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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.

Staying Balanced During The Holidays

Let joy, not pressure, lead the way.

The holiday season is a special time for joy, connection, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, even for the most grounded among us. With family gatherings, work commitments, and financial worries, finding balance isn’t always easy. Here are some practical tips to help you stay centered and truly savor this season.

1. Protect Your Time

Give yourself permission to say “no” when you need to. Not every invitation or request needs your “yes.” It’s okay to protect your time and energy—you deserve it!

2. Keep Healthy Routines

Try to stick with your usual sleep, nutrition, and movement routines as much as possible. Even a short walk or ten minutes of stretching can lift your spirits. Remember, skipping meals or sacrificing rest to “fit everything in” can make things harder—so give yourself permission to pause and recharge.

3. Manage Expectations

Let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday. Plans may change and things might not always go as expected—and that’s okay! Focus on creating little moments of connection, laughter, and meaning, rather than chasing perfection.

4. Budget with Intention

Financial stress is a common holiday challenge. Setting a spending limit ahead of time can help you relax and focus on what matters most. Thoughtful gestures or shared experiences often mean more than costly gifts—and the memories last longer, too!

5. Build in Quiet Moments

Balance your social activities with moments of stillness. Even a few quiet minutes can help you reset and recharge. Remember to show yourself the same kindness and care that you so generously give to others.

6. Reach Out for Support

If this season brings up feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety, please know you’re not alone. Reach out to a friend or someone you trust—it’s always okay to ask for support. Our AFA EAP Committee is here for you with confidential help whenever you need it at (949) 470-0493. You can also connect with your Local EAP Committee Members at afaalaska.org/eap.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

Dianna Ripley, MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson

Dianna Ripley has been a Flight Attendant since 2014. Prior to joining the airline industry, she gained extensive leadership and customer service experience, serving as an Optical Manager for Costco Wholesale and managing Alaska’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa.

Following an on-the-job injury in 2022, Dianna became actively involved with the Council 30 (ANC) Benefits Committee, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. Motivated by her own experience navigating complex processes, she is dedicated to making benefit information clear, accurate, and accessible for all Flight Attendants. In her current role, she works to improve communication around FMLA, medical and maternity leave, Workers’ Compensation, and annual benefits enrollment.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and appreciating nature. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1995, and they will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in January. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and their family dog, Deshka. Dianna and her family enjoy fishing, camping, riding side-by-sides/ATVs, and gathering around a backyard fire with friends and family year-round.

Melanie Buker, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson

Melanie began her aviation career with Horizon Air in 1986, based in Boise, Idaho. During her tenure, she joined the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), an experience that later guided her transition into the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when she joined Alaska Airlines in 2002.

She was elected AFA Council 30 Anchorage President in January 2011 and currently serves her fourth term as Vice President of AFA Council 15 San Diego, where she has also held the role of Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. With more than 23 years of dedicated EAP service, Melanie remains committed to strengthening the program and enhancing support resources for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants—and, in the future, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants as the merger progresses.

Melanie resides in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys the natural beauty of her home state, spending time with her longtime friends, reading, and cherishing time with her two grandsons.

Elizabeth Dillon, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson

Elizabeth Dillon has been a LAX-based Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 35 years and has been involved with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee (including CIRP Critical Incident Response) since 1996. She holds three certificates related to drug and alcohol abuse: NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1), LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional), and SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Elizabeth conducts assessments, organizes inpatient treatment for addicted Flight Attendants, and monitors incoming EAP, Critical Incident, and Professional Standards cases for Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson

Deb Wallstrom has held several Union roles since she joined Alaska Airlines in 1998. Based in Anchorage, Deb currently also serves on both the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and the Benefits Committee. She is dedicated to assisting and guiding Flight Attendants through retirement options and information. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, hiking, and curling up with a good survival book.

Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons & Representatives

We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives, who will begin their roles on January 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged Inflight Training Committee for both airlines. They’ll ensure 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.

Megan Brown, MEC Inflight Training Committee Chairperson

With nearly 35 years as a Flight Attendant and 21 years as an instructor, Megan Brown brings extensive experience to her roles. She has held several Union positions, including serving on the EAP/Professional Standards Committee for a decade, and being elected multiple times to serve as a Council Representative for Council 19 (Seattle). Since 2017, she has also led as MEC Chairperson of the Inflight Training Committee. Megan’s true passion lies in standing up for Flight Attendants and advocating for them with energy and dedication. Outside of work, Megan is a single mother to a 21-year-old son and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends.

