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Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on June 17 to June 19 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for July 15 to July 17
  • The JNC conducted a concourse walk at SeaTac Airport to address question and gathering feedback from Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants
  • Research and consultation continues in preparation for the next negotiation session scheduled for July 15 to July 17

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 June 17 to June 19 in Seattle, WA.  At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonRyan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMatt Prainito, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
 Allen Thieman, Managing Director, Crew Scheduling and Crew Pay, Hawaiian

During the most recent negotiating session, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) concentrated on the proposals that have been part of our ongoing discussions with the company. We successfully reached agreements on several provisions across different sections; however, there are still additional areas that require attention and resolution. In the time leading up to our next meeting with the company in July, our JNC will continue to engage in thorough research and consultation with our subject matter experts. This process is critical to ensuring that we make well-informed decisions that align with the best interests of our collective group and enhance our overall negotiation strategy.

Section by Section Progress

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
  • Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
  • Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
  • Section 34 – Lodging and Transportation (HA CBA Section 4.C and Section 4.E)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Section 6: Seniority (HA CBA Section 9)
  • Section 15: Leaves of Absence (HA CBA Section 17)
  • Section 19: Grievance Procedure (HA CBA Section 23)

SEA Concourse Walk

Before we resumed our discussions with the company, our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) conducted a concourse walk at SeaTac Airport on Monday, June 16. Representatives were present at KCM, N-Gates, and S-Gates from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM PT. The JNC had the opportunity to meet with Flight Attendants from both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines as they started their daily work assignments. They were able to answer questions, address concerns, and gather suggestions.

If you missed the chance to meet with the JNC and have any thoughts you would like to share, please email the JNC at jnc@afaalaska.org.

What’s Upcoming

Our next session with management is scheduled for July 15 to July 17.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Aloha Hawaiian Flight Attendants,

On behalf of your AFA Hawaiian Communications Committee, we would like to extend our heartfelt mahalo to each of you for your engagement and support throughout the years. It has been an honor to serve you and to help ensure that important communications reached you in a timely and meaningful way. This work has always been a team effort, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us.

As of June 1, 2025, our Communications Committee has officially merged with AFA Alaska to bring you a more unified voice. On June 10, 2025, we held our final meeting as the AFA Hawaiian Communications Committee, and we wanted to provide some final updates. You may begin to notice, or may have already seen, changes in the design and delivery of some of our messages. Please know that while the MEC-level communications have merged, local communications will continue to operate as they always have. Your voices continue to matter, and every Hawaiian Flight Attendant remains a priority.

Email Handle

The communications@afahawaiian.org account will be deactivated and preserved as an archive. This address was primarily used for administrative purposes. If you have this email saved in your contacts, please update accordingly.

In order to help you reach your LEC Officers more easily going forward, we’ve created a few new email shortcuts. If you’re based in HNL, you can reach your Council 43 officers at hnl@afahawaiian.org. If you’re LAX-based, you can reach your Council 47 officers at lax@afahawaiian.org. Emails sent to either of these addresses will automatically route to the inboxes of all your LEC Officers.

Website

The hawaiianafa.org website is currently undergoing revisions to improve accessibility and communication during our transition. As part of this process, some links may now redirect to afaalaska.org. This change is intended to streamline updates and reduce the need for duplicate work across multiple websites, allowing us to share important information more quickly. Centralizing content also helps ensure that members have a single, reliable source for the most current updates, contacts, and resources.

Facebook / Instagram

These current accounts are inactive, and the future of these accounts is still under discussion. We will share an update as soon as leadership makes a final decision regarding their use moving forward.

Questions Form

The MEC Questions Form will be discontinued. Going forward, please direct any inquiries, comments, or suggestions to your Local Council officers: https://www.hawaiianafa.org/contact-us

Thank you again for your continued solidarity as we navigate this merger.

AFA Hawaiian Communications Committee
Josh Aoki, Lea Franzoi and Andrew Ferreira

On Thursday, June 12, our AFA Local 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 Louise Borras (pmAS LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Freddy Vega (SEA). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.

