Latest News

February 5, 2026 10:14

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We hope you’re having a great week. Please join us on Wednesday, February 11th at 11:00 HT for our next LEC 43 webinar.

Our featured panelists, Kerri Ruiz, Randy Rivera, and Baron Lee, will be sharing important updates on the Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) and walking us through how to navigate fume-related events. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and learn directly from your peers.

You’re welcome to submit questions for our panelists during registration or live during the webinar.

Scan the QR code or click HERE to register now. Please use your personal email that is on file with the union to register. Company emails will be denied registration. All members in good standing are welcome to join us.

We hope to see you there.

Scan the QR code or click HERE to register now. Please use your personal email that is on file with the union to register. Company emails will be denied registration. All members in good standing are welcome to join us.

We hope to see you there.

In Solidarity,
LEC 43 Communications Committee
Miki Vericella
Soon Kim
Joyce Foley

February 4, 2026 16:30

Joint Pre-BOD Membership Meeting

We are holding our next membership meeting jointly with Horizon Council 16 to discuss the agenda items for the upcoming Board of Directors. All members in good-standing are welcome and highly encouraged to attend. The meeting will be available for both in-person and virtual attendance. If you plan on attending virtually, pre-registration is required. Please use the appropriate registration link below.

Date: March 2, 2026
Time: 14:00 – 17:00 PST
Location: Earhart Room, located in the South Tower of International Place, Lower Plaza Level (same building as 13 Coins) across from SEA Airport
Registration: In-Person | Virtual

Check your standing

The AFA Membership HUB is your portal to access all your account information, dues and payment history, make payments and more! This is also the place to verify that your personal email address on file is correct to ensure that you don’t miss important communication from AFA.

53rd AFA-CWA Board of Directors Convention

This year, the AFA-CWA Board of Directors Convention will take place in Portland, OR! If you live in the Pacific Northwest or will be in town at that time and are interested in attending, this is a great opportunity to see our AFA leadership from all our AFA-represented carriers in action as we consider agenda items and proposed changes to our Constitution & Bylaws. More information will be available on the BOD website regarding the advance agenda items soon. Also on the docket will be the proposed budget for the next fiscal year as well as the election of our International Officers.

Date: March 9-11, 2026
Time: Call to Order – 09:00 PST
Location: Benson Portland, 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205
Registration: Please use this form to register.

Learn about AFA

If you have not yet bookmarked our Council 19 LinkTree, we encourage you check it out and share with your crew members. Not only are there useful links for contacting your local reps and contract resources, but there is a section that includes links to learn about AFA and our Union structure, including:

We can’t spell Union without “you”. A strong Union depends on an informed and engaged membership. If you’ve ever wondered why things are the way they are and want to learn more about what you can do to help shape our Union and build a stronger future together, start with these resources.

February 3, 2026 17:00

This is your opportunity to connect, share, and be heard! Join us at an AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3. Get the latest AFA news and connect directly with our MEC Officers. Bring your questions—this is your chance to get answers directly from AFA Representatives.

The Details

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

Register Now!

The Town Hall will take place on Zoom, so you can join from home or while on a layover. Advance registration is required and ensures you get a Zoom link to join the meeting and event reminders. As with all AFA meeting and activities, the AFA mutual respect policy applies during the Town Hall.

Click here to register >

When you register, use your personal email address. If you use an alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com email, your registration will be canceled. Only Members in good standing can attend, and membership status will be verified before the event. If you’re unsure about your status, you can check anytime on the AFA Membership Hub.

After you register, you’ll get a unique Zoom joining link by email. This link is just for you and will only work on one device, so be sure to save it. Each person who wants to attend needs to register separately, since Zoom links can’t be shared.

More information about how to join a Zoom meeting, including system requirements, can be found on the Zoom support website.

Have Questions? Submit Them in Advance!

What’s on your mind? Tell us! Use our online form to submit your questions before the event. This helps us focus the Town Hall on your concerns—whether it’s negotiations, contract issues, or anything else you want to hear more about.

