AFA News Now – Page 4

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 19 – September 2026

September 14, 2026 13:00

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

Our JNC met with management last week on September 8 to September 10 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for October 26 to October 28
Our JNC and management will be exploring a different approach to traditional bargaining called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB) to address complex contract negotiations, aiming for solutions that benefit all parties
The Reserve Survey is being finalized for release in October

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from September 8 to September 10 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	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor 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

Last week the JNC got the company’s response to Section 19 (Grievance Procedures) and Section 30 (Training). We also received a new proposal from management for Section 29 (Performance Based Pay and Retirement) and provided our response, which included proposals for LOA 14 (Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges) and LOA 18 (Retiree Health Insurance).

Most of the remaining sections are complex and will require significant discussion. At this point in negotiations, it is clear that both contracts are very different, well-established and cover different operations and work rules. Finding a solution that works for the combined Flight Attendant group will be challenging. The traditional bargaining approach isn’t always conducive to resolving these types of complicated issues.

Interest-based Bargaining (IBB)Training

The JNC and management will be exploring a different way to negotiate called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB). In IBB, both the company and the Association identify issues and develop solutions that will work for both parties. This is different from traditional bargaining where each side negotiates from a fixed position. For IBB to be successful, all parties need to participate in training to learn how the process works and be open to candid discussions.

The IBB Training will take place in Seattle from October 14 to October 15, led by a mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). The NMB mediator has experience in contract negotiations and mediation, and has previously worked with AFA International, Alaska, and Hawaiian. Our staff negotiator also has a lot of experience with this process, and the pre-merger Hawaiian JNC members used IBB successfully in their last full Section 6 Negotiations.

The JNC has strategized to identify sections and concepts that would be best suited for the IBB approach. The most impactful sections of the contract are the most difficult to negotiate because both sides have a significant stake in the outcome. These sections are difficult to tackle even in regular Section 6 Negotiations and merging of our two contracts makes this task significantly more challenging.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA is being 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.

Sections discussed in this session:

Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

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)
Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

JCBA Negotiations

As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

What’s Upcoming

Reserve Survey

The JNC is finishing up the long-awaited Reserve Survey, and we expect to release it in October. Thank you for your patience as we collaborated with our MEC Reserve Committee Chairpersons to make sure that the survey questions targeted key issues of concern. To help you understand the differences between the two Reserve programs, we have created extra resources that will be shared with the survey.

Next Session

Our next negotiating session with management is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

Understanding The Legislative Process

September 14, 2026 09:00

As we continue our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, this week we’re exploring how the legislative process works, why enacting laws strengthens our collective bargaining power, and how to engage effectively with our elected representatives.

The legislative process may sometimes feel complex or far removed, but it directly shapes our day-to-day lives—from cabin safety regulations to our working environment and job security. By understanding how an idea becomes federal law, we empower ourselves as advocates for our profession, our flying partners, and our passengers.

Watch: Intro to the Legislative Process

In our latest short video, Honolulu Government Affairs Committee Member Maria Kahele breaks down the legislative journey into four clear steps and shares why our voices as Flight Attendants are indispensable in Washington.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

The Four Steps: From Idea to Law

In the video, Maria walks through the step-by-step progression of a bill:

The Idea: Everything starts with a clear goal—like closing a safety gap or securing stronger rest rules. We ask a member of Congress, either a Representative or Senator, to formally introduce the measure.
Committee Review: Next, the proposal goes to a specialized Congressional committee where members fine-tune the wording and hear directly from key voices. If it earns their approval, it advances to the full chamber.
The Vote: The measure is brought up for debate and a vote on the floor. Securing a simple majority moves it forward to repeat the exact same evaluation and voting process in the opposite chamber.
The Signature: After matching versions pass both the House and Senate, the finalized bill is sent to the President. With their signature, the initial concept officially transforms into binding federal law.

Flight Attendants Are The Subject Matter Experts

As Maria emphasizes, lawmakers aren’t airline crewmembers—they rely on “subject matter experts” to explain how regulations will function in the real world. No one understands cabin safety or the realities of our workday better than Flight Attendants. By sharing our firsthand experience, we ensure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but for us.

