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Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Tuesday, September 16, our AFA Human Rights & Equity 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), LaLa Davis (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Trista Vanta (SFO). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.

The Committee met with several members of management including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, December 8.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Inclusivity Initiatives at Villages/Crew Rooms: The LAX and SEA Alaska Villages (crew rooms) are becoming more inclusive and work-friendly to accommodate Hawaiian crew members better. Management has presented new Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines signage to the Committee for the LAX Village. Additional initiatives focused on inclusiveness will be implemented at LAX, while SEA is currently working on designating space for Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
  • DEI Name Change and Communication: SVP of People Andy Schneider and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig have posted a TeamAAG communication regarding the name change of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to “Culture and Belonging.” This communication also addresses Alaska’s role in response to current federal government executive orders. Jenny Bookert has included a link to the TeamAAG article in the current SEA Newsletter for those based in Seattle.
  • Unaccompanied Deportees Task Force: Concerns have been raised regarding Flight Attendants who have unaccompanied deportees on Alaska and Hawaiian flights. Management has established a task force working to find solutions for these situations. Flight Attendants are reminded to always comply with authorities in these cases and to seek assistance from inflight management if needed.
  • SEA Village Flyer Investigation: A “Don’t Be Shy, Please Ask Why” flyer has been posted on the door at the SEA Village. Alaska Customer Service Agents (CSAs) are responsible for this flyer; Inflight Management will investigate its origin, as they did not post it.
  • Social Media Policy Reminder: Given the current environment, the Committee has requested that management send out a reminder regarding Alaska’s social media policy.
  • IMD Belong App Update: The title of the “Belong” web app link on the Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) has been updated from DEI to “Culture and Belonging.”
  • Potential Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group BRG: The Committee discussed the potential for the “Alaska Airlines Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group” to become one of the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle will meet with inflight management and the Culture and Belonging Department to discuss this topic further. Additionally, the Committee will reach out to the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee to explore possible collaboration.
  • ADA-Compliant Rooms Discussion: The Committee has requested that management look into the possibility of ADA-compliant rooms for Flight Attendants who have self-disclosed their needs in PeopleSoft. Management will discuss this possibility with the HR department and respond to the Committee. The Committee will also reach out to the AFA Hotel Committee for further discussions.

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 seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025/2026. 

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 & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

AFA News in Review – September 19, 2025

In This Edition

  • Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
  • Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
  • SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2
  • Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections
  • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results
  • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

Originally posted September 15, 2025

Join us in celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, a time dedicated to honoring the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Discover the history, participate in special events, and grab your commemorative Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin to show your support!

Read More >

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

Originally posted September 16, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

On September 11, our Reserve Committee met to address key issues impacting Reserve Flight Attendants, including Crew Access glitches and scheduling challenges. Learn about how they’re enhancing support through updated resources and the Reserve Buddy Program while also making sure management follows their contractual obligations.

Read More >

SEA Domicile Negotiations – September 2025 Update #2

Originally posted September 17, 2025 | Pre-Merger Hawaiian

In our recent negotiations with management, it has become increasingly clear that Alaska Airlines is reluctant to negotiate a fair agreement to establish the SEA domicile. Our vision is to uphold the integrity of the Hawaiian brand while fostering a supportive environment for experienced Flight Attendants, ensuring the highest standards of hospitality are maintained. We remain committed to addressing key priorities, such as transfer processes and staffing, while advocating for protections that honor our longstanding contractual language and our commitment to both our Flight Attendants and the Hawaiian community.

Read More >

Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections

Originally posted September 17, 2025

Upcoming MEC Officer elections will take place during the Regular MEC Meeting on November 11, 2025, with an MEC President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer to be elected for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026. Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest and resume online by November 4, 2025.

Read More >

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

Originally posted September 19, 2025

This week, our MEC announced the newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons who will lead the way for our next group of merged MEC committees. Learn about the Hotel Committee and Membership Engagement Committee Chairpersons who are set to begin their roles on October 1.

Read More >

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

Originally posted September 19, 2025

We’re excited to announce the results of the elections for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions for the upcoming MEC Officer term. Congratulations to the newly elected Flight Attendants who will serve as part our Grievance Committee and Uniform Committee starting January 1, 2026.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Check out this week’s highlights from our social media! Click on a graphic below to view the original post on Instagram. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and news as we share it!

