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        You are here: Home / Archives for Master Executive Council (MEC)

        Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

        October 2, 2025 11:00 Leave a Comment

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices will be prioritized for replacement and contacted directly by management.

        Distribution of Inflight Mobile Device Replacements Letter of Agreement (LOA)

        In anticipation of the rollout of updated IMDs, our MEC and management have reached a letter of agreement (LOA) that clarifies the distribution process. AFA LOA 2025-08-13 (Distribution of Inflight iPhone Mobile Device Replacements to AS Flight Attendants) offers several benefits and protections for Flight Attendants, including:

        • Compensation of 0.5 TFP for picking up the device and completing the required setup tasks (this will be automatically paid the following month on the 20th of the month paycheck).
        • Flexible pickup options if you are not scheduled to work during the designated distribution period—coordinate with your Inflight Supervisor to make arrangements for pickup.
        • Limitations on the tasks that Flight Attendants must perform to set up the device.

        For complete details, please click here to view the full LOA. The LOA is also available on your IMD in GoodReader or Comply365 in the ASFA Supplemental > Collective Bargaining Agreement folder.

        LAX Co-Terminal Pickup

        Flight Attendants based at LAX who fly primarily out of co-terminals can pick up their IMD at LAX or any other domicile during the scheduled distribution period. They can also arrange with their Inflight Supervisor to receive their IMD at a mutually agreed-upon time and place. If possible and upon request, they may opt to have their IMD shipped to their chosen address at no cost. For more information, please refer to paragraph 6 of the LOA.

        Questions?

        If you have any questions regarding the IMD Replacement Distribution LOA, please reach out to your LEC Officers.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Contract, Grievance Committee, Inflight Service Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: pmAS

        Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska Committee Chairperson & Representatives

        September 24, 2025 13:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        We’re excited to introduce the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives for the upcoming MEC Officer term. They’ll begin transitioning into their roles over the next few months and officially start their terms on January 1, 2026. Below, you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Flight Attendant group.

        Stephanie Adams, MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson

        Stephanie has been a Flight Attendant for 28 years and is a licensed attorney in Washington. She graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2003. Stephanie began her career with Alaska Airlines 30 years ago, starting as a Reservation Sales Agent for one year, followed by a year as a Customer Service Agent before becoming a Flight Attendant. For the past nine years, she has served as the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson. Stephanie became involved with the AFA to help fellow Flight Attendants and looks forward to continuing her support through the grievance process and navigating the collective bargaining agreement.

        Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her two young adult children and traveling with them. She also has a golden retriever named Murphy and two cats, Milo and Teddy, who receive a lot of her attention. Last year, she ran the New York City Marathon, and New York City is her favorite layover destination.

        Bianca Dew, MEC Grievance Committee Assistant

        Bianca started her career in 2015 at Virgin America as an SFO-based flight attendant. She holds Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California Baptist University. After some time flying, she became an Inflight Team Lead and then an Air Transportation Supervisor, where she conducted IOEs and check rides. 

        Her dedication to the well-being of her peers led her to become actively involved with AFA. She served as the Legacy Virgin America Scheduling Committee Chairperson and currently as MEC Grievance Committee Assistant, where she continues to represent our Flight Attendants. Bianca has remained a steadfast advocate for the needs of Flight Attendants, leveraging her experience to help address the unique challenges of our profession.

        Bianca is currently SEA-based, but when she’s not working, Bianca can be found pursuing her love for the outdoors. An avid traveler, she enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, and snowboarding.

        Julie Thornton, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative

        Julie Thornton is a proud Seattle native, who earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication and Spanish from the University of Washington. Her college years were filled with vibrant experiences, including active involvement in Kappa Delta sorority, where she attended social gatherings and devoted time to philanthropic events—moments that helped shape her love for community and leadership. (Go Huskies!)

        Julie’s professional story began on the shores of South Lake Union, where she spent just over two years at a boutique Public Relations firm. While she thrived in the fast-paced PR environment, Julie soon realized her heart was set on a career that combined her love of travel, helping others, and making a tangible difference. In 2013, Julie took a leap and joined Alaska Airlines as a Flight Attendant, initially based in Los Angeles. 

        Julie’s commitment to service quickly found an outlet, in 2014 she began volunteering on the Seattle Reserve Committee as a Reserve Buddy. In this mentorship role, Julie welcomed and supported new reserve Flight Attendants, sharing her insights and easing their transitions. In 2018, she was selected as the Seattle Reserve Committee Chairperson—a role in which she fostered a supportive environment for her SEA peers. Julie’s AFA journey continued to blossom in 2020, Julie was appointed to serve her first term as the MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson. Her impact grew further; in 2020 she joined the Seattle Grievance Committee as a Grievance Committee Member. In her new role as Grievance Committee Payroll Representative, she hopes to create enhanced training workshops and peer support resources, making the often-challenging pay system more accessible for all.

        When Julie isn’t soaring at 35,000 feet, she’s spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband love introducing their young son, Brooks, to the wonders of the world—along with their two mischievous chocolate Labradors, Herman and Hazel. Julie’s circle of friends and family is her anchor, and she cherishes every moment spent at home or abroad. 

        Orna Samuelly, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative

        Orna Samuelly is joining the Grievance Committee as a Payroll Representative. A transplanted New Yorker, Orna now calls Seattle home. She holds a BA from Williams College and an MA from Brown University.   Orna’s passion for the airline industry started years back at American Airlines and Northwest Airlines in Revenue Management. After years in consulting and financial management, she found her way back to the industry she loves.   

        Orna volunteered to join the Grievance Committee as a Payroll Representative to apply her analytical skills to support fellow Flight Attendants. She also volunteers as the Treasurer on the Board of Purrfect Pals, a Washington cat shelter, and at the Seattle Aquarium, where she loves teaching people about the Giant Pacific Octopus and inspiring them to protect our amazing oceans.   

        Orna is excited to support fellow Flight Attendants with their payroll issues, whether to right wrongs or to understand the contract clauses that have impacted their payroll.   Orna has been a Flight Attendant for the last 3 years. She is having fun with it, most of the time, treating it as an adventure, both in the air and on layovers. Discovering Alaska has been a treat, from fabulous hikes in Sitka and Juneau to encountering the big brown bears of Katmai.   

        David Jelinek, MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson

        David was born and raised on a ranch in a small town in southern Colorado. He attended the University of Northern Colorado and obtained a degree in Costume Design for Theater. He began his career as a flight attendant in 2005 with Frontier Airlines, which is based in Denver. During that time, he served on the Uniform Committee for five years. In 2007, he moved to Portland for love, which, after twenty years, is still going strong. 

        In 2013, he began flying for Alaska Airlines. After a bit of coaxing, he joined the Uniform Committee, and in 2017, he took over the position of the Local Uniform Committee Chairperson for Council 39 and the PDX base. David also serves on the Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC), where he has addressed safety concerns in our work environment and performed evacuation drills and proving flights for the FAA on the Airbus and new Boeing MAX aircraft. 

        When not flying, David creates gowns and costumes for stage and drag performers. Halloween is a frenzy when he enters his stress-out period to create his costume to top the year before. When not spending time in the air or his sewing room, he enjoys RV camping with his husband, projects on their house, and walks around the neighborhood with their Schnauzer, Baxter. 

        After 20 years of flying and five uniforms, David is excited to take on the position of MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson. He is committed to working hard to address Flight Attendant concerns and advocate for a professional, safe, and comfortable uniform for all.  

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Grievance Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: committee elections, pmAS

        Meet Our Merged MEC Committee Chairpersons

        September 23, 2025 09:00

        We’re excited to introduce our next group of newly elected merged MEC Committee Chairpersons, who will begin their roles on October 1. These leaders are dedicated to representing the interests of our Flight Attendants as they coordinate activities across the merged committees of both airlines. They’ll work closely with the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils, ensuring that the voices of both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants are heard and advocated for. Below, you’ll find brief bios that showcase their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our combined Flight Attendant group.

        James Bozanich, MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson

        James began his aviation career in 2009 as a San Francisco-based Flight Attendant with Virgin America. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership and instructional roles within Inflight, including Inflight Team Leader, Air Transportation Supervisor, and Inflight Instructor, a role he continues to serve in today. In addition to teaching Initial and Recurrent Training, James has co-developed numerous Inflight Training programs at both Virgin America and Alaska Airlines. One of his most memorable experiences was participating in the Virgin America / Virgin Australia Exchange Program, spending a year flying as a Sydney-based Flight Attendant.

        James became active with AFA shortly after the ratification of the 2018 JCBA, first serving as the Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson before transferring to the SAN base in 2021, a city he now proudly calls home. In 2023, he assumed the role of MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson and also joined the Inflight Training Committee. Guided by his belief that constructive action is a powerful driver of change, James applied for and was selected to join the 2022 Negotiating Committee. In this role, he contributed to the strategy and negotiations that led to the 2025–2028 CBA, a contract delivering significant economic gains and work rule improvements for Alaska’s Flight Attendants. He will soon begin his second term as MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson, where he will oversee the integration of the pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian Hotel Committees while continuing to champion the highest standards of crew accommodations.

        Outside of Union and inflight work, James holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from UC Davis. Before becoming a Flight Attendant, he worked as a Securities Licensed Banker and as a Trip Leader for a high-end active travel company. In his free time, he enjoys scuba diving, running, skiing, and experiencing the cuisines of the world while traveling.

        Mischelle Fielsch, MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson

        Mischelle Fielsch began her aviation career in 1997 as a Flight Attendant with Reno Air before flying with American Airlines, Virgin America, and ultimately Alaska Airlines. Throughout her career at these four airlines, she has held a variety of leadership and Union roles, including Team Leader, Union Representative, Inflight Supervisor, and Performance Supervisor. She has experience in performance management, investigations, and conflict resolution, and is known for building trust, fostering collaboration, and advocating for Flight Attendants in both operational and Union settings.

        In her current role as AFA Council 35 (SFO) Vice Chairperson for the Grievance Committee and Chairperson for the Communications Committee, Mischelle has spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the Union Break podcast and Council 35’s social media channels, enhancing transparency and engagement among members. In her new position with the MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson, she looks forward to expanding opportunities for Flight Attendants to connect with their Union, share their voices, and feel supported in their execution of job duties. Her passion for engagement, coupled with integrity-driven leadership, will continue to strengthen the relationship between Members and Union leadership.  

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger, Hotel Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC), Membership Engagement Committee Tagged With: committee elections

        Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Election Results

        September 19, 2025 13:05

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the first group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

        MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson: Stephanie Adams
        MEC Grievance Committee Assistant: Bianca Dew
        MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representatives: Julie Thornton, Orna Samuelly
        MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson: David Jelinek

        These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons and Representatives will carry out their respective roles specific to our six pre-merger Alaska Local Councils as we continue to navigate the merger process. They’ll begin the transition into their roles over the next few months, with their official term beginning on January 1, 2026. They will serve for the upcoming MEC Officer election cycle from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028.

        If you have any questions about the pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Grievance Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC), Uniform Committee Tagged With: committee elections, interviews

        Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

        September 19, 2025 13:00

        This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of merged MEC Committee Chairpersons. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected:

        MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson: James Bozanich  
        MEC Membership Engagement Committee Chairperson: Mischelle Fielsch

        These newly elected MEC Committee Chairpersons will coordinate the activities of their respective merged committees across both airlines. They’ll support the Local Committee Chairpersons from all eight Local Councils—both pre-merger Alaska and pre-merger Hawaiian. Their official term will begin on October 1, 2025. They’ll serve for the remainder of the current MEC Officer election cycle (January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025), as well as for the upcoming cycle (January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028).

        If you have any questions about the MEC Committee Chairperson elections, please reach out to your LEC President.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, AS/HA Merger, Hotel Committee, Master Executive Council (MEC), Membership Engagement Committee Tagged With: committee elections, interviews

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        Refreshed Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) Distribution

        October 2, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Management has recently informed our Master Executive Council (MEC) that they are distributing new Inflight Mobile Devices (IMDs) to Flight Attendants with devices nearing the end of their lifecycle. The specific schedule for this distribution will be communicated by management separately. Flight Attendants with the oldest devices […]

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        September 25, 2025

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, September 23, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), […]

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        Vacation Survey Closing Soon

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        There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the crucial vacation survey that will help shape future provisions—your insights are essential for advocating the best outcomes for all Flight Attendants. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Wednesday, September 24 at 12 PM PT.

        Recent Posts

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