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        You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News / AFA News Now

        Council 35 (SFO) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 21, 2025 12:30 Leave a Comment

        Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 35 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in San Francisco. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions:

        LEC President: Melissa Osborne
        LEC Vice President: Virginia Fritz
        LEC Secretary: James Ikehara
        Council Representative: Bradley Young

        View the certified election results here >>

        These newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2025, and serve until June 30, 2028.

        On behalf of our Master Executive Council (MEC), we congratulate the newly elected officers. We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the election process, whether by voting or by running for office. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Council 35 SFO Tagged With: election results, officer elections

        Council 18 (LAX) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 20, 2025 11:30 Leave a Comment

        Polls closed at 11 AM PT today for the election of Council 18 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Los Angeles. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions:

        LEC President: Kelese Richardson 
        LEC Vice President: Bryan Wall
        LEC Secretary: Jodi Leann Nelson
        Council Representative: Eric Howell

        View the certified election results here >>

        These newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2025, and serve until June 30, 2028.

        On behalf of our Master Executive Council (MEC), we congratulate the newly elected officers. We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the election process, whether by voting or by running for office. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Council 18 LAX Tagged With: election results, officer elections

        Meet Your Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

        May 19, 2025 17:00 Leave a Comment

        We’re excited to introduce our first group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on June 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils, ensuring that the voices of both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants are heard and advocated for. Below, you’ll find brief bios that showcase their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our combined Flight Attendant group.

        Brian Palmer, MEC Communications Committee Chairperson

        Brian began his career with Alaska Airlines as a Flight Attendant in 2006. Initially based in Anchorage, he has also been based in Los Angeles and Portland and is currently based in Seattle. His involvement with AFA began in 2009 when he joined the Council 39 (Portland) Reserve Committee, driven by a desire to improve the quality of life for his fellow reserve Flight Attendants. Over the years, Brian has taken on various leadership roles to advocate for Members’ needs. He has served as the Council 39 Reserve Committee Chairperson, Council 39 LEC Vice President, and Alaska MEC Vice President.

        Now, as he steps into the role of MEC Communications Committee Chairperson for the combined Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant group, he remains focused on ensuring that every Member feels represented and heard. Brian is deeply committed to empowering our Flight Attendants and improving communication by sharing information more broadly, creating connections, and building networks that make resources easily accessible to all members. His primary objectives include strengthening the Local Communications Committees, developing a new AFA website tailored for the combined Flight Attendant group, and introducing more engaging short-form video content across AFA communication channels.

        Before joining Alaska Airlines, Brian held various leadership positions in the hotel and retail banking industries. After more than a decade of commuting from the East Coast, he now resides in the Seattle area.

        Bruni Agosto-Pinal, MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

        Bruni began her career as a Flight Attendant in May 2018. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and has had experience in several industries, mostly centered around people and the protection of those who are most vulnerable. Bruni has goals of obtaining a J.D. when the time is right. Both her parents were Union leaders in Puerto Rico in the 80s and 90s, and this idea of having strength in numbers has always resonated with her. Bruni naturally has an interest in politics and social issues and discovered in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic how Congress could have a say in her career as a Flight Attendant; she received a WARN notice, and she, along with many others, would be furloughed unless the Payroll Support Program was passed. This is how she became involved with the Government Affairs Committee, and since then, she hasn’t looked back! Recognizing that our voices deserve to be heard at the local, state, and federal level, she focuses on educating her flying partners about the legislative process and actions that Flight Attendants can take to make a difference. She participated in the latest fly-in to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers regarding the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill, which includes provisions regarding cabin air safety, PUMP guidance for airlines and nursing crewmembers, and temperature in aircraft cabins, to name a few. 

        Bruni’s vision is to continue nurturing the passion displayed by Flight Attendants on issues that are important to them and use the momentum past leaders have created within this committee to continue addressing Flight Attendant priorities affecting the safety, income, job security, and overall careers of our Flight Attendant group on all legislative levels. She would like to increase FlightPAC contributions of our membership by at least 20% to ensure our voices continue to be heard in Washington, D.C. Finally, she would like to create a space where Flight Attendants can be empowered to take action and no longer be afraid of politics- because at the end of the day “you may not do politics, but politics is going to do you!” so, why not have a say in the matter? Bruni enjoys spending time with her family in South Florida and the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Family ties and culture are extremely important to her. She loves reading, any beach-related activities, anything beauty and makeup related, and live music. 

