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Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

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Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the nation. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that expanded the celebration to a full month, reflecting the growing recognition of Hispanic-Latinx Americans’ vital role in shaping American society. Today, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together, learn, celebrate, and foster greater understanding.

The timing of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is especially meaningful. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—each of which declared independence from Spain in 1821. This date was chosen to honor the shared history and aspirations of these nations. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21, further enriching the month with stories of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. These intertwined histories help us appreciate the depth and diversity of Hispanic-Latinx heritage in the Americas.

Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

To enhance your understanding of Hispanic-Latinx history and contributions, we invite you to explore some of the following informative resources:

Celebrate with a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin

We invite you to join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin! In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution honoring Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative AFA pin for Members. Wearing this pin is a visible way to express pride, solidarity, and support throughout the month.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of the pin, reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. Want to get your hands on this unique pin? Keep an eye out for availability updates from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to ensure you don’t miss out.

Questions?

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is here to assist you.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, June 24, 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 were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), and Erika Daniel (SAN). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee also attended.

The Committee met with several members of management, 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, and Director of Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson. 

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Pride Parade AFA Participation: The committee discussed upcoming participation by AFA Human Rights & Equity Committees and other AFA Representatives in ANC, SEA, PDX, SFO, and SAN. All Flight Attendants are welcome and encouraged to join. Additional event information is available at: https://afacwa.org/join-our-afa-siblings-at-pride/.
  • 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference: This event will be held in Atlanta, GA, from August 16 to 19. All Local Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons, as well as the MEC Committee Chairperson, are registered to attend.
  • Supervisor Presence for Uniform Compliance Checks: The Committee expressed concerns aboutsupervisors being on board to conduct uniform compliance checks during or immediately before boarding. This practice was noted as distracting and potentially a safety concern.
  • ADA-Accessible Hotel Rooms on Layovers: Flight Attendants registered in PeopleSoft as employees with a disability may request an ADA-accessible room upon check-in at their layover hotel. The hotel is required to provide an accessible room upon request, subject to availability and applicable requirements. Alternatively, crew members may contact the hotel the night before arrival to request accommodations. Information regarding ADA accommodation requests will be included in the hotel update distributed at the beginning of July.
  • Idaho House Bill (HB) 752: This bill,which would have criminalized transgender individuals for using public restrooms consistent with their gender identity, is currently blocked by a preliminary injunction while its constitutionality is challenged in court. Management is awaiting the outcome before determining next steps. The Committee discussed providing employees with a resource that identifies all-gender restroom locations to assist them when traveling. This topic will remain an ongoing discussion with the Cultural & Belonging department and inflight management.

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 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 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.

MEC Statement Regarding Management’s New California Timekeeping Policy

Management announced a major policy shift last night that, starting October 1, 2026, California-based pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants in SFO, LAX, and SAN will be required to take an additional and redundant step to record their time worked by punching in and out using a timekeeping system. According to management, this new procedure applies to […]

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the […]

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

On Thursday, August 27, our Seattle Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met with management to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Walstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX/SEA pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 19 – September 2026

Last week, the JNC received management’s responses on several contract sections and submitted counterproposals, including important updates for retiree benefits. As negotiations continue, both parties are preparing to use Interest-based Bargaining (IBB), a collaborative approach that aims to find mutually beneficial solutions to complex issues. IBB training is scheduled for October in Seattle and will be led by a mediator from the National Mediation Board.

Understanding The Legislative Process

As we continue our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, this week we’re exploring how the legislative process works, why enacting laws strengthens our collective bargaining power, and how to engage effectively with our elected representatives. The legislative process may sometimes feel complex or far removed, but it directly shapes our day-to-day lives—from cabin safety regulations […]

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