduling decisions impact Flight Attendants across the operation. The episode also opens with a heartfelt message of solidarity and support for our union family at Spirit as they navigate an incredibly difficult time. Learn how AFA members can help and why supporting one another remains at the core of our union values. Plus, the team discusses uniform compliance reminders, what a Record of Discussion actually means, and why members should reach out to their local officers when questions arise instead of relying on jumpseat chatter. If you've been hearing rumors, wondering what changes may be ahead, or simply want the latest update on what's happening at SFO, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Stay informed, stay connected, and remember your union is here to support you every step of the way.

Union Break with Council 35: Dues Increase Explained – Part 2 with Melissa Osborne In this follow up episode, Mya and Mischelle sit down with Melissa Osborne to clarify the upcoming AFA union dues increase for Alaska and Hawaiian flight attendants. Effective June 1, 2026 monthly dues will increase. Melissa breaks down exactly why this change is happening. Learn how the increase will work in practice: Increase starting June 2026 Alaska/Hawaiian MEC secured a two year rebate program. Learn how to access your rebate through the Membership Hub your request your rebate. The team also discusses the arrival of the new printed contracts at the SFO Village, the value of the digital version with hyperlinks, and the importance of updating your Membership Hub profile. Whether you’re confused about the dues change or just want the full details, this episode delivers clear, transparent answers straight from your LEC President Episode Notes: Recorded in San Francisco | Council 35 | AFA Alaska/Hawaiian Perfect for all Alaska and Hawaiian flight attendants who want to stay informed and supported. Listen now and share with your crew. Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/union-break-with-council-35/id1798397854 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BFOaeSLb4tQgDk2GKp4x5?si=3-WqAISTRyS-tjv8710wsQ

Bids, glitches, and a whole lot of speculation. This special edition of Union Break breaks down the PBS drama that had everyone refreshing their screens and questioning their awards. Mischelle and Mya sit down with our LEC VP and PBS Committee Chair Virginia Fritz to unpack exactly what happened during the June bid award rollout, why the inflight website crashed, and what didn’t happen (spoiler: PBS itself wasn’t the issue). Virginia explains the behind the scenes process, clears up confusion about bid protests vs. general questions, and shares how factors like high line averages, reserve percentages, fewer leaves, and summer flying impacted awards this month. If your bid looked unusual, this episode gives the context you’ve been looking for. Transparency, education, and a little humor because bid day stress is real.

This week on Union Break, Mischelle and Mya sit down with Melissa Osborne for an honest deep dive into the grievance process. What a grievance actually is, how investigations work, what Flight Attendants can expect during disciplinary meetings, and why union representation matters. From commuter issues and sick leave investigations to common mistakes members make during meetings, the team breaks down the process in a way that’s informative, supportive, and easy to understand. They also discuss the importance of Professional Standards, EAP resources, and why reaching out early can make all the difference. Real talk, real education, and a behind the scenes look at how Council 35 fights for members every day.