Click here to submit a question >

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

February 2, 2026 17:00

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, January 27, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Heather Reier (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee—PBS Subcommittee Member Adam Clarey, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

The Committee met with Managing Director Inflight Performance & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Flight Crew System Support Sue Rawlings, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), payroll, and inflight performance.

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 24.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several topics during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include:

Upcoming Meetings

Monthly MEC Scheduling Committee Meetings are planned for February 24, March 24, April 21 (in-person), and additional dates through December 2026.
Scheduling Review Board (SRB) is scheduled through the end of 2026. These meetings are held monthly and address unresolved issues related to Crew Scheduling, Crew Planning, Crew Pay, and ITS. Issues not resolved in SRB are escalated to ADR.
Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR): This meeting is facilitated by the Grievance Committee, with the MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson participating as a stakeholder. ADR meeting dates are scheduled throughout the end of the year and are generally held every other week.
AI Crew Solutions: Kicked off with a meeting on November 4, 2025, focused on improving vacation awards processing and unbid slots. Implementation of the system is expected throughout 2026, with a follow-up scheduled for March 12, 2026.

MEC Committee Chairperson Report

Crew Backlog Review: Scheduled for February 4, 2026. Discussions will center around addressing the backlog and optimizing crew utilization.
Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: Set for March 4, 2026, to discuss known Crew Access issues and solutions.
Rainmaker Crew Pay System: Meetings scheduled for February 18, May 20, August 19, and November 18, 2026, to focus on updates and resolve discrepancies in pay calculations.
Fatigue Review Board (FRB): Ongoing meetings throughout 2026, with a focus on evaluating crew fatigue management and necessary policy adjustments.
NAVBLUE Monthly Call: Regular updates to discuss system performance, with a focus on enhancing user experience and resolving technical issues.
Pyramiding Pay Dispute: Ongoing discussions regarding compensation for over-duty situations and related contractual obligations.

Local Chairperson Reports

ANC:
- Addressed missed audits for flying on days off and concerns about compensation for pre-board situations.
LAX:
- Reports of inadequate hotel arrangements for crews in LIR and CUN, leading to situations where crews had to utilize contractual self-help.
- Ongoing discussions regarding compensation for wait times at hotels due to scheduling errors.
PDX :
- Issues regarding hotel assignments during irregular operations, specifically for crews during long layovers. A follow-up discussion with Labor Relations is planned.
SAN:
- Reports of missed updates in the Rainmaker system affecting pay calculations, leading to discrepancies in PPP blocks.
- Compensation request for a Flight Attendant who was due a jumpseat premium for December 1, 2025.
SEA:
- Concerns about negative vacation balances and reassignments affecting pay. Requests for clearer communication regarding these issues for year-end. Please refer to the Rainmaker Pay Guide as well for additional resources.
- Discussions on fatigue calls and layover management, emphasizing the need for better protocols.
SFO:
- Multiple pay questions and situations
- Concerns about Crew Scheduling moving crews on layovers.

Crew Systems/JCTE Update:

NAVBLUE testing new releases, with updates to automated test cases and system enhancements expected by late February.
Emphasis on improving TFP calculators and addressing security issues within the system.

Crew Scheduling Operational Insights:

Acknowledgment of increased sick leave rates impacting crew availability, leading to operational challenges at the start of January.
Discussions on the necessity of accurate hotel assignments and the implications of poor communication regarding crew accommodations.

Quality of Life Survey:

Ongoing internal discussions regarding the potential for a Quality of Life survey to better understand and manage crew expectations and experiences.

General Discussion Points

Multiple Pay-Related Questions:
- Significant inquiries about Rainmaker’s accuracy, with Flight Attendants expressing confusion about pay calculations and audit processes.
- Management acknowledged the need for clearer, more consistent responses to Flight Attendants’ queries.
Hotel Arrangements:
- Persistent issues with hotel assignments and crew accommodations during layovers were extensively discussed.
- Management is committed to reviewing policies to ensure compliance with contractual obligations regarding layover accommodations.
Compensation Issues:
- Ongoing discussions about the handling of compensation for wait times and the impact of scheduling decisions on crew wellbeing.
- Emphasis on the importance of adherence to contractual agreements regarding pay and working conditions.

