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URGENT: Sleep Room in Portland?

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For years, the topic of why the Portland base doesn’t have a designated sleep/quiet room for Flight Attendants has been at the forefront of our discussions as a workgroup. Now, we need to hear from you.

If a sleep/quiet room in Portland is important to you, let us know by clicking the button below. We need details about why having this room is important, personal stories about how having one could have impacted you in the past (fatigue, long sits, inadequate rest, etc.) and any other details you think could help our case.

Click Here To Tell Us Your Story

This is time sensitive. Please send us your responses as soon as possible; the deadline is Monday, October 5.

Council 39 September 2026 Update

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In This Edition:

  • We Will Never Forget
  • Local Council Meeting
  • Government Affairs & FlightPAC
  • 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference Recap
  • Council 39 Committee Updates
  • Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest

From Our Socials:

We Will Never Forget

This month marked a somber anniversary for everyone in our industry. Twenty-five Flight Attendants, eight pilots and three Customer Service Agents lost their lives twenty-five years ago on September 11, 2001. Since that day, tens of thousands of people have chosen to become Flight Attendants. Many of us still carry memories of that morning — where we were, the uncertainty that followed, and the profound impact the tragedy had on our careers and our sense of safety.

AFA’s Employee Assistance Program encourages every Flight Attendant to care for themselves as intentionally as they care for their passengers and flying partners. If this remembrance brings up difficult emotions, reach out to someone you trust: talk with a fellow Flight Attendant, a family member, or an EAP representative. Connection remains one of the most powerful tools for healing.

Our local EAP Committee Members can be reached through the AFA EAP helpline at (503) 389-3911.

Local Council Meeting

Our next Council 39 Local Council Meeting will be held next month. All members of Council 39 in good standing are invited to attend in person or on Zoom. To check your standing, log in to your account on the AFA Membership Hub.

  • October 30
  • 12 PM-2 PM Pacific
  • Concordia Room (PDX Village) and on Zoom

Advance registration is required! As a reminder, registered air commuters are not allowed to use commuter status (D8Y) to attend Union activities exclusively. If you have questions about commuting on or around the day of the meeting, reach out to our LEC Officers.

To attend in person, click here.

To attend virtually on Zoom, click here.

Government Affairs & FlightPAC

September is Government Affairs Focus Month at AFA Alaska + Hawaiian!

Our Government Affairs Committee amplifies the voices of Flight Attendants at the highest levels of government. Serving as a link between our Union and policymakers, this committee helps shape the legislative agenda that defines our profession. Their work is non-partisan, concentrating on the issues that affect the safety, working conditions, financial stability, and job security of every Flight Attendant. By building strong relationships with elected officials and advocating for our priorities, Government Affairs helps keep Flight Attendant interests front and center throughout the legislative process.

Click the image of Manda to learn more about her and the work she and our local Government Affairs Committee do on our behalf!

FlightPAC is a part of CWA’s Committee on Political Education (COPE), AFA’s Political Action Committee.  Election law prohibits labor organizations from using treasury dues to make contributions and expenditures in connection with federal elections.  Dues from our members are never contributed to campaigns.  Violations of campaign finance laws can result in civil penalties, therefore it is important for AFA-CWA leaders and Government Affairs Committee members to understand and observe the laws and rules which govern PACs and political activity. FlightPAC allows members the opportunity to make voluntary contributions to provide financial support to candidates for federal office who are committed to helping us accomplish our legislative goals.

2026 CWA Human Rights Conference Recap

Our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller recently attended the 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference in Atlanta. The theme of the conference this year was, “Building Resilience, Through Resistance”.

Click here to read Aaron’s recap of the conference.

Council 39 Committee Updates

Andrea Jones, Government Affairs Committee

After almost 25 years as an Alaska Flight Attendant, Andrea realized it was time to contribute to the organization that has fought over the years to achieve the rights and benefits Flight Attendants enjoy as a workgroup. She hopes to contribute her years of experience in the industry on a broader level through the Government Affairs Committee.

At a time in our nation’s history when workers’ rights are constantly under threat, Andrea is passionate about helping Flight Attendants achieve the rights and compensation they deserve for the work they do every day in no ordinary office.

When she’s not flying, Andrea is home on her little farm with her husband, five dogs, two kittens, six goats, two sheep, and sixteen chickens, just on the other side of Mount Hood, which she is fortunate enough to see every day.

AFA-CWA Supplemental Insurance Open Enrollment

AFA Benefit Counselors will be in Portland soon to offer guidance and information on supplemental benefits available to AFA Members.

  • October 12 (8 AM to 4 PM) & October 13-14 (6 AM to 1:30 PM)
  • PDX Village

Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest (October 2026)

from our C39 Human Rights & Equity Charperson Aaron Miller

October continues National Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. If you don’t have a pin for the month please reach out to the Human Rights & Equity Committee! We also have special days this month to honor and support teachers, recognize the need for disaster risk reduction, and very importantly for everyone, to bring awareness to mental health. Nobody in this world makes it through alone and unscathed, and in our country and industry, we face particular challenges that make mental health a priority for everyone. Please remember, you can find in-network mental health providers using your respective health insurance provider search. In-network providers allow for ongoing sessions with the same provider, with usually only a co-pay due per session. Everyone should be in therapy, not just to weather the storms of life, but to strive to improve ourselves as people.

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie & Kevin

SAVE THE DATE: Council 39 Local Council Meeting

Save the date! Our next Council 39 Local Council Meeting will be held next month. All members of Council 39 in good standing are invited to attend in person or on Zoom. To check your standing, sign in to your account on the AFA Membership Hub.

  • October 30
  • 12 PM-2 PM Pacific
  • Concordia Room, PDX Village and on Zoom

If you would like to attend in person, remember to bid the day off. As a reminder, registered air commuters are not allowed to use commuter status (D8Y) to attend Union activities exclusively. If you have questions about commuting on or around the day of the meeting, reach out to our LEC Officers.

Advance registration is required!

For in-person attendance, click here.

For virtual attendance on Zoom, click here.

Council 39 August 2026 Update

In This Edition

  • Know Your Rights
  • Dues Rebate
  • Upcoming I-5 Closure
  • Left Behind With Open Seats
  • Save The Date: Council 39 Membership Meeting
  • Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest

From Our Socials:

Know Your Rights

AFA International recently published a guide to knowing your rights as a working Flight Attendant in domestic airports if and when you are confronted with ICE while on duty. The guide includes guidance depending on your working status or location including what to do on the jet bridge or aircraft when working, inside an airport, etc.

Please know that this is a rapidly developing area of the law and this guide should be treated as general guidance.

Your Rights In US Domestic Airports
AFA ICE Reporting Form

Dues Rebate

Dues rebates have landed in your AFA Membership Hub account! For Flight Attendants who have taken any type of leave, it’s important to know whether you have a past-due dues balance. If you do, your rebate will first be applied to that balance before the remainder, if any, is available to you.

If you’re not sure whether you are past due, please reach out to our C39 LEC Secretary Kevin Sharp, and watch the videos below to learn about accessing your dues rebate.

Upcoming I-5 Closure

The closure of the southbound lanes of I-5 through the Rose Quarter is quickly approaching. Flight Attendants who typically commute to work using this part of I-5 are strongly encouraged to plan ahead by finding different routes, carpooling, leaving home earlier than usual or exploring alternate modes of transportation like Trimet.

For more information, click here.

Left Behind With Open Seats

Sadly, most of us have been there: you get to the gate with time to spare, you log in to Fly one last time to triple check, you see there are plenty of open seats, you find a place to wait for your name to be called. An hour later, the jet bridge door closes and you are stuck with Plan B. (Or C.)

If this situation rings a bell, our MEC Grievance Committee wants to hear from you. Click here or visit our Linktree in bio to report your case(s).

Save The Date: Council 39 Membership Meeting

Our Council 39 Bi-annual membership meeting will be held on October 30. Time and location will be announced as the date draws nearer.

“A regular meeting of the Local Council shall be called at least two (2) times per calendar year.” – Article III.D.2.a, AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws

Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest (September 2026)

from our C39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller

September includes some important observances, and one that you can directly participate in at work! Highlights include World Suicide Prevention Day, an especially relevant subject in our industry and in these times, as suicide is on the rise. Please share the resources included if you know someone who is struggling and has or may be considering suicide. Equal Pay Day is also important as it connects with labor in closing wage gaps and paying everyone fairly for the same work.

September 15th begins the wonderful celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month! AFA provides Union pins for this month that you can wear on your uniform to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Please reach out to our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Committee if you need a pin!

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie & Kevin

Council 39 July 2026 Update

In This Edition:

  • Membership Engagement
  • Council 39 Committee Updates
  • Follow Us On Socials
  • WEBINAR: Can They Do That?
  • VIDEO: Filing A Union Ticket
  • CBA Hardcopies
  • Upcoming I-5 Closure
  • HR&E Dates Of Interest

From Our Socials:

  • CMAP in Portland
  • Portland Pride 2026
  • September Low Bid Option

Membership Engagement

This month, AFA has focused on our new Membership Engagement Committee. This committee is here to ensure that every Flight Attendant feels genuinely welcomed and valued throughout their career.

Council 39 Committee Updates

Benefits Committee

We would like to thank Ann Larue for her years of service on our local Benefits Committee.

Stepping in as Council 39 Interim Benefits Chairperson is Linda Gunselman. Linda will spend the coming months building her knowledge of our benefits, having already become a vital source of support to Flight Attendants through her work with our local Employee Assistance Program. She has a long history of supporting our Members through some very challenging moments, and we thank her for her willingness to serve in her new role.

Linda started her career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant 29 years ago, having always found a calling in helping her fellow Flight Attendants. When she was asked to step into this new role, she knew it would be a big responsibility, but also knew that her experience with EAP and taking her own leave gave her the knowledge and ideas needed to streamline the process.

In this role, she hopes to create a committee that reaches everyone where they are in life, making the leave process more manageable and not as overwhelming.

Jenny Cortez has been a Flight Attendant since 2013 and joined the Portland base in 2019. She helped qualify the Airbus A321 into the fleet in 2017 and later taught transition and recurrent training. Having experienced two maternity leaves of her own, she understands the questions, challenges, and excitement that come with the process. She is passionate about helping fellow Flight Attendants feel informed and supported, whether they are preparing for their first or adding another little one to their family.

Scheduling Committee

Joining our Council 39 Scheduling Committee is Aaron Lucich. Aaron has been with Alaska Airlines for 3 years, beginning his aviation career at Horizon as a Flight Attendant while also serving in a small capacity on their Scheduling Committee. That experience helped build a strong work ethic and laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of how the airline industry operates.

Since joining Alaska in October 2024, Aaron has dedicated his time to flying a variety of trips while listening to Flight Attendants’ experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. He is committed to knowing the contract, reading a section each week to stay current, and has a passion for scheduling, pairing construction, and helping Flight Attendants understand their contractual rights to create a better work-life balance. Flying with all seniority groups has given him an appreciation for the experiences of those who came before him, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge to help fellow Flight Attendants navigate operational challenges.

Before joining Air Group, Aaron spent three and a half years at Starbucks in Tacoma as a barista and barista trainer. Originally from Puyallup, he later moved to Portland and now lives in downtown Vancouver. Outside of flying, Aaron enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling when he can, and cooking.

Reserve Committee

The newest member of our Reserve Committee is Thomas Schwall. He has been with Air Group for three years this August and wants to help reserves understand their role and rights under our CBA. He comes to us after 20 years in hospitality where he learned to address issues with a smile, and four years in real estate that taught him to pay close attention to details in contracts. His broken sleep schedule makes him very accessible. When he isn’t working, you can find him spending time with his daughters at their many extracurricular activities, working on remodeling projects, or taking care of his animals.

Contact information for all Council 39 Committee Chairpersons and Committee Members can be found on our Linktree.

Follow Us On Socials

Have you heard? Council 39 has our very own Instagram! Follow us for important updates, news and timely reminders. You can find us here here on Instagram and here on Facebook.

WEBINAR: Can They Do That?

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 Attendant or a lineholder flying with a Reserve—this series is designed for you. Our Reserve Committee will host a limited-run series of webinars starting in August, focused on your most pressing questions and providing clear, actionable guidance on the topics that matter most.

Mark your calendar for our kickoff session: Thursday, August 6, at 1 PM Pacific. Our first Reserve Webinar, “Can They Do That?”, will offer practical, contractual insights for both everyday scheduling scenarios and those unexpected curveballs. This session is open to all, Reserve Flight Attendants and lineholders alike. Come ready to engage, learn, and ask anything on your mind.

Register For Reserve Webinar
Submit A Question

VIDEO: Filing A Union Ticket

Have you ever heard a Flight Attendant tell you to “file a ticket” and had no idea what they meant? In this video you will learn how and when to use AFA’s Online Support System to get solutions to questions or concerns you are having trouble finding the answers to on your own.

CBA Hardcopies

Printed copies of the 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement are available in the PDX crew room downstairs. Please feel free to pick up a copy at your convenience.

Upcoming I-5 Closure

AFA has been made aware of a major closure of all southbound lanes of I-5 starting on September 11, 2026, and lasting up to five weeks. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) predicts that these closures may cause the worst traffic in our region’s history.

Flight Attendants will be urged to plan ahead, leave home earlier than usual and consider options like carpooling or public transit. More reminders will be posted as the time draws nearer, and you can sign up for travel alerts from ODOT here.

Human Rights and Equity Committee Dates of Interest (August 2026)

from our Council 39 HR&E Committee Chairperson, Aaron Miller

CMAP in Portland

KCM is continuing its transition to a new program called Crewmember Access Point (CMAP), which is expected to fully replace KCM by New Year’s Eve 2026.

CMAP may be available for your use in Portland now, but continue carrying your KCM card and use KCM checkpoints if needed.

Keep in mind that opting out of CMAP means that you will forego the opportunity for crew-specific screening at TSA checkpoints once KCM sunsets and will be required to use passenger screening checkpoints instead.

Portland Pride 2026

Our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Commitee, chaired by Portland-based Flight Attendant Aaron Miller, was proud to partner with Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO for Portland Pride 2026.

It was a beautiful day in downtown Portland, and while we may have been few this year, we made our presence known and had a great time representing Council 39 at Pride!

For information about our HR&E Committee and the vital work they do, reach out to Aaron directly.

September Low Bid Option

Bidding for September Low Bid Options (LBOs) opened on July 23 and closed on July 30. §10.Q of the CBA covers eligibility requirements, rules and restrictions.

  • No staffing adjustment leaves (SALs) will be offered for September.
  • While AFA advocated for more, only a small number of LBOs were offered for each base.
  • Everyone who wanted an LBO was encouraged to bid, even if they felt it was unlikely they would be awarded one. Collecting this data is important to gauge interest in possible future LBO offerings.

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie and Kevin

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

FlightPAC: Building Our Collective Influence

As we enter the fourth and final week of our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, we tie everything we’ve explored together, from unpacking the legislative process to understanding the critical importance of voting. While educating lawmakers and showing up at the ballot box are vital pillars of civic engagement, having a continuous, dedicated voice in […]

Why Vote?

As we continue our Government Affairs Focus Month, our attention turns to civic engagement and the critical role voting plays in shaping our day-to-day work environment. While many of us associate workplace protections primarily with contract negotiations, the laws and regulations that govern our aviation career extend far beyond the bargaining table. Watch: Why Vote? […]

Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!

Mark your calendar: Wednesday, September 23, is almost here! There’s still time to register for our Alaska + Hawaiian Town Hall and hear directly from your MEC Officers: MEC President Tim Green, MEC Vice President Brice McGee, and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Ikioka. Join us for the latest updates and get answers to your questions. The […]

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