Get Involved & Share Your Voice

Understanding the process is the first step toward active engagement. Throughout Government Affairs Focus Month, we’ll continue sharing new topics on civic participation, voting resources, and FlightPAC to help you stay informed, involved, and empowered.

Ready to get involved? Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our Union’s legislative advocacy efforts!

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

September 12, 2026 09:00

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change.

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal for a candid video interview exploring the Committee’s work and impact. Together, they unpack what terms like “lobbying” and “PACs” really mean, and highlight why your engagement is crucial to protecting our collective future.

What You’ll Discover in This Interview

Our AFA Government Affairs Committee is the critical link between our frontline experience and the lawmakers shaping our profession. In this engaging interview, Bruni reveals how the Committee champions both our careers and our safety:

Educating Policymakers: How our operational insights guide aviation law.
Remaining Non-Partisan: Why focusing on Flight Attendant safety builds effective partnerships.
Unleashing the Power of FlightPAC: How our collective “influence fund” supports our profession.
Safeguarding Our Progress: Why participating in upcoming elections secures our contract goals.

Watch Now

This conversation is a powerful demonstration of how our collective advocacy gives us a seat at the decision-making table. Take a moment to watch the full interview—you’ll see firsthand how our voices make a real difference in the halls of government:

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Get Involved & Shape Our Future

History isn’t just happening to us—it’s being written by us. By stepping up and getting involved, we shape the protections of tomorrow, defend our contractual rights, and keep our collective voice strong in every decision that affects our profession.

Connect with any Government Affairs Committee Member to:

Ask questions: Reach out directly to learn more about our legislative goals and advocacy work.
Sign up for FlightPAC: Support our collective political influence fund to help elect pro-Flight Attendant candidates.

Find out more about volunteering and getting involved by visiting afaalaska.org/volunteer.

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11: Never Forget

September 10, 2026 19:00

A quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally transformed our world and redefined aviation safety forever. Today, as members of the Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family, we stand together to reflect on that pivotal morning, honor the memory of those we lost, and reaffirm our solemn promise: We Will Never Forget.

We pause to remember the heroic crew members aboard American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93. As aviation’s first responders, those twenty-five Flight Attendants displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their decisive actions, alerting the nation and protecting lives, epitomize the highest ideals of our profession. Alongside the eight Pilots and three Customer Service Representatives we lost, we honor their sacrifice and carry their legacy with us every time we step into the cabin.

Remembering our fallen colleagues is more than an annual reflection; it is a living commitment that shapes who we are. Over the past 25 years, our collective dedication has driven significant improvements in aviation security, cabin safety, and crew welfare. As our workgroups continue to build a unified future, our solidarity stands as our greatest strength.

Watch: 25th Anniversary Remembrance Message

In honor of the lives lost and the legacy we carry forward, MEC President Tim Green has shared a personal message for our Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family. In this video, Tim reflects on our profession’s history, the responsibility we hold for one another, and the solidarity that keeps our skies safe. We invite you to watch and share in this moment of remembrance.

Click Here to Watch on YouTube ➔

Wear Your Remembrance Pin

To visibly demonstrate our solidarity throughout this memorial month, all Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants are invited to wear either the AFA September 11th Black Ribbon Pin or the AFA and APFA Never Forget Unity Pin. If you need a pin, please contact your LEC Officers for more information.

Join Us in a Moment of Silence

Please join us in a moment of silence and quiet reflection on Friday, September 11, at 8:46 AM Eastern Time (5:46 AM Pacific Time / 2:46 AM Hawaii Time) to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and the compassion you show to one another and to our passengers every day. Together, we are the living legacy of our heroes—ensuring their memory endures. We will Never Forget:

American Flight 11

Flight Attendant: Barbara Arestegui
Flight Attendant: Jeffrey Collman
Flight Attendant: Sara Low
Flight Attendant: Karen Martin
Flight Attendant: Kathleen Nicosia
Flight Attendant: Betty Ong
Flight Attendant: Jean Roger
Flight Attendant: Madeline Sweeney
Flight Attendant: Dianne Snyder
Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell
Captain: John Ogonowski
First Officer: Thomas McGuinness

