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SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025 Update #2

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with management on October 21 to October 24 in Seattle
  • Our Negotiating Committee stressed the significance of having adequate resources and experience to ensure long-term success

Negotiations Update

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on October 21 to October 24 in Seattle. At the negotiating table for these meetings were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President, Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Joshua Aoki, Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Lea Franzoi, Committee Support Representative 

Talks continued this past week on reaching an agreement on opening the Hawaiian Seattle Domicile. After a disappointing session in Honolulu earlier this month, the parties agreed to carve out some time to continue discussions in Seattle between Joint Collective Bargaining negotiations. Your Negotiating Committee took advantage of all members being present for the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiating in Seattle to meet with management in early morning sessions.

Fortunately, we did make progress and are very close to resolving the remaining outstanding issues. We have made progress on many of our issues, but staffing and the “new inflight service” concerns remain. We had a very open and productive discussion and look forward to hearing management’s response. They have committed to reviewing and researching our feedback on the service, as these are significant issues that will impact our work life on the plane.

Due to the essential and time-sensitive nature of these negotiations, both parties are committed to continuing discussions. The company is projecting a base opening of Spring 2026. We are looking to come to an agreement soon, as timelines for hiring, posting, and planning are approaching. Everyone involved wants Flight Attendants to have concrete information and ample time to evaluate their options and make an informed decision on the SEA base.

Despite the abbreviated timeline and pushback from management, your Negotiating Committee has been carefully considering all options and working to negotiate the most favorable improvements possible.

What’s Upcoming

Your Negotiating Committee will continue remote discussion with management the week of October 27. No formal meetings have been set, but management’s response to our concerns is expected this week.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 8 – October 2025

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on October 20 to October 24 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for November 18 to November 20
  • A Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached regarding Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on October 20 to October 24 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 MemberRyan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
 Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this session of negotiations our JNC had focused discussion on Section 25 – Air Safety, Health and Security, Section 27 – Association General, and Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation.

We continue to advocate for improvements in safety and reporting, as well as for additional resources to ensure we can effectively represent our combined Flight Attendant group. Reaching a Tentative Agreement (TA) on Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation locks in enhancements to food availability, transportation safety, and clarifications on day room eligibility requirements, and compensation when one is not provided.

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements reached in this session:

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

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
  • Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
  • 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)
  • Section 33 – Charters (HA CBA Section 12)

Local Council Meetings

Our Joint Negotiation Committee (JNC) participated in the Local Council Meeting with Council 19 on Friday, October 24, in Seattle. During the meeting, we clarified the differences between Section 6 Negotiations and Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) Negotiations. We also addressed questions regarding the negotiating process and highlighted some key distinctions between the Alaska and Hawaiian contracts. In November, our JNC will travel to Portland to meet with Council 39. Please stay updated through your Local Council communications for information about upcoming meetings.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for November 18 to November 20.

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on November 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.

Seth Heiple, MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Chairperson

Seth Heiple started his Flight Attendant career in 1996 at Northwest Airlines and became an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in 2008.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business and Economics and is currently the MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson for the pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants.

In this role, Seth is dedicated to maintaining and improving the safety, health, and security of both the pre-merger Hawaiian and pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants. He intends to achieve this by supporting the merged ASHSC as it works to ensure the safety of our work environments and advocates for the necessary policies, procedures, and tools that allow us to fulfill our roles effectively as aviation’s first responders.

Seth is based and lives in Portland, Oregon, with his roommate, grandma (98). In his free time, he enjoys walking Portland’s neighborhoods, listening to audiobooks, game nights with friends, and spending time with his extended family in Portland and San Francisco.

Kerri Ruiz, MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Vice Chairperson

Kerri started her Flight Attendant career with Alaska Airlines in 1998 and then joined Hawaiian Airlines in 1999. She was based in Los Angeles for over 10 years and was an active member of the Local Air Safety, Health, and Security (ASHS) Committee. When she transferred to the Honolulu base, she held various AFA positions, including LEC Secretary, MEC Membership and Benefits Committee Chairperson, and, most recently, MEC ASHS Committee Chairperson. However, her affinity and forte have always been working in safety.

