As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change.

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal for a candid video interview exploring the Committee’s work and impact. Together, they unpack what terms like “lobbying” and “PACs” really mean, and highlight why your engagement is crucial to protecting our collective future.

What You’ll Discover in This Interview

Our AFA Government Affairs Committee is the critical link between our frontline experience and the lawmakers shaping our profession. In this engaging interview, Bruni reveals how the Committee champions both our careers and our safety:

• Educating Policymakers: How our operational insights guide aviation law.
• Remaining Non-Partisan: Why focusing on Flight Attendant safety builds effective partnerships.
• Unleashing the Power of FlightPAC: How our collective “influence fund” supports our profession.
• Safeguarding Our Progress: Why participating in upcoming elections secures our contract goals.

Watch Now

This conversation is a powerful demonstration of how our collective advocacy gives us a seat at the decision-making table. Take a moment to watch the full interview—you’ll see firsthand how our voices make a real difference in the halls of government:

Get Involved & Shape Our Future

History isn’t just happening to us—it’s being written by us. By stepping up and getting involved, we shape the protections of tomorrow, defend our contractual rights, and keep our collective voice strong in every decision that affects our profession.

Connect with any Government Affairs Committee Member to:

• Ask questions: Reach out directly to learn more about our legislative goals and advocacy work.
• Sign up for FlightPAC: Support our collective political influence fund to help elect pro-Flight Attendant candidates.

Find out more about volunteering and getting involved by visiting afaalaska.org/volunteer.

As Flight Attendants, we wear many hats, but at our core, we are aviation’s first responders. The moment we step onboard, our training takes over—not just to get passengers seated and doors closed, but to fulfill our primary role as safety professionals. We’re the ones who calmly handle onboard medical events and emergencies, manage the ever-changing environment of the cabin, and make sure every flight meets the highest standards of safety. Our expertise isn’t just a job requirement; it’s the foundation of everything we do. It demands constant vigilance and a deep understanding of the protocols that protect our crews and everyone who flies with us.

But the reality is that the environment we work in, and the rules that govern our financial stability and job security, is shaped long before we ever step onto the aircraft. The decisions made in state capitals and the halls of government in Washington, D.C., lay the groundwork for our profession, impacting everything from our financial stability to our job security.

This month, we’re turning our attention to that reality as we bring the focus to our Government Affairs Committee.

The Bridge Between the Cabin and the Capitol

If you’ve ever wondered how we protect the standards that shape our work, our Government Affairs Committee is where it all begins. Think of this Committee as our legislative advocate and our direct connection to the policymakers shaping aviation. It’s the bridge between our frontline experience as Flight Attendants and the people who write the rules that guide our industry.

When we engage in government affairs, we aren’t just keeping up with the news—we are bringing the reality of the cabin to the people who write the laws. By sharing our expertise, we make sure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but rather for us, protecting our interests before policies are even finalized.

Our Roadmap for September

We’ve designed this month to give you a clear, step-by-step look at how our Committee turns ideas into real-world results. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share stories and resources that highlight how our collective advocacy protects the profession we’ve built together. Here’s what to expect each week:

• This Week (The Foundation): Kick off the month by getting to know the faces behind our advocacy and understanding why our presence in the Capitol matters so much.
• Week 2 (The Legislative Process): Ever wondered how a bill actually becomes law? We’ll break it down and offer practical tips for making your voice heard by your elected representatives.
• Week 3 (Civic Engagement): Your vote is your voice. This week, we’ll walk you through the “how-to” of civic participation—from registering to vote and finding your polling place, to researching candidates who stand with us on the issues that matter most.
• Week 4 (FlightPAC): We’ll wrap up the month by spotlighting the engine of our advocacy—FlightPAC. We’ll show you how it works and share how you can help keep our interests front and center in Washington.

Watch: Our Government Affairs Committee

In the video below, MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal pulls back the curtain on the Committee’s work and shares why coming together as a unified force is the most effective way to protect our future. Bruni highlights the importance of active citizenship and the power we have when we step up as both safety professionals and legislative advocates. We encourage you to watch and learn what our Government Affairs Committee is all about!

Writing Our Future

Advocacy is, at its core, an extension of the professionalism we bring to the line every day. When we connect with elected officials and share our stories, we’re not just lobbying—we’re shaping the protections that will define our careers for years to come.

If you’re ready to move from watching the legislative process to actively shaping it, now is the perfect time to get involved. Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our unified force.

Just as we’re always ready for the unexpected in the cabin, we must prepare for the legislative challenges ahead. Let’s make this September a month where we move from watching history to actively writing it.