Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC)

Joint Contract Negotiations Begin

March 21, 2025 11:00

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has completed the first week of negotiations for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA).

Normally, this update would have been published sooner; however, a lot has been happening at both Alaska and Hawaiian:

February 28: AFA Alaska TA2 was ratified for the Alaska Flight Attendant Contract
March 1: Merged Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC) officers’ term began
March 3 and 4: JNC Negotiations Training
March 4-6, 10, 11, 13, 17: JNC Negotiations planning meetings took place
March 11: AFA Hawaiian reached TA on Contract Extension
March 18: JCBA Negotiations began

*Our Joint Negotiating Committee is (L-R): Jeff Fuke, Paula Mastrangelo, Tim Green, Heather Reier, Virginia Fritz, and Martin Gusman*

With the MECs of both carriers merged, we were now able to begin JCBA negotiations. This JCBA bargaining is unique as we merge two strong and complex contracts on the heels of negotiating successor contracts to both the Hawaiian and Alaska Contracts. As a result, our opening proposals in joint contract negotiations were broad and brief. Key highlights of our Opening Proposal:

Each contract section will be addressed individually.
The Alaska CBA will be used as a basis for language purposes.
Our commitment is to combine the best of both contracts.
We will be seeking improvements over the current contract provisions.
Big decisions like TFP vs Block Pay, Open Time systems, etc., will be decided downline after surveying members and consulting with the MEC.

For our first session, we focused on the less controversial sections and passed proposals on the following:

Non-Discrimination
Purpose of Agreement
Savings Clause
Status of Agreement
Probation Period
Seniority
Grievance Procedures
System Board of Adjustment
Association Security
Training
Leaves of Absence

Tentative Agreements were reached on the following sections:

Non-Discrimination
Purpose of Agreement
Savings Clause
Status of Agreement
Probation Period
Association Security
Medical Examinations

As we move forward, the JNC will normally meet with management for one session per month. Your input will be crucial as the JNC pinpoints the most beneficial language from our two contracts. Our plan involves consulting with our MEC and the relevant Alaska and Hawaiian AFA committee chairs. This will ensure the JNC possesses the necessary working knowledge to fully understand each contractual provision. Then, we will develop section-specific Member surveys to determine our negotiating priorities.

The JNC will be conducting several membership surveys throughout JCBA negotiations that target specific areas of the contract. This will give you the opportunity to provide us with the most current feedback on many key contractual sections, including:

Reserve
Pick Ups, Drops, Trades, and Exchanges / Exchange of Sequences
Scheduling / Hours of Service
Sick Leave
Vacation
Commuter Policy
TFP/Block Hours

Our first Survey about the Commuter Policy is currently being developed and will be sent out in the near future. Please anticipate these surveys throughout negotiations as we approach key sections.

We value your feedback as we work together to create the best possible contract for our combined group. Please reach out to us with any questions or ideas you may have so that we can ensure we leave no ideas on the table.

In Solidarity,

Your Joint Negotiating Committee – Tim Green, Martin Gusman, Jeff Fuke, Virginia Fritz, Heather Reier, and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo

Negotiations Support Representative Interviews

March 6, 2025 09:00

Background

The Negotiations Support Representative plays a vital role in assisting the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). Key responsibilities include serving as the primary note-taker during negotiation sessions, developing and managing a communication plan, creating engaging informational content for Members, coordinating social media activities, and gathering and reviewing Member feedback. This position requires strong organizational skills, proficiency with various digital tools, and effective communication abilities. The Representative works closely with different AFA committees and others to support the collective bargaining process.

Duties & Responsibilities

Act as the primary note-taker during all negotiation sessions and related meetings. Ensure proper record-keeping of all negotiation-related notes, proposals, correspondence, and materials for all members of the JNC. Maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with AFA policy.
Develop and manage the JNC communications plan. Following the established MEC Communications development process, create informational and educational materials for the membership, including written content, graphics, and videos (both short and long form). Collaborate with the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson to schedule and publish approved content through MEC communication channels, including social media, the website, broadcast emails, and mobile messaging.
Coordinate social media activities on behalf of the JNC as directed. Work with the JNC to address feedback, comments, and concerns consistently and uniformly. Assist the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson in managing all social media and online platforms as instructed.
Develop, write, and edit correspondence and other communications. Aid in preparing committee reports for the MEC and other stakeholders.
Coordinate the collection of membership feedback on behalf of the JNC. Manage online feedback collection tools, analyze the information, compile feedback summaries, and report back to the JNC Chairperson.
Take responsibility for developing content and presentation materials for Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) Road Shows. Distribute road show materials as directed by the JNC Chairperson.
Maintain the JNC calendar. Schedule and plan meetings and videoconferences as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the JNC Chairperson or the AFA Senior Staff Negotiator.

Expectations/Qualifications

Current Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines AFA Member in good standing.
Extensive working knowledge of current pre-merger airline’s collective bargaining agreement. Working knowledge of both pre-merger collective bargaining agreements helpful.
Strong computer skills. Excellent proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Chat, and Meet), Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and website content management systems (WordPress and Squarespace) required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop engaging membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external emails, track issues, prepare reports, plan meeting agendas, and take minutes.
Ability to create engaging membership communications for various channels, including broadcast email, web, and social media. Proficiency in storyboarding, scripting, producing, and editing both short-form and long-form video content is required.
Ability to check and respond to email regularly during the business week, meet deadlines, and follow up on assigned tasks.
Ability to participate in all required videoconferences and virtual meetings.
Ability to attend meetings and in-person activities as required (mainly in Seattle).
Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed.
Willingness to sign and abide by the AFA Alaska confidentiality policy and a company-provided non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Time Commitment & Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

The time commitment is approximately one week per month in Seattle, with additional remote work as needed. This may increase depending on the pace of negotiations.
Flight pay loss and related override(s) will be compensated in accordance with the applicable pre-merger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions and/or the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual.
Travel time is unpaid; exceptions will be treated on a case-by-case basis.
Meal, incidental expenses, and other reimbursements will follow the guidelines outlined in the MEC Policy & Procedure Manual and AFA-CWA C&B.

Working Relationships

With The Joint Negotiating Committee

This position works directly on a day-to-day basis with the members of the Joint Negotiating Committee, including the AFA Senior Staff Negotiator.

With The MEC Communications Committee

Constant interaction with the MEC Communications Committee Chairperson and members of the MEC Communications Committee. Occasional interaction with the AFA International Communications Department.

With The Master Executive Council

Regular interaction with the Master Executive Council as directed by the JNC Chairperson. This position reports to the MEC through the MEC President.

With Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines Management

Regular interaction with management’s appointed negotiating team members, particularly during negotiations sessions.

Expressing Interest & Interview Scheduling

The MEC will interview eligible candidates during the April Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, April 1, and Wednesday, April 2. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

Eligible candidates can choose to interview in person in SeaTac, WA, or virtually via Google Meet videoconferencing.

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest and your resume using the online form (link below). The submission deadline is 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. After the submission deadline, an MEC representative will contact eligible candidates to arrange specific interview times.

Click here to submit an expression of interest form >

Please note that a Google account is required to submit the expression of interest form. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Introducing Our AFA Alaska Joint Negotiating Committee and Seniority Merger Integration Committee Members

November 17, 2024 13:00

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Last week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) conducted interviews for two positions on the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) and two positions on the Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC). We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the candidates who participated in the interviews and demonstrated their commitment to serving our Flight Attendants. After careful consideration, we are pleased to announce the election of Virginia Fritz and Heather Reier to the JNC positions, as well as Marie Maxwell and Camile Caldwell to the SMIC positions. All will serve as the pre-merger Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant representatives on their respective committees in the upcoming merger.

Joint Negotiating Committee

Virginia Fritz

Virginia has been a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant since 2015 when she started her career at Virgin America. She has always had a passion for aviation since traveling as an unaccompanied minor at 5 years old. Her desire for aviation led her to work on a Zeppelin, as a gate agent, and as an air transportation supervisor. When Alaska Airlines bought Virgin America, and she became a member of AFA, she jumped at the first opportunity to fight for Flight Attendants by serving as the Council 35 (SFO) Scheduling Committee Chairperson from 2018 until 2022. In 2022, Virginia was elected as Council 35 LEC Vice President and began serving San Francisco Flight Attendants in additional capacities, including with local Grievance, Mobilization, and Hotel Committees, as well as other needs her local Members requested of her. In 2020, she was privileged to be able to join the PBS Committee, and in 2023, she was honored to begin serving as MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS.

