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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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AFA News in Review – May 1, 2026

In This Edition

  • Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Originally posted May 1, 2026

Each May, communities across the United States come together to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time dedicated to celebrating vibrant cultures, powerful histories, and lasting contributions. This month is an invitation to explore traditions to discover the many ways AAPI voices have shaped and enriched our nation.

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

Originally posted May 1, 2026

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 5LEC Officer Elections: Council 39 (PDX) and Council 43 (HNL) Polls Open
Tuesday, May 5Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, May 7Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

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.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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:

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.

AFA News in Review – April 24, 2026

In This Edition

  • Single PSS Is Coming: What It Means For You
  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026
  • Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants on Tuesday, April 28
  • Next Week’s Events

Single PSS Is Coming: What It Means For You

Originally posted April 21, 2026

The Alaska/Hawaiian merger takes a big step forward with the transition of both airlines onto a single Passenger Service System (PSS). Though jumpseat and commuter policies will remain separate until we achieve a joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA), you’ll want to be in the loop on how to navigate FLY following the cutover.

Read More >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

Originally posted April 21, 2026

April’s Hotel Committee meeting brings finalized crew hotel decisions for PHL, MKE, IAD, and PSP, addresses ongoing challenges with the company’s hotel vendor API, and debunks rumors about leaving a key KOA layover property. Get the details on GPS tracking for ground transportation, upcoming site visits in cities like JFK and SYD, and why your CrewCare and hotel reporting feedback is more important than ever.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

Originally posted April 23, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Pay errors, technology glitches, and evolving scheduling processes are just some of the challenges our pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee is confronting right now. Read more about potential 4-position pairings, what line averages and reserve utilization will look like for June, and when you’re required to check Block2Block messaging under the new contractual requirements.

Read More >

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

Originally posted April 24, 2026

On Tuesday, April 28, join us on the picket line at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to support Horizon Air Flight Attendants in their fight for a fair contract. Let’s show up, stand strong together, and make it clear that our solidarity demands respect and a fair contract for Horizon Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, April 28AFA Horizon Contract Now Picket @ SEA
Tuesday, April 28 – Thursday, April 30Joint Contract Negotiations
Friday, May 1LEC Officer Elections: Council 19 (SEA pmAS) Polls Open

See the MEC Event Calendar >

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

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 >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

On Monday, October 12, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (pmAS SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

Reserve Survey Closing Soon

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) is working to secure the best reserve provisions for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). We want to hear from you about which parts of the reserve experience matter most, so we can better meet your needs. The survey […]

Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants this Wednesday, October 14

This Wednesday, October 14, Horizon Air Flight Attendants will take to the picket line to demand the fair contract they rightfully deserve. During our own contract fight, Horizon Flight Attendants never hesitated. They showed up for us on our picket lines, stood shoulder to shoulder with us at every rally, and proved what true solidarity […]

Reserve Survey Now Open

Our JNC encourages all members to participate in the Reserve survey, regardless of your current Reserve status. Whether you are on Reserve now, pick up Reserve days occasionally, or have not been on Reserve recently, your input is valuable. The survey will be open until Tuesday, October 20 at Noon PT.

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 29, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), […]

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