AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for AS/HA Merger / Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC)

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 3 – May 2025

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our JNC met with management this week on May 20 to May 22 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 17 to June 19
  • A tentative agreement was reached regarding Buddy Bidding for Training aimed at formalizing a current bidding practice utilized by Hawaiian
  • Our JNC is currently developing the next survey where a comments section will be included based on your feedback

Negotiations Update

The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The JNC met with management on May 20 to May 22 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonMatt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberTami Becker Gomez, Managing Director and Associate General Counsel Labor and Employment Law, Alaska
Virgina Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Seth Heiple, Alaska MEC Air Safety Health and Security Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay, Hawaiian

As we proceed with the JCBA negotiations, we have continued with focusing on addressing the less contentious and non-economic sections. During this session, section proposals listed below were exchanged back and forth between the JNC and management. As we delve deeper into these sections, the issues become increasingly complex. Provisions that initially appear straightforward have numerous interconnected concerns that require careful consideration as we work through them.

In the intervening weeks since our last in-person session, and to help us to develop our proposals with management, we consulted and collaborated with AFA’s Hawaiian and Alaska subject matter experts and MEC Committee Chairs in the areas of safety, uniforms, hotels and training.

Seth Heiple came to the table to bring his expertise on Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security, where he spoke to different safety meetings that AFA participates in with management.  He also educated the group about various safety concerns including various serious incidents, including crewmember assaults and fume events. Seth was also able to emphasize aspects of the Hawaiian contract, such as the standardization of emergency equipment.

We successfully formalized a buddy bidding practice that Hawaiian currently uses. This allows a Flight Attendant to waive their seniority during the training bidding process. As a result, they can be paired with a junior Flight Attendant and both can attend training together with the same schedule.

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached in this session:

  • Buddy Bidding for Training LOA (HA CBA Section 10.G.6.a)

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
  • Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
  • Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
  • Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
  • Section 33 – Charters (HA CBA Section 12)
  • Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4)
  • Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections also in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 6: Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
  • Section 15: Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
  • Section 19: Grievance Procedure (HA CBA 23)
  • Section 27: Association General (HA CBA Section 22)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for June 17 to June 19. We are actively working on the next survey and have listened to your feedback regarding the Commuter Survey. The next survey will include a section dedicated to comments.

Commuter Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Commuter Survey Closing on Monday, May 5 at 12 PM PT

We understand that commuting—whether by air or ground—plays a vital role in your daily lives. As part of our commitment to supporting you, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is focused on making sure our commuter policy provides the necessary protections for all Flight Attendants.

As we gear up for negotiations on this key aspect, your feedback is invaluable. To gather your insights, we’ve developed a Commuter Policy Survey.  In the survey, we’ve also highlighted the differences between the Hawaiian and Alaska contracts.

The survey will be available until May 5 at 12 PM PT. We strongly encourage you to take a moment to complete the survey. Your input will help the JNC advocate effectively for your needs.

Thank you for being an essential part of this process!

Click this link to access the survey >

If you have any questions regarding the survey feel free to contact the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

Commuter Policy Survey Now Open

We recognize that commuting—by air or ground—is a significant part of your daily routine. Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is dedicated to ensuring that the commuter policy adequately protects all Flight Attendants. As we prepare to negotiate this important section, it’s essential that we gather your feedback.

To facilitate this process, we’ve created a Commuter Policy Survey that compares the provisions in the Hawaiian and Alaska contracts. Your input is crucial in helping us understand your priorities and concerns. The survey is currently open and will close on May 5 at Noon PT. We encourage you to take a moment to click the survey link and share your thoughts, so the JNC can accurately represent your interests.

Click this link to access the survey >

If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org. 

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 2 – April 2025

  • Our JNC met with management this week, on April 15 to April 17; the next negotiation session is scheduled for May 20 to May 22 
  • Commuter Survey to be released on Monday, April 21
  • Hawaiian Flight Attendants ratify Contract Extension

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on April 15 to April 17 in Seattle, WA. This marks the second joint negotiating session, with the first held in March. (see Joint Contract Negotiations Begins). At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing Management:Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants:
Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations AlaskaTim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson
Matt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight AlaskaMartin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Carmen William, Manager Director, Labor RelationsJeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager AlaskaVirgina Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Gloria Chow-Vanderwell, Managing Director of Inflight Services AlaskaHeather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member
Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner AlaskaPaula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator
Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations Hawaiian 
Allen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay Hawaiian 

During this negotiation process, we started by tackling simpler topics and non-money-related issues where both contracts have similar terms. Once we settle these easier points, we will move on to the more complex issues that involve significant financial considerations.

We’ve agreed to use the Alaska contract as a base while negotiating relevant provisions and terms from the Hawaiian contract.  

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached in this session:

  • Section 20 – Board of Adjustment (HA CBA Section 24)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
  • Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
  • Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
  • Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)

Survey: Commuter Policy

Our JNC is reviewing the Commuter Policies (AS CBA Section 27 and HA CBA Section 34-28) and is looking for your feedback. The Committee is sending a Commuter Survey to your personal emails next week!

  • Survey opens Monday, April 21 at 9 AM PT 
  • Survey closes Monday, May 5 at 12 PM PT

Every Flight Attendant commutes to work whether by air or by ground, and we want to make sure your voice is heard. Please make sure to complete the survey before it closes!

Hawaiian Extension TA Results

Hawaiian Flight Attendants voted to ratify a Contract Extension through February 2028. This Extension includes continued pay increases, retirement improvements, better profit sharing, and a strong foundation to build upon as negotiations for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) continue. The Contract Extension was ratified with 88% voting for the agreement. 

Introducing Our Negotiations Support Representative

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for the Negotiations Support Representative position, a key role supporting our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). We’d like to sincerely thank all candidates for their participation and willingness to serve our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we’re pleased to announce that Lea Franzoi has been selected for this position.

About Lea

Lea has been a Honolulu-based Flight Attendant with Hawaiian Airlines since 2006. Her involvement with the Union began when she filled a vacancy as the Hawaiian MEC Secretary-Treasurer from August 2022 to June 2023 and again from August 2023 to February 2025. Drawing on her strong organizational skills, Lea is eager to contribute to the team’s success by supporting the needs of the Joint Negotiating Committee and collaborating to ensure that Members stay well-informed throughout the joint contract negotiations process.

Born and raised on the island of O’ahu, Lea holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hawai’i Pacific University. Since 2012, she has been commuting from Las Vegas. In her free time, Lea enjoys outdoor activities and traveling with her husband.

About the Negotiations Support Representative

As the primary note-taker during negotiation sessions, Lea will ensure accurate documentation of all discussions, proposals, and related materials. Her extensive knowledge of the current Hawaiian collective bargaining agreement, along with her strong organizational skills, will be invaluable in managing communication strategies for the JNC.

Lea will also develop engaging informational content for our Members, coordinate social media activities, and collect feedback to amplify our Members’ voices. Her proficiency with digital tools and ability to create compelling communications will significantly benefit our efforts to promote transparency and engagement within our Flight Attendant group. She’ll work closely with the MEC Communications Committee to ensure all communications and activities contribute to strengthening our position at the bargaining table.

We Will Never Forget – September 11, 2001

AFA Never Forget Website United Flight 175 Robert J. FangmanAmy N. JarretAmy R. KingKathryn LaBorieAlfred G. MarchandMichael C. TarrouAlicia N. TitusCaptain: Victor SaraciniFirst Officer: Michael HorrocksCustomer Service Representatives: Marianne MacFarlane and Jesus Sanchez United Flight 93 Lorraine G. BaySandra BradshawWanda A. GreenCeeCee LylesDeborah WelshCaptain: Jason DahlFirst Officer: Leroy Homer American Flight 11 Barbara AresteguiJeffrey CollmanSara […]

Vacation Survey Now Open

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Your Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working diligently to understand and improve the vacation benefits for our Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian. Your input is essential in ensuring that the vacation provisions we adopt reflect your needs and preferences. To gather your perspectives, […]

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants Negotiations Update The SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management.  The SEA NC met with management on September 3 to September 5 in Honolulu. At the negotiating table for this session were: Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants   […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—October 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the terms of office for the MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions align with those of the MEC Officers. Since the current term for the MEC Officers will conclude on December 31, […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—October 2025

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The integration of our Master Executive Councils (MECs) is progressing steadily. Our first group of committees successfully merged on June 1, and we are now planning for another group of committees to merge on November 1. As part of the committee merging process, our […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates