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        You are here: Home / Archives for AS/HA Merger

        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—September 2025

        August 5, 2025 09:00

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

        The integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs) is progressing steadily. Our first group of committees successfully merged on June 1, and we are now prepared to merge additional committees as we move forward. The next group of committees is scheduled to merge on October 1.

        As part of the committee merging process, our MEC will elect a Chairperson for each newly merged committee from among the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant groups. The newly elected Chairperson will coordinate activities across both airlines and support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils— both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. The MEC will conduct interviews during the September MEC Meeting for the following roles:

        • MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

        Other committees will merge later in the process. As we approach those dates, we’ll keep you informed about the integration timeline for each committee, including interview schedules.

        General Qualifications

        Qualifications for all MEC-level Chairperson positions include: 

        • Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
        • Currently qualified Flight Attendant or, if on an approved leave of absence, last qualification must have been within 36 months prior to start of term.
        • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson is preferred.
        • Previous committee-specific training preferred.
        • Strong ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team in a collaborative environment.
        • Ability to attend meetings as required, both via videoconference and in person.
        • Strong computer skills, including a good working knowledge of Google Workspace (email, calendar, Drive, and other applications) and Microsoft 365.
        • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, prepare reports, plan meetings (including scheduling, logistics, and agenda preparation), and take minutes.
        • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

        Duties and Responsibilities

        Details about each committee’s duties and responsibilities are available on the respective committee pages of afaalaska.org. Additional information regarding MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities is available in this document.

        Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

        The time commitment for each position varies and may change based on current workload levels. Specific information about time commitment expectations and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be provided during the interviews. All positions operate in line with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

        Term of Service

        Candidates who are successfully elected will serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028). Their official term will begin on October 1, 2025, and conclude on December 31, 2028.

        Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

        The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the September Regular MEC Meeting from Tuesday, September 16, through Thursday, September 18. 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, September 9, 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 don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

        Questions?

        Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson position duties and responsibilities can be directed to MEC Vice President Brice McGee at mecvp@afaalaska.org.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: committee elections, interviews

        Understanding JCBA Negotiations

        July 30, 2025 13:00

        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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: pmAS, pmHA

        Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) FAQs

        July 23, 2025 17:00

        As we shared last week, Seniority Verification Letters (SVLs) have been mailed out and have arrived at many Flight Attendants’ mailing addresses on file with the company. To help answer questions about the seniority verification process, the Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) has put together a few questions and answers to help shed more light on how the process works and what you can expect.

        Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC)

        What is the purpose of the SMIC?

        The SMIC is responsible for compiling the necessary employment data for all Flight Attendants from their respective airlines and working as a full committee to compile a single Flight Attendant seniority list.

        The SMIC is charged with resolving only two items: 1) determining any necessary adjustment for initial training days in an effort to provide consistent treatment for seniority application during initial Flight Attendant training based on data acquired; and 2) determining a consistent methodology for integrating same day seniority dates.  

        Who serves on the SMIC?

        The Alaska (AS) and Hawaiian (HA) Master Executive Councils (MEC) selected two (2) representatives from their respective seniority lists to serve as merger representatives. The HA representatives are Jackie Chryn-Bean and Mike Correale. The AS representatives are Camile Caldwell and Marie Maxwell.

        How were they selected?

        The positions were posted for all Members in good standing and multiple candidates applied. The MEC, which consists of the LEC Presidents, interviewed candidates and selected the representatives for each airline.  

        Updates to the Seniority List

        What is a bidding seniority date?

        It is the seniority date assigned to you as a Flight Attendant, for example:  

        • System seniority
        • Vacation awards
        • Monthly bidding/trips

        Will my bidding seniority date change?

        The AFA Constitution and By-laws section X.C.3.c.(2) specifically addresses the situation when one seniority list is based upon the beginning of initial training and the other seniority list is based upon the end of initial training. When this occurs, the seniority date of the Flight Attendants who did not receive credit for initial training will receive credit for time spent in training.

        For AS, your pre-merger bidding seniority date includes initial training, therefore, your bidding seniority date will not change.

        For HA, if your pre-merger bidding seniority date does not include initial training, your bidding date will be adjusted to include credit for initial training. 

        Will my bidding seniority number change?

        Yes, your bidding seniority number will change when we integrate AS and HA together on the seniority list.

        Will birthdates be used to create the integrated seniority list?

        No, birthdates will not be used for any purpose. 

        What criteria will be used to create the integrated seniority list?

        The SMIC will follow the AFA Constitution and Bylaws to complete this work. The Flight Attendants seniority bidding date, which will include credit for training, will be used to determine the order of Flight Attendants on the integrated seniority list.

        What if Flight Attendants from both airlines have the same seniority date?

        The SMIC will follow the AFA Constitution and Bylaws to determine a tie-breaker method that is fair and equitable for both AS and HA Flight Attendants.

        Do we get to vote on the seniority list?

        No, the process does not require a membership vote.

        When will we see the updated seniority list?

        It will be posted once we have a ratified JCBA.

        Contacting the SMIC

        Please email questions to smic@afacwa.org

        Seniority date challenges must be mailed to and received by August 29, 2025:

        Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO
        501 Third Street NW, 10th Floor
        Washington, DC 20001

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger Tagged With: Seniority Merger Integration Committee (AS/HA)

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 5 – July 2025

        July 18, 2025 13:00

        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 ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
        Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
        Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
        Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren 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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: pmAS, pmHA

        Seniority Verification Letters Are On Their Way

        July 16, 2025 13:00

        Our Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) has finalized the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) that were mailed earlier this week. Nearly 10,000 letters have been sent to Alaska Airlines (AS) and Hawaiian (HA) Flight Attendants, and we have received reports that some letters have already started arriving at the mailing addresses on file with the company. 

        Example Letters

        You can find a copy of the letter for Alaska Flight Attendants here. For Hawaiian Flight Attendants, a copy of the letter is available here. Please note that the letter you receive will contain your individual information rather than placeholders.

        If You Have a Non-U.S. Mailing Address

        While letters have been sent to all Flight Attendants, the SMIC understands that those living and receiving mail outside the U.S. may experience delays. To help ensure timely delivery for Flight Attendants with non-U.S. mailing addresses, a copy of the letter will also be placed in the company mailbox/v-file for anyone with such an address.

        Requesting a Duplicate Letter

        If you do not receive your Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) by Monday, July 28, 2025, you may request a duplicate to be sent to you by email. To do so, please send your request to smic@afacwa.org. Your request must include your name, employee number, council/base, and email address. You can expect a response within five business days.

        Challenges to Seniority Dates

        Any challenges to the seniority date listed in your Seniority Verification Letter must be received by August 29, 2025. These challenges will be reviewed by the end of September 2025, and you will receive resolutions and explanations regarding your challenge.

        Questions

        If you have any questions about the seniority verification letters or the seniority verification process, please don’t hesitate to contact the SMIC at smic@afacwa.org.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger Tagged With: Seniority Merger Integration Committee (AS/HA)

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