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

Alaska Management Refuses to Remove Dangerous Coffee Makers From Service Despite Injury Risks to Flight Attendants

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Several Flight Attendants have been injured recently due to older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers spewing hot coffee and grounds.
  • Management denied an AFA request to discontinue using these coffee makers despite the risk to Flight Attendant and passenger safety.
  • A formal complaint is being filed with the FAA, and a contractual grievance will be filed against the company.

Over the past several months, at least nine Flight Attendant injuries have been reported, caused by scalding hot coffee and grounds spewing from the brew basket of older-style B/E Aerospace coffee makers on various aircraft. This is an alarming situation that requires immediate attention. It’s suspected that the recent changeover in coffee served onboard, which is packaged differently than the old product, may be contributing to this issue. Management has begun investigating the root cause and has identified some potential solutions to address the problem. However, it will likely take significant time to implement the mitigations fully.

Last week, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) sent management an official request to discontinue using B/E Aerospace coffee makers until physical mitigations can be implemented. Despite the inconvenience this may cause by leaving some aircraft with fewer or no coffee makers to use, the Committee believes that potentially seeing multiple Flight Attendants injured while waiting for long-term fixes is unacceptable. Disappointingly, management denied the request, knowingly putting the physical safety and well-being of employees and passengers at risk for the sake of a few more cups of coffee.

This decision by management is a clear violation of their own core value of “owning safety” and displays a shocking level of negligence. Given the gravity of the situation, we will be taking immediate action by filing a formal complaint with the FAA to escalate the issue. Additionally, our Grievance Committee will file a contractual grievance based on management’s violation of section §25.B of our collective bargaining agreement (“The Company will provide a safe and healthy workplace…”).

Flight Attendant and passenger safety must not be compromised. It’s reckless and unacceptable for management to put Flight Attendants at risk by keeping hazardous coffee makers in operation. Removing these coffee makers from service is the right thing to do and the only responsible action for management to take. It’s our right to work in a safe environment, and we demand that this right be upheld.

February 2024 MEC Meeting Recap

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • The February 2024 Regular MEC Meeting was held last week on Wednesday, February 14.
  • Our MEC debriefed on the successful Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, which received extensive media coverage and brought our fight further into the public eye.
  • The strike vote results were reviewed, where 99.48% of Flight Attendants voted in favor of authorizing a strike. Thank you to our Mobilization Volunteers for their hard work and contribution to achieving this outcome!

Our AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) held its regular meeting for February 2024 on Wednesday, February 14. These meetings, required under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, provide an important opportunity for the MEC to discuss and address issues and concerns affecting our Union and Members at the airline level. Your directly elected LEC President (or their designee) attends these meetings as your representative and votes on your behalf when decisions need to be made.

During the meeting, the MEC received updates from the MEC Officers, LEC Presidents, Grievance Committee, and Scheduling Committee. Additionally, the MEC reviewed written reports submitted by other AFA MEC Committee Chairpersons detailing their current work and activities.

Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action

Our MEC debriefed the previous day’s Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action informational picketing events. The events were wildly successful, with incredible participation by Alaska Flight Attendants at all six bases (including the SNA and ONT co-terminals) and several other participating airports around the country. Coupled with the announcement of our strike vote results, we gained significant local and national media coverage, bringing our fight further into the public eye. Read more about the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, including a summary of media coverage, by clicking here.

Strike Vote Results & Mobilization Volunteer Thank You

Our MEC reviewed the results of our strike vote, where a resounding 99.48% of Flight Attendants voted in favor of authorizing a strike! This overwhelming mandate is a major milestone in our ongoing battle for an industry-leading agreement, and it empowers AFA leadership to request a release from the National Mediation Board if management fails to agree to significant improvements at the negotiating table. Thank you to everyone who voted and made their voices heard!

Additionally, our MEC would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering dedication and hard work of our Mobilization Volunteers. Their tireless efforts in encouraging and helping Flight Attendants to vote were critical to the success of our strike vote. From sharing voting information and resources, answering questions, joining airport outreach sits and terminal walks, and assisting with the text messaging campaign, they truly made a difference in achieving the incredible voter turnout. We are stronger together because of their commitment to our collective voice. A special thank you to all our Mobilization Volunteers!

Contract Now Lanyards

Last week at the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action picketing events, we introduced bright red AFA Contract Now lanyards to bring even more visibility to our fight for an industry-leading contract. A supply of lanyards has been provided to Mobilization Volunteers and others for distribution. Flight Attendants can expect to see Mobilization Volunteers at the airport in our six bases at varying times to hand out lanyards. Look for additional information from your Local Council about when and where to find Mobilization Volunteers with lanyards. As a reminder, if you face any attempt from management to interfere with our ability to wear a Union lanyard, report it immediately using the Management Interference Report form.

Contract Negotiations/Mediation

Our MEC was updated on the negotiation session that took place the previous week with the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board (NMB). The update included a discussion about negotiation logistics and upcoming scheduling. You can find more information about the session here.

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 – February 16, 2024

In This Edition

Strike Vote: Last Day To Vote!

