AS/HA Merger

Joint Contract Negotiations Begin

March 21, 2025 11:00 Leave a Comment

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has completed the first week of negotiations for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA).

Normally, this update would have been published sooner; however, a lot has been happening at both Alaska and Hawaiian:

February 28: AFA Alaska TA2 was ratified for the Alaska Flight Attendant Contract
March 1: Merged Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC) officers’ term began
March 3 and 4: JNC Negotiations Training
March 4-6, 10, 11, 13, 17: JNC Negotiations planning meetings took place
March 11: AFA Hawaiian reached TA on Contract Extension
March 18: JCBA Negotiations began

*Our Joint Negotiating Committee is (L-R): Jeff Fuke, Paula Mastrangelo, Tim Green, Heather Reier, Virginia Fritz, and Martin Gusman*

With the MECs of both carriers merged, we were now able to begin JCBA negotiations. This JCBA bargaining is unique as we merge two strong and complex contracts on the heels of negotiating successor contracts to both the Hawaiian and Alaska Contracts. As a result, our opening proposals in joint contract negotiations were broad and brief. Key highlights of our Opening Proposal:

Each contract section will be addressed individually.
The Alaska CBA will be used as a basis for language purposes.
Our commitment is to combine the best of both contracts.
We will be seeking improvements over the current contract provisions.
Big decisions like TFP vs Block Pay, Open Time systems, etc., will be decided downline after surveying members and consulting with the MEC.

For our first session, we focused on the less controversial sections and passed proposals on the following:

Non-Discrimination
Purpose of Agreement
Savings Clause
Status of Agreement
Probation Period
Seniority
Grievance Procedures
System Board of Adjustment
Association Security
Training
Leaves of Absence

Tentative Agreements were reached on the following sections:

Non-Discrimination
Purpose of Agreement
Savings Clause
Status of Agreement
Probation Period
Association Security
Medical Examinations

As we move forward, the JNC will normally meet with management for one session per month. Your input will be crucial as the JNC pinpoints the most beneficial language from our two contracts. Our plan involves consulting with our MEC and the relevant Alaska and Hawaiian AFA committee chairs. This will ensure the JNC possesses the necessary working knowledge to fully understand each contractual provision. Then, we will develop section-specific Member surveys to determine our negotiating priorities.

The JNC will be conducting several membership surveys throughout JCBA negotiations that target specific areas of the contract. This will give you the opportunity to provide us with the most current feedback on many key contractual sections, including:

Reserve
Pick Ups, Drops, Trades, and Exchanges / Exchange of Sequences
Scheduling / Hours of Service
Sick Leave
Vacation
Commuter Policy
TFP/Block Hours

Our first Survey about the Commuter Policy is currently being developed and will be sent out in the near future. Please anticipate these surveys throughout negotiations as we approach key sections.

We value your feedback as we work together to create the best possible contract for our combined group. Please reach out to us with any questions or ideas you may have so that we can ensure we leave no ideas on the table.

In Solidarity,

Your Joint Negotiating Committee – Tim Green, Martin Gusman, Jeff Fuke, Virginia Fritz, Heather Reier, and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

Negotiations Support Representative Interviews

March 6, 2025 09:00

Background

The Negotiations Support Representative plays a vital role in assisting the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). Key responsibilities include serving as the primary note-taker during negotiation sessions, developing and managing a communication plan, creating engaging informational content for Members, coordinating social media activities, and gathering and reviewing Member feedback. This position requires strong organizational skills, proficiency with various digital tools, and effective communication abilities. The Representative works closely with different AFA committees and others to support the collective bargaining process.

