This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants
- Our JNC met with management this week on September 30 to October 2 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for October 21 to October 23
- A tentative agreement was reached regarding Section 13 – Uniforms
- 2,207 Flight Attendants participated in the Vacation Survey, our JNC will review all responses submitted
Negotiations Update
The AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on September 30 to October 2 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:
| Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants | Representing Management |
| Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson | Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska |
| Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Ryan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska |
| Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska |
| Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska |
| Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian |
| Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator | Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska |
| Brian Palmer, MEC Communications Chairperson | Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska |
Throughout this week’s negotiations, our JNC made meaningful strides in developing several sections of our agreement. Both parties demonstrated a commendable willingness to collaborate, and while there are still some areas that need addressing, we are optimistic about the progress we are making together. As we continue this important dialogue, our goal is to advance further toward finalizing each section we’ve discussed.
Brian Palmer joined the committee to share his expertise on connectivity in Section 27 – Association General. Our JNC aims to enhance communication with you, our Members, in crew rooms across all bases.
Our JNC has reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) on Section 13 – Uniforms. We are working through various provisions, including the basic uniform, dry cleaning, uniform costs, footwear, jacket requirements, and gloves, which will be resolved once the final uniform design is determined. We successfully negotiated valuable items from the Hawaiian Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including a 22-inch rollerboard, a lunch tote/cooler, and protective measures ensuring that surnames do not appear on name tags. We’ve enhanced the uniform replacement provisions and broadened the guidelines for Arctic boot wear, reflecting our commitment to improving the overall uniform standards.
Section by Section Progress
Tentative Agreements reached in this session:
- Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
Sections discussed in this session:
- Section 25 – Air Safety Health and Security (HA CBA Section 28)
We continue to advocate for safety improvements and reporting.
- Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
As our Flight Attendant population continues to grow, we are actively seeking resources to ensure proper representation for our Flight Attendants.
- Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)
Discussion around recurrent training continues as we work through travel protections and the requalification process.
- Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)
Seeking enhancements to maximize food accessibility on layovers.
- Section 36 – Commuter Policy (HA CBA Section 34-28)
Advocating for commuters enhancements.
Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.
- Section 6 – Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
- Section 15 – Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
- Section 19 – Grievance Procedures (HA CBA Section 23)
Vacation Survey
Thank you for participating in the Vacation Survey. We had a total of 2,207 Flight Attendants take part, with 64% of the responses coming from pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants and 37% from pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants. All responses will be reviewed and taken into consideration during the evaluation process.
Additionally, please look out for the link to the upcoming Sick Leave Survey, which will be available in the coming weeks.
Local Council Meetings
On September 22, our JNC participated in the Local Council 35 meeting in San Francisco. It was a great opportunity to connect with members and LEC officers, addressing questions about the joint negotiating process and gathering valuable feedback. We’ll be attending Local Council meetings until the end of the year, so be sure to stay connected with your Local Council for the latest updates and information.
What’s Upcoming
Our next session with management is scheduled for October 21 to October 23.
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