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Joint Contract Negotiations Session 5 – July 2025

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on July 15 to July 17 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for August 5 to August 7
  • Newly appointed key figures from management included Allen Thieman, the Vice President of Inflight, and Joe Wonderly, the Vice President of Labor Relations
  • A Tentative Agreement (TA) was reached regarding Section 18 on Reduction in Force

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 July 15 to July 17 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
 Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska

During the most recent negotiation session, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) engaged with management representatives, including Allen Thieman, who has recently been promoted to Vice President of Inflight, and Joe Wonderly, a newly appointed Vice President of Labor Relations. The discussion was centered around advancing our dialogue on previously submitted proposals, ensuring that we address the needs and concerns of our members effectively.

Our JNC successfully reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) regarding Section 18, which addresses Reduction in Force. We improved the furlough pay, ensured advanced notification of any furloughs, and established additional protections for Flight Attendants in such situations.

Section by Section Progress

TA’s reached in this session:

  • Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
  • Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
  • Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
  • Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
  • Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

  • Section 6 – Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
  • Section 15 – Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
  • Section 19 – Grievance Procedures (HA CBA Section 23)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for August 5 to August 7.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, July 14, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Ila Christy (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams, Manager of Crew Hotels and Administration Diane Szubert and Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett.   

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, August 11.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • Hotel Provided Transportation: Crew Hotels is beginning to utilize hotel-provided transportation at more of our airport properties. Although this historically was the norm, private transportation became commonplace during the COVID pandemic. As we begin to transition back, we are starting to see an uptick in complaints with some of these shuttles. The complaints include waiting for pickups or the time in transit as the hotel shuttle circles around terminals. As a reminder, Flight Attendants are encouraged to report violations of contract section 34.B [Transportation] and utilize the provisions section 34.D [Transportation and Hotel Wait Times] when an issue qualifies.  
  • Long Stay / Short Stay Language: Securing a layover length rule for long stay/short stay properties was a significant accomplishment in our recent round of negotiations. The 15-hour cutoff works well for most of our layovers, but does pose rest challenges in a few edge cases when transportation time is factored in. This has been most noticed in ORD with our downtown property and on the cusp of long-stay layover cutoff times. The Hotel Committee will be consulting with the MEC for an exception to this layover rule when it makes sense, with the goal of creating a better quality layover experience for our Flight Attendants.
  • Transportation Time Adjustments: Crew Hotels shared the third set of transportation time adjustments (time of day, day of week, holiday, etc.) that will be implemented on August 1. As previously communicated, this effort began in June and is being done due to CBA requirements for ground transportation for both AFA and ALPA. Please expect an informational bulletin about these adjustments towards the end of the month.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Recently completed Hotel Site Visits include RSW (June), SEA (June), OKC (June). FAT was supposed to be conducted in July but was cancelled due to a lack of layovers in the schedule, and a lack of hotel interest.  In its place a site visit was conducted in ANC. A number of training hotels were also recently inspected in SEA to prepare for the future move to centralized training. Upcoming site visits for the remainder of 2025 include SLC (Sept), SAN (TBD), BNA (TBD), HNL (TBD), CUN (TBD), and SJO (TBD). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee will be meeting again with Alaska management in late July to continue discussions on a Hotel Gainshare program. We are still waiting on the company to complete their research on critical components of the program’s operation. It is our hope that after our next meeting we will have a definitive answer if we can move forward with a program for our Flight Attendants.    

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Seniority Verification Letters Are On Their Way

Our Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) has finalized the Seniority Verification Letters (SVL) that were mailed earlier this week. Nearly 10,000 letters have been sent to Alaska Airlines (AS) and Hawaiian (HA) Flight Attendants, and we have received reports that some letters have already started arriving at the mailing addresses on file with the company. 

Example Letters

You can find a copy of the letter for Alaska Flight Attendants here. For Hawaiian Flight Attendants, a copy of the letter is available here. Please note that the letter you receive will contain your individual information rather than placeholders.

If You Have a Non-U.S. Mailing Address

While letters have been sent to all Flight Attendants, the SMIC understands that those living and receiving mail outside the U.S. may experience delays. To help ensure timely delivery for Flight Attendants with non-U.S. mailing addresses, a copy of the letter will also be placed in the company mailbox/v-file for anyone with such an address.

