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
        • Committees
      • 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

        Celebrating Black History Month

        February 1, 2026 15:00

        February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

        Carter G. Woodson

        For Flight Attendants, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize trailblazers in aviation, such as Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license, and Ruth Carol Taylor, the first Black Flight Attendant in the United States. Their pioneering spirits paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in our profession. As we fly across the country and around the world, we celebrate the profound impact of Black Americans not only on society at large but also within the aviation industry and our own crews.

        Learn More About Black History

        Expand your knowledge about the accomplishments of Black Americans—including those who have shaped the skies we fly—by exploring these dedicated resources:

        • Library of Congress – Black History Month
        • National Archives – African American History Month Resources
        • National Park Service – Black History Month
        • Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of African American History & Culture
        • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Black History Month
        • History Channel – Black History Month
        • Alaska Air Group Black Employees, Allies and Advocates (ABEA) (AAG sign-on required)

        Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

        In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. The resolution established a unique commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout February.

        For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to find out how to get one.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Human Rights & Equity Committee Tagged With: Black History Month

        Never Forget: Honoring Alaska Airlines Flight 261—January 31, 2000 

        January 31, 2026 05:00

        Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines

        On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us.

        As we reflect on this tragic day, we acknowledge the grief that continues to resonate in our hearts. We stand in solidarity with the families who lost loved ones, remembering the joy and light they brought into this world. Each life lost was a story, a connection, and a cherished presence that left an indelible mark on all who knew them.

        Today, let us take time to reflect on the lives lost and the loved ones they left behind. We will always remember and honor the memory of Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco, and Allison Shanks; Captain Ted Thompson; First Officer William Tansky; Sheri Christensen, Rachel Janosik, Ileana Ost, Sarah Pearson, Anjesh Prasad, James Ryan, and Stacy Schuyler. We will forever hold the memories of those aboard Flight 261 close in our hearts.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now Tagged With: Flight 261

        AFA News in Review – January 30, 2026

        January 30, 2026 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026
        • Next Week’s Events

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

        Originally posted January 30, 2026

        Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

        Read More >


        Next Week’s Events

        No events scheduled 

        See the MEC Event Calendar >

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

        January 30, 2026 13:00

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

        • Our JNC met with management this week on January 27 to January 29 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for February 24 to February 26
        • Our MEC Air Safety Health and Security Chairperson and Air Quality Representative, along with the AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist joined the JNC to speak to management about impacts of air quality on Flight Attendants

        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 January 27 to January 29 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
        Seth Heiple, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Chairperson
        Deb Wallstrom, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Air Quality Representative
        Judith Anderson, AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist; Air Safety, Health and Security

        During this negotiating session we were joined by the MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson, Seth Heiple; MEC ASHSC Air Quality Representative, Deb Wallstrom; and AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist, Judith Anderson. After an in-depth presentation to the JNC, our subject matter experts educated management on air quality from the Flight Attendant perspective and identified areas of improvement and concrete action-items to address the on-the-job injury process.

        After the presentation, we passed our prepared proposal on Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) to  management.  We continue to advocate for improvements and protections in this Section.  The JNC also made our initial proposal on Section 22 (Expenses).  On Day 2, management passed their response on Section 15 (Leaves).  We are significantly apart in this area as we work to incorporate improvements from the Hawaiian Contract.

        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)

        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)

        Local Council Meetings

        Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) attended the Master Executive Council (MEC) Meeting in Honolulu earlier this month. During the meeting the JNC provided the MEC with a negotiations update and collaborated on some of the more difficult decisions coming up as we work to combine two very different contracts. On January 15, the JNC met with Honolulu-based Members in a meet and greet event hosted by the Council 43 Leadership.  The JNC fielded questions, updated Members on the negotiations process, and addressed their concerns.

        What’s Upcoming

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

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

        AFA News in Review – January 23, 2026

        January 23, 2026 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
        • Next Week’s Events

        Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation

        Originally posted January 19, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

        We’re proud to introduce Meghan Casey, our new pre-merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson for New Hire & Probation. With her strong background in service and education, Meg is well prepared to support and advocate for our newest Flight Attendants as they begin their careers in our rewarding profession.

        Read More >


        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

        Originally posted January 19, 2026

        Hotel and transportation challenges in FAI, CUN, and LIR took center stage at the January Hotel Committee meeting, sparking discussions to support Flight Attendants across the system. Plus, find out which cities are in line for hotel site visits and a reminder for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants about your contractual options for self-help when it comes to wait times for hotels and ground transportation.

        Read More >


        Next Week’s Events

        Tuesday, January 27 – Thursday, January 29Joint Contract Negotiations
        Wednesday, January 28Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting

        See the MEC Event Calendar >

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        • « Previous Page
        • 1
        • …
        • 17
        • 18
        • 19
        • 20
        • 21
        • …
        • 333
        • 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

        • AFA News in Review – July 10, 2026
        • Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson
        • Council 47 SEA Base Update – SEA Membership Meeting August 15, 2026
        • Local Committee Interviews – August 2026
        • Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6
        • Reserve Webinar – Special Collaboration Episode – July 8
        • AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement
        • Council 47 Update – July 6, 2026
        • AFA News in Review – July 3, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

        Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

        July 10, 2026

        Building on the momentum of our Membership Engagement Committee introduction video and this week’s look at the committee’s history, we’re excited to introduce the next feature of our July Committee Focus Month. Today, we’re launching an in-depth interview that offers an inside look at the mission and people powering the Membership Engagement Committee. What You’ll […]

        Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6

        July 6, 2026

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants As a follow-up to our June 23 save-the-date announcement, we’re excited to share full details and open registration for our August pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?” when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight […]

        AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement

        July 6, 2026

        July marks our latest AFA Committee Focus Month, and we’re excited to spotlight our Membership Engagement Committee. In May, we kicked off this initiative by showcasing the exceptional work of our EAP/Professional Standards Committee—illustrating how our committees serve and support us every day. Our Membership Engagement Committee is here to make sure every Member feels genuinely […]

        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026

        July 3, 2026

        The JNC has been actively negotiating key sections of the contract, focusing on vacation, sick leave, and temporary duty assignments. A tentative agreement was reached on Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments), ensuring financial protections and fair treatment for Flight Attendants during temporary assignments. These ongoing discussions demonstrate a commitment to integrating the best benefits from both Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs for all members.

        Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026

        June 30, 2026

        On Wednesday, June 24, 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 were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Yan Yan Teague (SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Trista Vanta (SFO), Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), […]

        Recent Posts

        • AFA News in Review – July 10, 2026
        • Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson
        • Council 47 SEA Base Update – SEA Membership Meeting August 15, 2026
        • Local Committee Interviews – August 2026
        • Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Thursday, August 6
        • Reserve Webinar – Special Collaboration Episode – July 8
        • AFA Committee Focus Month: Membership Engagement
        • Council 47 Update – July 6, 2026
        • AFA News in Review – July 3, 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 16 – July 2026
        • Council 43 Update – July 1, 2026
        • Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – June 30, 2026
        • Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2026
        • Council 47 Committee Report – June 2026
        • Reserve Webinar – Special Collaboration Episode

        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