Originally posted September 17, 2025

Next Week’s Events

Monday, September 22Council 35 (SFO) Local Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 23Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, September 25 Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson: Stephanie Adams
MEC Grievance Committee Assistant: Bianca Dew
MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representatives: Julie Thornton, Orna Samuelly
MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson: David Jelinek

These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives will carry out their respective roles specific to our six pre-merger Alaska Local Councils as we continue to navigate the merger process. They’ll begin the transition into their roles over the next few months, with their official term beginning on January 1, 2026. They will serve for the upcoming MEC Officer election cycle from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028.

If you have any questions about the pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

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

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson: James Bozanich  
MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson: Mischelle Fielsch

These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons will coordinate the activities of their respective merged committees across both airlines. They’ll support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils—both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. Their official term will begin on October 1, 2025. They’ll serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028).

If you have any questions about the MEC Committee Chairperson elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

Election Notice: Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Officer Elections

Click here to see the list of Flight Attendants who have submitted an expression of interest form for an MEC Officer position.

The term of office for our current Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers will conclude on December 31, 2025. The voting members of the MEC (LEC Presidents) will elect new MEC Officers at the November Regular MEC meeting. This communication serves as notice of the election in accordance with the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual.

Background

The MEC Officers are made up of a President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. These officers serve as the coordinating council for the Members of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines and are responsible for implementing the decisions of the MEC. They are elected by the Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, who are the voting members of the MEC.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the MEC Officers are defined in article VII.C.2 of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws.

MEC President

From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.a)

The President shall be the official Union spokesperson and chief executive officer for that airline and shall have the authority and duty to: 

(1) Be responsible for and charged with administering the policies of that Master Executive Council, and implementing the objectives and policies announced by the Board of Directors and Executive Board. 

(2)  Be responsible for the expeditious processing of members’ complaints and grievances. 

(3)  Be the Union representative on that airline for the purpose of furthering and implementing the objectives and policies announced by the Board of Directors and Executive Board. 

(4)  Coordinate and compile Master Executive Council policy, review reports and recommendations and submit such material to the appropriate committees of the Union. 

(5)  Be a member of the Negotiating Committee. 

(6)  Be a member of the Executive Board. 

(7)  Be granted the privilege of the floor at all meetings of the Board of Directors, but shall have no vote, if not also a Local Council President. 

(8)  Be responsible for and supervise the business and managerial functions of the Union on that carrier. 

(9)  Consult with and be assisted by the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer. 

(10)  Ballot the Master Executive Council if necessary or when required. 

(11)  Keep a current and accurate inventory of all Union property and supplies purchased or provided by the Union and submit a copy of this to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Union. 

(12)  Inform all Master Executive Council Officers and committees that all files, correspondence, documents and other materials resulting from the work of such committees are the property of the Union, not the personal property of individuals, and are to be safeguarded. 

(13)  Maintain the Union’s files and property, then transfer them to her/his successor promptly. 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
  • Participate in the MEC Duty Officer program 

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is contractually provided 130 TFP of Flight Pay Loss (FPL) per month (pre-merger Alaska) or equivalent (pre-merger Hawaiian) and does not bid a monthly schedule.
  • Most work is completed remotely. Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle as needed.
  • The MEC President is on-call to respond to critical incidents and situations.

MEC Vice President

From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.b)

The Vice President shall:

(1) Function under the jurisdiction of the President in carrying out the policies and directives of the Master Executive Council.

(2) Perform the duties of the President at her/his request or in the absence of the President.

(3) Be granted the privilege of the floor at all Master Executive Council and Board of Directors meetings, but shall have no vote if not also a Local Council President.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Serve as the MEC Officer responsible for overseeing the MEC Committees and inform the MEC Secretary-Treasurer and MEC Communications Committee Chairperson about upcoming meetings for scheduling.
  • Be responsible for obtaining a monthly written report from each of the MEC Committee Chairs and providing these reports to the MEC Secretary-Treasurer for submission with the monthly MEC agenda.
  • Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, MEC committee meetings (as needed), and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
  • Coordinate and participate in the MEC Duty Officer program 

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is budgeted for monthly Flight Pay Loss (FPL) and does not bid a monthly schedule.
  • Most work is completed remotely. Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle as needed.  
  • The MEC Vice President is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC President during vacation and as needed.

