Latest News

March 4, 2026 12:55

In This Edition:

Happy Holidays!
Q4 CBT (Annual Compliance Training) Due 12/31
End Of Year Reminders
Increase In RODs
Communications Committee Update
Updating Your Email Address

Happy Holidays!

Whether you’re flying the line or spending time at home with friends and family, we would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

Q4 CBT (Annual Compliance Training)

Annual Compliance Training CBTs are due by Wednesday, December 31st. Please make sure to complete the CBT on time to avoid progressive steps of discipline.

End Of Year Reminders

Current uniform allotment will expire on Wednesday, December 31st and will not roll over to next year. It is best to place orders sooner to ensure they are processed by the deadline. We will be issued a new allotment on January 1st. See Section 13.D of the CBA for details.

The deadline to decide whether to exchange your 2026 Employee Choice Travel Credits for Positive Space Travel (PST) is Tuesday, December 16th.

Travel Open Enrollment is open now and will close on Tuesday, December 16th.

Remember to convert unused Employee Choice Travel Credits to guest passes. You can print or email the codes to yourself for future use.

Increase In RODs (Records of Discussion)

We have recently seen an increase in Records of Discussion. The leading reasons are reporting for duty without required items, such as Company ID (crew badge) and IMDs, and uniform compliance. Please refer to the FAM, Section 11.100 page 30, for a list of required items and the Uniforms Homepage on Team AAG for uniform compliance guidelines.

Communications Committee Update

We are pleased to announce Russel Rivinius as our new Communications Committee Chairperson.

Russel began his career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant in early 2017. Initially based in Los Angeles, he has been in Portland for six years. He currently serves on the Council 39 Scheduling Committee and will begin a three-year term as MEC Scheduling Committee Fatigue Review Board Alternate Representative on January 1st.

Prior to joining Alaska Airlines, Russel worked in the service industry and managed several bars and restaurants. He lives in the beautiful city of Portland with his partner, Fabio, and their cats, Moira and Jonni.

Please join us in welcoming Russel to his new position.

Updating Your Email Address

Recently, AFA International made the switch to a new software platform for member engagement. As a result of the switch, some Flight Attendants’ profiles were duplicated. The MEC Communications Committee is actively working on merging duplicate profiles, but please log in to the AFA Membership Hub to verify that we have your preferred personal, not company, email address on file. This will ensure you’re receiving up-to-date communications from both Council 39 as well as our Master Executive Council.

As you’re flying, please encourage your fellow Flight Attendants to log in to the Membership Hub as well.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

March 4, 2026 12:44

In This Edition:

Happy Thanksgiving!
Joint JNC/Council 39 Meeting Information
Uniform Committee Update/Allotment Reminder
Healthcare Open Enrollment – Due November 21st

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re flying the line or spending time at home with friends and family, we would like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Joint JNC/Council 39 Meeting Information:

Please join us on Friday, November 21st at 11:30 am for our local council meeting. Members of the Joint Negotiating Committee will also be available to answer questions.

After landing at PDX, exit the secure area and proceed to the landside (baggage claim area) of the terminal.
Follow signs for “Short-Term Parking” or “Long-Term Parking” garage – the meeting venue signage directs to the Long-Term Parking garage. You can go outside and walk across the roadways into the parking garage or you can take the North Tunnel (near baggage claim carousel 8) and walk all the way to the end of the tunnel and follow signs to the Port offices.
If driving to PDX, you can park in the Long-Term Parking garage (or if that’s full, the east side of the Short-Term garage and use the walkway to the Long-Term garage.)
Take the elevator from the garage lobby (east end) marked “Port Offices” to the 1st floor lobby, then follow signage/elevators up to the 8th floor of the Port of Portland Headquarters.
On the 8th floor, check in with the receptionist and pick up your visitor’s badge, then go to the “Anchor Room” for the meeting.

Uniform Committee Update/Allotment Reminder:

Our current uniform allotment expires at the end of this year. New allotments will be issued in January. However, current funds in your allotment will not roll over. Please remember to place uniform orders by December 31st so you don’t lose out on any leftover funds.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to David Jelinek for his many years of dedication as the Portland Base Uniform Committee Chairperson. David has recently been appointed as the MEC Chairperson, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved transition.

With this change, we are excited to announce that Bob Moore will be stepping into the local chairperson role. Bob began his career with Horizon Air in 1987, where he played a key role in organizing AFA on the property and served on both the EAP and Inflight Service Committees. In 1996, he joined Alaska Inflight, where he continues to serve today. Over the years, Bob has contributed his leadership as co-chair of the PDX Reserve Committee, and as a member of the Voice Committee, Uniform Committee, LEC and MEC Uniform Committees.

Please join us in thanking David for his service and congratulating Bob as he takes on this new role!

In addition to Bob resuming the chairperson role we would like to introduce new Uniform Committee members:

Diana Berni

Diana was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She began her career as an LA based Flight Attendant in 2007. In 2010 she decided to venture out and transferred to the Portland base she now calls home.

She has volunteered her time by doing various projects with the Alaska Airlines Special Projects Pool and has also participated in the Grand Floral Parade by marching with the Flight Attendant Drill Team.

Diana is married, has two children and a golden doodle named Maximus. She spends her off days with her family hiking, going to the movies and driving to the coast.

She looks forward to working closely with AFA as a Uniform Committee member and assisting fellow Flight Attendants with their uniform needs.

Lexie Rhodes

Lexie Rhodes has been a proud member of the Alaska Airlines family since 2013. Before joining Alaska, she worked as an executive assistant, where she built a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. She studied European History at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a minor in History of Art and Visual Culture and enriched her studies with several design courses that sparked her interest in how aesthetics and function can work hand in hand. Her time studying abroad in Siena, Italy, and Stirling, Scotland further deepened her appreciation for cultural exchange, inclusive perspectives, and thoughtful design.

Lexie is excited to bring her perspective to the AFA Uniform Committee and support her fellow Flight Attendants in advocating for thoughtful, inclusive uniform choices that honor both Alaska’s and Hawaiian Airlines’ cultures, accommodate diverse body types, and balance comfort with style. When she’s not in the air, you’ll find her reading, hiking, daydreaming about her next adventure, hanging with her nine nieces and nephews, pulling playful pranks, or spending time with her close-knit group of girlfriends.

Tutu Smith

Tutu has loved every chapter of her journey with Alaska Airlines since starting as a CSA in 2001 and moving to Inflight in 2007. She’s passionate about her work, takes great pride in wearing the uniform, and is excited to contribute her experience and perspective as a member of the Uniform Committee.

Tutu has previously served on the Inflight Service Committee and the Mobilization Committee during contract negotiations. When she’s not flying, she enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and their dog or catching a good football game on TV.

Healthcare Open Enrollment:

Don’t forget to complete your elections for healthcare benefits by November 21st at 10 PM PST. You can review/update your coverage by clicking here and using your Team AAG single sign-on.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

March 4, 2026 09:01

Next week, our Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers, Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents, and several other LEC Officers, Committee Chairpersons, and Committee Members will attend the 53rd Annual AFA Board of Directors (BOD) Convention in Portland, Oregon. They will join representatives from other AFA airlines to address our Union’s business at the international level.

Watch this short video to learn what happens at the BOD Convention and why your engagement matters.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, March 7	Regular MEC Meeting
Sunday, March 8	Executive Board Meeting (MEC Presidents from all airlines)
Monday, March 9	Board of Directors Convention begins Picketing in support of Horizon Flight Attendants @ PDX Awards presentation
Tuesday, March 10	Board of Directors Convention continues International Officer election
Wednesday, March 11	Board of Directors Convention continues

BOD Convention Agenda Items

Your LEC President represents you and other members of your Local Council on the BOD, casting votes on your behalf during the meeting. Our MEC Officers participate in an ex-officio capacity but do not have voting privileges.

Twelve advance agenda items were submitted for the Board’s consideration. In the weeks leading up to the Convention, each Local Council held meetings to discuss these items, providing your LEC President the opportunity to gather feedback from Members. You can review the full list and language of the agenda items on the BOD Convention page of the AFA International website.