The committee met with several members of management including Senior Vice President of People Andy Schneider, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Regional Director Inflight Base Operations LAX Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for September 16.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Change of DEI Department Name: The DEI department has been renamed “Culture and Belonging” in response to current regulatory requirements and government orders. As a government contractor, Alaska recognizes that compliance with regulations is essential to our business operations. Senior management stated, “We take pride in our ability to adapt while staying true to our core values. Regardless of external changes, the leadership team is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.” The Committee has requested that senior management be more transparent by communicating excerpts of the executive order to the Flight Attendants.
  • Company Participation in Pride Events: The Committee confirmed with management that Alaska is scheduled to participate in 11 Pride events systemwide.
  • Making Event Information More Accessible: The Committee discussed with management the need to make information about celebratory events more accessible to Flight Attendants across multiple platforms.
  • Land Acknowledgment Announcements: The Committee submitted a draft of Land Acknowledgment Announcements for all seven Flight Attendant base airports for management’s review and consideration.   

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025. 

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 website.

In This Edition

  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – June 2025
  • Next Week’s Events

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – June 2025

Originally posted June 13, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Our Hotel Committee has some fresh updates on our PVR and BOS hotels to share from this month’s meeting. Plus, an important reminder about van times when your layover transportation is provided directly by the hotel.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, June 17 – Thursday, June 19Joint Contract Negotiations
Thursday, June 19Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

Updated 06/13/2025 17:56 PT to remove a reference that indicated that there were no PVR layovers in July. There are in fact scheduled PVR layovers; these crews will be relocated to the crew hotel’s sister property.

On Monday, June 9, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner, Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams and Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett.

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, July 14.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during the meeting with management, most of which focused on hotel decisions and challenges in our layover markets. Some items discussed include:

  • City Specific Updates:
    • PVR: Our crew hotel is closing down on June 30 for renovations. Once they shut down, crews will be relocated to their sister property until renovation work is completed in October.
    • BOS: Our former crew hotel has completed its renovations, and the crew will begin to see trips with some layovers here in July. Please refer to the Hotel Hotline for complete details on these markets.  
  • Hotel-Provided Transportation: The Hotel Committee has been made aware of a van time discrepancy at properties that provide their own transportation. The time printed on the sign-in sheet (or communicated through the MyCrewCare app) is the recommended departure time provided by API. Unfortunately, this time does not always coincide with the transportation schedule provided by the hotel. To ensure crews are not late to the gate, please take the hotel shuttle immediately prior to the recommended departure time. For example, if your recommended departure time is 09:40, and the hotel provides shuttles every 15 minutes, crews will need to take the 09:30 shuttle, not the 09:45 shuttle. API is working on a fix for this discrepancy so that the exact shuttle times are communicated.   
  • Hotel Auto-Processing:  Another issue discussed was the auto-processing of hotels anytime there is a change to a pairing. When a pairing is changed (such as a posted delay), the change causes the hotel to be removed temporarily. There are positives and negatives to this. If a layover is significantly reduced, the system will remove the long-stay property and book the short-stay property so the crew member has an appropriate hotel. However, it poses a challenge when there are minimal schedule changes and multiple hotels in a market that we use. In this case, one long layover property could be swapped for another. The Hotel Committee has asked that guardrails or buffers be implemented so that minimum schedule changes do not cause drastic hotel changes. Crew Hotels will work with Crew Scheduling to see what can be done to prevent this when it is unnecessary.  

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Scheduled site visits include RSW (June), SEA (June), OKC (June), and FAT (July). We do not anticipate many site visits will be scheduled for the second half of 2025. Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee met with Labor Relations led by Carmen William and Mike Link on June 12 for the second Hotel Gainshare investigatory meeting. Company subject matter experts (SMEs) Brittany Audette, Trisha Bennett, and Nichole Turner also attended. Topics discussed included answers to questions posed at the first meeting, updated data analysis, and back-end process challenges and requirements.  The company has been given further action items, and the group will meet again in July to discuss the program further.    

We Want to Hear From You!

