An update on what our Government Affairs Committee has been working on this quarter. Thank you to all our Members who remain engaged and to all our volunteers and Committee Members for dedicating their time representing our Members, advocating for the safety and advancement of our careers while strengthening our labor movement every single day with professionalism and great pride.
Alaska + Hawaiian Government Affairs Committee Members Attend “Reversing Runaway Inequality” Training
Last month, MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal, Council 19 (SEA) Government Affairs Committee Member Tracy Pettit, and Council 30 (ANC) Government Affairs Committee Member Rebecca Owens participated in a three day “Train-the-Trainer” session on Reversing Runaway Inequality in Chicago, IL. AFA Representatives from United Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, and Frontier Airlines also participated.
Led by CWA’s National Political Field Team—Curtis Hierro and Asa Shaw—the training explored the history of inequality in the U.S., its impact on economic justice, and the vital role of solidarity in the labor movement. It highlighted how wealth has shifted from the working class to the top earners (with the help of Congress), and how collective action and increased political power can reverse this trend.
Tracy, Rebecca, and Bruni are now qualified to lead this important training. The goal is to offer a one-day session at every base and online, expanding access to those who may be interested. The first session will be offered to members in November 2025. Stay tuned for sign-up details at your domicile!
Personal takeaways from the training:
“This training lit a fire in me—it reminded me just how powerful it is to ask the big questions: How did we get here? Why are we still fighting? We dove into the history of worker exploitation, systemic issues and came together to brainstorm real, creative solutions —as a labor group and union family, realizing that ultimately it takes all of us! It all starts with asking questions and educating ourselves and each other. I’m feeling inspired and energized to roll this out with Tracy and Rebecca, so we can bring this momentum to all of you. Let’s keep building our strength, protecting our rights, and securing our future—because as we all know, when we stand together, we win! “
Bruni Agosto-Pinal, MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson
“I think these days can seem especially hopeless. I find myself more worried about the future than ever. The Reversing Runaway Inequality Training taught me that nothing is hopeless. This is not about what side you’re on: It’s about a system that was structured to benefit the mega-wealthy and makes life harder for the working class. This training demonstrates that with enough solidarity, worker power and bold action, we can win the fight against the billionaires and make the United States a much more equitable place.”
Tracy Pettit, Government Affairs Committee Member (Council 19, SEA)
“Runaway Inequality at AFA Bootcamp last year taught me that our labor history is not just the past — it’s the foundation of our future. It’s how we got to this exact moment. The wealthy have always divided us. They’ve turned workers against each other. Flight attendants have consistently fallen victim to the c-suite and shareholder agenda. I became an instructor so that l could bring this labor history education to all of AFA. Our power comes when we set aside differences, stand as one working class, and make our voices impossible to ignore. Enough is enough.”
Rebecca Owens, Government Affairs Committee Member (Council 30, ANC)
Government Affairs Committee Attends Virtual Labor Roundtable Hosted By Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05)
MEC and Council 47 (LAX-pmHA) Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal and Council 39 (PDX) Government Affairs Committee Member Manda Bednarczyk attended a Virtual Labor Roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05). It was a short, 45-minute session with other labor groups, and updates were given to the Congresswoman on what our Union has been working on and overall priorities- including the ongoing contract negotiations at various AFA carriers and specifically our JCBA here at Alaska + Hawaiian. We asked for the Congresswoman’s support on HR 2353 (Safer Skies Act) and HR 4994 (Safe Air on Airplanes Act). We also touched on the importance of protecting the vote-by-mail access for our workgroup, as many of us cannot get to the polls on Election Day. Congresswoman Bynum’s office shared a press release you can read here
Council 15 (SAN)
Our San Diego Government Affairs Committee has been working closely with the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council (SDICLC) which is comprised of about 100 local labor affiliates. We’ve had so much fun getting to know the staff of the SDICLC and our union brothers & sisters. We are present at the SDICLC’s round-table every month. Outside of this meeting, AFA has continued to make our presence known in San Diego at various labor events.
In July, we attended a City Council meeting to support hospitality workers of Amusement Parks & hotels with more than 150 rooms in receiving a $25 minimum wage. It is still under discussion by the City Council, but they appear to be favorable in supporting our service workers.
Local Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Rebecca Garcia, MEC and LEC Vice President Brice McGee, and International Vice President Keturah Johnson were all representing AFA during our San Diego Pride march on July 19
Government Affairs Committee Member Eve Seguin Du Haime participated in a Labor Day 2025 event where many unions and people of the public came together for workers’ rights & human rights.
She has also been volunteering at the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council’s (SDICLC) food bank about every other week, since June. It is open to union members and people of the public every Monday and Thursday and serves hundreds of families in San Diego. Here’s a picture at the end of a busy day.
Lastly, Council 15 has been invited to join the SDICLC’s Political Coordinators monthly meetings, where our Labor Council will be finding candidates who support our workers and our causes, and our Unions will be doing everything in our power to support them in turn (phone banking, canvassing, and the like). It’s about to be even busier as we get ready for the mid-terms! San Diego is feeling great being out in the community and strengthening our Union Power!
Council 19 (SEA)
Government Affairs Committee Members Andrew Stinson, Jerry Sinclair, and Local Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Melinda Jorge continued to attend Pierce County Central Labor Council (PCCLC) meetings monthly. PCCLC took the month of August to enjoy the summer break. However, they’re back working for the working class as of September.
Government Affairs Committee Members Tracy Pettit, Andrew Stinson, Melinda Jorge, and Kiersten Larson attended the annual Washington State Labor Council Convention (WSLC-convention). The WSLC consists of all the affiliated AFL-CIO unions in Washington. The convention is when the unions participate in a representative democratic process, voting on the political and legislative agenda for the upcoming year. It’s an excellent opportunity to speak up about our interests as Flight Attendants at the state and local levels. Among the many incredible speakers were Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and AFT-Chicago President Stacey Davis Gates. If you have questions about this convention and our legislative agenda for WSLC, please get in touch with one of our Government Affairs Committee Members.
UNITE HERE Local 8 held an informational picket at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on August 7. Melinda Jorge, Bev Bullock, and LEC President Paula Isla-McGill (as well as Melinda’s adorable grandchildren, Shadi and Mitali-Lucy) showed up to represent AFA and show our support for our fellow aviation siblings.
Tracy Pettit had the unique privilege of being selected as a member of the AFA Honor Guard (along with Brandi Neal – AFA United) for the September 11th Memorial at the World Trade Center. When asked about the experience, she stated, “I realized how fortunate I am to be able to represent my flying siblings. It was a truly profound experience that I will never forget.” Tracy also had the opportunity to meet a Hawaiian AFA sister, Christina Curran, who also attended the event.
Thank You For Participating In The Call To Action Re: PSA Flight Attendants
Thank you for your action in calling and writing our Senators urging them to sign on to Senator Tim Kaine’s letter to PSA management for a fair contract. On September 16, 14 US Senators signed on to the letter. Read the letter here.
On August 20, seven Members of the House sent letter to PSA CEO. Read the letter here.
Stay Up To Date With AFA International
As we know, there is so much that happens in our industry that affects our daily lives- including issues at other AFA carriers. We encourage you to sign up for the E-Newsletters here, so you can stay in the know of what is happening within our union and action you can take to ensure the protection and advancement of our careers. When we legislate, we do not have to negotiate!
Your Vote Matters! Check Your Voter Registration
Did you move? Change your name? Did your state laws change? Are you registered to vote? Even if you are registered, it’s important you double-check registration status and inform yourself on voter registration deadlines and process for your particular state. Local elections are some of the most important: you may have mayoral, city council, school board races and judicial seats up for election, to name a few. Check registration deadlines and what elections are coming up in your state and districts here
Your vote is your voice; it matters!
