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2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention Recap

The 2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention concluded on Wednesday, marking the end of an engaging and productive three days. Delegates participated in a full agenda: hearing from elected officials and union leaders, joining a spirited picketing event at PDX to support Horizon Flight Attendants in their contract fight, honoring the achievements of AFA award recipients, electing our International Officers, and—most importantly—actively shaping our Union’s future by debating and voting on changes to the AFA Constitution, Bylaws, and Policy Manual. Remember, your directly elected LEC President represents you on the AFA Board of Directors, ensuring every member’s voice is heard.

The first morning of the Convention was primarily devoted to the formalities of calling the meeting to order, followed by the roll call of delegates and remarks by guest speakers. Among the speakers were Richie Johnson, IAM General Vice President of the Air Transport Territory; Nick Daniels, President of NATCA; Dustin Roach, President of Teamsters Local 135; and Graham Trainor, President of the Oregon AFL-CIO. Also included were reports from the International President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer.

Throughout the convention, guest speakers underscored a powerful message: solidarity across the labor movement is more essential than ever. By uniting as working people nationwide, we can build real power and push back against the growing imbalance of wealth and unchecked corporate greed impacting us all.

Horizon Air Flight Attendant Day of Action

That afternoon, delegates and attendees headed to PDX for a high-energy informational picketing event, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Horizon Air Flight Attendants in their ongoing fight for a fair contract. They have been negotiating since November 2023 and in mediation since January 2025, yet management continues to stall at the bargaining table and has failed to offer the meaningful improvements that Horizon Air Flight Attendants have earned.

Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of Alaska Council 39 (PDX) LEC President Steve Maller and Council 39 Officers and Members—efforts that began during our recent pre-merger Alaska contract negotiations—the Port of Portland has expanded opportunities for the public to exercise free speech at the airport, including informational picketing. This event was among the largest ever permitted at PDX, with a strong Union presence both inside the terminal and along the outer roadway. Our message was loud and clear to both Horizon Air management and the traveling public: the time for a contract for Horizon Air Flight Attendants is NOW!

VIDEO: Flight Attendants Demand Fair Contract (KOIN 6) >

AFA International Award Recipients

Every year, our Union honors Members whose outstanding contributions have advanced our mission, amplified member voices, and exemplified AFA’s core values. This year, the first day of the Convention concluded with a celebration of these achievements—including recognition for four exceptional Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants.

EAP Lifetime Achievement Award: Melanie Buker, Council 15 (SAN)

Edith Lauterbach Merit Award: Beth Hayes, Council 47 (LAX/SEA pmHA)

Ada Brown Greenfield Lifetime Achievement Award: Terry Taylor, Council 19 (SEA pmAS) and Scott Henton, Council 43 (HNL)

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these award winners and thank them for their unwavering dedication and service to Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants. For more details about these awards, please refer to Section I.M of the AFA International Policy Manual.

AFA International Officer Elections

AFA International Officer elections took place on the second morning of the meeting. International Officer elections are conducted on a roll call basis, meaning that each LEC President can cast the number of votes equal to the number of Members in good standing that they represent. This year’s election is for a term beginning June 1, 2026, and concluding on May 31, 2030.

The following candidates were nominated and elected at this year’s Convention:

International President

Tim Kipka (Endeavor Air)
Sara Nelson* (United Airlines)

International Vice President

Keturah Johnson* (Piedmont Airlines)
Judy McParland (Endeavor Air)

International Secretary-Treasurer

Dante Harris* (United Airlines)

* Indicates the candidate who was elected to office.

Congratulations to our newly elected International Officers!

Action on Agenda Items

Prior to the Convention, twelve advanced agenda items were submitted for the Board of Directors to consider, including the AFA annual budget. Each Local Council held a meeting before the Convention to review these agenda items, answer questions, and hear feedback on your thoughts and perspectives on what was proposed.

We will share a more in-depth update on the outcomes of each agenda item next week, once AFA International finalizes the details.

AFA Annual Budget and Dues Adjustment

One thing to note is that the 2026-2027 AFA annual budget includes a dues increase to align AFA dues with the CWA dues average. Under the AFA-CWA merger agreement, found in Appendix A of the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, AFA dues are required to be equal to the average monthly dues of CWA Members. The current average monthly dues for CWA Members are $65.36, and most CWA Members pay dues equivalent to 2.25 hours of their hourly pay.

Initially, the budget agenda item proposed implementing the dues increase over a three-year period, beginning with an increase to $55.12 on June 1, 2026. This methodology was recommended by both the AFA International Finance Committee and Strategic Planning Committee, and supported by the Alaska + Hawaiian LEC Presidents. The Board of Directors, however, voted to implement the monthly dues increase directly to $65.36 on June 1, 2026. 

The AFA International Secretary-Treasurer’s Office is preparing more information about the implementation of the dues increase. Some details are still being finalized, but we are working to clarify the timeline and ways to reduce the impact. One option being considered is a rebate over the next two years, which our MEC will review as more information becomes available. To ensure we provide you with the most accurate answers, we kindly ask you to hold off on submitting questions until we have more complete information to share. We will provide updates as soon as they are available and make sure all your concerns are addressed.

Questions?

Please feel free to direct any other questions about the 2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention to your LEC President.

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, March 5, representatives from our pre-merger Alaska AFA Reserve Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to advocate for Reserve Flight Attendants. Representing you at the meeting were Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO) & MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation, Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Adrian Alcantara (SAN). Also present was MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton.

The Committee met with the Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 4.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during both internal AFA-only discussions and meetings with management. Some of the topics discussed include:

  • Crew Access and Software Updates: Reviewed upcoming updates to the Crew Access, including fixes for current issues and the prioritization of programming improvements.
  • Rainmaker and Pay Concerns: Regarding Rainmaker and general pay concerns, please remember to review the user guide on the inflight website. Additionally, ensure you wait for Crew Pay to deny a query before submitting an AFA Alaska Online Support Center ticket for a pay discrepancy.
  • Virtual Pay Sessions: There is a request for virtual pay question sessions for Flight Attendants. This will be discussed further with the MEC Grievance Payroll Representative and the MEC.
  • Initial Training Classes: Class 1 graduated in February and consisted exclusively of management employees and requalification level 3 (RQ3) Flight Attendants. Management indicated that a second class may occur in April; however, the total number of classes and students remains dependent on the delivery of new 737 aircraft.
  • APSB Limitations: APSB duty day limitations and instances where APSB assignments end after the daily last flight of the day.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for Reserve Flight Attendants: Working to revamp all Reserve supporting documents: Reserve 101, the Reserve survival guide and discussion of developing videos for common questions & answers for Reserves. 
  2. Assisting Reserve Flight Attendants Through the Reserve Buddy Program: Answering questions from and providing support to Reserve Flight Attendants through an expanded AFA Reserve Buddy program.
  3. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns: Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management complies with our contract.

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 Reserve Committee is your voice to management. You can open a support request on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

2026 AFA Board of Directors Convention: What You Need To Know

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members will attend the 53rd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Convention in Portland, Oregon. They will join representatives from other AFA airlines to address our Union’s business at the international level.

Watch this short video to learn what happens at the BOD Convention and why your engagement matters.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, March 7 Regular MEC Meeting
Sunday, March 8 Executive Board Meeting (MEC Presidents from all airlines)
Monday, March 9Board of Directors Convention begins
Picketing in support of Horizon Flight Attendants @ PDX
Awards presentation
Tuesday, March 10Board of Directors Convention continues
International Officer election
Wednesday, March 11Board of Directors Convention continues

BOD Convention Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and other members of your Local Council on the BOD, casting votes on your behalf during the meeting. Our MEC Officers participate in an ex-officio capacity but do not have voting privileges.

Twelve advance agenda items were submitted for the Board’s consideration. In the weeks leading up to the Convention, each Local Council held meetings to discuss these items, providing your LEC President the opportunity to gather feedback from Members. You can review the full list and language of the agenda items on the BOD Convention page of the AFA International website.

Attending The Convention

If you’ll be in Portland, don’t miss the chance to see our Union’s democratic process in action! Attendance at the Convention is open to any AFA Member in good standing. Registration is required. You can find more information about the logistics of the Convention on the BOD Convention page and register by clicking here.

Learn More About The BOD Convention

Want to know more about the BOD Convention and its impact? Access the interactive module on the AFA Online Learning Academy. This resource provides valuable insights into the BOD’s role in conducting business and making decisions at the international level of our Union. Whether you’re interested in how AFA operates or looking to get more involved, this is a great opportunity to explore our democratic process and expand your knowledge.

Click here to access the “What is the AFA Board of Directors?” module >

Note: If it’s your first time using the AFA Online Learning Academy, you’ll need to register for a free account to access the module.

Feedback or Questions?

Your LEC President is your voice at the Board of Directors meeting, but they can only be as effective as the feedback they receive from you. Your input shapes the decisions made on our behalf—don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Reach out to your LEC President today and make your voice heard.

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • AFA has filed a grievance disputing the proof of relocation required by management to qualify for the flat rate moving expense
  • Flat-rate moving expenses are taxed as bonus wages and are not grossed up, while actual moving expenses reimbursed with receipts will be grossed up to cover taxes owed

Flat Rate Moving Expense Update

Many of you have come to us with concerns about management’s requirement to provide proof of relocation to be eligible for the flat rate moving expense. AFA’s position is that a Flight Attendant does not have to actually move in order to be eligible for the flat rate payment.  We are in dispute with management over the requirement and have formally filed a MEC grievance on the issue. The grievance process will take some time to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, we would like to clarify the requirements for those who may be interested in securing the flat rate expense under management’s terms.

First, management is requiring that you actually move, but you do not need to move to Seattle – just a location that makes sense for you to be able to commute to SEA. For example, a move from HNL to a location on the continent such as AUS, SMF, PDX, or DEN, is allowable.

Second, there is no requirement that your move be a permanent one. If you move and a group of Flight Attendants decides to lease a home or large apartment together, with the intention of moving from your current place of residence to SEA or to a location closer to SEA than your current residence, the flat rate moving expense is available.

Third, management is requires that you provide two forms of the required proof of relocation within sixty (60) days after the effective date of your transfer in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. Management requires two forms of the documentation below:

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage or rental payment receipt
  • Insurance documents, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
  • Driver’s license, State ID
  • Mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your address listed
  • Official school documents, including an enrollment form or a school ID
  • Utility bill (including any public utility like a gas, electricity, or water bill) or confirmation of utility service (including a utility hook-up or work order)
  • Statement from a bank or financial institution with the address listed
  • U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation letter
  • Moving company contract or receipt with your address listed
  • Voter registration card with your name and address listed

Finally, if you need the flat rate moving expense before your move, please contact your base manager. Section 5.B.2. of the contract provides that the flat rate moving expense can be provided to you in advance. Please note that the company will not be able to provide you with a cash voucher (the funds will be directly deposited). In addition, flat rate expenses are now taxable under changes in tax laws.

AFA’s position is that you should not need to provide proof of relocation. We hope this information provides additional clarity regarding flat rate moving expenses for those of you who will be able to provide the company-required documentation, while we work through the grievance process for those who will not be able to provide relocation documentation.

If you are unable to provide the company requested documentation:

  • Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
  • Email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org so we may track any potential grievants.

Moving Expenses – Tax Clarification

Actual Moving Expenses

For moving expenses that are reimbursed with actual receipts (actual moving expenses and settling expenses), the company will gross up the payment. This means that the company will be increase the gross payment to cover the taxes owed, to ensuring the Flight Attendant receives the intended reimbursement amount.

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Lump sum payments (flat rate moving expense and new hire settling expense) will be taxed similarly to bonus wages and will not be grossed up.

For any questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

Other Information

Pet Moving Expenses

The company will reimburse reasonable expenses associated with moving your pet, including the required pet health certificate. If your pet is unable to travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment and may require specialized handling, please reach out to your duty manager for next steps.

Cargo Information

If you wish to ship your household goods by cargo, you may do so on a space available basis on company aircraft. You will need to complete an SP-28 form, available through Alaska Cargo. Please call 1-800-225-2752 or cargo.capacity@hawaiianair.com for more information.

SEA LOA Resources

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

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for March 24 to March 26
  • Progress was made in narrowing issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses)
  • First proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles) was presented to management

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 February 24 to February 26 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

 Representing AFA and our Flight AttendantsRepresenting 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

During this negotiation session our JNC continued to make progress in narrowing outstanding issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses). The JNC remains steadfast and is working on enhancing provisions in these sections drawing on positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA. Additionally, the Committee presented our first proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles), with an emphasis on moving expenses and continued to advocate for meaningful improvements across all areas under discussion.

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.

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
  • Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • 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)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for March 24 to March 26.

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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