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.

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.

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.

Human Rights Committee

• Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, May 6, 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 Monday, May 6, 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 Annie Madsen (ANC),Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Louise Borras (LAX). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman and Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Friday August 30, 2024. 

Topics of Discussion

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

• High Deductible Insurance Plans: Concerns of having to pay the full deductible prior to paying for the benefit of certain medications. SEA Local Committee Chairperson Chair Freddy Vega will be reaching out to our AFA Benefits Committee about the Committee concerns. Inflight Management wasn’t aware of this possible change and are also looking into this with Alaska HR/Employee Benefits.
• Spanish speakers on international flights. Flight Attendants have the translate option on their IMD as a resource if there aren’t any Spanish speaking individuals on the flight.
• Discussions of May & June heritage events.
• Flight Attendant listening sessions will resume in June. Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons will co-facilitate the sessions along with inflight management. The Committee and management have asked a representative from our various 13 BRGs (Business Resource Groups) to also attend. June will be hosted with LAX Local Committee Chairperson Louise Borras, Inflight Management, and a BRG Representative. The first session will give Flight Attendants an opportunity to learn more about our BRGs, how to join, and what opportunities are available.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.
2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement” announcements.
3. Resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts) on the AFA Website.
4. The ability for Flight Attendant names to be spelled phonetically on our IMD.
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. Formal change of the Human Rights Committee (HRC) name to be inline with AFA International Human Rights Equity (HRE) name.

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.

Human Rights Committee

• Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Thursday, February 22, 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 Thursday, February 22, 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 Sylvia Newbill (PDX), Annie Madsen (ANC), Trista Vanta (SFO), Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Lala Davis (LAX HRC Committee Member). Also present was MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Managing Director of Inflight Ops & Crew Scheduling Allen Thieman.

The committee is next scheduled to meet with management on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Topics of Discussion

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

• The ability for Flight Attendant names to be spelled phonetically on our IMD.
• The ability for Flight Attendants to have their choice of pronoun on their wings.
• Concerns about Inflight Management coming to the aircraft during our crucial time of boarding, as it’s very distracting and interferes with our boarding duties. 
• Loss of the Spanish speakers on our International routes.
• A resource for Flight Attendants about safety concerns in layover cities (Layover Safety Alerts).
• Arrival “Land Acknowledgement” announcements. “We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.” As this can be applied for all landings, recognizing Indigenous People and their traditional territories.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. International Flyer. Adding more routes to use the International Flyer as well as additional resources for the upcoming year.  
2. Committee Participation. Participation with Alaska’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department Heritage Months and other projects.
3. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Working toward the ability to add pronouns to our wings.

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.