This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants
LAX Update – March 2026
Aloha LAX,
March has been a very busy month for your Officers and Chairs so we would like to take a moment to recap some the events that have been happening.
Board of Directors Meeting – Portland, OR
March 9-12 the Board of Directors meeting was held in Portland, OR. Local Presidents and MEC Officers from every airline represented by AFA gather to discuss, debate and vote on changes to the AFA-CWA Constitutions and Bylaws. A few momentous and significant things happened at this years Board.
Dues Increase
Starting in June, AFA members will see an increase in dues. When AFA merged with CWA, part of that agreement required AFA to maintain membership dues at no less than the CWA average. Due to outdated systems, CWA was unable to provide an accurate dues average for many years. With updated technology now in place, CWA has confirmed the current average at $65.36.
Each airline’s MEC will have the ability to request a member rebate over the next three years to help phase in the full amount. Additional details will be shared by the MEC.
To be clear, the Board did not vote to raise dues. This adjustment is required to comply with the merger agreement between AFA and CWA.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please reach out to your officers.
Agenda Item #8 – Timeline of Merging of the MECs During an Airline Merge
Council 47 LEC President Josh Aoki authored an agenda item to extend the timeline for merging MECs during an airline merger. Under the existing policy, MECs are required to merge within 90 days of financial close, which often occurs rapidly.
At the Board of Directors meeting, Josh spoke in support of the agenda item explaining the challenges we at Hawaiian and Alaska have and continue to go through with the quick merging of the MECs and was met with a standing ovation. The agenda item was subsequently amended and unanimously approved, extending the MEC merger timeline to 12 months.
Edith Lauterbach Award – Beth Hayes
Beth Ann Hayes was awarded the Edith Lauterbach Award at this years Board of Directors Meeting. She was nominated by Josh for the following reasons. For many, she is the first call when help is needed, a reflection of her consistency, reliability, and unmatched follow-through. Beth ensures no member concern goes unanswered and no issue is left unresolved. What truly sets Beth apart is that she does this work without ever seeking recognition. She leads with humility and a genuine commitment to our union, our members, and the principles of solidarity and representation. Her impact on Council 47 is lasting, and this nomination is a reflection of the standard she has set for all of us. Scott Henton, former Hawaiian MEC VP, was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing the decades of service to AFA and the Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
California Labor Federation Legislative Conference
Council 47 LEC President Josh Aoki and MEC/LEC Government Affairs Chair Bruni Agosto-Pinal attended the California Labor Federation Conference in Sacramento from March 16–18.
During the conference, delegates voted on endorsements for the upcoming midterm elections. Candidates are considered for endorsement regardless of party affiliation, with a primary focus on their voting records related to labor issues and the protection of workers’ rights. An official endorsement list will be shared for your consideration as you prepare to vote.
Following endorsement day, labor leaders engaged in discussions on several critical issues impacting unions and workers, including the rise of AI in the workplace and concerns over ICE targeting union members.
In addition to participating in the conference, Bruni visited the California State Capitol to meet directly with state legislators and their staff. During these meetings, she advocated on behalf of Flight Attendants and organized labor, emphasizing the importance of protecting worker rights, strengthening labor standards, and addressing emerging challenges facing our workforce.
Pass Travel Open Enrollment
Pass Travel Open Enrollment – NOW ACTIVE
Pass Travel Open Enrollment is now underway and will close on March 24
During this enrollment period you may
- Change your existing travel companion (primary traveler)
- Remove parents and replace them with secondary travelers
- Verify student status for children ages 18-25
If you would like to add a new eligible traveler—such as a spouse, domestic partner, biological child, guardian/foster child, domestic partner’s child, parent, or stepparent—you will need to contact the People Resource Line (PRL) at 844-899-3617 or email Employee Travel at Employee.Travel@alaskaair.com for instructions
Your leadership advocated for in-person support in LAX to ensure our Flight Attendants have the same access to resources as HNL. Unfortunately, the company has advised that they are unable to offer in-person sessions in LAX due to limited resources, though they have indicated they are still exploring possibilities. If that changes, we will update you immediately. Alaska Inflight Supervisors have begun attending Hawaiian briefings and are available to assist with Alaska pass travel-related questions during this transition.
Mahalo
We just want to thank you all for your continued solidarity. The LAX Pulse Form has been an effective tool to hear what you all are thinking and feeling. We are always here for you so please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Josh, Paul and Beth
Council 47 Officers LAX/SEA
47@afahawaiian.org
lax@afahawaiian.org
LAX Pulse Form