What The Committee Is Working On

Crew Access Issues: Addressing challenges affecting operations and Flight Attendant satisfaction. Meetings with Jeppesen management and internal/external debriefs regarding a recent outage are scheduled. A recent update to Crew Access was installed on December 8, 2025. We are asking crew members to familiarize themselves with the changes. Our next installation is scheduled for February 2026.
Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Discussions are ongoing through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules for over-duty pay and day-off violations. Our Grievance Committee is filing grievances regarding several concerns with pyramid pay.
Vacation Bidding: Representatives from the Committee met with management to discuss the new vendor, AI Crew Solutions. It was determined that when a Flight Attendant either doesn’t hold a bid or forgets to bid, they will be allowed to bid in the 2nd round of vacation. The current process assigns slot 1 and slot 2. We will provide educational material and information when bidding begins next year on the new platforms. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2026.
Ground Commuting: The Committee wants to remind Flight Attendants that contractual provisions are available for review under Section 37.B.
Flow Charts: The Committee is internally reviewing flow charts with management and will update once the parties agree. Stay tuned for an update soon.
Block2Block (B2B) Contactability – Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle.
Chime (Microsoft Teams) – Implemented on February 9, 2026. This will allow Flight Attendants to contact Crew Scheduling for additional resources. Please refer to the letter of agreement and bulletin bundle.

We Want to Hear From You!

Whether you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management – don’t hesitate to let us know. Your Local Scheduling Committee is here to be your voice to management. You can easily open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or directly contact us using the information provided on the Scheduling Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

February 1, 2026 15:00

February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the United States—a vibrant celebration with roots dating back to 1925, when acclaimed historian Carter G. Woodson first introduced “Negro History Week” to highlight the remarkable achievements of Black individuals. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to Black History Month, calling on all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

For Flight Attendants, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize trailblazers in aviation, such as Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license, and Ruth Carol Taylor, the first Black Flight Attendant in the United States. Their pioneering spirits paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in our profession. As we fly across the country and around the world, we celebrate the profound impact of Black Americans not only on society at large but also within the aviation industry and our own crews.

Learn More About Black History

Expand your knowledge about the accomplishments of Black Americans—including those who have shaped the skies we fly—by exploring these dedicated resources:

Celebrate with a Black History Month AFA Pin

In 2019, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. The resolution established a unique commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout February.

For more information about the pin, contact your Local Human Rights Committee. If you need a pin, check with your Local Council or contact your LEC Officers to find out how to get one.

January 31, 2026 11:08

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We are pleased to announce that management has agreed to a seven (7) day grace period to withdraw a notice of intent to retire. The grace period is specifically for the February 1 deadline that a notice of intent to retire must be submitted by to be eligible for the Retiree Health Reimbursement Agreement (RHRA) benefit.

The agreement to extend the RHRA did not include a rescission period, so we approached management with our concern that some people may have second thoughts about retiring. We sincerely appreciate management hearing our concern and supporting you having more time to make this important life decision.

The RHRA benefit will not be available to anyone who retires after April 2, 2026. You must notify the Company by February 1, 2026 of your intent to retire on April 2, 2026, in order to receive the RHRA benefit.

The (RHRA) is an AFA-negotiated benefit that provides some retirees between $10,000 and $30,000, based on their years of service. The funds are available for you to pay for things like medical insurance or medical expenses while in retirement. More information about the RHRA may be found in Section 34-22 of the contract. If you are considering retirement please be sure to review the company-provided retirement planning checklist and the required retirement notification form.

In Solidarity,

Martin Gusman
President
AFA-CWA Hawaiian Airlines Council 43, Honolulu

Kela Chong
Vice President
AFA-CWA Hawaiian Airlines Council 43, Honolulu

January 31, 2026 05:00

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the anniversary of the tragic loss of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which occurred on January 31, 2000. This heartbreaking event claimed the lives of all 88 passengers and crew on board, leaving an enduring impact on all of us.

As we reflect on this tragic day, we acknowledge the grief that continues to resonate in our hearts. We stand in solidarity with the families who lost loved ones, remembering the joy and light they brought into this world. Each life lost was a story, a connection, and a cherished presence that left an indelible mark on all who knew them.

Today, let us take time to reflect on the lives lost and the loved ones they left behind. We will always remember and honor the memory of Flight Attendants Kristin Mills, Craig Pulanco, and Allison Shanks; Captain Ted Thompson; First Officer William Tansky; Sheri Christensen, Rachel Janosik, Ileana Ost, Sarah Pearson, Anjesh Prasad, James Ryan, and Stacy Schuyler. We will forever hold the memories of those aboard Flight 261 close in our hearts.

January 30, 2026 17:00

In This Edition

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026
Next Week’s Events

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 11 – January 2026

Originally posted January 30, 2026

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) continues to make steady progress in collective bargaining sessions with management. Recent meetings have focused on refining contract Section 15 (Leaves of Absence). The JNC continues to incorporate the strongest language from both Alaska and Hawaiian agreements.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

No events scheduled

See the MEC Event Calendar >

January 30, 2026 13:00

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

Our JNC met with management this week on January 27 to January 29 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for February 24 to February 26
Our MEC Air Safety Health and Security Chairperson and Air Quality Representative, along with the AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist joined the JNC to speak to management about impacts of air quality on Flight Attendants

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 January 27 to January 29 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
Seth Heiple, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Chairperson
Deb Wallstrom, MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee Air Quality Representative
Judith Anderson, AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist; Air Safety, Health and Security

During this negotiating session we were joined by the MEC Air Safety, Health, and Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson, Seth Heiple; MEC ASHSC Air Quality Representative, Deb Wallstrom; and AFA-CWA Industrial Hygienist, Judith Anderson. After an in-depth presentation to the JNC, our subject matter experts educated management on air quality from the Flight Attendant perspective and identified areas of improvement and concrete action-items to address the on-the-job injury process.

After the presentation, we passed our prepared proposal on Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) to management. We continue to advocate for improvements and protections in this Section. The JNC also made our initial proposal on Section 22 (Expenses). On Day 2, management passed their response on Section 15 (Leaves). We are significantly apart in this area as we work to incorporate improvements from the Hawaiian Contract.

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)

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)

Local Council Meetings

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) attended the Master Executive Council (MEC) Meeting in Honolulu earlier this month. During the meeting the JNC provided the MEC with a negotiations update and collaborated on some of the more difficult decisions coming up as we work to combine two very different contracts. On January 15, the JNC met with Honolulu-based Members in a meet and greet event hosted by the Council 43 Leadership. The JNC fielded questions, updated Members on the negotiations process, and addressed their concerns.

What’s Upcoming

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

January 23, 2026 17:00

In This Edition

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation
Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026
Next Week’s Events

Meet Our Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson–New Hire & Probation

Originally posted January 19, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

We’re proud to introduce Meghan Casey, our new pre-merger Alaska MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson for New Hire & Probation. With her strong background in service and education, Meg is well prepared to support and advocate for our newest Flight Attendants as they begin their careers in our rewarding profession.

Read More >

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – January 2026

Originally posted January 19, 2026

Hotel and transportation challenges in FAI, CUN, and LIR took center stage at the January Hotel Committee meeting, sparking discussions to support Flight Attendants across the system. Plus, find out which cities are in line for hotel site visits and a reminder for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants about your contractual options for self-help when it comes to wait times for hotels and ground transportation.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, January 27 – Thursday, January 29	Joint Contract Negotiations
Wednesday, January 28	Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >