AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Honolulu (Council 43)
    • Los Angeles (Council 18/pmAS)
      • Officers
      • Committees
      • Los Angeles (Council 47/pmHA)
        • Officers
      • Portland (Council 39)
        • Officers
        • Committees
      • San Diego (Council 15)
        • Officers
        • Committees
        • Seattle (Council 19)
          • Officers
          • Committees
        • San Francisco (Council 35)
          • Officers
          • Committees

        • More About Local Councils >>
        Close
      • Master Executive Council
        • Officers
        • Close
      • Committees
          • Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC)
            • Air Quality
          • Benefits
          • Communications
          • Employee Assistance Program & Professional Standards
          • Government Affairs
          • Grievance
          • Hotel
          • Human Rights & Equity
          • Inflight Service
          • Inflight Training
          • Membership
          • Membership Engagement
          • Reserve
          • Retirement
          • Scheduling
            • Pairing Construction
            • Preferential Bidding System (PBS)
          • Uniform

        • More About Committees >>
        Close
      • Contract
          • Contract Home
            • 2025 Alaska TA2 (Ratified)
            • 2018 Alaska JCBA
            • 2020 Hawaiian Contract
            • Ask Contract Questions
          • Contract Resources
          • Alaska Contract Negotiations (2022-2025)
        • Close
      • Resources
          • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
          • Issues & Campaigns
          • Newsroom
            • AFA News Now
          • Event Calendar
          • Membership Services
          • New Members
          • About
          • Links
          Close
        • Merger
          • Joint Negotiating Committee
          • Close
        • Contact Us
        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Government Affairs Committee

        Combatting Rising Tensions in the Cabin

        June 9, 2017 17:00

        The past couple of months have been incredibly challenging for Flight Attendants after back-to-back in-cabin disturbances in the US were broadcast on social media. Those disturbances subsequently “broke the internet” and were widely carried by news outlets. The mob mentality response to the video clips, with little correct information about the incidents, has put Flight Attendants in the cross hairs. AFA immediately focused on a national de-escalation to keep travelers from coming to the plane with bias against crewmembers and the authority we must maintain to keep everyone safe.

        Reinforcing Our Role as Aviation’s First Responders

        AFA’s message in the media and on Capitol Hill has been to remind the public and our legislators that Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders charged with the safety, health and security of the passengers in our care. AFA has cited the ever-shrinking personal space in main cabins and minimum staffing as some of the contributing factors to these recent incidents.

        In case you missed it, the Today Show recently featured Flight Attendants talking about their perspective on conditions in the cabin. Flight Attendants reminded Matt Lauer and the public about the good job aviation’s first responders do to usher millions safely and efficiently to their destinations every single day. Matt Lauer reiterated this point to millions of viewers who also fly on our planes!

        Watch the full interview >

        Passenger Incident Reporting Form

        AFA has been receiving reports from Flight Attendants about a variety of situations in which they are feeling harassed by passengers. It is imperative that AFA begin collecting confidential data on these types of confrontations so that we can more effectively advocate on your behalf to management, regulators, legislators and the media. For instance, we want to know: (1) How frequently are passengers videotaping us, (2) What exactly are they filming and (3) Are they trying to incite emotions from Flight Attendants by saying or doing inappropriate things?

        If you or your fellow Flight Attendants experience concerning behavior from a passenger(s), please take a moment to fill out a confidential reporting form by clicking on the following link. The form is very simple to complete. Filling out this form is optional (although greatly appreciated) and does not relieve you of other reporting requirements indicated in your Flight Attendant manual.

        Passenger Incident Reporting Form »

        *** If AFA releases any of the data to third parties, be assured we will remove any and all identifying information so that confidentiality is strictly maintained. ***

        Thank you very much in advance for assisting AFA in combatting rising tensions in the cabin. Fly safe and continue to look out for each other.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Melissa Osborne, Tim Green and Brice McGee

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), EAP/Professional Standards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, passenger incident reporing form

        AFA Nation – March 22, 2017

        March 22, 2017 12:00

        Rally for Rest

        AFA government affairs activists were in Washington, D.C. yesterday to advocate on Capitol Hill for 10 hours minimum rest, a Fatigue Risk Management plan, and enforcement of our Open Skies Agreements.

