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Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), Andrew Stinson (pmAS SEA), Trista Vanta (SFO), and MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II. 

Our Committee met directly with management representatives from inflight operations and corporate security, including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia, Director of Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson, Manager of Security Operations David Stewart, and Director of Security Fermin Navarrette.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Upcoming Management Bulletin on ICE Interactions: At the direct recommendation of our Human Rights & Equity Committee, inflight management will issue an official must read bulletin providing operational guidance and defining procedures for interactions between Flight Attendants and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
  • ICE Incident Reporting Form: To track law enforcement interactions and protect Flight Attendant safety and rights on duty, please report any ICE-related incidents or concerns using our confidential AFA ICE Incident/Concern Reporting Form.
  • Enhanced Employee Recognition & Heritage Celebrations: Management’s Culture & Belonging Department is updating its employee recognition program while continuing to recognize and celebrate heritage months through Team AAG. The Committee is advocating to ensure these recognition efforts broadly reflect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our workgroup.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Uniform 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. Progress is being tracked alongside ongoing merger integration, as final rollout may align with a new standardized wing design across both airlines.
  2. Land Acknowledgment Signage in Workplace Locations: To acknowledge and honor the Indigenous communities on whose traditional territories we live and work, our Committee is working to establish permanent land acknowledgment signage in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations. Land acknowledgments formally recognize the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Uniform Policy Allowance for Traditional Batok Tattoos: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display visible traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by Indigenous communities in the Philippines and holds deep cultural significance. Management has not made a final decision on the policy, and our Committee continues to advocate for approval.
  4. Transition to Joint Drug & Alcohol Support BRG/ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is transitioning into a combined Business Resource Group (BRG) and Employee Resource Group (ERG). The group offers resources, peer support, and educational programs for Flight Attendants and fellow employees navigating substance use issues, focusing on prevention, recovery, and reducing workplace stigma surrounding addiction.

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.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem and Barry Spitzer (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt Mitchell (HNL), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Managing Director of Operations Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotel and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, and Crew Hotel Support Specialist LaFay Williams.  

Additionally, API representatives provided statistics on our hotel and transportation portfolio, an update on the hotel environment, and an open forum where our Committee raised several Flight Attendant concerns. 

Topics of Discussion

  • API Support Update (pmAS): Although Crew Hotels manages both Alaska and Hawaiian hotel operations, API maintains two separate accounts, each specializing in supporting its respective airline’s operations. Given the size of the pmAS hotel operation, API recently increased support for the Alaska account. A new Director of Client Delivery was added, as well as an additional Account Director. This brings our total Account Directors to three. Account Directors assist with managing hotel sourcing, contracts, and hotel relationships. Operationally, Alaska has four onsite representatives who sit with Alaska Crew Scheduling in Seattle. During significant IROPs events, Alaska has the support of two offshore representatives in the Philippines.
  • Process Improvements (pmAS): Over the past year, the Committee has raised frustrations and suggestions regarding hotel processes. API provided an update on past concerns, and an open forum was used to bring forward new ones.   
    • Pre-Paid Virtual Cards: When non-contracted hotels are used (such as hotels on our ad hoc list), payment is sent via a one-time-use virtual card. This is done to prevent fraud. Earlier this year, during a major IROP event in Mexico, it was discovered that a hotel on the ad hoc list could not accept virtual cards. We have not seen this domestically. API informed us that an audit of virtual card usage was conducted on our ad hoc hotels in CUN, and that a similar audit is being conducted in SJO and LIR, with completion slated for November. Contingency plans are being developed as an alternative.
    • Hotel Provided Transportation (Sign-in Sheets): API’s systems are programmed to display the recommended departure time from the property on the sign-in sheet. This has posed a problem for hotels that provide transportation, as van times are set in specific departure increments (e.g., every 15 minutes on the quarter hour), which typically do not align with the recommended departure time. The Committee has been asking for months for a solution to display accurate van times. The API product team has been tasked with identifying a solution and testing workarounds. 
    • Site Visit Sourcing Calendar: Starting in 2027, Crew Hotels and API will align on the sourcing timeline for all markets. Historically, we have had hotel contracts expire in batches at various times throughout the year. For example, we may have 12 hotels whose contracts expire on December 31st of 2026, 2027, etc., and we know we can’t source them all at the same time. Going forward, all new contracts will move to a rolling calendar year, so the sourcing cadence will be even and consistent. Given that our contracts are typically 2-3 years in duration, we should have all hotel contracts on this cadence by the end of 2028.  
      • Sourcing Timeline (For Reference): These are all the steps involved, in subsequent order, in selecting a new crew hotel. Pre-sourcing ➔ Long List (all the hotels that fall into pre-sourcing criteria) ➔Request for Proposal (RFP – hotel bids on crew business) ➔ Destination Presentation (hotels that are interested are placed in a packet) ➔ Short List (AFA narrows down the choices to most viable options) ➔ Site Itinerary (schedule for site visit is determined) ➔ Site Visit, Report Writing (by AFA, ALPA, Crew Hotels) ➔ Best and Final Negotiations, Supplier Selected, Contracting, Executed Contract (we want a contract in place ideally 2 months prior to business)
    • Other Miscellaneous Improvements: Digitized contracts, tightened up the TBD process in bid packets, moved to a different platform for invoicing, and tightened the ad hoc list. 
  • Market Specific Information (pmAS): A few months ago, management selected a new hotel in MIA. Although the hotel is stunning, the negative feedback received has centered on the isolation and the cost of on-site food. The hotel values crew business and has developed a discounted crew menu and a welcome letter to better illustrate the amenities offered to crew, which includes information on the complimentary South Beach Trolley shuttle.   

