This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

• Our JNC met with management this week on August 5 to August 7 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for September 28 to October 3
• Our JNC will be attending Local Council Meetings at your domicile, please stay informed through your Local Leadership for details
• Two surveys are being finalized – Vacation and Sick Leave; look out for links to participate in these surveys in the upcoming weeks

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on August 5 to August 7 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Neil Osato, Director, Labor and People Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Suzanne Balzer, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this week of negotiations Suzanne Balzer, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator and Neil Osato, Hawaiian Airlines, Director of Labor and People Relations joined us at the negotiating table. Throughout the week, we exchanged several proposals, carefully considering each one to ensure that they align with our goals and interests. While there was some movement on both sides, we encountered several provisions that continue to need resolution. It has become clear that addressing these specific areas is vital for us to reach a tentative agreement on those sections. As we continue this important dialogue, we hope to continue to make progress toward finalizing the agreement for each section addressed.

Section by Section Progress

Sections discussed in this session:

• Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
• Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
• Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
• Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

• Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)
• Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

• Section 6 – Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
• Section 15 – Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
• Section 19 – Grievance Procedures (HA CBA Section 23)

Our JNC is Coming To a Base Near You

Our Joint Negotiating Committee will be attending the Local Council Meetings in your domicile. Please stay informed through your Local Council for more information.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for September 30 to October 2.

We are in the process of finalizing two surveys: one for Vacation and one for Sick Leave. Each survey will be distributed separately. The Sick Leave survey will be sent out after the Vacation survey window has closed. Please keep an eye out for the links to these surveys in the coming weeks.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

• JCBA negotiations aim to create a new contract from two existing agreements, rather than improving an existing one
• Our JNC will be conducting targeted surveys for specific contract sections and considers feedback from MEC Committee Chairs and Members
• The goal is to negotiate a contract that incorporates the best aspects of both carriers, providing improvements that benefit all Flight Attendants

JCBA vs. Regular Contract Negotiations: What’s the Difference?

There are important differences between Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations and standard “Section 6” negotiations under the Railway Labor Act. This message outlines how JCBA negotiations work—and what you can expect.

Regular Section 6 Contract Negotiations

Most of you are familiar with Section 6 negotiations, which are used to update and negotiate your carrier’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Here’s how that process typically works:

• Survey First: Before bargaining begins, the Negotiating Committee (NC) sends out a survey to all members to gather input on priorities on existing contract provisions.
• Comparison and Strategy: The NC looks at recent gains by other Flight Attendant groups and compares contract terms across the industry.
• Proposal Development: This information helps AFA create initial proposals for management—our roadmap for negotiations.  Management also brings wanted changes forward.
• Negotiation Flow: Talks usually begin with non-economic sections and sections both sides agree don’t need changes. Tentative agreements are communicated to members along the way.
• If Talks Stall: Either side can ask the National Mediation Board (NMB) for help. If mediation fails, AFA can request a “Proffer of Arbitration,” which may eventually lead to a 30-day cooling-off period—and the legal right to strike.

All of this is governed by Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act. However, JCBA negotiations follow a very different process.

JCBA Negotiations

Here’s how JCBA talks differ from regular negotiations:

• Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process and don’t have all of the above avenues under the Railway Labor Act.  However, the NMB can provide mediation/facilitation services if requested.
• Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts—each with its own culture, policies, rules, and operational concerns adding complexity to the process.
• Different Survey Process: Because it wasn’t possible to capture the entirety of both contracts in one survey, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections. These will also help educate members on both carriers’ current provisions.
• Input Matters: Besides survey feedback, the JNC also considers input and advice from committee chairs, and member emails, comments, and concerns when making decisions.

The Framework: Merger Transition Protocol Agreement (MTPA)

JCBA negotiations are guided by the MTPA, which outlines where and how often the JNC and management meet and other related details. The MTPA also establishes two main approaches:

• Adopt-and-Go: Use an entire section from one contract as-is.
• Modify-and-Adopt: Take a section from one contract, modify it, and include it in the new agreement.

Because the JCBA will likely last beyond current amendable dates of the Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs, the JNC is also pushing for improvements that go beyond both current contracts. Industry comparisons play a key role in setting these goals.

Balancing Two Contracts

In consultation with the Master Executive Council (MEC), the JNC evaluates and compares each section from both contracts—like Sick Leave, Vacation, Open Time, and Training. These provisions often differ significantly between carriers. The JNC’s job is to find solutions that work best for the combined membership.

Subject-matter survey results help guide these choices.

Expect more information on surveys soon as the JNC tackles major contract sections.

Merged Seniority List

Under AFA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the merged seniority list is based on Flight Attendant date-of-hire. A joint committee of Flight Attendants from both airlines – under the guidance of the AFA International Secretary-Treasurer – verifies with documentation and with individual Flight Attendants – all training and hire dates and integrates them according to date-of-hire.

Until a JCBA is finalized (which could take 2+ years), here’s what you can expect per the provisions of the MPTA:

• Hawaiian and Alaska Flight Attendants will continue to operate separately and on their own operation’s aircraft
• No cross-flying between airlines
• Hawaiian widebody aircraft will be flown to Asia and Australia/New Zealand, etc. by Hawaiian Flight Attendants
• Bases and pairings will stay separate
• Alaska Flight Attendants will continue to receive higher pay rates and boarding pay

While having control of the merged seniority list does give AFA significant leverage in these negotiations, there will also be pressure on the parties to combine the operation so that all members can work and take advantage of the entire, combined operation, receive higher pay, and transfer freely between bases- but the JNC will move at a pace that protects your contract rights and prioritizes improvements for all.