Virginia is honored and humbled to be elected to the Joint Negotiating Committee so that she can use her commitment and passion in advocacy to find a contract that truly helps us all be stronger together.

When not advocating for fellow Flight Attendants, Virginia resides in Los Gatos, CA, with her supportive and loving husband, their adorable pup, Strudel, and her especially Union Proud Grandmother.

Heather Reier

Heather attended her first Anchorage Local Council AFA meeting in early 2016 before even flying a trip. Being a helper by nature, she immediately joined the Reserve Committee as a Reserve Buddy. This allowed her to better learn the parts of the contract that were specific to her work and to support others in the same position.

When the Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson position became available in early 2019, Heather stepped into that role to better assist all her coworkers – while remaining a Reserve Buddy (and Interim Reserve Chairperson) until this past July. As Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson, she has been able to help countless Flight Attendants with questions about legalities, pay, hotel issues, etc. She has often been able to advocate successfully on others’ behalf.

Heather was elected Anchorage Local Executive Council Vice President for 2023-2025. She is thrilled that this expanded role allows her to fully serve her coworkers and increase her knowledge and expertise in all contract areas.

Heather and her husband, Travis, a firefighter in Anchorage, have been married for 28 years and have raised their family in Anchorage since early 1997. Heather is an animal lover. She has three dogs of her own and often has foster dogs running around. She also enjoys the outdoors (minus the mosquitos) and has recently discovered a love of gardening.

About the Joint Negotiating Committee

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will negotiate with management to merge the collective bargaining agreements of the two pre-merger airlines into a single agreement for the newly combined airline. The full JNC will include two members from AFA Alaska, two from AFA Hawaiian, the MEC President, and the AFA Staff Negotiator.

Seniority Merger Integration Committee

Marie Maxwell

Marie Maxwell, a San Diego-based Flight Attendant, is excited to join the AFA Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) for the upcoming merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Marie previously served as a SMIC member for the Alaska Airlines/Virgin America merger in 2017/18 and brings first-hand knowledge and experience of merging two Flight Attendant seniority lists. Marie will analyze the results of the past merger and look for opportunities to make improvements during this subsequent merger within the guidelines of the AFA Constitution and Bylaws. She is ultimately committed to ensuring this is a fair and equitable process for both Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants.

Marie joined Alaska Airlines as a Flight Attendant in 2012. Before Alaska, she spent three decades in various marketing and product management roles in the tech sector. She brings strong analytical, project management, and communication skills to this committee and will focus on accomplishing SMIC goals promptly, fairly, and systematically.

Marie moved to San Diego when the base opened in 2013. She is originally from western Pennsylvania but has spent most of her life on the West Coast. Marie graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts. She is an avid traveler, most recently visiting the Serengeti in Tanzania on a photo Safari and hiking the mountains in Tanzania and Uganda to observe chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat. When she is not working or traveling, she spends her spare time playing pickleball, hiking, and making pottery.

Camile Caldwell

Camile started her flying career with Virgin America in 2017 as a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant. Once the Virgin America/Alaska merger was complete, Camile began volunteering with AFA and has held positions on the Council 35 (SFO) Reserve and Grievance Committees. In addition to her Union roles, Camile works as an inflight instructor, where she helped develop the 2024 RT program.

Before becoming a Flight Attendant, Camile attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, which she continues to call home. When she isn’t flying, you can find Camile on the hiking trails with her boxer dog, Lily, or enjoying time with friends and family.

Camile is honored to serve our workgroup during the Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines merger as part of the Seniority Merger Integration Committee and will work to create a fair, equitable, and unified seniority list. If you see her out on the line, please stop and say hi!

About The Seniority Merger Integration Committee

The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) is responsible for gathering the information needed to merge the Flight Attendant seniority lists, evaluating any protests from Flight Attendants, and producing a final certified seniority list for the upcoming merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The full SMIC will be composed of two merger representatives from AFA Alaska and two from AFA Hawaiian.

Joint Contract Negotiations Begin