        Read more >

        OSHA Enforcement in Jeopardy

        Tell your Senator that health and safety protections matter! OSHA enforcement is in jeopardy of being stripped out of our workplace altogether. The House of Representatives has already passed this bill.

        The Senate is now considering the legislation and may vote on it as early as this week.

        Read more >

        Call the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) and tell your Senators to stand with working families and OPPOSE SJ. Res 27!

        Onboard Sexual Assault Survey

        Congressional offices and victim rights advocates have reached out to AFA about the incidents of onboard sexual assault that has been reported by several media sources. As the expert voice in the cabin, AFA can make a difference for Flight Attendants and the passengers in our care.

        This 1-minute anonymous survey, distributed by AFA, will help us gather information about Flight Attendants’ experiences with passenger on passenger onboard sexual assaults.

        Your answers will help AFA better understand the extent and nature of this issue. The survey will be open through Sunday, April 2, 2017.

        Take the survey >

        Human Trafficking & “Eyes in the Skies”

        On June 1, 2015, AFA launched a major campaign to support the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Transportation Blue Lightning Initiative designed to stop modern day slavery – Human Trafficking.  Our mission is to train 100,000 Eyes in the Skies to uncover this heinous crime that is “Hidden in Plane Sight.”  We successfully achieved one of our goals when Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 that included mandatory Human Trafficking Awareness training; this training has been incorporated into the 2017 Recurrent Training curriculum.

        Adequate training is the key to ensuring we have 100,000 trained Eyes in the Skies to save lives as soon as possible. We encourage you to view AFA’s HiddeninPlaneSight.org website for more information about our work to end modern day slavery. Thank you all for your continued support in helping to stop this heinous crime.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, Eyes in the Skies, human trafficking, OSHA, Rally for Rest, survey

        White House Meeting with Airline and Airport Executives

        February 14, 2017 17:00

        Last Thursday’s White House Airline and Airport Executive Meeting was concerning as it relates to job security and safety regulations.
        Specifically, President Trump said the following:

        “I know you’re under pressure from a lot of foreign elements and foreign carriers. I’ve been hearing that a little bit. At the same time, we want to make life good for them also. They come with big investments — in many cases, those investments are made by their governments. But they are still big investments.”

        “So we want to help you realize these goals by rolling back burdensome regulations.” 

         Full text of public remarks >

        A follow up article in The Street stated:

        Given that the U.S. already has “the safest aviation system in the world,” Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, doesn’t want to see it diminished.

        “The flying public enjoys aviation regulations we fought to achieve,” Nelson said in an interview. Among them: rest requirements, no smoking or knives on planes, and crew training. “Each regulation includes careful review and input from all stakeholders,” she said.

        Also, Nelson said, Trump’s statements “show a complete disregard for enforcing trade agreements or protecting and promoting U.S. jobs” that are endangered by the Middle East three and Norwegian Air International.

        “President Trump can’t afford to get this wrong,” Nelson said.

        Read more >

        Sign the petition to Save U.S. Aviation Jobs now >

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Linda Christou, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2017, GA, Government Affairs, jobs, white house

        Good Jobs Nation Rally in Washington, DC Tomorrow

        December 6, 2016 17:00

        #DenyNAI is all about making sure we are a “Good Jobs Nation.” The Master Executive Council (MEC) has received permission for any AFA Alaska members who are in the DC area to show up to the rally in uniform—please make sure to wear your union pin. RSVP by contacting MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Berry at krystle.berry@afaalaska.org.

         

        Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7, Bernie Sanders, Keith Ellison and Danny Glover are coming to speak at a rally in D.C. held by Good Jobs Nation. We need to raise awareness on the dangers of Norwegian Air International (NAI) every way we can, and this is the perfect opportunity. Don’t allow the Department of Transportation (DOT) to double-cross EU and US aviation workers without a fight!

