AFA News Now – Page 21

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 10 – December 2025

December 12, 2025 13:00

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

Our JNC met with management this week on December 9 to December 11 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for January 27 to January 29
A Tentative Agreement has been reached for Section 27 (Association General)
Our JNC continues to analyze the Vacations Section of both the AS CBA and the HA CBA alongside the vacation survey results

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 December 9 to December 11 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants	Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson	Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Neil Osato, Director, Labor and People Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this negotiating session we continued to narrow issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC also received the company’s first proposal on Section 24 (General and Miscellaneous). We were able to reach a Tentative Agreement (TA) on Section 27 (Association General) and secure additional resources to support our growing Flight Attendant group.

The JNC has also begun the process of meticulously analyzing Section 14 (Vacations). During this process, we are also reexamining the vacation survey results in conjunction with assessing the vacation provisions.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA will be used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Tentative Agreements reached in this session:

Association General (AS CBA Section 27 and HA CBA Section 22)

Sections discussed in this session:

Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

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

Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

Sick Leave Survey

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the Sick Leave Survey. We had a total of 3,358 Flight Attendants take part, which is consistent with our previous surveys. Your responses, including partial responses, will be reviewed and taken into consideration during the evaluation process.

Local Council Meetings

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) attended the Joint LAX Local Council Meeting with Council 18 (Alaska LAX) and Council 47 (Hawaiian LAX) on Friday, December 12 in Los Angeles. Our next stop will be in Honolulu during the month of January. Please check your Local Council communications for updates about future meetings.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for January 27 to January 29.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

December 12, 2025 09:00

On Monday, December 8, 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), Trista Vanta (SFO), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). 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 Michaela Littman, Managing Director of Inflight Operations; Jenny Bookert, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations; and Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., California Director of Inflight Base Operations.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for March 25, 2026.

Topics of Discussion

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

Concerns regarding female Flight Attendants being alone with a male tester during random drug testing, whether at base or at RON stations, were discussed.
Protections for Flight Attendants on layovers if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Resources for Flight Attendants if this situation occurs. Communication coming from inflight management regarding this subject.
Self-deportees, or people who are voluntarily leaving the country, are treated the same as any other passenger on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which focus on certain business or identity topics, are merging with Hawaiian Airlines Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which support employees who share similar interests or backgrounds.

What The Committee Is Working On

Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
Land Acknowledgement Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgements are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippines, holding deep cultural significance. The proposal is currently on hold until the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) is ratified.
Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions: The company’s BRGs are planning to hold additional listening sessions in 2026. These will be co-facilitated by AFA Local Human Rights Chairpersons and management.
Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.
Optional ADA Rooms: The Committee is developing a proposal that would enable Flight Attendants with disabilities to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft.

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.

Staying Balanced During The Holidays

December 10, 2025 13:00

Let joy, not pressure, lead the way.

The holiday season is a special time for joy, connection, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, even for the most grounded among us. With family gatherings, work commitments, and financial worries, finding balance isn’t always easy. Here are some practical tips to help you stay centered and truly savor this season.

1. Protect Your Time

Give yourself permission to say “no” when you need to. Not every invitation or request needs your “yes.” It’s okay to protect your time and energy—you deserve it!

2. Keep Healthy Routines

Try to stick with your usual sleep, nutrition, and movement routines as much as possible. Even a short walk or ten minutes of stretching can lift your spirits. Remember, skipping meals or sacrificing rest to “fit everything in” can make things harder—so give yourself permission to pause and recharge.

3. Manage Expectations

Let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday. Plans may change and things might not always go as expected—and that’s okay! Focus on creating little moments of connection, laughter, and meaning, rather than chasing perfection.

4. Budget with Intention

Financial stress is a common holiday challenge. Setting a spending limit ahead of time can help you relax and focus on what matters most. Thoughtful gestures or shared experiences often mean more than costly gifts—and the memories last longer, too!

5. Build in Quiet Moments

Balance your social activities with moments of stillness. Even a few quiet minutes can help you reset and recharge. Remember to show yourself the same kindness and care that you so generously give to others.

6. Reach Out for Support

If this season brings up feelings of sadness, loneliness, or anxiety, please know you’re not alone. Reach out to a friend or someone you trust—it’s always okay to ask for support. Our AFA EAP Committee is here for you with confidential help whenever you need it at (949) 470-0493. You can also connect with your Local EAP Committee Members at afaalaska.org/eap.

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile LOA Session #1 Roadshow Recording

December 10, 2025 10:10

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

The SEA LOA Roadshow Presentation is available for viewing, providing a comprehensive overview of the SEA LOA
The SEA LOA Q&A has been updated with the latest information and additional questions

SEA LOA Session #1 Roadshow Presentation

The Negotiating Committee has recorded the Seattle Domicile Letter of Agreement (SEA LOA) Presentation for viewing. This presentation will give a comprehensive overview of the SEA LOA.

Question and Answer Update

The SEA LOA Question and Answer Post on AFA News Now has been updated to reflect the latest information and additional questions have been added.

Register for Additional Roadshow Sessions

Session #2 – Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM HT

Session #3 – Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2 PM to 3:30 PM HT

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairpersons

December 9, 2025 13:05

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

We’re excited to introduce the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

Dianna Ripley, MEC Benefits Committee Chairperson

Dianna Ripley has been a Flight Attendant since 2014. Prior to joining the airline industry, she gained extensive leadership and customer service experience, serving as an Optical Manager for Costco Wholesale and managing Alaska’s first Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa.

Following an on-the-job injury in 2022, Dianna became actively involved with the Council 30 (ANC) Benefits Committee, focusing on Workers’ Compensation. Motivated by her own experience navigating complex processes, she is dedicated to making benefit information clear, accurate, and accessible for all Flight Attendants. In her current role, she works to improve communication around FMLA, medical and maternity leave, Workers’ Compensation, and annual benefits enrollment.

Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, walking, and appreciating nature. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1995, and they will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary in January. They have two daughters, a son-in-law, and their family dog, Deshka. Dianna and her family enjoy fishing, camping, riding side-by-sides/ATVs, and gathering around a backyard fire with friends and family year-round.

Melanie Buker, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson

Melanie began her aviation career with Horizon Air in 1986, based in Boise, Idaho. During her tenure, she joined the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP), an experience that later guided her transition into the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when she joined Alaska Airlines in 2002.

She was elected AFA Council 30 Anchorage President in January 2011 and currently serves her fourth term as Vice President of AFA Council 15 San Diego, where she has also held the role of Local EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson. With more than 23 years of dedicated EAP service, Melanie remains committed to strengthening the program and enhancing support resources for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants—and, in the future, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants as the merger progresses.

Melanie resides in Boise, Idaho, where she enjoys the natural beauty of her home state, spending time with her longtime friends, reading, and cherishing time with her two grandsons.

Elizabeth Dillon, MEC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee Vice Chairperson

Elizabeth Dillon has been a LAX-based Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines for 35 years and has been involved with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee (including CIRP Critical Incident Response) since 1996. She holds three certificates related to drug and alcohol abuse: NCAC-I (National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 1), LAP-C (Labor Assistance Professional), and SAP (Substance Abuse Professional). Elizabeth conducts assessments, organizes inpatient treatment for addicted Flight Attendants, and monitors incoming EAP, Critical Incident, and Professional Standards cases for Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines.

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family, especially the grandkids, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Deb Wallstrom, MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson

Deb Wallstrom has held several Union roles since she joined Alaska Airlines in 1998. Based in Anchorage, Deb currently also serves on both the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) and the Benefits Committee. She is dedicated to assisting and guiding Flight Attendants through retirement options and information. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, hiking, and curling up with a good survival book.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 10 – December 2025