United Flight 175

Flight Attendant: Robert J. Fangman
Flight Attendant: Amy N. Jarret
Flight Attendant: Amy R. King
Flight Attendant: Kathryn LaBorie
Flight Attendant: Alfred G. Marchand
Flight Attendant: Michael C. Tarrou
Flight Attendant: Alicia N. Titus
Captain: Victor Saracini
First Officer: Michael Horrocks
Customer Service Representative: Marianne MacFarlane
Customer Service Representative: Jesus Sanchez

American Flight 77

Flight Attendant: Michele Heidenberger
Flight Attendant: Jennifer Lewis
Flight Attendant: Kenneth Lewis
Flight Attendant: Renee May
Captain: Charles Burlingame
First Officer: David Charlebois

United Flight 93

Flight Attendant: Lorraine G. Bay
Flight Attendant: Sandra Bradshaw
Flight Attendant: Wanda A. Green
Flight Attendant: CeeCee Lyles
Flight Attendant: Deborah Welsh
Captain: Jason Dahl
First Officer: Leroy Homer

Additional Resources

AFA Committee Focus Month: Government Affairs

September 7, 2026 09:00

As Flight Attendants, we wear many hats, but at our core, we are aviation’s first responders. The moment we step onboard, our training takes over—not just to get passengers seated and doors closed, but to fulfill our primary role as safety professionals. We’re the ones who calmly handle onboard medical events and emergencies, manage the ever-changing environment of the cabin, and make sure every flight meets the highest standards of safety. Our expertise isn’t just a job requirement; it’s the foundation of everything we do. It demands constant vigilance and a deep understanding of the protocols that protect our crews and everyone who flies with us.

But the reality is that the environment we work in, and the rules that govern our financial stability and job security, is shaped long before we ever step onto the aircraft. The decisions made in state capitals and the halls of government in Washington, D.C., lay the groundwork for our profession, impacting everything from our financial stability to our job security.

This month, we’re turning our attention to that reality as we bring the focus to our Government Affairs Committee.

The Bridge Between the Cabin and the Capitol

If you’ve ever wondered how we protect the standards that shape our work, our Government Affairs Committee is where it all begins. Think of this Committee as our legislative advocate and our direct connection to the policymakers shaping aviation. It’s the bridge between our frontline experience as Flight Attendants and the people who write the rules that guide our industry.

When we engage in government affairs, we aren’t just keeping up with the news—we are bringing the reality of the cabin to the people who write the laws. By sharing our expertise, we make sure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but rather for us, protecting our interests before policies are even finalized.

Our Roadmap for September

We’ve designed this month to give you a clear, step-by-step look at how our Committee turns ideas into real-world results. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share stories and resources that highlight how our collective advocacy protects the profession we’ve built together. Here’s what to expect each week:

This Week (The Foundation): Kick off the month by getting to know the faces behind our advocacy and understanding why our presence in the Capitol matters so much.
Week 2 (The Legislative Process): Ever wondered how a bill actually becomes law? We’ll break it down and offer practical tips for making your voice heard by your elected representatives.
Week 3 (Civic Engagement): Your vote is your voice. This week, we’ll walk you through the “how-to” of civic participation—from registering to vote and finding your polling place, to researching candidates who stand with us on the issues that matter most.
Week 4 (FlightPAC): We’ll wrap up the month by spotlighting the engine of our advocacy—FlightPAC. We’ll show you how it works and share how you can help keep our interests front and center in Washington.

Watch: Our Government Affairs Committee

In the video below, MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal pulls back the curtain on the Committee’s work and shares why coming together as a unified force is the most effective way to protect our future. Bruni highlights the importance of active citizenship and the power we have when we step up as both safety professionals and legislative advocates. We encourage you to watch and learn what our Government Affairs Committee is all about!

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Writing Our Future

Advocacy is, at its core, an extension of the professionalism we bring to the line every day. When we connect with elected officials and share our stories, we’re not just lobbying—we’re shaping the protections that will define our careers for years to come.

If you’re ready to move from watching the legislative process to actively shaping it, now is the perfect time to get involved. Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our unified force.

Just as we’re always ready for the unexpected in the cabin, we must prepare for the legislative challenges ahead. Let’s make this September a month where we move from watching history to actively writing it.