AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Human Rights & Equity Committee

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Leave a Comment

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance grew to a month-long celebration by 1990 and, since 1992, has been officially celebrated in May. The month was chosen for its significance: May 7 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, and May 10 commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, a landmark made possible by Chinese immigrant labor. This is not just a look back, but an opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse voices shaping our shared future.

Explore The Rich Heritage Of Asian American And Pacific Islander Contributions

Want to learn more? This is a great time to celebrate and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities around you. Learn about trailblazers, honor those who often go unrecognized, and find new ways to show your support. Check out these resources to get started:

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

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the Month as a visible symbol of pride and unity. Wearing it is a simple but meaningful way to show support, start conversations, and honor AAPI individuals, both past and present.

Want to know more about the story behind the pin? Reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you’d like a pin, look for updates from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to learn how to get one. Let’s celebrate, learn, and honor the heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities together.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA 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 (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present. 

The Committee met with several members of management, including Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., Director Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson, and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Interaction With ICE Agents: The Committee requested that inflight Management provide guidance on what to do whenapproached by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Committee and inflight management agree that Flight Attendants should contact an inflight supervisor immediately. The committee also suggested contacting Alaska Corporate Security. Management will reach out to Corporate Security to establish a clear process for the Flight Attendant to follow.  
  • AFA ICE Report Form: Flight Attendants are encouraged to use the ICE report form to document interactions or issues involving ICE agents. This form can be found on the AFA International website: afacwa.org/icereport.
  • Flight Crew Verification of Employment (VOE) Letter: This documentation would be similar to the COVID-19 letter that was issued by management to all Flight Attendants. The letter would identify the Flight Attendant as an Alaska Airlines employee if approached while on duty, internationally or domestically. As of now, management asks that Flight Attendants keep a copy of their passport on their person or as a photo on their cell phone. 
  • Reminder of Crew Safety: Management issued a reminder in the December 11, 2024, bulletin “Layover And Crew Transportation Safety Reminders.” The committee requests that the reminder be republished for Flight Attendants
  • Cultural Tattoos: Continued discussion surrounding Cultural tattoos. Management hasn’t finalized a decision on this policy. As of now, each pre-merger airline’s policy remains in place.
  • Culture & Belonging: The Culture & Belonging department is developing within. More interaction for and with employees, more recognition programs, and resources. Resources for hosting/suggesting events within or outside of the company, as well as continuing to keep employees updated on events and Heritage months on Team AAG.
  • CSM (Customer Service Manual) Jumpseat Dress Code Verbiage: Verbiage has been updated to reflect gender-neutral language. 
  • SEA Village Inclusivity For SEA-Based Hawaiian Flight Attendants: Asking management to ensure the SEA Village is more welcoming for our SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants with the opening of the new domicile.
  • Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace. The Committee is reaching out to Culture & Belonging management to discuss this possibility.
  • Optional ADA Rooms: These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft. Management’s stance is that if the Flight Attendant has self-disclosed via PeopleSoft, at the time of check-in at the hotel, the hotel must accommodate the Flight Attendant with an ADA-accessible room. This gives the Flight Attendant with disabilities the ability to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. Once signed into PeopleSoft, click “Personal Details” then navigate to “Disability” to complete the form.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
  2. Land Acknowledgment Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgments are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippine and holds deep cultural significance. Management hasn’t made a final decision on the policy.  
  4. Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.

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 + Hawaiian website.

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 Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Carter G. Woodson

For Flight Attendants, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize trailblazers in aviation, such as Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license, and Ruth Carol Taylor, the first Black Flight Attendant in the United States. Their pioneering spirits paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in our profession. As we fly across the country and around the world, we celebrate the profound impact of Black Americans not only on society at large but also within the aviation industry and our own crews.

Learn More About Black History

Expand your knowledge about the accomplishments of Black Americans—including those who have shaped the skies we fly—by exploring these dedicated resources:

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 find out how to get one.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

On Monday, December 8, our AFA 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 (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present. 

The Committee met with several members of management, including Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Operations; Jenny Bookert, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations; and Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., California Director of Inflight Base Operations.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for March 25, 2026.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Concerns regarding female Flight Attendants being alone with a male tester during random drug testing, whether at base or at RON stations, were discussed. 
  • Protections for Flight Attendants on layovers if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Resources for Flight Attendants if this situation occurs. Communication coming from inflight management regarding this subject. 
  • Self-deportees, or people who are voluntarily leaving the country, are treated the same as any other passenger on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights.
  • Alaska Airlines Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which focus on certain business or identity topics, are merging with Hawaiian Airlines Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which support employees who share similar interests or backgrounds.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
  2. Land Acknowledgement Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgements are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippines, holding deep cultural significance. The proposal is currently on hold until the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) is ratified.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions: The company’s BRGs are planning to hold additional listening sessions in 2026. These will be co-facilitated by AFA Local Human Rights Chairpersons and management.
  5. Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.
  6. Optional ADA Rooms: The Committee is developing a proposal that would enable Flight Attendants with disabilities to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft.

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 + Hawaiian website.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. Also known as National Native American Heritage Month, this celebration originated from efforts to recognize an American Indian Day in the early 20th century. In 1916, New York became the first state to officially proclaim American Indian Day following a declaration from its governor.

The journey toward national recognition started in 1976 when President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation designating Native American Awareness Week. Following this, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a resolution that recognized the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Since 1994, this recognition has been an annual tradition, with proclamations issued each year under various names, including Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

Learn More About Native American History

We encourage you to explore and learn more about the many accomplishments and heritage of Native Americans through some of the following dedicated resources: 

Celebrate with a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Native American Heritage Month. As part of this initiative, a unique commemorative pin was created for AFA Members to wear throughout the month.

For more information about the pin itself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you need a pin, please reach out to your LEC Officers to find out how to get one.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

The JNC continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance […]

Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants on Tuesday, April 28

Since November 2023, Horizon Air Flight Attendants have been in negotiations, fighting tirelessly to secure a new contract that recognizes their work. Even after applying for mediation in January 2025, management continues to offer proposals that ignore the essential contributions Horizon Flight Attendants make to the success of Horizon Air and Alaska Air Group.  On […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, April 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at the Alaska Airlines Global Training Center in Renton, WA to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

On Monday, April 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Barry Spitzer (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

Recent Posts

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 (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) 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 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

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska + Hawaiian 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