AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Latest News

January 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10.
  • Our MEC discussed mobilization efforts surrounding the ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13.
  • Our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows this week to share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide information about CHAOS™.

The January 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, January 10. The meeting consisted of updates from our MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Our MEC also reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons about their current programs of work.

No Meeting with Management This Month

There was no scheduled meeting with management during this month’s MEC meeting.

Contract Negotiations and Mobilization

Our MEC had a comprehensive discussion with MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Samantha Wolff regarding the mobilization efforts surrounding our ongoing strike vote and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on February 13. Flight Attendants can expect to see Mobilization Volunteers at the airport in our six bases at varying times throughout the week to encourage members to vote, answer questions, and provide resources to help with replacement activation codes and technical assistance.

This week, our Negotiating Committee will conduct Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows, where they will share insights into the contract negotiations process and provide valuable information about CHAOS™. Each roadshow session will offer a comprehensive review of our current negotiation status, the reason behind our decision to take a strike vote, and what members can expect in the future. A portion of each session will be dedicated to answering questions directly from those in attendance.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this month’s Regular MEC Meeting, please get in touch with your LEC President.

AFA Alaska News in Review – January 12, 2024

In This Edition

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Originally posted January 5, 2024

Our Union is taking immediate action and providing support to the Flight Attendants on board Alaska Flight 1282 at PDX. Flight Attendants described the decompression as explosive, and one Flight Attendant sustained minor injuries. The situation could have turned catastrophic without the exceptional skills and professionalism of the working Flight Attendants and pilots. We commend the entire crew for their outstanding work under such trying circumstances.

Read More >

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Decision To Temporarily Ground 737-9 MAX Fleet

Originally posted January 6, 2024

Alaska Airlines has announced the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft fleet after the recent incident on Alaska Flight 1282. Our Union strongly believes this decision is a prudent and necessary step toward ensuring the utmost safety of all crewmembers and passengers. We will closely monitor the maintenance and safety inspection process by management to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all.

Read More >

Alaska Flight 1282 and MAX 9 Aircraft FAA Action Update

Originally posted January 6, 2024

The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are true heroes who displayed quick thinking and bravery during an explosive decompression incident that occurred during takeoff from PDX last night. Thanks to their exceptional skills, all passengers and crew were able to reach the ground safely. We proudly commend the entire crew for their outstanding performance, and our union fully supports them. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives were privileged to sit in on a debrief today with these brave Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Our Strike Vote Is Open—Vote Now!

Originally posted January 8, 2024

It’s time to make our voices heard! Our strike vote is officially open, and we need everyone to participate to send management a powerful message that we’re not backing down. The voting process is simple and secure – use the activation code sent to you in the mail to cast your electronic secret ballot. If you have questions about voting eligibility, need a replacement activation code, or require technical assistance, keep reading for all the information you need to make your vote count!

Read More >

Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows

Originally posted January 9, 2024

Get ready to gain valuable insights into the contract negotiations process and learn about CHAOS™! All Members in Good Standing are invited to join our Negotiating Committee for a Strike Vote Virtual Roadshow. This is a unique opportunity to have your questions answered with confidence and receive information about our strike vote directly from the source.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Bidding Reminder – Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on Tuesday, February 13

Make sure to bid for February 13th!

Flight Attendants across the industry are fighting to raise the standards for our career. No matter the uniform we wear, our fight is the same. Join us on February 13 for picketing at over 30 airports worldwide. Stand in solidarity with us to demand that airline management stop the stall tactics and negotiate the contracts we are due.

History Repeating

It has been 30 years since Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants last voted to authorize a strike. Now, our negotiations have hit a critical stage once again. With one voice, we will tell management: Pay us or CHAOS™!

Watch Our Instagram Reel >

Vote Online

A small number of Flight Attendants informed us they had difficulty voting over the phone. We promptly addressed these concerns with AFA International. Although we believe the issue is resolved, we recommend you submit your vote online. Please vote FOR the Strike Authorization!

Voting information: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/

Strike Vote Week 1 Recap

Flight Attendants around the system have already voted FOR the Strike Authorization! Voting began on Monday, January 8 and closes Tuesday, February 13. Make sure to join your flying partners and VOTE. We will send a message with one unified voice – we are ready for the contract we deserve! Pay us or CHAOS™!

Tag #AFAAlaska with your strike vote photo!

Voting information: https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/strikevote/

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, January 16Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows (9 AM and 1 PM PT)
Thursday, January 18Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Saturday, January 20Strike Vote Virtual Roadshows (9 AM and 1 PM PT)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

Alaska Flight 1282 and MAX 9 Aircraft FAA Action Update

Master Executive Council (MEC)

The Flight Attendants and Pilots of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are true heroes who displayed quick thinking and bravery during an explosive decompression incident that occurred during takeoff from PDX last night. Thanks to their exceptional skills, all passengers and crew were able to reach the ground safely. We proudly commend the entire crew for their outstanding performance, and our union fully supports them. Our Master Executive Council (MEC) and other AFA Representatives were privileged to sit in on a debrief today with these brave Flight Attendants.

AFA Officers and Representatives have been in constant meetings with management starting last night, continually advocating for transparency and timely communication with our workgroup. Although we fully acknowledge the constantly evolving situation, we are beyond disappointed that it took most of the day to receive detailed communication from management. Management must do better! 

We are diligently and rigorously monitoring the situation to ensure that no aircraft are returned to service until they are deemed completely safe. AFA is taking an active and robust role in the NTSB investigation, and we stand fully behind the process for obtaining comprehensive safety findings and implementing necessary actions. We realize that you may have questions about the incident, and many of these may only be answered once the NTSB has completed its investigation and issued its report.

The MAX 9’s temporary grounding has caused some flight cancellations and reassignments. Flight Attendants should refer to the relevant sections of the contract for clear instructions on reassignment, hotel bookings, and return to base requirements.

Flight Attendants are aviation’s first responders — trained for emergencies, and we work every flight for aviation safety first and foremost. We fly only when it’s safe.

AFA EAP is always available to support any Flight Attendant in need at (949) 470-0493.

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Decision To Temporarily Ground 737-9 MAX Fleet

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Alaska Airlines has announced the temporary grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft fleet after the recent incident on Alaska Flight 1282. Our Union strongly believes this decision is a prudent and necessary step toward ensuring the utmost safety of all crewmembers and passengers. We will closely monitor the maintenance and safety inspection process by management to ensure that aircraft are not returned to service until they are deemed safe for all.

The temporary grounding of the 737-9 MAX fleet will inevitably lead to flight cancellations, reassignments, and strandings. Flight Attendants should review sections 10.S (Pre-Cancellations) and 10.R (Reassignments) of our contract, as well as the Pre-Cancellation and Reassignment flowcharts available on the AFA Alaska website, to understand your obligations and options in these situations. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Local Scheduling Committee.

AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.

AFA Alaska Statement on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Master Executive Council (MEC)

Our Union is taking immediate action and providing support to the Flight Attendants on board Alaska Flight 1282 at PDX. Flight Attendants described the decompression as explosive, and one Flight Attendant sustained minor injuries. The situation could have turned catastrophic without the exceptional skills and professionalism of the working Flight Attendants and pilots. We commend the entire crew for their outstanding work under such trying circumstances.

We are working closely with AFA Safety and EAP and have already established contact with the NTSB and the FAA. As this is a serious incident, Alaska Airlines management must take all necessary and immediate action required to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers in light of today’s events. Our Union will closely monitor management’s response and ensure their actions live up to the company’s value of “owning safety.”

We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the heroic actions of the Alaska Flight Attendants in handling the situation with utmost bravery and composure. We will keep everyone updated as more information becomes available. AFA EAP is always available to offer support to any Flight Attendant in need at (800) 424-2406.

Navigating Acute & Delayed Stress As A Flight Attendant

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for […]

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline. Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.  Alaska’s People Policy says: Personal Conduct22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, 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 included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human […]

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews. As the work of the merger progresses, we […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all members.

Recent Posts

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

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