Attending The Convention

If you’ll be in Portland, don’t miss the chance to see our Union’s democratic process in action! Attendance at the Convention is open to any AFA Member in good standing. Registration is required. You can find more information about the logistics of the Convention on the BOD Convention page and register by clicking here.

Learn More About The BOD Convention

Want to know more about the BOD Convention and its impact? Access the interactive module on the AFA Online Learning Academy. This resource provides valuable insights into the BOD’s role in conducting business and making decisions at the international level of our Union. Whether you’re interested in how AFA operates or looking to get more involved, this is a great opportunity to explore our democratic process and expand your knowledge.

Click here to access the “What is the AFA Board of Directors?” module >

Note: If it’s your first time using the AFA Online Learning Academy, you’ll need to register for a free account to access the module.

Feedback or Questions?

Your LEC President is your voice at the Board of Directors meeting, but they can only be as effective as the feedback they receive from you. Your input shapes the decisions made on our behalf—don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Reach out to your LEC President today and make your voice heard.

March 2, 2026 13:00

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

AFA has filed a grievance disputing the proof of relocation required by management to qualify for the flat rate moving expense
Flat-rate moving expenses are taxed as bonus wages and are not grossed up, while actual moving expenses reimbursed with receipts will be grossed up to cover taxes owed

Flat Rate Moving Expense Update

Many of you have come to us with concerns about management’s requirement to provide proof of relocation to be eligible for the flat rate moving expense. AFA’s position is that a Flight Attendant does not have to actually move in order to be eligible for the flat rate payment. We are in dispute with management over the requirement and have formally filed a MEC grievance on the issue. The grievance process will take some time to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, we would like to clarify the requirements for those who may be interested in securing the flat rate expense under management’s terms.

First, management is requiring that you actually move, but you do not need to move to Seattle – just a location that makes sense for you to be able to commute to SEA. For example, a move from HNL to a location on the continent such as AUS, SMF, PDX, or DEN, is allowable.

Second, there is no requirement that your move be a permanent one. If you move and a group of Flight Attendants decides to lease a home or large apartment together, with the intention of moving from your current place of residence to SEA or to a location closer to SEA than your current residence, the flat rate moving expense is available.

Third, management is requires that you provide two forms of the required proof of relocation within sixty (60) days after the effective date of your transfer in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. Management requires two forms of the documentation below:

Lease or rental agreement
Mortgage or rental payment receipt
Insurance documents, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
Driver’s license, State ID
Mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your address listed
Official school documents, including an enrollment form or a school ID
Utility bill (including any public utility like a gas, electricity, or water bill) or confirmation of utility service (including a utility hook-up or work order)
Statement from a bank or financial institution with the address listed
U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation letter
Moving company contract or receipt with your address listed
Voter registration card with your name and address listed

Finally, if you need the flat rate moving expense before your move, please contact your base manager. Section 5.B.2. of the contract provides that the flat rate moving expense can be provided to you in advance. Please note that the company will not be able to provide you with a cash voucher (the funds will be directly deposited). In addition, flat rate expenses are now taxable under changes in tax laws.

AFA’s position is that you should not need to provide proof of relocation. We hope this information provides additional clarity regarding flat rate moving expenses for those of you who will be able to provide the company-required documentation, while we work through the grievance process for those who will not be able to provide relocation documentation.

If you are unable to provide the company requested documentation:

Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
Email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org so we may track any potential grievants.

Moving Expenses – Tax Clarification

Actual Moving Expenses

For moving expenses that are reimbursed with actual receipts (actual moving expenses and settling expenses), the company will gross up the payment. This means that the company will be increase the gross payment to cover the taxes owed, to ensuring the Flight Attendant receives the intended reimbursement amount.

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Lump sum payments (flat rate moving expense and new hire settling expense) will be taxed similarly to bonus wages and will not be grossed up.

