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

        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

        Human Rights Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2024

        November 21, 2024 09:00

        Human Rights Committee

        • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, November 18, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
        • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
        • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

        On Monday, November 18, 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), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Trista Vanta (SFO). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II was also present.

        The committee met with several members of management: Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Interim Director of California Bases Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

        The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, with the exact date yet to be determined.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        • New ANC Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson. We welcome Nyachan Chuar as the new Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson for Council 30 (ANC).
        • MedLink App Gender Identifier Update. The MedLink app will soon be updated to include an option for users to select “male,” “female,” or “other.” This change will be part of the 11.30 version update.
        • Tattoo Policy Discussions. Management has stated that Hawaiian Airlines prohibits visible tattoos for certain countries it serves. Alaska management has yet to make a final decision on this policy as the merger process continues.
        • Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression CBT. An upcoming computer-based training (CBT) titled “Understanding Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression” is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
        • Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions. These sessions, co-facilitated with Local AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons, are scheduled to continue into 2025.
        • AFA International Incident Reporting Form. A new form is now available for all AFA Flight Attendants to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or general concerns encountered during their flight careers. This form can be accessed on the AFA International website at www.afacwa.org/international_incident_reporting_form.

        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.

        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 Native American Heritage Month

        November 1, 2024 09:00

        Human Rights Committee

        • November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. This tradition dates back to the early 20th century when various organizations and state governments began adopting proclamations to celebrate American Indian Day.
        • If you’re curious to dive deeper into Native American Heritage Month, check out the links below to learn about the incredible achievements of Native Americans and find events happening this month. 
        • Show your support by wearing a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin all month long! If you need a pin, reach out to your Local Council for the details.

        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 first national recognition of this heritage month occurred in 1976 when President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation designating Native American Awareness Week. Then, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a resolution recognizing the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Since 1994, this recognition has continued with similar proclamations issued each year, often under different names, including Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

        Learn More About Native American History

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

        • Library of Congress – Native American Heritage Month
        • National Archives – Native American Heritage Month
        • National Endowment for the Humanities – American Indian History and Heritage
        • National Park Service – Native American Heritage Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of the American Indian
        • Alaska Air Group Native Employee Network (NEN) – Team AAG (AAG sign-on required)

        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 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 Committee.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: Native American Heritage Month

        Human Rights Committee Update – 3rd Quarter 2024

        September 6, 2024 09:00

        Human Rights Committee

        • Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Friday, August 30, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
        • The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns that had been previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light. 
        • If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!

        On Friday, August 30, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to build awareness and effect change within our workplace and community. Representing you at the meeting were Erika Daniel (SAN), Louise Borras (LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

        The committee met with Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert and VP Inflight Matt Prainito.

        The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Monday, November 18, 2024. 

        Topics of Discussion

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

        • Discussions of Sept & Oct heritage events
        • Flight Attendant listening sessions. Sept 15th – Oct 15th next month Hispanic Heritage Month ANC Chairperson/Inflight/LCRG BRG Representative will host the next scheduled listening session, date and time TBD.
        • Concern of “Fly” Dress code while traveling – “Tattoos are never acceptable” requesting this be addressed
        • Concern of Medlink on our IMD identifying the guest as Male or Female, seeking if this can be more gender neutral
        • Alaska and Horizon jumpseat dress code has been changed to read more gender neutral

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of Alaska acquisition of Hawaiian, as there may be an overall new design.  
        2. Working on a CBT with SFO Chairperson about understanding transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression 
        3. Resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts) on the AFA Website.
        4. Med Link on our IMD. Identifying the guest as Male or Female, seeking if this can be more gender neutral 
        5. CSA manual being more gender neutral. Removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non rev travel.
        6.  Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our 6 present domiciles also including HNL
        7. Batok Tattoos visible while in uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska acquisition of Hawaiian.

        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

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        On Thursday, September 18, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing efforts to represent our Flight Attendants and advocate for improvements in our workplace. Although our Inflight Service Committee has now merged, meetings with management continue to focus primarily on the Alaska or Hawaiian brands individually. This particular meeting was centered […]

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