Originally posted February 12, 2024

Note: This information is for historical reference only. Voting closed on Tuesday, February 13. For information on the voting results, please see Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines Vote 99.48% to Authorize a Strike (below).

Today is the last full day to vote before voting closes tomorrow (Tuesday, February 13) at 12 PM PT! As of this morning, 91% of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have participated in the Strike Authorization Vote. Our goal is 100% participation and 100% FOR authorization! If you have not done so already, cast your vote TODAY! Make sure to encourage your friends and crews to vote FOR the strike authorization!

Read More >

Flight Attendants at Alaska Airlines Vote 99.48% to Authorize a Strike

Originally posted February 13, 2024

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), voted 99.48% yes on strike authorization should management fail to agree to significant improvements. 

“Our time is now!” said AFA Alaska President Jeffrey Peterson. “Alaska Flight Attendants today backed up our fight for an industry-leading contract with a 99.48% strike vote. And we’re out on the picket line demonstrating that we’re ready to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve. There’s no excuse: Alaska management has the money to buy another airline, they certainly have the money to invest in Flight Attendants. We have a simple message for management: Pay us, or CHAOS!”

Read More >

AFA “Contract Now” Lanyards Are Here!

Originally posted February 13, 2024

AFA Contract Now lanyards will be available from our Mobilization Volunteers and LEC Officers. Wear them as a show of solidarity with your flying partners and our Negotiating Committee in our fight for an industry leading contract. Report all supervisor interference with our solidarity activities by filling out a Management Interference Report on the Contract 2022 website or by clicking here.

Read More >

The Power of Unity: Our Day of Action and Strike Vote

Originally posted February 15, 2024

This week, thousands of Flight Attendants from across the industry showed up in full force to make history. We stood in complete solidarity, leaving no room for doubt, and demanded the contracts we’ve rightfully earned. Our strong and united voice sent a powerful message to management industrywide that we are done being undervalued and underappreciated. We won’t tolerate their stall tactics and disrespect any longer. We stand firm and will do whatever it takes to get a contract with the pay and work rule improvements we deserve. Management can no longer ignore our demands or play games with our livelihoods. We’ve made it crystal clear that we won’t back down until our voices are heard and our contracts are secured.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Join The Virtual Picket Line on February 13!

Originally posted February 11, 2024

If you’re scheduled to work on February 13 or won’t be able to make it to a picketing event in person, you can still participate in our Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action. Help turn up the heat on social media and take part in our virtual picket! 

Our Day of Action Is Tomorrow!

Originally posted February 12, 2024

Tomorrow, Flight Attendants worldwide are coming together like never before to fight corporate greed. Standing together, we’re making it clear to management that we demand better contracts and fair treatment and won’t back down. We’re more than 100,000 strong and ready to push our careers forward. Join us in solidarity and be a part of history as we picket at over 30 airports worldwide. It’s time to demand the respect we deserve!

Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action – Day of Event Information

Originally posted February 13, 2024

Tired of corporate greed and disrespect from management? It’s time to stand up and fight back!

Today is our Day of Action, and Flight Attendants from across the industry are coming together to participate in informational picketing events at over 30 airports worldwide. Check out this post for all the key details, including meeting points, times, and contact information for Alaska bases. Swipe through to find out more about the virtual picket and resources to participate.

Still have some questions or need more info? Head to the Day of Action event page at https://contract2022.afaalaska.org/feb-13-action and get all the answers you need. It’s time to come together and make our voices heard – let’s do this!

Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action Recap

Hundreds of Flight Attendants and allies came together in SFO and over 30 airports around the world today to make history. We stood in solidarity to bring attention to our collective struggle against corporate greed and to demand the contracts we have rightfully earned. Our strong and unified voice, and the announcement that Alaska Flight Attendants voted 99.48% to authorize a strike, sent a powerful message to management that we won’t tolerate stall tactics and disrespect any longer. Today was a testament to the power of standing together and fighting for what’s right!

See photos on Instagram from ANC, LAX, ONT, PDX, SAN, SEA, SFO, SNA >

Day of Action Recap

This is what solidarity looks like! Unions standing together are an unstoppable force that will not rest until we receive what we rightfully deserve. Our unwavering determination has already shown management that we are not to be underestimated. We will continue to fight until we secure a contract that truly reflects our value, and we will not settle for anything less. Workers united will never be divided!

Watch the Reel on Instagram >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, February 20Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 22Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting

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!

AFA Alaska News in Review – February 9, 2024

Click here for more strike vote information or to cast your vote >

In This Edition

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2024

Originally posted February 6, 2024

On February 1, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to protect and improve the quality of hotel accommodations and ground transportation providers for Flight Attendants. The Committee met with management and representatives from the company’s crew accommodations vendor to discuss current trends and concerns regarding layover hotels and transportation. If you encounter problems or have positive feedback about hotels or transportation, please report it through CrewCare. Your feedback is crucial as it provides the Committee with essential data to support keeping high-quality hotels and push for change when conditions are unacceptable.

Read More >

One Week To Go: Our Strike Vote Closes on Tuesday, February 13

Originally posted February 6, 2024

As of this morning, 86% of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have participated in the Strike Authorization Vote. Don’t delay, VOTE today! Voting closes on Tuesday, February 13 at 12 PM PT. Mobilization Volunteers will be contacting anyone who didn’t respond during the initial Strike Vote Text Campaign to ask if they’ve voted and help with any questions.

Read More >

Alaska & Hawaiian MECs Meet To Discuss Proposed Merger

Originally posted February 6, 2024

On February 2, our AFA International President held a Constitutional Section X Merger meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MECs) in Los Angeles. The Flight Attendant leadership from both airlines unanimously passed a resolution that sets clear demands to management for what is required if our Union is to support, rather than oppose, this merger. The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene on March 25 for a status update and again on April 26 to review management’s action/inaction to determine whether our Union will support or oppose the proposed merger.

Read More >

Get Ready For Our Worldwide Day of Action – Tuesday, February 13

Originally posted February 6, 2024

Don’t forget to RSVP for our Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action informational picketing events next week on Tuesday, February 13. As a reminder, Flight Attendants scheduled to work during the events must refrain from participating. If you’re not able to attend in person, you can join our virtual picket using the resources on the contract website.

Read More >

Mediation Session 2

Originally posted February 9, 2024

This week was our second Mediation session with management and the mediator assigned by the National Mediation Board. We made progress on several outstanding provisions, including a tentative agreement on Section 9: Junior Available and Premium Open Time. Our next Mediation session is scheduled for April, and both parties plan to meet separately in March to prepare for future discussions.

Read More >

Shared on Social

Strike Vote Updates (Week 5)

6 Days To Go: 88% Participation

5 Days To Go: 89% Participation

4 Days To Go: 90% Participation

This is our last weekly Strike Vote recap before voting closes on Tuesday, February 13 at 12 PM! 90% of Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have participated in the Strike Authorization Vote. Only 4 days left – make sure to vote before then! Mobilization Volunteers held additional base sits for a final voting push. Additional answers to recent questions about CHAOS™ are added to our Strike Vote FAQs.

See the Strike Vote Week 5 Recap on Instagram >

See the new FAQs on Instagram >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, February 13Strike Vote Closes @ 12 PM PT/3 PT ET
Tuesday, February 13Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action Informational Picketing
Wednesday, February 14Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, February 15Scheduling Review Board (SRB)
Thursday, February 15Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR)

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 & Hawaiian MECs Meet To Discuss Proposed Merger

Master Executive Council (MEC)

  • On February 2, our AFA International President held a Constitutional Section X Merger meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MECs) in Los Angeles.
  • The Flight Attendant leadership from both airlines unanimously passed a resolution that sets clear demands to management for what is required if our Union is to support, rather than oppose, this merger.
  • The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene on March 25 for a status update and again on April 26 to review management’s action/inaction to determine whether our Union will support or oppose the proposed merger.

On February 2, 2024, our International President convened the AFA-CWA Constitutional Section X Merger meeting with the Alaska and Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC) in Los Angeles. This includes the directly elected Local Council Presidents and MEC Officers at each airline. Our AFA professionals from Legal, Collective Bargaining, Government Affairs, and Communications were in attendance to support the elected Flight Attendant representatives, as well as AFA’s financial analyst/economist. 

The group met to thoroughly review the details of the proposed merger, our Union’s merger policy and protections for Flight Attendants as well as a legal review of the merger process. Finally, we had a discussion about our support or opposition of the proposed Alaska-Hawaiian merger. 

Together the Flight Attendant leadership from both airlines unanimously passed a resolution that sets clear demands to management for what is required if our Union is to support, rather than oppose, this merger. The demands include: 

  1. The AFA Alaska industry leading contract management has promised.
  2. A merger protocol agreement with detailed protections for all Flight Attendants such as
    • “no furlough” protections, 
    • no displacements (everyone maintains their base assignment), 
    • a fence/metal agreement to protect the respective flying prior to the operational merger, 
    • an “adopt and go” / “adopt and amend” expedited joint contract negotiations that yields improvements for all Flight Attendants just like management and shareholders, 
    • and other protections specific to this proposed merger including AFA Representative involvement in safety and service modifications.

Read the full resolution > 

The Alaska and Hawaiian MECs will reconvene on March 25th for a status update, and again on April 26th, to review management’s action/inaction to determine whether our Union will support or oppose the proposed merger.

Action: RSVP for the Worldwide Day of Action next Tuesday, February 13th! 

AFA Alaska Strike Vote: Our solidarity is our power. Every Alaska Flight Attendant has a chance to back up our negotiators and make your voice heard with your strike vote. VOTE NOW and/or make sure your friends and flying partners have cast their votes. Visit the AFA Alaska Strike Vote page to get more info.  

Mergers are a long process with many steps. If this merger happens, it will not happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or maybe this year . We will keep you closely updated and involved throughout the process. If you have questions, take a look at the FAQ we compiled based on common questions. If your question isn’t there, let us know what’s on your mind so we can address it. 

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

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

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 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

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

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

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