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        You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Human Rights & Equity Committee

        Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

        June 17, 2025 09:00

        On Thursday, June 12, our AFA Local Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (pmAS LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Freddy Vega (SEA). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.

        The committee met with several members of management including Senior Vice President of People Andy Schneider, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Regional Director Inflight Base Operations LAX Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

        The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for September 16.

        Topics of Discussion

        The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include: 

        • Change of DEI Department Name: The DEI department has been renamed “Culture and Belonging” in response to current regulatory requirements and government orders. As a government contractor, Alaska recognizes that compliance with regulations is essential to our business operations. Senior management stated, “We take pride in our ability to adapt while staying true to our core values. Regardless of external changes, the leadership team is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.” The Committee has requested that senior management be more transparent by communicating excerpts of the executive order to the Flight Attendants.
        • Company Participation in Pride Events: The Committee confirmed with management that Alaska is scheduled to participate in 11 Pride events systemwide.
        • Making Event Information More Accessible: The Committee discussed with management the need to make information about celebratory events more accessible to Flight Attendants across multiple platforms.
        • Land Acknowledgment Announcements: The Committee submitted a draft of Land Acknowledgment Announcements for all seven Flight Attendant base airports for management’s review and consideration.   

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
        2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
        3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
        4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025. 

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

        June 1, 2025 09:00

        June 1 marks the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States. This celebration originated to honor the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, a significant milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Over the years, this single-day event has expanded into an entire month filled with various events and activities.

        Discover More About LGBTQ Pride Month

        To explore the history of LGBTQ Pride Month and the broader LGBTQ rights movement, you can visit the following dedicated websites and resources:

        • National Archives – LGBTQI+ Pride Month
        • Library of Congress – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month
        • National Park Service – Stonewall National Monument
        • Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History – LGBTQ+ History
        • History Channel – Pride Month
        • Pride at Work
        • Team AAG – Pride Crew BRG (AAG sign-in required)

        Get Involved in LGBTQ Pride Month Events

        • AFA International – Pride is Around The Corner. Find An Event Near You!

        Celebrate with an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin

        In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors took an important step by adopting a resolution to officially recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month. As part of this celebration, a special commemorative pin was created for AFA Members to proudly wear throughout June.

        If you’re interested in learning more about this pin and its significance, please reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee. Additionally, keep an eye out for communications from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to find out how to obtain one of these commemorative pins!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: LGBTQ Pride Month

        Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

        May 1, 2025 09:00

        May 1 marks the beginning of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. This celebration began in 1978 when Congress adopted a resolution to honor the first ten days of May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.” It was later extended to an entire month in 1990 and officially designated to be observed in May starting in 1992. The choice of May is significant as it commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was largely built by Chinese immigrants’ labor.

        Explore The Rich Heritage Of Asian American And Pacific Islander Contributions

        There are numerous resources available to delve deeper into the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. Here are some websites to consider:

        • National Archives – Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
        • National Endowment for the Humanities – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the United States
        • National Park Service – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
        • Smithsonian Institution – Asian Pacific American Center
        • Alaska Air Group Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Event Calendar (AAG sign-on required)

        Join In The Celebration With The Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

        In 2021, the AFA Executive Board adopted a resolution recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The resolution also established a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to proudly wear throughout May. 

        To learn more about the history and meaning behind the pin, please reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee. Keep an eye out for communication from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to find out how to obtain your own pin. Let’s celebrate together and honor the rich heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities!

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: AAPI, Asian American Heritage Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

        Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2025

        April 4, 2025 13:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, March 25, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Louise Borras (LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Freddy Vega (SEA). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II was also present.

        The committee met with several members of management: Vice President of Inflight Matt Prainito, Managing Director of Inflight Services Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Interim Regional Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

        The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for June 12.

        Topics of Discussion

        The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include: 

        • Removal of Q1 CBT “Understanding Transgender Identity”: The committee had concerns about why this module was removed from the training curriculum. Management explained in more detail that the module didn’t undergo the mandatory review process to ensure it’s necessary, timely, and consistent in tone and content with other training modules. The Committee expressed concerns about the timing of this removal and would like to see the module relaunch in another CBT. Management also stated that although the module was removed, topics related to gender identity were covered in an Annual Compliance Training module previously offered to all Alaska employees. The committee and management will continue discussions surrounding this concern.      
        • MedLink App Gender Identifier Update: The MedLink app has been updated to include an option for users to select “male,” “female,” or “other.” This change was part of the 11.30 version update.  
        • Working More Closely With CWA Districts: Local Human Rights Committee Chairs will connect with their local CWA District, which will give the committee a broader national awareness of Human Rights.      

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
        2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our six current domiciles and also requesting consideration of HNL.
        3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
        4. Gender Neutrality Of CSA Manual. Requesting removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non-rev travel.
        5. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025. 

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        Celebrating Black History Month

        February 1, 2025 13:00

        Human Rights Committee

        • February 1 is the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. This tradition was initiated by a Harvard-trained historian, Carter G. Woodson, in 1925. He introduced a week-long event to raise awareness about the contributions made by Black individuals.
        • Discover resources to learn more about Black History Month, celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, and find events to participate in by using the links below.
        • Wear your Black History Month AFA Pin this month and join the celebration. Contact your Local Council if you need a pin.
        Carter G. Woodson

        February 1 marks the first day of Black History Month in the United States. This tradition has a rich legacy that dates back to 1925 when Harvard trained-historian Carter G. Woodson introduced “Negro History Week” to bring attention to the achievements and contributions of Black individuals. It was expanded to its current form in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford when it became Black History Month. Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of Black Americans and honor their legacy and profound impact on our society and the world.

        Learn More About Black History

        You can learn more about the accomplishments of Black Americans through some of the dedicated websites and resources below.

        • Library of Congress – Black History Month
        • National Archives – African American History Month Resources
        • National Park Service – Black History Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African American History & Culture
        • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Black History Month
        • History Channel – Black History Month
        • Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies and Advocates (ABEA) Events (AAG sign-on required)

        Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

        In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. The resolution established a unique commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout February.

        For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to determine availability.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: Black History Month

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        Latest News

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        September 11, 2025

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        Vacation Survey Now Open

        September 10, 2025

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working diligently to understand and improve the vacation benefits for our Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian. Your input is essential in ensuring that the vacation provisions we adopt reflect your needs and preferences. To gather your perspectives, […]

        SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025

        September 6, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were: Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants   […]

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

        September 5, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, […]

        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025

        September 5, 2025

        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 planning for another group of committees to merge on November 1. As part of the committee merging process, our […]

        Recent Posts

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