Human Rights Committee
- Our AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met on Monday, November 18, to discuss their ongoing program of work to advance human rights within our workplace and community.
- The Committee also met with management to receive updates on what progress has been made on concerns previously brought forward and address new concerns that have come to light.
- If you have ideas, thoughts, or feedback for the committee, your Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson would love to hear from you!
On Monday, November 18, our AFA Local Human Rights Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Louise Borras (LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), Freddy Vega (SEA), and Trista Vanta (SFO). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II was also present.
The committee met with several members of management: Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Interim Director of California Bases Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.
The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, with the exact date yet to be determined.
Topics of Discussion
The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:
- New ANC Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson. We welcome Nyachan Chuar as the new Local Human Rights Committee Chairperson for Council 30 (ANC).
- MedLink App Gender Identifier Update. The MedLink app will soon be updated to include an option for users to select “male,” “female,” or “other.” This change will be part of the 11.30 version update.
- Tattoo Policy Discussions. Management has stated that Hawaiian Airlines prohibits visible tattoos for certain countries it serves. Alaska management has yet to make a final decision on this policy as the merger process continues.
- Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression CBT. An upcoming computer-based training (CBT) titled “Understanding Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression” is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
- Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions. These sessions, co-facilitated with Local AFA Human Rights Committee Chairpersons, are scheduled to continue into 2025.
- AFA International Incident Reporting Form. A new form is now available for all AFA Flight Attendants to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or general concerns encountered during their flight careers. This form can be accessed on the AFA International website at www.afacwa.org/international_incident_reporting_form.
What The Committee Is Working On
- Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.
- Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our six current domiciles and also requesting consideration of HNL.
- Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
- Gender Neutrality Of CSA Manual. Requesting removal of the use of the identity language of he/she when addressing proper dress attire for non-rev travel.
We Want to Hear From You!
Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.
