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.

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 9	Board of Directors Convention begins Picketing in support of Horizon Flight Attendants @ PDX Awards presentation
Tuesday, March 10	Board of Directors Convention continues International Officer election
Wednesday, March 11	Board 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.