MEC Secretary-Treasurer

From the AFA Constitution & Bylaws (article VII.C.2.c)

The Secretary-Treasurer shall:

(1) Assist the President in administering Master Executive Council funds.

(2) Maintain Master Executive Council records and perform such other duties that may be specifically assigned to the Secretary-Treasurer by the President or Acting President.

(3) Be responsible to the President and Master Executive Council.

(4) Be responsible for general record keeping and accounting of the Master Executive Council budget and any funds.

(5) Distribute a quarterly statement on expenditures to the Master Executive Council.

(6) Assist in preparation of the Master Executive Council annual report to the membership.

(7) Exhibit at all reasonable times the general records to any Officer or active member in good standing upon application.

(8) Maintain Master Executive Council records and record all meetings of the Master Executive Council.

(9) Deliver to her/his successor all monies and other property of the Master Executive Council. On demand of the International Office, s/he shall make available all books and records for examination and audit.

(10) Submit a copy of all Master Executive Council meeting minutes and nomination notices to the International Secretary-Treasurer of the Union.

(11) Be responsible for distributing a list of Master Executive Council committees’ flight pay loss to the Master Executive Council and the International Office each month; this list will include, but not be limited to, hours and ID(s) missed, days on projects, and projects charged.

(12) Be granted the privilege of the floor at all Master Executive Council and Board of Directors meetings, but shall have no vote if not also a Local Council President.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

  • Maintain the MEC meeting agenda; solicit agenda items from members of the MEC
  • Reserve meeting space and other meeting resources as needed
  • Make arrangements for MEC hotel accommodations and meals as requested
  • Perform month-end financial reconciliation activities including:
  • Monthly submission of MEC flight pay loss to the company
  • Monthly reconciliation of Union Business flight pay loss
  • Monthly submission of all Union Business to AFA International
  • Review and approve expense reports
  • Monthly reconciliation of budget and expense reports
  • Attend regular and special MEC meetings, quarterly Labor Leader meetings with the company, and annual AFA-CWA Board of Directors meetings.
  • Participate in the MEC Duty Officer program 

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

  • This position is budgeted for monthly Flight Pay Loss (FPL) and does not bid a monthly schedule.
  • Most work is completed remotely.  Must have the ability to be present in the MEC Office in Seattle as needed.  
  • The MEC Secretary-Treasurer is responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC Vice President during vacation and as needed. They are responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the MEC President if the President and Vice President are simultaneously unavailable.

Working Relationships

With The Master Executive Council (MEC)

Constant interaction with the LEC Presidents, other LEC Officers, and other MEC Officers

With MEC Committees

Constant interaction with MEC Committee Chairs and Committee Members.

With Management

Constant interaction with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines management, particularly within the inflight and labor relations departments

With AFA International

Frequent interaction with AFA international officers and staff members

Term of Office

The regular term of office is for three years, beginning on January 1, 2026, and concluding on December 31, 2028.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews and conduct elections during the November Regular MEC Meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. If you are interested in interviewing, please plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly.

While in-person interviews in SeaTac, WA, are preferred, a virtual interview via Google Meet may be requested if travel or scheduling presents a challenge.

To express your interest, please submit an expression of interest (including a commitment to serve form) and your resume using the online form (link below). Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their interest by 5 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to facilitate interview scheduling. After this time, an MEC representative will contact 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 don’t have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Posting of Candidates

On Tuesday, October 14, the names and resumes of candidates who have completed the expression of interest form will be publicly posted on the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website. If additional Flight Attendants submit expressions of interest, the MEC Communications Committee will continue to update the candidate page at the end of each business day until the day before the election.

Questions?

If you have any questions about MEC duties and responsibilities or the election process, please email officers@afaalaska.org.

MEC Officer Candidates

The following list includes all Flight Attendants who have submitted an expression of interest form for an MEC Officer position as of 11/04/2025.

MEC President

MEC Vice President

MEC Secretary-Treasurer

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Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

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Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity 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 Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

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