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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Employee Assistance Program Resources in Uncertain Times

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

Between the stress and uncertainty of a merger and the collective bargaining process, it’s essential to remember to take the time you need to care for yourselves. That might mean leaning on your flying partners, taking a moment to recharge, or seeking support from your AFA EAP. Your well-being remains our top priority. We’re just a phone call away.  

Options for Flight Attendants to meet with a counselor: 

  • Flight Attendants each receive 10 free sessions per year through Lyra, the new Company EAP provider. Visit aag.lyrahealth.com for more information.                                                                                                                  
  • Inflight management + Lyra provides 12 virtual sessions each month. The sessions are confidential and virtual. You are able to reserve one by emailing talia.samuelson@alaskaair.com

More Resources to Consider: 

AFA Alaska EAP is available 24 hours a day at: (949) 470-0493

The AFA InternationalEAP helpline is available 24 hours a day at: (800) 424-2406 or (202) 434-0560.

If you have any questions or are looking for support, please get in touch with our AFA EAP Committee. You can also find your Local EAP Committee at afaalaska.org/eap.

Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines Merger Moves Forward

Alaska and Hawaiian management have satisfied any questions raised during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) review of the proposed merger. This means DOJ will not take further actions and has essentially approved the merger. 

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to review international routes and general compliance with DOT requirements as it relates to the merged carrier. This has typically been a perfunctory approval. 

Mergers take time — this first hurdle only relates to the financial closing of the merger which can now proceed. DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration will play a significant role in the operational merger.

As a reminder, the transition period includes specific protections for Flight Attendants as negotiated between our union, and both Alaska and Hawaiian management. Review last week’s communication on the Merger Transition Agreement (MTA). Negotiations for a contract at Alaska will continue separately according to the Railway Labor Act. Improvements for Alaska Flight Attendants will set a higher starting point for JCBA negotiations.

We will all do better through our solidarity. Stay close to union communications, fly safe, and as always look out for each other. We are stronger and better together.

Impact on AFA Alaska Negotiations 

AFA will continue to work on negotiating a second Tentative Agreement (TA2) for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Alaska Airlines has a legal obligation to continue negotiations with AFA Alaska. 

The Negotiating Committee (NC) is drafting a survey to determine the targeted goals for TA2. Following MEC approval, we tentatively plan to release the survey on Tuesday, August 27 and close the survey on Wednesday, September 4. The NC will analyze the results and continue through the steps listed here, including drafting a TA2 proposal.

The status of our mediation has no impact on the merger transaction with Hawaiian.

August 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The August 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was scheduled to take place this week on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. 
  • The meeting was extended by an additional day to allow the MEC to discuss the path forward with negotiations following the TA ratification vote results.
  • The next Regular MEC Meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16, and Tuesday, September 17.

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) held its regular meeting for August 2024 on Tuesday, August 13, and Wednesday, August 14. These meetings, required under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, provide an important opportunity for the MEC to discuss and address issues and concerns affecting our Union and Members at the airline level. Your directly elected LEC President (or their designee) attends these meetings as your representative and votes on your behalf when decisions need to be made.

During the meeting, the MEC received updates from the MEC Officers and LEC Presidents. Additionally, the MEC received committee reports from the Grievance, Benefits, and Retirement Committees and reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons detailing their current work and activities.

TA Ratification Vote Results

Our MEC was joined by our Negotiating Committee and various AFA Representatives who support the Negotiating Committee in anticipation of the close of the TA ratification vote on Wednesday, August 14, and the announcement of the results. As previously communicated, the TA was not ratified, with 32% voting for the agreement and 68% voting against it. This decision came with 92.4% of eligible voters participating. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and have their voice heard through the democratic process!

Next Steps With Negotiations

The MEC Meeting was extended an additional day into Thursday to allow the MEC to have an initial discussion about the path forward with contract negotiations. The first step will involve surveying Members to understand our collective priorities for the negotiations ahead. The survey results will be crucial in shaping the opening proposal and determining the Negotiating Committee’s focus at the bargaining table.

In addition to the survey, our MEC and Negotiating Committee will be working diligently in the upcoming weeks to solidify a strategic plan as we gear up for the next phase of negotiations and resume mediation. Further details about the survey, process, and timeline will be shared through AFA Alaska email and social media channels and posted on the negotiations website when they become available.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

TA Ratification in Context of Delayed Merger Decision

The MEC and Negotiating Committee met this morning to discuss the delayed Department of Justice (DOJ) merger decision prior to our final Tentative Agreement (TA) roadshow. The MEC explored the possible impact on the TA voting timeline and unanimously agreed not to extend the ratification vote. Please ensure you vote by noon Pacific Time on August 14th.

Several factors lead to this decision:

  • We did not originally plan our voting timeline around the DOJ merger decision – the original announcement date just happened to fall within the timeline.
  • There is no guarantee the DOJ decision will actually be announced on the 15th. It is possible the DOJ could further delay its decision – and the voting deadline cannot be indefinitely extended.
  • We negotiated this TA strategically to be a strong option in either scenario, regardless of the DOJ decision. The TA sets us up for a JCBA if the merger does go through, or to be back in negotiations in 2 years (with the three-year duration and one-year early opener). Either way, we will have an opportunity to press for more improvements from a strong base quickly.

Please make sure to vote prior to the deadline – several days before the 14th is recommended in case you encounter any difficulties voting. Keep in mind that voting assistance is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours Eastern Time. Voting information can be found on the contract website.

All published resources are available from the TA page on the contract website.

Department of Justice Merger Decision Update

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced early this morning that they reached an agreement with Hawaiian and Alaska managements to extend the merger review process 10 days until August 15th.  

What does this mean? There is no way of knowing. In fact, the DOJ could not render a decision on August 15th and could further delay the review process. AFA International is monitoring the situation with the DOJ and we will continue to share any new developments or information with members. As a reminder, the Tentative Agreement (TA) was negotiated to position us to return to the bargaining table in the near term whether the merger is approved or not.

The Negotiating Committee is finishing up the TA roadshows in Portland and Anchorage today and tomorrow, respectively. We continue to welcome any questions from you during the ratification process.

Crew Meal Survey Closing Soon

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 […]

Council 43 (HNL) LEC Officer Election Results

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

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

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 […]

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