Duties & Responsibilities

Act as the primary note-taker during all negotiation sessions and related meetings. Ensure proper record-keeping of all negotiation-related notes, proposals, correspondence, and materials for all members of the JNC. Maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with AFA policy.
Develop and manage the JNC communications plan. Following the established MEC Communications development process, create informational and educational materials for the membership, including written content, graphics, and videos (both short and long form). Collaborate with the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson to schedule and publish approved content through MEC communication channels, including social media, the website, broadcast emails, and mobile messaging.
Coordinate social media activities on behalf of the JNC as directed. Work with the JNC to address feedback, comments, and concerns consistently and uniformly. Assist the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson in managing all social media and online platforms as instructed.
Develop, write, and edit correspondence and other communications. Aid in preparing committee reports for the MEC and other stakeholders.
Coordinate the collection of membership feedback on behalf of the JNC. Manage online feedback collection tools, analyze the information, compile feedback summaries, and report back to the JNC Chairperson.
Take responsibility for developing content and presentation materials for Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) Road Shows. Distribute road show materials as directed by the JNC Chairperson.
Maintain the JNC calendar. Schedule and plan meetings and videoconferences as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the JNC Chairperson or the AFA Senior Staff Negotiator.

Expectations/Qualifications

Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
Extensive working knowledge of current pre-merger airline’s collective bargaining agreement. Working knowledge of both pre-merger collective bargaining agreements helpful.
Strong computer skills. Excellent proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Chat, and Meet), Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and website content management systems (WordPress and Squarespace) required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop engaging membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, track issues, prepare reports, plan meeting agendas, and take minutes.
Ability to create engaging membership communications for various channels, including broadcast email, web, and social media. Proficiency in storyboarding, scripting, producing, and editing both short-form and long-form video content is required.
Ability to check and respond to email regularly during the business week, meet deadlines, and follow up on assigned tasks.
Ability to participate in all required videoconferences and virtual meetings.
Ability to attend meetings and in-person activities as required (mainly in Seattle).
Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed.
Willingness to sign and abide by the AFA Alaska confidentiality policy and a company-provided non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Time Commitment & Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment is approximately one week per month in Seattle, with additional remote work as needed. This may increase depending on the pace of negotiations.
Flight pay loss and related override(s) will be compensated in accordance with the applicable pre-merger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions and/or the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual.
Travel time is unpaid; exceptions will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Meal, incidental expenses, and other reimbursements will follow the guidelines outlined in the MEC Policy & Procedure Manual and AFA-CWA C&B.

Working Relationships

With The Joint Negotiating Committee

This position works directly on a day-to-day basis with the members of the Joint Negotiating Committee, including the AFA Senior Staff Negotiator.

With The MEC Communications Committee

Constant interaction with the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson and members of the MEC Communications Committee. Occasional interaction with the AFA International Communications Department.

With The Master Executive Council

Regular interaction with the Master Executive Council as directed by the JNC Chairperson. This position reports to the MEC through the MEC President.

With Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Management

Regular interaction with management’s appointed negotiating team members, particularly during negotiations sessions.

Expressing Interest & Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the April Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 2. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing.

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Alaska & Hawaiian Master Executive Councils Become One Today

March 1, 2025 09:00

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Today marks the official merger of the Master Executive Councils (MECs) of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Our combined MEC consists of eight Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents—two from pre-merger Hawaiian and six from pre-merger Alaska—along with our newly elected joint MEC Officers, who begin their terms today. Together, our joint MEC will now be able to speak with one voice on behalf of all Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants, strengthening our voice with management, the public, and other stakeholders.

While we have now come together as one MEC, we continue to operate under two separate collective bargaining agreements. This will remain the case until we negotiate and ratify a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). This process will take time. Until then, decisions related to the Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendant contract will be made by the LEC Presidents from pre-merger Hawaiian, while decisions about the Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant contract will be made by the six LEC Presidents from pre-merger Alaska. When decisions impact both Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants, all eight LEC Presidents will collectively decide.

One thing that remains unchanged is the support and representation you receive from your Local Council. Each Local Council remains in place, and your directly elected LEC Officers continue to be your first point of contact for anything you may need help with. Eventually, and only once we reach and ratify a JCBA, the dual Local Councils at LAX will also merge.

Introducing Your Joint MEC Officers

As part of the MEC merger, our new MEC Officers, elected at a joint MEC meeting on January 29, begin their term today. They will serve for the remainder of the Alaska MEC election cycle, which concludes on December 31, 2025.

Timothy Green, MEC President

Tim Green has been an LAX-based Flight Attendant since hired in 2003. At different times throughout his career, he has flown regularly out of LAX, BUR, and SNA. This experience has helped him gain an understanding of the unique challenges we face.