Kerri has one daughter, several stepchildren, and several grandchildren. She enjoys traveling to new destinations with friends and family while nurturing her ties throughout the Hawaiian community.

Brad Young, MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Vice Chairperson

Brad has been a San Francisco–based Flight Attendant since 2010. He began his career with Virgin America during its early years, when the airline operated just a few aircraft and served a limited number of destinations.

His in-depth AFA involvement began when he was appointed the Local Safety Committee Chairperson for the AFA Alaska Council at the newly established SFO base following Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Virgin America in 2017. Later that same year, he was elected to office, marking the start of his formal leadership within our Union.

After being re-elected as Council Representative in 2019 and again in 2022, Brad continues to advocate for his peers with dedication and experience. He is enthusiastic about representing over 10,000 Flight Attendants as the combined Alaska/Hawaiian merger approaches Single Operating Certificate (SOC) in October 2025.

Brad has also served as the MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson since 2018, where he holds primary responsibility for member representation in both the ASAP and Fatigue Review Board (FRB) programs. He is honored and humbled to have been elected to serve a third term as MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson..

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Air Quality Representative

Deb began her career as a Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines in 1998. She is currently based in Anchorage, though she has previously been based in Los Angeles and San Diego. In 2013, she became involved in AFA work with the Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee and is now the Chairperson for Council 30 (ANC) of the ASHSC. Additionally, she serves on the Benefits Committee. As the Air Quality Representative, Deb is dedicated to ensuring that Members are well-informed and is passionate about helping support Flight Attendants following an air quality event.

Outside of work, Deb enjoys hiking, reading, and knitting. She frequently travels between Alaska, Seattle, and Southern California to visit family.

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives. 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 Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson: Seth Heiple
MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairpersons: Brad Young and Kerri Ruiz
MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Air Quality Representative: Deb Wallstrom

These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives 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 November 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.

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with management on September 29 and September 30 in Seattle, and on October 6 to October 8 in Honolulu
  • Our next negotiation session is scheduled for the week of October 20

Negotiations Update

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met with the company on September 29 and September 30 in Seattle, and on October 6 to October 8 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for these meetings were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President, Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Joshua Aoki, Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Committee MemberKeith Schuricht, Managing Director, Financial Analysis, Hawaiian
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Lea Franzoi, Committee Support RepresentativeKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
 Adriene Tom, Specialist, Labor Relations, Hawaiian

This was a challenging session. We started the week with reasonable expectations, but management was resistant to discussing some of our most pressing concerns and protections for Flight Attendants. If there had been no progress on management’s part, we were prepared to proceed with the contractual remedies, including arbitration.

We have made progress on some issues, but major concerns remain.  These are significant issues that will impact all of us and flying at the combined airline both immediately and for years to come.  

As a reminder, these are the items being discussed:

  • Transfer Processes – strengthening protective elements of the transfer process for those who may be interested in moving to the new domicile
  • Return to HNL or LAX Domicile – addressing the concern of Flight Attendants transferring to SEA and potentially wishing to return to their Hawaiian domicile before the merging of the Hawaiian and Alaska SEA domiciles
  • Staffing – ensuring that staffing is sufficient to meet operational demands
  • Moving Expenses – advocating for fair and comprehensive compensation related to any necessary relocations
  • Operational Concerns – defining the type of flying and pairings that will be constructed in the domicile
  • Safeguarding Existing Bases – protecting our HNL and LAX domiciles during this transition

What’s Upcoming

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee will meet with management the week of October 20 in Seattle for the next round of negotiations. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually 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), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

Celebrating Black History Month

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all […]

Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us. As we reflect on this tragic day, […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

On Monday, January 12, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX-pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

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