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AFA News in Review – May 1, 2026

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In This Edition

  • Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Originally posted May 1, 2026

Each May, communities across the United States come together to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time dedicated to celebrating vibrant cultures, powerful histories, and lasting contributions. This month is an invitation to explore traditions to discover the many ways AAPI voices have shaped and enriched our nation.

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

Originally posted May 1, 2026

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, May 5LEC Officer Elections: Council 39 (PDX) and Council 43 (HNL) Polls Open
Tuesday, May 5Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, May 7Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on April 28 to April 30 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 2 to June 4
  • Our JNC is working to combine vacation provisions for Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants, presenting a vision for Section 14 (Vacation) as a starting point for negotiations
  • The Crew Meal Survey will be sent to your inbox on May 12 to collect feedback as the JNC evaluates Section 22 (Expenses)

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on April 28 to April 30 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

This session, the JNC continued to look closely at both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems. At the start of the week, we had a helpful discussion about how Flight Attendant vacation is managed. Jake Jones, AFA’s MEC Scheduling Chairperson, joined us along with vacation administrators from both Alaska and Hawaiian: Manager of Crew Planning, Jefferey Hunt; Manager of Crew Staffing, Alex Mandus; Manager of Crew Planning, Colin Beard; Flight Crew Administration Manager, Laurie Shiira; Manager of Crew Pay, Debbie Bakke; Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Rich Nicklaw; and Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Choak O’Connell.


As the JNC began discussing combining the elements of the vacation sections, we identified several important issues that would need close work with company stakeholders. We proposed a collaborative approach to management to tackle the complicated provisions, so both sides can work together to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. With this in mind the JNC presented our vision for Section 14 (Vacation), which will be used as a starting point for discussion.


The JNC also passed and received from management proposals on the new Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignment) and shared our first proposal for Section 35 (Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges). The committee also continued to trade proposals on Section 36 (Commuter Policy).

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA is being used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Sections discussed in this session:

  • 🆕 Temporary Duty Assignments (AS CBA does not address these provisions and HA CBA Section 15)
  • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
  • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
  • Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges (AS CBA Section 35 and HA CBA Section 30)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
  • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
  • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

  • Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
  • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
  • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

Crew Meal Survey

Our JNC is in the process of reviewing Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4). We are looking for your feedback regarding Crew Meals. The survey is currently being finalized and will be sent to your inbox on May 12.

  • Survey opens Tuesday, May 12 at 9 AM PT
  • Survey closes on Tuesday, May 25 at Noon

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for June 2 to June 4.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance grew to a month-long celebration by 1990 and, since 1992, has been officially celebrated in May. The month was chosen for its significance: May 7 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843, and May 10 commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, a landmark made possible by Chinese immigrant labor. This is not just a look back, but an opportunity to recognize and uplift the diverse voices shaping our shared future.

Explore The Rich Heritage Of Asian American And Pacific Islander Contributions

Want to learn more? This is a great time to celebrate and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities around you. Learn about trailblazers, honor those who often go unrecognized, and find new ways to show your support. Check out these resources to get started:

Join In The Celebration With An Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the Month as a visible symbol of pride and unity. Wearing it is a simple but meaningful way to show support, start conversations, and honor AAPI individuals, both past and present.

Want to know more about the story behind the pin? Reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you’d like a pin, look for updates from your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to learn how to get one. Let’s celebrate, learn, and honor the heritage and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities together.

Council 39 April 2026 Update

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In This Edition:

  • Council 39 Elections Update
  • Local Committee Updates
  • Uniform Compliance
  • Subscribe To Mobile
  • Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline: Social Media

Council 39 Elections Update

Nominations are closed for Council 39 LEC Officer elections and ballots will be mailed in the coming weeks. Please make sure to keep an eye on your mailbox for your ballot, and let Bethany know if you don’t receive it or need help getting a new activation code.

Local Committee Updates

We are pleased to announce that Marci Ashcraft will be transitioning from her current role as a member of the Council 39 Reserve Committee to become a member of our local Government Affairs Committee. We thank Marci for her work in support of Portland’s reserve Flight Attendants.

We are also pleased to announce Ahnawake Kriese as our Council 39 Membership Engagement Chairperson.

Ahnawake was the Council 39 Mobilization Committee Chairperson during our last round of negotiations and is excited to serve in this new role. The Membership Engagement Committee is dedicated to building strong connections with Flight Attendants, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued in our Union from their first day and throughout their careers. The committee’s mission is to empower every Member by keeping them informed, engaged and actively involved. They aim to inspire Flight Attendants to take an active role in shaping their experience as AFA Members and prepare them for additional responsibilities within our Union. Membership Engagement is the symbolic sister to Communications. Together, they strive to keep Flight Attendants informed on Union business and the resources available to support them as they move through their careers.

Ahnawake will celebrate her 30th anniversary as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant this summer, having spent the majority of that time in Portland. She is married to Portland-based Captain Steve Kriese. They live in Lake Oswego with a geriatric yellow lab named Cooper.

Click here to learn more about the role our Membership Engagement Committee plays in supporting Alaska-Hawaiian Flight Attendants. If you’re interested in joining our local Membership Engagement Committee, please reach out to Ahnawake directly.

Uniform Compliance

It has been brought to AFA’s attention that Inflight supervisors have been given daily quotas to meet regarding uniform compliance checks. In order to avoid records of discussion and possible progressive steps of discipline, please make sure you’re adhering to the Uniform Policy Guide (SSO required) every time you come to work. This includes wearing a oneworld pin in an approved location on your uniform or a company-provided oneworld lanyard.

Subscribe To Mobile

Mobile notifications via text message are a great way to stay up-to-date on important information and reminders from AFA. Currently, only about 20% of Council 39’s email list is signed up to also receive text notifications. Click here to sign up for text messages to your personal mobile device and stay informed on timely and relevant updates!

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline: Social Media

As mentioned in last month’s update, it is important for all Flight Attendants to be vigilant and discerning about what they post, share or say on the Internet. Management has a record of disciplining for posts made in Flight Attendant-run social media groups such as Galley Tea, Patriots With Wings and others, as well as Flight Attendants’ personal pages. In fact, an arbitrator upheld discipline in one case even though there was very little evidence on the Flight Attendant’s page to identify them as an Alaska Airlines employee.

No matter how private, anonymous, secret or secure an online space feels, everything has the possibility of being traced back to you. Click here to read more about what you can do to avoid progressive steps of discipline and, as always, make sure to contact our local AFA EAP Professional Standards team whenever you feel it’s necessary.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

You’ve Got Mail – Voting Notices Mailed Today

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Nominations have closed for SEA Local Elections and voting notices will be mailed today to all Council 19 members. To view the names of candidates and those who have submitted the Commitment to Serve form, visit the AFA-CWA Elections page.

List of SEA Candidates

Election Schedule

  • April 28: Voting Notices mailed
  • May 1: Polls open at 9am PT
  • May 15: Polls close at 12pm PT

Voting notices will be mailed with an activation code and voting instructions. While all active members will receive a ballot, you must be in good-standing in order to vote, which means you must not have a delinquent dues balance or you must have a payment plan with AFA Membership Services to pay your delinquent balance. Log into your AFA Membership Hub account to check your status and standing and other important dues information.

AFA Membership Hub

Get Out the Vote

The local Officers of each council are directly elected by the members of that council. Historically, voter turnout for local elections as a Union has been significantly lower than other ballot measures like contract and strike votes. For SEA, the voter turnout in our council elections has averaged 34.83% since 2017, whereas our 2024 Strike Vote and two recent TA votes have been over 90% turnout. It is just as important for members to participate in their local council elections in order to choose who will represent them in local issues with management, as well as directing policy at the MEC and International levels that are in the best interest of their membership. Voting and being engaged in this process is not only a responsibility that each member should take seriously, it is vital for the health of our Union that members are active participants in shaping their leadership and holding their leaders accountable. We hope that each of you will take the time to consider each candidate and vote. Encourage all your crew members to vote and let’s turn out like we did during our contract fight!

LEC Officer Roles and Responsibilities
Historical Local Election Voter Turnout

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 14 – April 2026

The JNC continued its thorough review of both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems, engaging in productive discussions with key company stakeholders. A collaborative approach was proposed to address the complex provisions, ensuring that all parties’ needs are considered. Looking ahead, the committee is preparing to gather feedback through a Crew Meal Survey and anticipates further sessions with management from June 2 to June 4.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States—a time to celebrate the vibrant stories, achievements, and enduring impact of these communities. Their cultures, traditions, and innovations have enriched every facet of American life, from art and science to activism and public service. What started in 1978 as a weeklong observance […]

Join The Picket Line: Support Horizon Flight Attendants on Tuesday, April 28

Since November 2023, Horizon Air Flight Attendants have been in negotiations, fighting tirelessly to secure a new contract that recognizes their work. Even after applying for mediation in January 2025, management continues to offer proposals that ignore the essential contributions Horizon Flight Attendants make to the success of Horizon Air and Alaska Air Group.  On […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, April 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at the Alaska Airlines Global Training Center in Renton, WA to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – April 2026

On Monday, April 13, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met virtually to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Barry Spitzer (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), […]

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