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: Our Hotel Committee conducts site visits on hotels under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and cost-saving opportunities.  

  • Pre-Merger Alaska: The scheduled site visits through the rest of 2026 are:
    • Sept: YYC (New Layover), YEG (New Layover), ORD (Long)
    • Oct: JFK (Long/Mid), TUS (Short), OAK (Short/Long)
    • Nov: IND, RDU (Long)
    • Dec: SEA (Mid), TPA (Long)
    • TBD: PHX (Short), YVR (Long), ADQ, PVR
  • Pre-Merger Hawaiian: The scheduled site visits through January 2027 are:
    • Dec: ATH
    • Jan: CDG

2. Hotel Gainshare Update (pmAS): There are no new updates to share on the Hotel Gainshare program this month. Negotiations remain paused as management continues to express concerns about potential federal tax implications. AFA International has already submitted a detailed legal counterargument to the company’s Vice President of Tax and their outside counsel. However, the company’s attorney continues to advise against moving forward, citing tax law concerns. The next step remains to secure an independent review from a tax attorney. We know there is strong interest in this program and will continue to provide updates as soon as there is progress.

We Want to Hear From You!

Our Hotel Committee relies on your feedback, whether positive or negative. Please report via CrewCare (pmAS) or the FA Crew Accommodations Feedback form (pmHA), which ensures your experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation is addressed. These are the only official way to report issues, as the Committee doesn’t monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare and feedback form submission is forwarded to our AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska/Hawaiian management), API, and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct or fix the issue for the next crew member. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. Pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the Committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense.

Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar series. Whether you’re new to flying or want a contract refresher, this session is designed to break down complex contractual fine print into practical, real-world knowledge. You’ll get direct answers to your specific reserve questions from our AFA Reserve Committee subject-matter experts.

Webinar Details

  • Date: Wednesday, October 21
  • Time: 1 PM PT
  • Location: Virtual via Zoom

Register Now!

The webinar will be hosted on Zoom, making it easy to join from home or while on a layover. Advance registration is required to receive your unique Zoom link and event reminders. As always, the AFA mutual respect policy will be in effect throughout the session.

Click here to register ➔

To secure your spot, please use your personal email address; registrations using an alaskaair.com email address will be canceled. Attendance is limited to Members in good standing, and membership status will be verified prior to the event. If you’re unsure about your status, visit the AFA Membership Hub to confirm.

Once registered, you’ll receive a unique Zoom link by email. This link is exclusive to you and can only be used on one device, so keep it handy. Each attendee must register individually, as links are not shareable. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to join the session, register anyway—this guarantees you’ll have access should your schedule allow. Keep in mind that registration closes one hour before the webinar begins.

Need help with Zoom? Visit the Zoom support website for details on system requirements and joining instructions.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

Have a specific reserve question or “Is this legal?” scenario you’ve faced recently? We want to hear from you! Use the link below to submit your questions ahead of time. While you’ll have the chance to ask live during the session, advance submissions help us tailor the webinar to your needs and ensure we address the topics that matter most.

Click here to submit your question now ➔

Can’t Attend Live?

We strongly encourage everyone to join us live if possible. Attending in real time is the only way to participate in the live Q&A and get immediate, direct answers to your specific reserve scenarios from the Committee. Can’t make it or want to review the session later? A video recording and Q&A recap will be available afterward on the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Questions or Need More Info?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Local Reserve Committee.

FlightPAC: Building Our Collective Influence

As we enter the fourth and final week of our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, we tie everything we’ve explored together, from unpacking the legislative process to understanding the critical importance of voting. While educating lawmakers and showing up at the ballot box are vital pillars of civic engagement, having a continuous, dedicated voice in Washington, D.C., requires ongoing resources.

That’s where FlightPAC comes in. As the political action committee of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, FlightPAC is the financial engine that keeps our frontline priorities at the forefront in the halls of power.

Watch: Understanding FlightPAC

In our latest Focus Month video, Seattle-based Alaska Flight Attendant and Council 19 Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Andrew Stinson shares how FlightPAC works, why federal law requires it to remain separate from union dues, and how voluntary contributions empower Flight Attendants across our airlines.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Understanding FlightPAC: Dues, Laws, and Collective Power

If the term “PAC” sounds like corporate jargon, Andrew invites us to see it differently. FlightPAC isn’t about political parties; it’s our collective “influence fund,” designed to protect our careers and cabin safety. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Negotiated Contracts vs. Legislated Protections: We fight hard for our collective bargaining agreement at the negotiating table. However, many of the foundational rules governing our day-to-day work, such as minimum rest requirements, cabin safety mandates, and aviation security standards, are enacted by lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and state capitals.
  • The Legal Line Between Union Dues and Political Action: Federal law strictly prohibits the use of union dues for political campaign contributions. Your dues are reserved exclusively for contract negotiation, grievance handling, and daily union representation. Because dues cannot fund campaign advocacy, FlightPAC exists as a completely separate, voluntary, Member-driven fund.
  • Pooling Resources for Maximum Impact: When we combine our voluntary contributions, no matter the size, our collective strength grows. FlightPAC enables us to support pro-labor, aviation-friendly candidates who listen to Flight Attendants and champion the laws that safeguard our profession.

Claiming Our Seat at the Table

Lawmakers make decisions every day that impact our schedules, our safety, and our long-term job security. By contributing to FlightPAC, we send a clear and unified message to elected officials: Flight Attendants have a seat at the table, and we expect our safety and workplace rights to be protected.

Joining FlightPAC is simple, voluntary, and flexible. Whether you contribute a few dollars per paycheck or choose a larger amount, every contribution strengthens our collective voice in Congress.

  • Read More Online: Visit afacwa.org/flightpac to learn more.
  • Talk to Our Committee: Ready to contribute? Reach out to any member of your Local Government Affairs Committee to get a sign-up form and a walk-through of the process.
  • Get Involved: Want to lend your time and energy to our Union’s legislative advocacy? Sign up to volunteer at afaalaska.org/volunteer.

Why Vote?

As we continue our Government Affairs Focus Month, our attention turns to civic engagement and the critical role voting plays in shaping our day-to-day work environment. While many of us associate workplace protections primarily with contract negotiations, the laws and regulations that govern our aviation career extend far beyond the bargaining table.

Watch: Why Vote?

In our feature video for the week, Zoe Wulz, a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant and Local Government Affairs Committee Chairperson for Council 35 in SFO, breaks down why voting is a professional necessity for every Flight Attendant. Zoe addresses how crucial decisions regarding aviation safety, rest requirements, and economic security are directly determined by elected officials. She emphasizes that when Flight Attendants stay on the sidelines, we allow individuals who have never worked a flight to define our reality in the cabin. Voting serves as our most direct, powerful tool to claim our seat at the table and ensure decision-makers understand the issues that impact our profession.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Take Action Today

Protecting our workplace starts with active civic participation. Here is how you can take action right now:

  • Verify Your Voter Registration: Take five minutes today to check your voter registration status and ensure your current address is on file ahead of upcoming elections.
  • Recognize the Scope of Elections: Remember that state and local offices matter just as much as federal positions in impacting labor standards, infrastructure, and community support systems.
  • Engage Your Flying Partners: Start conversations in the crew lounge or on layovers about the importance of being registered and staying informed.

Coming Up This Week

Stay tuned to our AFA social media channels throughout the rest of the week for additional resources to prepare you for election season:

  • Checking & Updating Your Registration: On Wednesday, we’ll share a guide walking you step-by-step through checking your voter registration status or registering for the first time.
  • Candidate Research Resources: On Friday, we’ll post key tips and tools to help you research candidates and evaluate where they stand on essential Flight Attendant labor, safety, and security issues.

Our strength is in our numbers. By staying informed and participating in every election, we protect our contract, our working conditions, and our collective future.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 20 – October 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with management in Seattle for three days of collective bargaining, addressing critical sections of the contract. Through productive discussions, the JNC reached Tentative Agreements on Section 6 (Seniority), Retiree Pass Privileges, and Retiree Health Insurance. The committee plans to continue using both Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) and traditional methods to resolve complex issues during negotiations.

Call To Action: Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3

Our voice. Our vote. Our power. Throughout September, our AFA Government Affairs Committee highlighted how legislative advocacy impacts our work and daily lives as Flight Attendants. By breaking down the role of AFA Government Affairs, explaining the legislative process, encouraging civic engagement, and demonstrating the vital importance of FlightPAC, the campaign showed how our union’s voice is […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

Updated: 10/29/2026 17:05 PT On Thursday, October 22, members of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Baron Lee (HNL), Bryce Sarmiento (pmAS LAX), Kahea […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

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

Reserve Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs. The survey […]

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