        Chip Hestle, MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson

        Chip began his career as a Seattle-based Flight Attendant for Alaska Airlines in 1991. As the new merged MEC Human Rights and Equity Committee Chairperson, Chip will continue to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership to build bridges and strengthen our Union. He is also a sitting member of the AFA-CWA International Human Rights and Equity Committee. 

        Before joining Alaska Airlines, Chip was a Pan American Flight Attendant based at JFK. His life experiences and understanding of the world and its complexities created his passion for human rights and diversity. 

        When Chip is not working, he spends time with his husband, Ross, also a Seattle-based flight Attendant, and their family. He enjoys traveling, karaoke, and volunteering in the community. 

        Chase Vandergrift, MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Alaska Brand

        Chase started his career at Alaska as a Flight Attendant in 2005. A UCSD grad with a degree in media, he found his way to the skies shortly after college. When the San Diego base opened in 2013, he was thrilled to return to his college town. Over the years, he’s taken on roles that let him support and connect with his fellow crew members. He has served as the San Diego Chairperson of the Inflight Service Committee for nearly a decade and contributed to the AFA Scheduling Committee. He’s passionate about making the in-flight experience as smooth, friendly, and fun for crews as possible.

        A lifelong traveler, Chase grew up on the standby list—his mom was a United Flight Attendant who spent over four decades in the skies. That upbringing sparked a love for adventure and a curiosity for places off the beaten path. When he’s not flying for work, he’s often chasing powder on a ski trip or exploring somewhere unexpected—recent destinations include Kurdistan, and Moldova, Europe’s least-visited destination.

        Bianca McKee, MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson—Hawaiian Brand

        Bianca started her career as a Flight Attendant in 2015. Having been born and raised on Oʻahu, she pursued her higher education under the University of Hawaiʻi system, where she majored in Business and Travel Industry Management. Before joining Hawaiian Airlines, Bianca dedicated eight years to the restaurant industry, gaining experience in serving, bartending, and training new employees. Her enthusiasm for hospitality and dynamic work environments naturally led to a successful career as a Flight Attendant.

        Bianca’s involvement with Union work began in 2024 with Honolulu’s Council 43, where she joined the Medium Haul Service Committee for the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Through gathering feedback, the committee successfully implemented several changes to benefit AFA Members. Drawing on her extensive experience with the Dreamliner aircraft, Bianca further volunteered to serve on the Long Haul Service Committee with the company. Her participation in these committees, on both the Union and company sides, has provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in tailoring inflight services. Bianca is highly motivated and committed to upholding the Hawaiian Brand as we move towards achieving a single operating certificate. She is eager to serve as a strong source of support for Union members during this period of new routes and evolving flight operations.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: committee elections

        Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

        May 19, 2025 13:00 Leave a Comment

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Thursday, May 8, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

        The committee also met with Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

        The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14.