For any questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

Other Information

Pet Moving Expenses

The company will reimburse reasonable expenses associated with moving your pet, including the required pet health certificate. If your pet is unable to travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment and may require specialized handling, please reach out to your duty manager for next steps.

Cargo Information

If you wish to ship your household goods by cargo, you may do so on a space available basis on company aircraft. You will need to complete an SP-28 form, available through Alaska Cargo. Please call 1-800-225-2752 or cargo.capacity@hawaiianair.com for more information.

SEA LOA Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

March 1, 2026 11:00

The Local Officer Election process for the next term will begin on April 1, 2026. If you are interested in running for local office, or know of someone who you believe would be a great candidate, now is a perfect time to review Article III and Article VIII.C of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws. Your LEC Officers are happy to speak with anyone who has interest in gaining an understanding about what these positions entail and whether they are ready to serve. Our contact information can be found at afaalaska.org/sea/officers and on our Council 19 LinkTree. Please feel free to reach out. We hope to hear from you!

Term of Office: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029

Positions to be Elected

LEC President
LEC Vice President
LEC Secretary
2 Council Representatives

LEC Officer Jurisdiction and Duties

New Self-Nomination Process

During the 2024 AFA-CWA Annual Convention, the AFA Board of Directors voted to change the LEC nomination process allowing all members of a Local to self-nominate for any of the LEC Officer positions with at least one endorsement of an active member in good standing. The Self-Nomination Guide provides more information about the process on how to ensure that your name will appear on the election ballot. Self-nominations will be accepted from April 1, 2026 through April 16, 2026.

Election Schedule

April 28: Voting Notices mailed
May 1: Polls open
May 15: Polls close at 12:00pm PT

Ballots will be mailed with an activation code and voting instructions. To ensure that you receive your ballot, please confirm that your mailing address is up-to-date in PeopleSoft. 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. For more information, visit afacwa-elections.org.

AFA Membership HUB

March 1, 2026 07:17

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.

As we begin March, we continue the work to meet the challenges that are being brought about because of the merger. We have all seen management’s need for speed brings with it constant change and plans that at times seem incomplete or not well thought out. The result can be an unforced error, which creates difficult situations for both passengers and Flight Attendants alike. To be clear, management is doing their best. We all do our best. But mergers are messy and complex, and when the business tries to capture revenue as quickly as possible, people are sometimes caught in the middle when things do not work out as intended.

Kela and I continue to do our work both at home and away. February was Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, so in addition to his already-frequent lounge sits, Kela and members of I Mua Ke Alo (Hōkū Kamakeʻeʻāina, Kainoa McGill, Kamalani Wehrsig, Kawika Lum-Nelmida, Kekai Lum, Kela Chong, Mālia Benevedes, and Namahana Lota) were in the lounge sharing their manaʻo and bag tags. In mid-February we held a Grievance Committee meeting to review and discuss the scheduling protest and grievance process. In attendance were Chasity Theno, Patrick Smith, Ashley Keanu-Blanco, Michelle Kang, Zack Moulden, Rachel Fernandez, Joni Pak, Lea Franzoi, and Wilisoni Fatafehi.

Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations, Alaska + Hawaiian MEC meetings and SEA domicile work all continue, mostly in SEA. We are now a month away from the SEA domicile opening and several important issues remain outstanding, including management’s requirement to provide documentation of relocation for flat rate moving expenses (AFA has filed a grievance on this issue), the availability and distribution on SEA domicile uniforms, and the 787 ER service. Work continues on getting clarity on all of these issues.

In closing, Kela and I would like to extend a special mahalo to the Flight Attendant volunteers who give their time and energy to support the Hawaiian Flight Attendants. Their contributions make the daily running of the Local Council possible. Volunteering is never a small gesture. Their willingness to serve reflects compassion and commitment since it means taking time away from their personal responsibilities, and sometimes even sacrificing time with families. Mahalo nui!

In Solidarity,
Martin Gusman & Kela Chong

NGP Visit Ends on March 7

The good people of National Group Protection (NGP) will be wrapping up their visit to HNL on Saturday, March 7. Frank and JoAnn have been in the lounge providing information about NGP supplemental insurance plans, and will resume their lounge visits on Tuesday, March 3. Please feel free to stop by the lounge to ask questions about your existing plan or coverage. You can reach NGP at (800) 344-9016.

AFA Board of Directors Meeting in PDX

This year’s AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon, and begins on Monday, March 9. The 2026 BOD will be a full meeting, meaning the board will need to approve an annual budget and may amend the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws. In addition, this year the board will be electing International Officers (President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer) to serve the term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

Council 43 will be hosting a joint meeting on March 2, with United Airlines Council 14 (HNL) to review the 2026 BOD agenda items. The meeting will run from 1200-1300 HST, and the meeting agenda will be limited to reviewing the advance agenda items. All members in good standing are welcomed to register and attend.

More information about the BOD meeting, including the agenda items, may be found on the AFA-CWA website. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting or any of the agenda items, please feel free to reach out to us or email us both at hnl@afahawaiian.org.

REGISTER HERE >>>

Reserve Webinar

Reserve Committee Co-Chairs, Sasha Kahele-Manners and Joni Pak will be hosting a reserve webinar on Tuesday, March 3, from 1100 HST – 1200 HST. A reserve webinar is a great opportunity to learn more about our contract and the scheduling of reserves. Please register and feel free to submit your questions ahead of time. We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER HERE >>>

January Dues Deduction

Please be advised that our March 6th paycheck will include two deductions: one for March and a make-up deduction for the deduction that was missed by the Company on January 6. The AFA Membership Services department is aware of this issue and will and will apply the make-up deduction accordingly. Please visit the Membership Hub if you have any questions or concerns about your dues status.

Updated Council 43 Roster

The Council 43 Roster has been updated and moved to its new home at the AFA Alaska website (afaalaska.org). The roster may be found on the HNL Council 43 Committee page (https://afaalaska.org/hnl/committees). Please bookmark the page for future reference. Over the next few weeks, we will be migrating Honolulu’s content to the AFA Alaska website.

MEC Town Hall

On Tuesday, March 3, the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting for Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants. The meeting will be held from 0900 HST – 1030HST. More information about the meeting, including registration information, may be found here.

REGISTER HERE >>>

March 19: UAL Member Action Day (MAD)

The United Airlines Flight Attendants have been in contract negotiations for nearly five years! On March 19, the United Flight Attendants will have system-wide, in-person informational picketing – a Member Day of Action. The details of specific times and locations will be released when they become available.

March 2026 Events

Date	Event
March 2	BOD Agenda Item Review with UAL 14
March 3	MEC Town Hall; Reserve Webinar
March 3-7	NGP Insurance in CRO
March 7	MEC Meeting in PDX
March 9-11	AFA BOD in PDX
March 19	UAL Member Action Day
March 23-26	JCBA Negotiations in SEA

February 28, 2026 12:00

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We have a lot coming up this week. There are three different online events scheduled, each offering important updates and opportunities to stay connected and informed. It’s a full lineup, so be sure to review the details below and join the sessions that you may be interested in.

We look forward to seeing many of you online.

March 2: Joint Pre Board of Directors Agenda Item Review

On Monday, March 2, Hawaiian Council 43 will be hosting a joint pre-Board of Directors meeting agenda review with United Airlines Council 14, Honolulu. The opportunity for a joint Council meeting recently presented itself so both councils are making the most of it and have scheduled the meeting for 1200 HST on March 2. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the advance agenda items for AFA’s 53^rd Board of Directors Meeting, which begins on March 9, in Portland, Oregon. The agenda items may be found on the AFA Board of Directors Page. If you have any questions about the agenda items or the Board of Directors meeting, please feel free to email your Council 43 LEC Officers at hnl@afahawaiian.org.

March 3: AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall

March 3: Reserve Webinar

Also on Tuesday, March 3 following the MEC Town Hall, our Reserve Committee Co-Chairs, Sasha Kahele-Manners and Joni Pak will be hosting a reserve webinar. The meeting will be held from 1100 HST – 1200 HST, and is a great opportunity to learn more about reserve-related topics – particularly for the newest members of our ʻohana! Please be sure to register and feel free to submit your questions ahead of time. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are interested in attending you can register here.