        TIME:

        Wednesday, December 7, 2016 1000-1100 EST

        LOCATION:

        Freedom Plaza (Washington, DC)

        13th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW

        Washington, DC 20004

        Join in and help protest the DOT’s decision regarding NAI!

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee; MEC S/T-elect Linda Christou; and MEC Government Affairs Chairperson Krystle Berry

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News

        Flood Congress with Calls! It’s About Our Jobs!

        December 6, 2016 11:00

        December 6, 2016

        Flight Attendants,

        On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation wrongly approved a foreign air carrier permit for Norwegian Air International (NAI). The decision sets aside the labor protections that were central to the U.S.-EU Open Skies Agreement. We know. We were there! We had a seat at the table when this administration negotiated the Agreement, and now just like any labor contract, the administration needs to make good on this aviation trade deal. This is our about our jobs and our nation’s ability to move millions of people and connect with the rest of the world.

        Norwegian can fly to the U.S. today. We are allies with the U.S.-based and Norwegian-based crews who fly today under U.S. and Norwegian labor law. But NAI, flagged in Ireland, sets up a ‘flag of convenience’ model in aviation—the same business model that destroyed U.S. shipping. NAI will use this ‘flag of convenience’ model to hire crews from countries with the lowest labor and safety standards, such as Malaysia or Thailand.

        Watch this video to learn of about the dangers of flag of convenience.

        We will not accept this. We will act. We will never stop. We will never accept abrogation of our rights.

        1. Call Congress Now

        Every Flight Attendant needs to call every day this week!

        Connect directly to your Senate offices: 1-855-980-2338

        Connect directly to your Representative’s office: 1-855-980-2306

        “Hello, my name is _________ and I am a constituent. I’m a Flight Attendant calling to urge my Representative/Senator to take action to STOP Norwegian Air International from flying to the U.S. under a completely new set of rules. The DOT NAI approval opens the door to a flag of convenience model that will lead to outsourcing 300,000 U.S. aviation jobs, just like it decimated the U.S. shipping industry. This is about good U.S. aviation jobs and enforcing our trade deals.”

        2. Good Jobs Nation Rally in Washington, DC – Wednesday

        #DenyNAI is all about making sure we are a Good Jobs Nation – show up in uniform with your union pin and RSVP at info@afacwa.org.

        This Wednesday, December 7, Bernie Sanders, Keith Ellison and Danny Glover are coming to speak at a rally in D.C. held by Good Jobs Nation. We need to raise awareness on the dangers of NAI every way we can and this is the perfect opportunity.

        TIME:
        Wednesday, December 7, 2016 1000-1100 EST

        LOCATION:
        Freedom Plaza (Washington, DC)
        13th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW
        Washington, DC 20004

        Filed Under: Government Affairs Committee, Latest News Tagged With: 2016, Deny NAI, NAI, Norwegian Air International

        • « Previous Page
        • 1
        • …
        • 3
        • 4
        • 5
        • 6
        • 7
        • 8
        • Next Page »

        Need Help?

        Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

        Latest News

        • 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
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

        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
        • Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025
        • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results
        • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
        • Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections
        • SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2
        • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
        • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

        Local Councils

        • Anchorage
        • Honolulu
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Alaska)
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Hawaiian)
        • Portland
        • San Diego
        • San Francisco
        • Seattle

        Master Executive Council

        • MEC

        Negotiations

        • Contract 2022 Home
        • Negotiations News
        • TA2 Information

        Contract

        • Contract Home

        Committees

        • Air Safety, Health, & Security
        • Benefits
        • Communications
        • EAP/Professional Standards
        • Government Affairs
        • Grievance
        • Hotel
        • Human Rights
        • Inflight Service
        • Mobilization
        • Reserve
        • Retirement
        • Scheduling
        • Uniform

        News By Month

        News By Category

        AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee
        • Email
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • YouTube

        Want To Stay In The Loop?

        Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
        Sign Up for Emails
        Sign Up for Text Updates

        Connect With AFA

        • Contact Us
        • Online Support Center
        • AFA International
        • CWA
        • AFA Alaska Social Media Guidelines
        • AFA-CWA Mutual Respect Policy

        Copyright © 2013-2025 Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO