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

        Meet Your Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

        May 19, 2025 17:00

        We’re excited to introduce our first group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on June 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils, ensuring that the voices of both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants are heard and advocated for. Below, you’ll find brief bios that showcase their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our combined Flight Attendant group.

        Brian Palmer, MEC Communications Committee Chairperson

        Brian began his career with Alaska Airlines as a Flight Attendant in 2006. Initially based in Anchorage, he has also been based in Los Angeles and Portland and is currently based in Seattle. His involvement with AFA began in 2009 when he joined the Council 39 (Portland) Reserve Committee, driven by a desire to improve the quality of life for his fellow reserve Flight Attendants. Over the years, Brian has taken on various leadership roles to advocate for Members’ needs. He has served as the Council 39 Reserve Committee Chairperson, Council 39 LEC Vice President, and Alaska MEC Vice President.

        Now, as he steps into the role of MEC Communications Committee Chairperson for the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant group, he remains focused on ensuring that every Member feels represented and heard. Brian is deeply committed to empowering our Flight Attendants and improving communication by sharing information more broadly, creating connections, and building networks that make resources easily accessible to all members. His primary objectives include strengthening the Local Communications Committees, developing a new AFA website tailored for the combined Flight Attendant group, and introducing more engaging short-form video content across AFA communication channels.

        Before joining Alaska Airlines, Brian held various leadership positions in the hotel and retail banking industries. After more than a decade of commuting from the East Coast, he now resides in the Seattle area.

        Bruni Agosto-Pinal, MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

        Bruni began her career as a Flight Attendant in May 2018. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and has had experience in several industries, mostly centered around people and the protection of those who are most vulnerable. Bruni has goals of obtaining a J.D. when the time is right. Both her parents were Union leaders in Puerto Rico in the 80s and 90s, and this idea of having strength in numbers has always resonated with her. Bruni naturally has an interest in politics and social issues and discovered in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic how Congress could have a say in her career as a Flight Attendant; she received a WARN notice, and she, along with many others, would be furloughed unless the Payroll Support Program was passed. This is how she became involved with the Government Affairs Committee, and since then, she hasn’t looked back! Recognizing that our voices deserve to be heard at the local, state, and federal level, she focuses on educating her flying partners about the legislative process and actions that Flight Attendants can take to make a difference. She participated in the latest fly-in to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers regarding the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, which includes provisions regarding cabin air safety, PUMP guidance for airlines and nursing crewmembers, and temperature in aircraft cabins, to name a few. 

        Bruni’s vision is to continue nurturing the passion displayed by Flight Attendants on issues that are important to them and use the momentum past leaders have created within this committee to continue addressing Flight Attendant priorities affecting the safety, income, job security, and overall careers of our Flight Attendant group on all legislative levels. She would like to increase FlightPAC contributions of our membership by at least 20% to ensure our voices continue to be heard in Washington, D.C. Finally, she would like to create a space where Flight Attendants can be empowered to take action and no longer be afraid of politics- because at the end of the day “you may not do politics, but politics is going to do you!” so, why not have a say in the matter? Bruni enjoys spending time with her family in South Florida and the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Family ties and culture are extremely important to her. She loves reading, any beach-related activities, anything beauty and makeup related, and live music. 

        Chip Hestle, MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

        Chip began his career as a Seattle-based Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines in 1991. As the new merged MEC Human Rights and Equity Committee Chairperson, Chip will continue to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership to build bridges and strengthen our Union. He is also a sitting member of the AFA-CWA International Human Rights and Equity Committee. 

        Before joining Alaska Airlines, Chip was a Pan American Flight Attendant based at JFK. His life experiences and understanding of the world and its complexities created his passion for human rights and diversity. 

        When Chip is not working, he spends time with his husband, Ross, also a Seattle-based flight Attendant, and their family. He enjoys traveling, karaoke, and volunteering in the community. 

        Chase Vandergrift, MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Alaska Brand

        Chase started his career at Alaska as a Flight Attendant in 2005. A UCSD grad with a degree in media, he found his way to the skies shortly after college. When the San Diego base opened in 2013, he was thrilled to return to his college town. Over the years, he’s taken on roles that let him support and connect with his fellow crew members. He has served as the San Diego Chairperson of the Inflight Service Committee for nearly a decade and contributed to the AFA Scheduling Committee. He’s passionate about making the in-flight experience as smooth, friendly, and fun for crews as possible.

        A lifelong traveler, Chase grew up on the standby list—his mom was a United Flight Attendant who spent over four decades in the skies. That upbringing sparked a love for adventure and a curiosity for places off the beaten path. When he’s not flying for work, he’s often chasing powder on a ski trip or exploring somewhere unexpected—recent destinations include Kurdistan, and Moldova, Europe’s least-visited destination.

        Bianca McKee, MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Hawaiian Brand

        Bianca started her career as a Flight Attendant in 2015. Having been born and raised on Oʻahu, she pursued her higher education under the University of Hawaiʻi system, where she majored in Business and Travel Industry Management. Before joining Hawaiian Airlines, Bianca dedicated eight years to the restaurant industry, gaining experience in serving, bartending, and training new employees. Her enthusiasm for hospitality and dynamic work environments naturally led to a successful career as a Flight Attendant.

        Bianca’s involvement with Union work began in 2024 with Honolulu’s Council 43, where she joined the Medium Haul Service Committee for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Through gathering feedback, the committee successfully implemented several changes to benefit AFA Members. Drawing on her extensive experience with the Dreamliner aircraft, Bianca further volunteered to serve on the Long Haul Service Committee with the company. Her participation in these committees, on both the Union and company sides, has provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in tailoring inflight services. Bianca is highly motivated and committed to upholding the Hawaiian Brand as we move towards achieving a single operating certificate. She is eager to serve as a strong source of support for Union members during this period of new routes and evolving flight operations.

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

        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

        May 15, 2025 09:00

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

        During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

        MEC Communications Committee Chairperson: Brian Palmer  
        MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson: Bruni Agosto-Pinal  
        MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson: Chip Hestle  
        MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Alaska Brand: Chase Vandergrift  
        MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Hawaiian Brand: Bianca McKee  

        These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons will coordinate the activities of their respective merged committees across both airlines. They’ll support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils—both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. Their official term will begin on June 1, 2025. They’ll 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).

        If you have any questions about the MEC Committee Chairperson elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

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

        Reminder: Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews

        May 5, 2025 13:00

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

        As previously shared on April 5, our MEC will soon begin merging our various pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian MEC committees. The first group of committees in the process will merge on June 1.

        As part of the merger 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 next week’s May MEC Meeting for the following roles:

        • MEC Communications Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson
        • MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Alaska Brand
        • MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Hawaiian Brand

        Expressions of Interest Close Tomorrow

        The MEC will interview eligible candidates during next week’s May Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 14. 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, May 6, 2025. Following the deadline, an MEC representative will reach out to arrange specific interview times with eligible candidates.

        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

        Commuter Survey Closing Soon

        May 4, 2025 13:00

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

        • Commuter Survey Closing on Monday, May 5 at 12 PM PT

        We understand that commuting—whether by air or ground—plays a vital role in your daily lives. As part of our commitment to supporting you, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is focused on making sure our commuter policy provides the necessary protections for all Flight Attendants.

        As we gear up for negotiations on this key aspect, your feedback is invaluable. To gather your insights, we’ve developed a Commuter Policy Survey.  In the survey, we’ve also highlighted the differences between the Hawaiian and Alaska contracts.

        The survey will be available until May 5 at 12 PM PT. We strongly encourage you to take a moment to complete the survey. Your input will help the JNC advocate effectively for your needs.

        Thank you for being an essential part of this process!

        Click this link to access the survey >

        If you have any questions regarding the survey feel free to contact the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

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

        Commuter Policy Survey Now Open

        April 21, 2025 09:00

        We recognize that commuting—by air or ground—is a significant part of your daily routine. Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is dedicated to ensuring that the commuter policy adequately protects all Flight Attendants. As we prepare to negotiate this important section, it’s essential that we gather your feedback.

        To facilitate this process, we’ve created a Commuter Policy Survey that compares the provisions in the Hawaiian and Alaska contracts. Your input is crucial in helping us understand your priorities and concerns. The survey is currently open and will close on May 5 at Noon PT. We encourage you to take a moment to click the survey link and share your thoughts, so the JNC can accurately represent your interests.

        Click this link to access the survey >

        If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org. 

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

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        Latest News

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        Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

        October 2, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices […]

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025

        September 25, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), […]

        Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

        September 24, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants We’re excited to introduce the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that […]

        Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

        September 24, 2025

        On Thursday, September 18, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing efforts to represent our Flight Attendants and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular meeting was centered […]

        Vacation Survey Closing Soon

        September 23, 2025

        There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

        Recent Posts

        • Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution
        • AFA News in Review – September 26, 2025
        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2025
        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives
        • Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Vacation Survey Closing Soon
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        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
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