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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Council 39 October 2026 Update

In This Edition:

  • Horizon Day of Action
  • Sick Leave Verification Period
  • 2027 Health Benefits Open Enrollment
  • Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest

From Our Socials:

Horizon Day of Action

Council 39 Flight Attendants, including our Local Executive Council Officers, recently participated in AFA Horizon’s Day of Action at Portland International Airport. Also in attendance was AFA International Vice President Keturah Johnson.

AFA Horizon Flight Attendants are currently in their third year of negotiations with management for a fair and equitable contract. New hire Flight Attendants at Horizon can currently expect to make just $18,900 in their first year of flying.

Solidarity with our Union siblings at AFA Horizon, whose Members work the same routes with the same passengers as we do, is vital. For more information, click here.

Sick Leave Verification Period

Management recently announced a Sick Leave Verification Period.

Beginning October 27 through November 5, Flight Attendants will be required to provide verification (i.e., a note from a healthcare provider) for state sick leave usage.

  • You are never required to disclose specific health-related information to management, such as the nature of the reason you call in sick.
  • Management is required to reimburse you for any out-of-pocket costs, such as copays, incurred to obtain the verification.
  • Verification must be provided to management within 10 days of the sick call.

For more information, refer to §32.I of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. For any questions, send an email to as.inflight.performance@alaskaair.com.

2027 Health Benefits Open Enrollment

It’s that time again: open enrollment for 2027 health benefits is open now and closes November 20.

There are many significant changes to the plans that are available this year. Medical, dental and vision coverage are seperate elections, and the name of your current plan may have changed. Visit mybenefitshub.com to review the plans and make your elections. Remember that if you contribute to an HSA or FSA, you must re-enroll each year.

Keep an eye out for more reminders and resources from our AFA Benefits team.

Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest

from our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller

November is a big month for Human Rights & Equity observances and issues, many of which are particularly relevent to us as Flight Attendants. With a recent school shooting in Bend highlighting violence in our schools and ongoing genocide and human rights violations in Palestine paid for by western tax dollars, education and advocacy in these areas is important. Please check out the link to CWA For Palestine below (November 29) to learn what you can do to raise awareness for the plight of our unionized Palestinian siblings:

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie and Kevin

URGENT: Sleep Room in Portland?

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

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

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Congratulates Pilots on Tentative Agreement

Yesterday, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) announced that pilots at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) for a new Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). On behalf of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council, we extend our congratulations to our flight deck colleagues and their negotiating committee on reaching […]

Inside Our Inflight Service Committee Meetings With Management

Welcome to Week 2 of our Inflight Service Committee Focus Month! As aviation safety professionals and first responders, our primary focus in the cabin is always the safety and well-being of our passengers. At the same time, the care and hospitality we provide on every trip represent a core part of our professional identity. To […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – November 2026

On Monday, November 2, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Le’a Tupola (pmHA LAX/SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), Hilary Streem (SFO), with MEC […]

787-10 New Aircraft Negotiations

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants New Aircraft Acquisition Negotiations According to Section 27.C.2 of the AFA Hawaiian Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the company must enter into negotiations when acquiring new aircraft. The company announced plans to acquire additional 787s in January of this year. However, AFA received the official letter of intent […]

MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson Interviews – December 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants. Are you passionate about helping your flying partners navigate their financial futures? Our MEC is seeking a dedicated and organized Member in good standing to serve as the pre-merger Hawaiian MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for assisting […]

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