On Tuesday, September 16, our AFA Human Rights & Equity 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), LaLa Davis (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Trista Vanta (SFO). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.
The Committee met with several members of management including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.
The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, December 8.
Topics of Discussion
The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:
- Inclusivity Initiatives at Villages/Crew Rooms: The LAX and SEA Alaska Villages (crew rooms) are becoming more inclusive and work-friendly to accommodate Hawaiian crew members better. Management has presented new Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines signage to the Committee for the LAX Village. Additional initiatives focused on inclusiveness will be implemented at LAX, while SEA is currently working on designating space for Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
- DEI Name Change and Communication: SVP of People Andy Schneider and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig have posted a TeamAAG communication regarding the name change of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to “Culture and Belonging.” This communication also addresses Alaska’s role in response to current federal government executive orders. Jenny Bookert has included a link to the TeamAAG article in the current SEA Newsletter for those based in Seattle.
- Unaccompanied Deportees Task Force: Concerns have been raised regarding Flight Attendants who have unaccompanied deportees on Alaska and Hawaiian flights. Management has established a task force working to find solutions for these situations. Flight Attendants are reminded to always comply with authorities in these cases and to seek assistance from inflight management if needed.
- SEA Village Flyer Investigation: A “Don’t Be Shy, Please Ask Why” flyer has been posted on the door at the SEA Village. Alaska Customer Service Agents (CSAs) are responsible for this flyer; Inflight Management will investigate its origin, as they did not post it.
- Social Media Policy Reminder: Given the current environment, the Committee has requested that management send out a reminder regarding Alaska’s social media policy.
- IMD Belong App Update: The title of the “Belong” web app link on the Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) has been updated from DEI to “Culture and Belonging.”
- Potential Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group BRG: The Committee discussed the potential for the “Alaska Airlines Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group” to become one of the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle will meet with inflight management and the Culture and Belonging Department to discuss this topic further. Additionally, the Committee will reach out to the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee to explore possible collaboration.
- ADA-Compliant Rooms Discussion: The Committee has requested that management look into the possibility of ADA-compliant rooms for Flight Attendants who have self-disclosed their needs in PeopleSoft. Management will discuss this possibility with the HR department and respond to the Committee. The Committee will also reach out to the AFA Hotel Committee for further discussions.
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 seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
- Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
- Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025/2026.
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 & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.