Prior to running for MEC President, Tim represented Council 18 (LAX) as LEC President and previously as the Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson. During that time, he became a staunch advocate for our members. That experience inspired him to become more involved and run for elected office in 2016. As an elected officer Tim has never forgotten that he is a Flight Attendant first, union leader second, spending his weekends flying and sitting shoulder to shoulder with our local members. He believes our Union is strongest when everyone is informed and involved. To help facilitate that, he will ensure that AFA has a stronger, more visible presence. Tim believes in honest and open two-way communication and encourages members to reach out to AFA with their concerns.

Brice McGee, MEC Vice President

Brice began his career as a Flight Attendant first based in Los Angeles in 2006, transferring to Seattle and finally San Diego. He skillfully balances his professional responsibilities with family life, calling places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Heredia, Costa Rica home. Renowned for his dedication, Brice has served as LEC Secretary for San Diego and is currently in his third term as the San Diego LEC President, prioritizing Union unity and the well-being of his colleagues.

He shares unforgettable travel experiences with his growing family. Brice’s life is a blend of professional commitment, family love, and a passion for adventure, all driving him to advocate for a stronger and more unified AFA.

Paul Ikioka, MEC Secretary-Treasurer

Paul Ikioka is Secretary-Treasurer for the joint Master Executive Council. Born and raised on the island of Maui, he attended Maui High School. He went on to attend college at California State University Long Beach and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, as well as his MBA.

Paul had a 30-year career as a Financial Analyst at the Boeing Company, when he decided to become a Flight Attendant at Hawaiian Airlines. Citing Quality of Life as the main driver behind his career change, he started on the line in May of 2018 and never looked back.

Paul initially volunteered to join the Grievance Committee as a way to learn more about the Collective Bargaining Agreement. His experiences on the team made him realize that education of our Flight Attendants is the best way to help them to be able to advocate for themselves, and protect the rights that our contract provides.

Paul is committed to be transparent, fair, and continue to promote further education of the contract. He is excited to start on this new journey and continue to serve and support all of our team members.

Alaska-Hawaiian Merged MEC Officer Election Results

January 29, 2025 17:30

https://www.afacwa.org/alaskahawaiian

Notice of Election for Officers of Joint Alaska-Hawaiian MEC

December 9, 2024 16:30

AFA International

Dear Alaska and Hawaiian AFA Members:

As your merger moves forward, so does your representation. Our AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws calls for the merger of the Master Executive Councils in order to address our issues with the power of one voice. That starts with the election of MEC Officers. All of the Local Councils and your elected representatives will remain in place until the ratification of a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). After the ratification of the JCBA the dual Councils at LAX will be merged as well.

The MEC Officer elections for the merged MEC will be conducted on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with an effective date of March 1, 2025. The Alaska and Hawaiian Local Council Presidents and the respective MEC Officers will meet in person in San Francisco for these elections.

Also on the agenda for the in person meeting is a discussion about how to start to merge MEC Policy and Procedures and Committee functions. As a reminder, enforcement of each pre-merger contract with Grievance and System Board will remain separate until a JCBA is ratified. Other Committees may transition to one committee in the immediate months following the March 1, 2025 merger of the MECs, and some committees may work jointly with representatives from each pre-merger airline. More details on that transition process will be communicated following the January 29, 2025 in person meeting. In all cases, only Local Presidents representing Flight Attendants from each respective airline may vote on issues specific to each pre-merger contract.

The International Office will collect Willingness to Serve forms and resumes for consideration by the Local Council Presidents representing both Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants.

Submit your Willingness to Serve through this form.
Email your resume to Int’l Secretary-Treasurer Dante Harris at dharris@afacwa.org

MEC Officer Duties and Responsibilities are detailed in AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws Article VII.

We recommend submission of resume and willingness to serve no later than January 15, 2025 in order to provide ample time for consideration of all candidates. The International Office will provide a list of candidates and their resumes beginning January 7, 2025, with updates to the list completed at the end of each business day.

This communication is focused on the notice for these elections. We will continue to provide merger updates in the coming weeks and months.

In Solidarity,

Sara, Keturah, and Dante
AFA International Officers

Joint Contract Negotiations Begin