Requesting a Duplicate Letter

If you do not receive your Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) by Monday, July 28, 2025, you may request a duplicate to be sent to you by email. To do so, please send your request to smic@afacwa.org. Your request must include your name, employee number, council/base, and email address. You can expect a response within five business days.

Challenges to Seniority Dates

Any challenges to the seniority date listed in your Seniority Verification Letter must be received by August 29, 2025. These challenges will be reviewed by the end of September 2025, and you will receive resolutions and explanations regarding your challenge.

Questions

If you have any questions about the seniority verification letters or the seniority verification process, please don’t hesitate to contact the SMIC at smic@afacwa.org.

Grievance Win For Flight Attendants: Reinforcing Our Contractual Rights Under Sections 8.M and 8.D

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

A recent arbitration ruling has brought a significant victory that strengthens our rights under Sections 8.M and 8.D of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. This decision flows from Grievance 36-99-2-38-24 (Violation of §8.M) and Grievance Settlement 36-99-2-458-22 (Violation of §8.D Check In and Release).

What does this mean for you? The ruling clarifies that if you’ve waived your domicile rest, and your trip is operationally impacted such that your domicile rest is reduced to under 10 hours, Crew Scheduling cannot simply change your report time for the first leg/duty period of your second trip to meet CFR requirements before your duty period of your first trip has ended. 

Thanks to this ruling, Flight Attendants impacted by these circumstances can confidently exercise their rights under Section 8.M, including:

  • The ability to drop the second trip without pay protection.
  • The option to pick up the sequence at a SIP point or via deadhead (with duty limitations applying) if there is a nonstop flight with a legal ground connection and an available seat before the next flight in the sequence.
  • The option to work a mutually agreed-upon substitute assignment, though pay protection and premium per section 10.R.h.1 won’t apply.

This grievance was initially filed after management denied a Flight Attendant’s request to use these provisions back in September 2023. Following that, the Company wrongfully adjusted the check-in time for the Flight Attendant’s next assignment, violating our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The arbitrator was clear: Alaska Airlines overstepped by altering the report time for the Flight Attendant’s second trip while their duty period on the first trip was still ongoing. Moving forward, such unilateral changes by the Company are off the table when a Flight Attendant has waived their contractual domicile rest.

Our Grievance Committee is thrilled with this outcome. We encourage you to reach out to your Local Grievance Committee with any questions. This ruling is not just a victory; it’s a crucial step in safeguarding our rights and ensuring compliance with our collective bargaining agreement. 

Navigating Uncertainty During Terrorism Alerts

As Flight Attendants, we are trained to stay calm in emergencies and act swiftly to protect our passengers and crew. But when terrorism alerts are raised—whether at home or abroad—the anxiety that comes with being away from your loved ones can feel overwhelming. It’s completely natural to feel unsettled or vulnerable in times like these. Here’s how to manage those feelings while staying grounded and resilient.

Acknowledge the Anxiety

The first step in coping is to acknowledge your emotions. You may be feeling nervous, on edge, or hyper-aware of your surroundings. These reactions are normal. You’re not alone and not weak for feeling them.

Lean on Your Training

You are not powerless. You are trained, capable, and prepared. Know the security measures put in place by your airline, airport authorities, and international agencies. Follow your safety checklists, and know that your presence onboard is an essential part of the safety net for everyone flying.

Stay Connected

Being away from home during uncertain times can intensify feelings of isolation. Make it a point to check in regularly with family or friends. Even a quick text or video chat can help you feel more anchored and supported. Let them know where you are and when you’ll next be in touch—it brings peace of mind to both sides.

Control What You Can

While you can’t control global events, you can control how you prepare and ground yourself. Don’t forget to:

  • Review emergency contact info and safety procedures.
  • Have a plan for communication with loved ones.
  • Limit exposure to distressing media coverage and co-worker speculations.   

Use Your Resources

Talking to someone who understands the demands of your job can be incredibly grounding. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your AFA EAP at (949) 470-0493. It’s confidential!!

Protect Your Peace

Finally, prioritize moments of calm. Whether it’s deep breathing on your layover, journaling your thoughts, or listening to music that soothes you—small acts of self-care are powerful. You deserve them.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 10 – December 2025

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with management this week to continue bargaining sessions in Seattle, WA. Discussions focused on narrowing issues in Leaves of Absence, Association General, and reviewing vacation provisions as part of the joint contract process.

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