Andrew Lum-Nelmida, MEC Inflight Training Committee Member

Andrew holds a Certificate of Completion in Culinary Arts from Leeward Community College. His diverse background includes experience as a line cook, cashier, and server at Sizzlers Hawaii, as well as working as a Barista and Shift Leader at Starbucks. Since 2003, Andrew has been a valued member of Hawaiian Airlines, starting as a Reservations Agent (2003-2005), then transitioning to an In-Flight Administrator (2005-2006), and ultimately becoming a Flight Attendant in 2006. For the past 14 years, he has also served as an In-Flight Instructor.

In his free time, Andrew enjoys cooking for his family and creating knit and crochet projects such as gloves, socks, beanies, and cardigans. In this new role, Andrew aims to leverage his extensive experience in In-Flight Training to help merge the best practices of both Hawaiian Airlines and the new group. He is committed to embodying the values of both organizations, fostering a positive and effective learning environment for both new and legacy Flight Attendants.

James Bozanich, MEC Inflight Training Committee Member

James began his aviation career in 2009 as a Flight Attendant with Virgin America, based in San Francisco. Over the years, he has held a wide range of leadership and instructional roles within Inflight, including Inflight Team Leader, Air Transportation Supervisor, and Inflight Instructor, a position he has proudly served in for more than 15 years. In addition to teaching both Initial and Recurrent Training, James has co-developed numerous Inflight Training programs at Virgin America and Alaska Airlines. One of his most memorable experiences was participating in the Virgin America/Virgin Australia Exchange Program, during which he spent a year flying as a Sydney-based Flight Attendant.

James became active with AFA shortly after the ratification of the 2018 JCBA, first serving as the Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson before transferring to the San Diego base in 2021.  In 2023, he was elected MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson and also joined the Inflight Training Committee. Guided by his belief that constructive action drives meaningful change, James applied for and was elected to join the 2022 Alaska Negotiating Committee. In that role, he contributed to the strategy and bargaining efforts that led to the 2025–2028 CBA, a contract that delivered significant economic gains and improved work rules for Alaska’s Flight Attendants. He will soon begin his second term as MEC Training Committee Member, this time supporting both Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants and Instructors within the merged Inflight Training Committee.

Outside of his Union and inflight work, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UC Davis. Prior to becoming a Flight Attendant, he worked as a Securities-Licensed Banker and as a Trip Leader for a high-end active travel company. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, running, skiing, and exploring global cuisine while traveling.

Jody Sakaba, MEC Inflight Training Committee Member

Jody started at Hawaiian Airlines as a Flight Attendant in May of 2013. She holds a Master’s degree in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Eastern Washington University. She has been an Inflight Instructor for ten years. Jody is excited to continue to serve the Flight Attendants through her participation on the Inflight Training committee. Her goals are to help ensure effective communication with regard to the upcoming transition training and to develop confidence in our Flight Attendants during this time of change. When she’s not at work, Jody enjoys spending time with family and friends and especially enjoys watching her son play basketball and volleyball. 

Ryoko Suzuki, MEC Inflight Training Committee Member

Ryoko brings deep expertise from key roles across multiple international carriers. She served as First Class Flight Attendant for both Emirates Airlines (since 2002) and Qantas Airways, where she actively participated in significant cultural training initiatives. 

Since 2012, she has been a Flight Attendant and, since 2013, a certified In-Flight Instructor for Hawaiian Airlines, contributing to and leading various specialized training programs. This comprehensive background allows her to create and implement highly effective, employee-centric educational material necessary for operational alignment post-merger.

A strong believer in the human element of corporate change, Ryoko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology  and Italian Language from the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her five-year-old Shih Tzu, Pepe, and playing claw machines in Japan.

Taylor Opitz, MEC Inflight Training Committee Member

Taylor began her aviation career in 2013 as a Passenger Service Agent for Horizon Air.  She quickly transitioned to a Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines in January of 2014, where she discovered a passion for supporting her colleagues.  Her Union involvement started in 2017, as a reserve buddy, a role she embraced for over eight years. Taylor became an inflight instructor in 2019, and training quickly became a passion of hers. She loves reconnecting with peers in recurrent training and finds the energy and challenge of teaching initial classes especially rewarding. Since 2023, Taylor has proudly served on the Inflight Training Committee, where she has advocated for Flight Attendants, new hires, and fellow instructors. She looks forward to continuing her work with the Inflight Training Committee and navigating the changes this merger will bring.  

Taylor lives in North Tacoma with her husband, Jason, and their cat, Lucy. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and traveling to new destinations, especially areas with good wine. 

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – December 2025

On Monday, December 1, 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), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotels and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams. 

Our next monthly meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. API, the company’s hotel accommodations vendor, will also host their first quarterly business review (QBR) meeting of 2026 in January, with the pre-merger Alaska meeting on January 21 and the pre-merger Hawaiian meeting on January 22.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • New LAX (pmAS) Local Hotel Committee Chairperson: We want to welcome Brian Sherill as the new Local Hotel Committee Chairperson for Council 18 (LAX pmAS)!  We’d like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Chris Cardenas for his incredible contributions and unwavering dedication to representing our Members. You can find more information on your AFA Hotel Committee contacts here.  
  • Hotel and Ground Transportation Issues (pmAS):
    • JFK (Long Stay): We have noticed an increase in complaints regarding our JFK property (Manhattan) with both the hotel and our ground transportation provider. Feedback has been consistent regarding room placement, cleanliness, and the readiness of rooms. Due to the consistent complaints, the Hotel Committee has requested that this market be sourced for alternative options. Ground transportation has also been inconsistent, with larger vans being dispatched for small crews while smaller vans are dispatched for larger crews, causing discomfort during transport to/from the hotel.  
    • LAS (Long Stay): There have been reports of inconsistent drop-off locations and confusion regarding the check-in location, depending on the time of arrival. We have requested that the ground transportation providers be informed of the appropriate drop-off/pick-up location, depending on the time of arrival/departure. The hotel also has not been separating the sign-in sheet for both Flight Attendants and pilots, which needs to be rectified.
    • HNL: Our new HNL property has received positive feedback so far; however, complaints have been made about room placement in terms of noise for day sleepers. We have requested that the hotel place our rooms away from the musical performances, the pool, and street noise. 
  • Hotel Contract Terms (pmAS): Section 34 [Hotels and Transportation] of our CBA defines minimum standards for crew safety and comfort. Some hotels offer additional amenities not required by the CBA standards, like premium Wi-Fi, complimentary grab-and-go items, and bike rentals. We are compiling a list of additional requests, such as these, that we would like to see negotiated directly with our hotels as complimentary crew enhancements. While these are not guaranteed, we strive to secure the best layover experience for our Flight Attendants.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts site visits to hotels under consideration by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. 
    1. Pre-Merger Alaska: Hotel site visits are planned for ORD (Short Stay), PDX (Short Stay), SJO (both Long and Short Stay), and IAD (Long Stay) in December. In 2026, the Hotel Committee will visit LAX (Long Stay) in January, CVG (Long Stay) in February, and KEF in February, which will be operated on pre-merger Alaska aircraft. Crew Hotels is still working on the 2026 sourcing list. With several hotel contracts set to expire, we anticipate a busy year of site visits.
    1. Pre-Merger Hawaiian: Site visits are planned for 2026, but none have been scheduled yet. Crew Hotels met on December 4 to review the 2026 sourcing list.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Update: After several months of productive discussions, we’ve paused Hotel Gainshare negotiations due to recent concerns of potential tax implications recently brought forward by management. We’ve referred the matter to our AFA International legal department to assess management’s interpretation of IRS regulations to help determine our path forward. We believe a hotel gainshare program will be beneficial to both Flight Attendants and the company, and hope to resolve all of management’s concerns and reach an agreement soon. We’ll share additional details as they become available.

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 does not 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.

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), […]

Single PSS Is Coming: What It Means For You

Tonight, the Alaska and Hawaiian merger will reach another major milestone—the integration of both airlines into a single passenger service computer system (PSS). While this change will affect Flight Attendants less than other groups—like Customer Service Agents and airport staff—there are still important updates you should know. Block2Block App and Onboard Service Pre-merger Hawaiian Flight […]

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for […]

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