AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
Menu
  • Local Councils
    • Anchorage (Council 30)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Honolulu (Council 43)
      • Officers
      • Committees
    • Los Angeles (Council 18 pmAS)
      • Officers
      • Committees
      • Los Angeles/Seattle (Council 47 pmHA)
        • Officers
      • Portland (Council 39)
        • Officers
        • Committees
      • San Diego (Council 15)
        • Officers
        • Committees
        • Seattle (Council 19 pmAS)
          • Officers
          • Committees
        • San Francisco (Council 35)
          • Officers
          • Committees

        • More About Local Councils >>
        Close
      • Master Executive Council
        • Officers
        • Close
      • Committees
          • Air Safety, Health, & Security (ASHSC)
            • Air Quality
          • Benefits
          • Communications
          • Employee Assistance Program & Professional Standards
          • Government Affairs
          • Grievance
          • Hotel
          • Human Rights & Equity
          • Inflight Service
          • Inflight Training
          • Membership
          • Membership Engagement
          • Reserve
          • Retirement
          • Scheduling
            • Pairing Construction
            • Preferential Bidding System (PBS)
          • Uniform

        • More About Committees >>
        Close
      • Contract
          • Contract Home
            • 2025 Alaska Contract
            • 2025 Hawaiian Contract Extension
            • Ask Contract Questions
          • Contract Resources
          • Alaska Contract Negotiations (2022-2025)
        • Close
      • Resources
          • What To Do If You Encounter Contaminated Cabin Air
          • Issues & Campaigns
          • Newsroom
            • AFA News Now
          • Event Calendar
          • Membership Services
          • New Members
          • About
          • Links
          Close
        • Merger
          • Joint Negotiating Committee
          • Close
        • Contact Us
        You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News / AFA News Now

        Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Update – May 2026

        May 4, 2026 13:00

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        • ETCH folder trips must be cleared in their originating domicile before being available for pickup or trade by Flight Attendants from other bases
        • HNL and LAX Flight Attendants are able to pick up SEA 787-9 pairings, but must order the Dreamliner uniform through Affinity Apparel
        • In accordance with Section 6.V of our contract, jackets are not required from April 15 to October 31 or when the ground cooling system is not working

        With three domiciles now operated by pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants, the Seattle Domicile Negotiating Committee would like to clarify how out-of-domicile pickups and trades work.

        ETCH Folder

        Trips in the ETCH folder must first be cleared in their originating domicile before they become available for pickup or trade by Flight Attendants from other bases. Until that process is complete, those pairings are not eligible for out-of-base pick up or trade.

        Dreamliner Uniform (787-9 Pairings)

        Flight Attendants who are not based in SEA and are interested in picking up SEA domicile 787-9 pairings should place an order for the Dreamliner uniform through Affinity Apparel. HNL and LAX Flight Attendants have received extra uniform points to support access to the Dreamliner uniform. Those points can be allocated to Dreamliner uniform pieces at the Flight Attendant’s discretion.


        The Dreamliner uniform is intended for 787-9 flying, contractually, a Flight Attendant is able to pick up any trip they are legal for. Flight Attendants should make a good faith effort to obtain the appropriate uniform. If a Flight Attendant has a 787-9 pairing approaching and has not yet received your Dreamliner uniform, please reach out to management, Gina Lorenzo, Jenny Bookert, Heather Hailey, and Michaela Littman, and copy sea@afahawaiian.org to explore available uniform options.

        Jacket Requirement

        As a reminder, in accordance with Section 6.V, jackets are not required to be worn from April 15 through October 31, or at any time the ground cooling system is not working. If management has asked, please reference the contract and notify a union representative.

        Mahalo for your continued engagement. If you have more questions, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Council 43 HNL, Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) Tagged With: Council 43, Council 47, HA SEA Domicile, pmHA

        AFA Committee Focus Month: EAP/Professional Standards

        May 4, 2026 09:00

        We’re excited to launch our first AFA Committee Focus Month this month. This program will help you get to know the different AFA Committees, all made up of volunteer Flight Attendants, the work they do for us, and the resources available to you. We’re starting by highlighting our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee, which lines up with National Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your well-being is not just encouraged—it’s essential.

        Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee, commonly referred to as AFA EAP, is a confidential, Union-operated, peer-based support network. Made up of specially-trained fellow Flight Attendant volunteers—not management—the Committee works together as one to offer resources for every challenge, from your personal life to your professional career.

        Keep in mind that AFA EAP is different from the company’s EAP, Lyra. While both programs work to support you, AFA EAP is run entirely by our Union, which means more privacy and no management involvement. Our Committee is truly Flight Attendants helping Flight Attendants.

        How Our EAP/Professional Standards Committee Supports You

        The Committee provides confidential support across three core programs:

        • EAP (Employee Assistance Program): EAP is a confidential lifeline that offers help for mental health, substance use concerns, grief, and life changes. If you’re feeling tired from a tough schedule, dealing with family stress, or facing financial worries, we’re here to support you.
        • CIRP (Critical Incident Response Program): When the job is especially tough, CIRP provides emotional support after serious events, such as a medical emergency on board, a security issue, or a natural disaster. We connect you to long-term help so you never have to face a critical incident alone.
        • Professional Standards: Before conflicts escalate, Professional Standards offers confidential, peer-to-peer help to resolve issues informally, such as miscommunication or a problem with professional conduct. We aim to encourage clear communication, repair relationships, and prevent matters from going to management, where discipline might occur.