We hope you’re able to join us one or more of these events and that you will find the information valuable. We look forward to seeing you online this week. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In solidarity,
Council 43 Communications Committee

February 27, 2026 17:00

In This Edition

Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico
Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026
Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026
Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!
Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026
Next Week’s Events

Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico

Originally posted February 22, 2026

Civil unrest in Mexico has led to significant disruptions, with all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo canceled and operations only resuming as conditions allow. Be sure to prioritize safety, review contractual provisions, and utilize available resources as management and AFA Representatives continue to monitor the evolving situation.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

Originally posted February 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

From unresolved Crew Access glitches and compensation concerns for stranded crews to the push for more flexible low-bid options, February’s Scheduling Committee meeting addressed a host of issues facing pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants. Key discussions included hotel and pay disputes, ongoing technology challenges, and focused efforts to improve scheduling and bidding processes.

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

Originally posted February 26, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

At their first quarter 2026 meeting, the pre-merger Alaska Uniform Committee discussed updates affecting Alaska Flight Attendants, including progress on discounted accessories, inventory reductions, and getting ready for the new merged uniform expected in 2028. Highlights include plans to make reporting quality concerns easier, the discontinuation of some uniform pieces, and preparations for wear-testing the new uniform.

Read More >

Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!

Originally posted February 27, 2026

Looking for the latest AFA news and answers to your questions? The upcoming AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3, is your direct line to updates and real-time responses from your MEC Officers.

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

Originally posted February 27, 2026

During this negotiation session, we made progress on Sections 15 (Leaves of Absence) and 22 (Expenses). The JNC advocated for positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA to strengthen our proposals. We also introduced our initial proposal for Section 28 (Domiciles) and remain committed to meaningful improvements in all areas of discussion.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, March 2	Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Monday, March 2	Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 3	MEC Town Hall (Register Here)
Wednesday, March 4	Council 35 (SFO) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 5	Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

February 27, 2026 13:00

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

Our JNC met with management this week on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for March 24 to March 26
Progress was made in narrowing issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses)
First proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles) was presented to management

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 February 24 to February 26 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	Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member	Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator	Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

During this negotiation session our JNC continued to make progress in narrowing outstanding issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses). The JNC remains steadfast and is working on enhancing provisions in these sections drawing on positive developments from the Hawaiian CBA. Additionally, the Committee presented our first proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles), with an emphasis on moving expenses and continued to advocate for meaningful improvements across all areas under discussion.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA will be 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:

Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4)
Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
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)

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for March 24 to March 26.

February 27, 2026 11:00

Mark your calendar—Tuesday, March 3, is almost here! There’s still time to register for our Alaska + Hawaiian Town Hall and hear directly from your MEC Officers: MEC President Tim Green, MEC Vice President Brice McGee, and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Ikioka. Join us for the latest updates and get answers to your questions.

The Details

What: AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall
When: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 11 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Where: Zoom

What We’ll Discuss

Here’s some of what you can expect:

State of the MEC: Updates on AFA at Alaska and Hawaiian, and our MEC Officers’ goals and plans for their new term of office.
Flying Schedule Changes: Addressing the Alaska flying reductions in SFO and LAX, and increases in SAN and PDX.
Hawaiian SEA Domicile: Information about the soon-to-open SEA domicile for Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
Negotiations: The latest on negotiations for a joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA).
Questions & Answers: Answers to your questions, whether submitted online in advance or live during the session.

How to Join: Registration Required

Click Here to Register Now >

Please use your personal email address when registering. Registrations from alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com will be canceled. Membership status will be verified before the Town Hall.

Shape the Conversation: Submit Your Questions Now

Help shape the conversation—submit your questions in advance using our online form. Even if you can’t attend live, your input helps us focus on the topics that matter most to all Flight Attendants. Every question contributes to a stronger discussion.

Click Here to Submit a Question >

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, March 3, at the Town Hall!