        Topics of Discussion 

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

        • Uniform Guidelines and Updates
          • As of May 12, management has started progressive disciplinary steps for uniform violations. 
          • If management discusses a uniform violation with you, they must inform you that it is being documented as a Record of Discussion (ROD) and follow the proper procedures. 
          • If a Flight Attendant has concerns after receiving an ROD, please contact your LEC President or Local Grievance Committee.
        • A special bulletin released on April 18 states that the combination of the quarter-zip sweater and summer shirt is not allowed. The updated uniform style chart reflects this change.
        • Current Open Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Item:
          • Issues regarding exchange settlements and reimbursement denials: Management acknowledges there is no time limit for uniform repairs. However, they claim they are not obligated to repair uniforms that were traded, swapped, or lack a Unisync order history. AFA disagrees, noting that there has been a longstanding practice of trading and swapping uniforms, and the contract does not exempt these situations.
        • Current Closed ADR Item:
          • Hairstyles based on federally protected classes: Flight attendants may submit a reasonable accommodation request for uniform guidelines. Examples of federally protected uniform violations that can be addressed through this request (though not exhaustive) include:
            • Head coverings such as hijabs, tichels, African headwraps, and kipahs;
            • Jewelry such as Indian bangles, Tibetan/Buddhist mala beads and bracelets, Catholic rosaries/Saint medals, crucifixes, crosses, Star of David necklaces/bracelets, Native American turquoise, and Māori/Meso American/East Asian/Egyptian jade;
            • Hairstyles such as Native Alaskan/American mohawks and Sikh hair; 
            • Cultural tattoos such as Ta moko, Tatau, Mandala, Sak Yant, Irezumi, African scarification/fraternal branding, Mehndi, Batok/Batek/Patik/Batik, and kākau.
          • Please remember that to make a request, you must be part of one of the following federally protected classes regarding your request: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and associated medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical), genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and ancestry.
        • Open Requests Made to Management:
          • Development of a Uniform App on IMD that allows reporting issues and accessing policies/style guides.
        • Requests Made for Merged Uniforms/Dual Branding:
          • “Off the neck” apron style.
          • Small hoop-style nose rings.
          • Year-round boot options.
          • Better-fitting pants.
          • Making hosiery optional.
          • Hooded transition jacket.
          • More breathable fabric options.
          • Making the transition jacket compliant with all uniform pieces.
          • Introducing a cape/wrap/coat to be worn during boarding or on red-eye flights for added warmth.
          • A less restrictive accessory policy regarding watch band colors, nail polish colors, designs, etc.
          • Easier access to alterations.
          • Providing photos of models alongside their sizes for each piece to assist Flight Attendants in finding the right fit.
          • Option for a wrap dress.
          • An added summer shirt option that is not tropical-themed.
          • A longer torso design for the summer shirt option (especially for the Aura cut).
          • Collared and tailored shirts that can be worn untucked.
          • A waterproof trench coat with a usable hood.
          • Expanding shoe color options for dresses and skirts, as compliant navy shoes are difficult to find.
        • For those with sensitive skin, the retractable lanyard is a uniform-compliant option, provided you wear a Oneworld pin. 
        • Lanyards have been restocked and are available at all bases. You may request a lanyard at any base, regardless of your home base location.
        • If you do not have original company-issued luggage, you may use your personal luggage; however, it must be approved by a supervisor. Please email your supervisor for approval.
        • The Aura Blazer and Aura dress will not be reordered. Once the current stock is sold out, they will no longer be available for order.

        What The Committee Is Working On

        1. Arctic Stuff Sack: Sourcing a suitable stuff sack has proven difficult, but it remains a priority on our agenda.
        2. Updated Uniform Links: The Committee noticed several broken or inaccurate links on the Uniform subsite. All links have now been updated, including the most recent alterations guidelines.
        3. Hemlines: If you have already ordered the “tall” size and your hemline is still not compliant, please contact your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson for assistance.

        We Want to Hear From You!

        Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

        Would you like to join the wear test pool? Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know!  Your Local Uniform Committee is your voice to management. You can find contact information on the Uniform Committee page of the AFA Alaska website. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Uniform Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        Council 15 (SAN) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 16, 2025 10:30 Leave a Comment

        Polls closed at 12 PM PT yesterday for the election of Council 15 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in San Diego. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions:

        LEC President: Brice McGee
        LEC Vice President: Melanie Buker
        LEC Secretary: Katharine “Kitty” Cohen

        View the certified election results here >>

        These newly elected officers will begin their terms on July 1, 2025, and serve until June 30, 2028.

        On behalf of our Master Executive Council (MEC), we congratulate the newly elected officers. We also want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated in the election process, whether by voting or by running for office. 

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Council 15 SAN Tagged With: election results, officer elections

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        Latest News

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        Council 35 (SFO) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 21, 2025

        Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 35 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in San Francisco. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Melissa OsborneLEC Vice President: Virginia FritzLEC Secretary: James IkeharaCouncil Representative: Bradley Young View the certified election results here >> These […]

        Council 18 (LAX) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 20, 2025

        Polls closed at 11 AM PT today for the election of Council 18 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Los Angeles. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Kelese Richardson LEC Vice President: Bryan WallLEC Secretary: Jodi Leann NelsonCouncil Representative: Eric Howell View the certified election results here >> […]

        Meet Your Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

        May 19, 2025

        We’re excited to introduce our first group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on June 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all […]

        Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

        May 19, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, May 8, the AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes […]

        Council 15 (SAN) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 16, 2025

        Polls closed at 12 PM PT yesterday for the election of Council 15 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in San Diego. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Brice McGeeLEC Vice President: Melanie BukerLEC Secretary: Katharine “Kitty” Cohen View the certified election results here >> These newly […]

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