        We encourage you to contact an EAP Committee Member whenever you need support. Your privacy is important to us, and everything is confidential.

        Understanding Your Resources: A Four-Week Focus

        To help you learn about all the resources the EAP/Professional Standards Committee offers, we’ll spend the next four weeks highlighting the different parts of the Committee:

        • This Week (General Overview): Introducing your AFA EAP Committee and the comprehensive structure of our support network.
        • Week 2 (EAP): Confidential, everyday support for personal and professional challenges.
        • Week 3 (CIRP): Critical Incident Response Program for emotional first aid after serious events.
        • Week 4 (Professional Standards): Peer-to-peer intervention to resolve day-to-day workplace conflicts informally.

        Learn More About Your Support Network: Watch the Video

        Want to see how this support network can help you? Watch this short video featuring pre-merger Alaska EAP/Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Melanie Buker and Vice Chairperson Elizabeth Dillon. See how the three main Committee components—EAP, CIRP, and Professional Standards—can make a difference with your personal and work challenges. 

        Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

        After watching, share it with a flying partner who may benefit—be the reason someone else finds support.

        Contact Information

        Your privacy is important. Save our confidential 24/7 contact number now and reach out whenever you need us:

        • 24/7 Confidential Phone: (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406
        • Email: eap@afaalaska.org
        • Website: afaalaska.org/eap

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, EAP/Professional Standards Committee

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

        May 1, 2026 13:00

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

        • Our JNC met with management this week on April 28 to April 30 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 2 to June 4
        • Our JNC is working to combine vacation provisions for Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants, presenting a vision for Section 14 (Vacation) as a starting point for negotiations
        • The Crew Meal Survey will be sent to your inbox on May 12 to collect feedback as the JNC evaluates Section 22 (Expenses)

        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 April 28 to April 30 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

        This session, the JNC continued to look closely at both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems. At the start of the week, we had a helpful discussion about how Flight Attendant vacation is managed. Jake Jones, AFA’s MEC Scheduling Chairperson, joined us along with vacation administrators from both Alaska and Hawaiian: Manager of Crew Planning, Jefferey Hunt; Manager of Crew Staffing, Alex Mandus; Manager of Crew Planning, Colin Beard; Flight Crew Administration Manager, Laurie Shiira; Manager of Crew Pay, Debbie Bakke; Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Rich Nicklaw; and Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Choak O’Connell.


        As the JNC began discussing combining the elements of the vacation sections, we identified several important issues that would need close work with company stakeholders. We proposed a collaborative approach to management to tackle the complicated provisions, so both sides can work together to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. With this in mind the JNC presented our vision for Section 14 (Vacation), which will be used as a starting point for discussion.


        The JNC also passed and received from management proposals on the new Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignment) and shared our first proposal for Section 35 (Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges). The committee also continued to trade proposals on Section 36 (Commuter Policy).

        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:

        • 🆕 Temporary Duty Assignments (AS CBA does not address these provisions and HA CBA Section 15)
        • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
        • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
        • Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges (AS CBA Section 35 and HA CBA Section 30)

        Sections in ongoing discussion:

        • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
        • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
        • 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)
        • 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)

        Crew Meal Survey

        Our JNC is in the process of reviewing Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4). We are looking for your feedback regarding Crew Meals. The survey is currently being finalized and will be sent to your inbox on May 12.

        • Survey opens Tuesday, May 12 at 9 AM PT
        • Survey closes on Tuesday, May 25 at Noon

        What’s Upcoming

        Our next session with management is scheduled for June 2 to June 4.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: joint contract negotiations, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), pmAS, pmHA

        Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

        May 1, 2026 09:00

        May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance grew to a month-long celebration by 1990 and, since 1992, has been officially celebrated in May. The month was chosen for its significance: May 7 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, and May 10 commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, a landmark made possible by Chinese immigrant labor. This is not just a look back, but an opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse voices shaping our shared future.

        Explore The Rich Heritage Of Asian American And Pacific Islander Contributions

        Want to learn more? This is a great time to celebrate and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities around you. Learn about trailblazers, honor those who often go unrecognized, and find new ways to show your support. Check out these resources to get started:

        • National Archives – Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
        • Library of Congress – Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
        • National Park Service – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
        • Smithsonian Institution – Asian Pacific American Center
        • Alaska Air Group Culture & Belonging Event Calendar (AAG sign-on required)

        Join In The Celebration With An Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

        In 2021, the AFA Executive Board established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the Month as a visible symbol of pride and unity. Wearing it is a simple but meaningful way to show support, start conversations, and honor AAPI individuals, both past and present.

        Want to know more about the story behind the pin? Reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you’d like a pin, look for updates from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to learn how to get one. Let’s celebrate, learn, and honor the heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities together.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: AAPI, Asian American Heritage Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

        Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants on Tuesday, April 28

        April 24, 2026 16:45

        Since November 2023, Horizon Air Flight Attendants have been in negotiations, fighting tirelessly to secure a new contract that recognizes their work. Even after applying for mediation in January 2025, management continues to offer proposals that ignore the essential contributions Horizon Flight Attendants make to the success of Horizon Air and Alaska Air Group. 

        On April 28, 2026, Horizon Air Flight Attendants will take to the picket line—demanding the contract they rightfully deserve. Their unity and resolve make their message unmistakable: they are committed to securing a contract that truly honors their work and recognizes their vital role in Horizon Air and Alaska Air Group. Together, they are ready to do whatever it takes!

        When Alaska Flight Attendants fought for our contract, Horizon Air Flight Attendants stood shoulder to shoulder with us. Now, it’s our turn to return that solidarity and stand with them!

        Join Horizon Flight Attendants on the picket line for their Contract Now picket, and let’s show the strength of our solidarity. Together, we can send an unmistakable message to Horizon Air, Alaska Air Group, and the entire airline industry: Flight Attendants demand—and deserve—our fair share. Now is the time for bold, collective action. RSVP today and make our voices impossible to ignore!

        Horizon AFA Contract Now Picketing Event Information

        Date: Tuesday, April 28 – 2:45 to 3:45 PM PT
        Location: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
        Click here for event details and to RSVP >

        Filed Under: AFA News Now Tagged With: AFA, Horizon Air, picketing, solidarity

        • « Previous Page
        • 1
        • 2
        • 3
        • 4
        • 5
        • 6
        • …
        • 96
        • Next Page »

        Need Help?

        Have an issue or concern to report to AFA?  Click here to access the AFA Alaska online support center.

        Latest News

        • Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon
        • AFA News in Review – May 22, 2026
        • When the Unexpected Happens in the Skies: How the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Supports You
        • Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results
        • Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
        • AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Monday, June 8
        • AFA News in Review – May 15, 2026
        • Boeing 787 Seattle International Service Observation Period Update – May 2026
        • Council 19 (SEA pmAS) LEC Officer Election Results

        Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon

        May 25, 2026

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is committed to prioritizing your nutrition during the work day through our crew meal provisions. We are eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of crew meals are most meaningful to you, as we continue to advocate for […]

        When the Unexpected Happens in the Skies: How the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Supports You

        May 19, 2026

        Navigating the challenges of our profession means looking out for one another, especially when things get tough. That’s where the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) steps in to ensure you never have to face a difficult day alone. What is CIRP, and How Does It Support You? CIRP through AFA EAP is designed specifically for […]

        Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 19, 2026

        Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 43 LEC Officers, representing Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants based in Honolulu. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Kela Chong IVLEC Vice President: Martin GusmanLEC Secretary: Soon Kim View the certified election results here >> These newly elected […]

        Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results

        May 19, 2026

        Polls closed at 11 AM PT today for the election of Council 39 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Portland. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: Krystle Shae BerryLEC Vice President: Melodie AnderesLEC Secretary: Kevin Sharp View the certified election results here >> These newly elected […]

        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

        May 18, 2026

        On Monday, May 11, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually 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), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee […]

        Recent Posts

        • Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon
        • AFA News in Review – May 22, 2026
        • When the Unexpected Happens in the Skies: How the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Supports You
        • Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results
        • Council 39 (PDX) LEC Officer Election Results
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026
        • AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall: Join Us Monday, June 8
        • AFA News in Review – May 15, 2026
        • Boeing 787 Seattle International Service Observation Period Update – May 2026
        • Council 19 (SEA pmAS) LEC Officer Election Results
        • Government Affairs Committee Update – 2nd Quarter 2026
        • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026
        • Crew Meal Survey Now Open
        • Navigating Recovery: Understanding FADAP and Other Support Options
        • Council 43 Update – May 10, 2026

        Local Councils

        • Anchorage
        • Honolulu
        • Los Angeles (pre-merger Alaska)
        • Los Angeles/Seattle (pre-merger Hawaiian)
        • Portland
        • San Diego
        • San Francisco
        • Seattle (pre-merger Alaska)

        Master Executive Council

        • MEC

        Contract

        • Contract Home

        Committees

        • Air Safety, Health, & Security
        • Benefits
        • Communications
        • EAP/Professional Standards
        • Government Affairs
        • Grievance
        • Hotel
        • Human Rights
        • Inflight Service
        • Membership Engagement
        • Reserve
        • Retirement
        • Scheduling
        • Uniform

        News By Month

        News By Category

        AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 43 HNL Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee
        • Email
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • YouTube

        Want To Stay In The Loop?

        Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska + Hawaiian news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
        Sign Up for Emails
        Sign Up for Text Updates

        Connect With AFA

        • Contact Us
        • Online Support Center
        • AFA International
        • CWA
        • AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Social Media Guidelines
        • AFA-CWA Mutual Respect Policy

        Copyright © 2013-2026 Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, AFL-CIO