Looking Ahead

JCBA talks will involve tough decisions. The JNC will keep members informed and involved, working closely with MEC leaders every step of the way. Your feedback and engagement are vital.

The JNC is committed to negotiating a contract that reflects the best of both carriers—with improvements over and above those provisions that will benefit all Flight Attendants.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

• Our JNC met with management this week on July 15 to July 17 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for August 5 to August 7
• Newly appointed key figures from management included Allen Thieman, the Vice President of Inflight, and Joe Wonderly, the Vice President of Labor Relations
• A Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached regarding Section 18 on Reduction in Force

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on July 15 to July 17 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
	Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska

During the most recent negotiation session, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) engaged with management representatives, including Allen Thieman, who has recently been promoted to Vice President of Inflight, and Joe Wonderly, a newly appointed Vice President of Labor Relations. The discussion was centered around advancing our dialogue on previously submitted proposals, ensuring that we address the needs and concerns of our members effectively.

Our JNC successfully reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) regarding Section 18, which addresses Reduction in Force. We improved the furlough pay, ensured advanced notification of any furloughs, and established additional protections for Flight Attendants in such situations.

Section by Section Progress

TA’s reached in this session:

• Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)

Sections discussed in this session:

• Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
• Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
• Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
• Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
• Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

• Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

• Section 6 – Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
• Section 15 – Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
• Section 19 – Grievance Procedures (HA CBA Section 23)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for August 5 to August 7.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

• Our JNC met with management this week on June 17 to June 19 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for July 15 to July 17
• The JNC conducted a concourse walk at SeaTac Airport to address question and gathering feedback from Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants
• Research and consultation continues in preparation for the next negotiation session scheduled for July 15 to July 17

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on June 17 to June 19 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Matt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
	Allen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay, Hawaiian

During the most recent negotiating session, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) concentrated on the proposals that have been part of our ongoing discussions with the company. We successfully reached agreements on several provisions across different sections; however, there are still additional areas that require attention and resolution. In the time leading up to our next meeting with the company in July, our JNC will continue to engage in thorough research and consultation with our subject matter experts. This process is critical to ensuring that we make well-informed decisions that align with the best interests of our collective group and enhance our overall negotiation strategy.

Section by Section Progress

Sections discussed in this session:

• Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
• Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
• Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
• Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

• Section 6: Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
• Section 15: Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
• Section 19: Grievance Procedure (HA CBA Section 23)

SEA Concourse Walk

Before we resumed our discussions with the company, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) conducted a concourse walk at SeaTac Airport on Monday, June 16. Representatives were present at KCM, N-Gates, and S-Gates from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM PT. The JNC had the opportunity to meet with Flight Attendants from both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines as they started their daily work assignments. They were able to answer questions, address concerns, and gather suggestions.

If you missed the chance to meet with the JNC and have any thoughts you would like to share, please email the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for July 15 to July 17.

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

• Our JNC met with management this week on May 20 to May 22 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 17 to June 19
• A tentative agreement was reached regarding Buddy Bidding for Training aimed at formalizing a current bidding practice utilized by Hawaiian
• Our JNC is currently developing the next survey where a comments section will be included based on your feedback

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on May 20 to May 22 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Matt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Tami Becker Gomez, Managing Director and Associate General Counsel Labor and Employment Law, Alaska
Virgina Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Seth Heiple, Alaska MEC Air Safety Health and Security Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay, Hawaiian

As we proceed with the JCBA negotiations, we have continued with focusing on addressing the less contentious and non-economic sections. During this session, section proposals listed below were exchanged back and forth between the JNC and management. As we delve deeper into these sections, the issues become increasingly complex. Provisions that initially appear straightforward have numerous interconnected concerns that require careful consideration as we work through them.

In the intervening weeks since our last in-person session, and to help us to develop our proposals with management, we consulted and collaborated with AFA’s Hawaiian and Alaska subject matter experts and MEC Committee Chairs in the areas of safety, uniforms, hotels and training.

Seth Heiple came to the table to bring his expertise on Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security, where he spoke to different safety meetings that AFA participates in with management.  He also educated the group about various safety concerns including various serious incidents, including crewmember assaults and fume events. Seth was also able to emphasize aspects of the Hawaiian contract, such as the standardization of emergency equipment.

We successfully formalized a buddy bidding practice that Hawaiian currently uses. This allows a Flight Attendant to waive their seniority during the training bidding process. As a result, they can be paired with a junior Flight Attendant and both can attend training together with the same schedule.

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached in this session:

• Buddy Bidding for Training LOA (HA CBA Section 10.G.6.a)

Sections discussed in this session:

• Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
• Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
• Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
• Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
• Section 33 – Charters (HA CBA Section 12)
• Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4)
• Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections also in ongoing discussion:

• Section 6: Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
• Section 15: Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
• Section 19: Grievance Procedure (HA CBA 23)
• Section 27: Association General (HA CBA Section 22)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for June 17 to June 19. We are actively working on the next survey and have listened to your feedback regarding the Commuter Survey. The next survey will include a section dedicated to comments.