Don’t let any unacceptable experience with a layover hotel or ground transportation provider go unnoticed! Please report the issue via CrewCare so that it can be addressed. CrewCare is the only official way to report issues, as the Hotel Committee does not monitor social media channels.

Each CrewCare submission is forwarded to your AFA Hotel Committee, Crew Hotels (Alaska management), API and the hotel or ground transportation provider. This ensures quick action can be taken to correct the issue or fix it for the next crewmember. It also allows us to monitor hotel and transportation trends. You can quickly file a CrewCare report using the web app on your IMD home screen or by clicking here.

Do you have any other feedback you would like to share with the committee or any specific items you want us to bring up with management? Please let us know! The Local Hotel Committee is here to represent you and ensure management hears your voice. You can find our contact information on the Hotel Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Human Rights and Equity Committee

Chairperson Aaron Miller 

Happy PRIDE from your Human Rights and Equity Committee!

June is PRIDE month! It’s a time to celebrate and reflect upon LGBTQ+ history, embrace and support who we are now, and look to the future for our continued protection and prosperity.

While PRIDE as we know it is still relatively young, LGBTQ+ people are not. Many indigenous cultures acknowledge the variety humans exist in, with some even revering and assigning sacred honor to those possessing “Two-Spirits” as some Tribes on Turtle Island refer to just one of our many variations. Even western cultures have sometimes acknowledged LGBTQ+ people as existing, though most often with aggression and a taboo perspective.

But it is in recent times that LGBTQ+ people have found our place on the global stage as a culture of our own. That is in no small part to the struggle, voice, and sacrifice of our queer elders before us.

‘The first PRIDE was a riot!’

This common phrase among our community is a reminder of the spirit in which PRIDE was born. It began with trans women such as Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson standing up for each other and their siblings against oppressive police forces seeking to harm, arrest, and punish LGBTQ+ people for being who they are. PRIDE began as a grassroots local defense movement, standing up and fighting back against a dominant culture that wished to crush LGBTQ+ people, relegate us to back alleys, and end our lives in violence.

To this day, LGBTQ+ people, especially trans people, are targeted, with rights being stripped currently, and many enduring harassment, bullying, and violence. Therefore, our voices are rising again in defense just as much as celebration. Our struggle continues to defend against a culture of hate and against violence towards us that has never been returned in kind. This speaks to the core of PRIDE that is our love, our enduring spirit, and the legitimacy of our existence and rights. LGBTQ+ people do not wish to harm, dominate, or erase anyone, but as PRIDE highlights, we wish to embrace each other with love and celebrate our diversity.

It is in this spirit that we wish all our LGBTQ+ siblings and our steadfast allies a very happy PRIDE month of June. Please continue to stand up for each other, protect each other, and live fully in who you are. You are loved, you are sacred, and you deserve to be here just as much as everyone else! HAPPY PRIDE!!

ASHSC Committee

Chairperson Kalin Lackey  

We are excited to introduce our new chairperson, Kalin Lackey! 

Kalin has been an Alaska Flight Attendant for a little over 35 years and has been based in PDX for most of that time. Over the years Kalin has served on several Union committees, including our AFA EAP, Mobilization committee, and currently our Safety (ASHSC) committee for the past four or five years.

Kalin is honored to have been appointed to the chairperson position. She is passionate about keeping our group safe and improving our work environment. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking, biking, travel, hanging out with her husband Mike, Chocolate Lab Gage, and two cats, Tucker and Daisy. She is also an avid reader and loves to bake for people, and for all the wonderful doggies in her life. She is looking forward to leading our local ASHSC committee and looks forward to meeting those of you she hasn’t met. Until then, safe travels!

Officers note: On behalf of Council 39, we thank Blair Kimball for his years of service leading our Air, Safety, Health & Security Committee. We are happy Blair will continue to serve as a committee member. 

Scheduling Committee

Chairperson Melodie Anderes  

§8.Q Contactability

If you answer a call from Crew Scheduling when you are not on duty you are obligated to accept any legal assignment. 

If you are on your way to report and answer a call from Crew Scheduling and they are adjusting your report time, you have to take the new time. 

If you miss the call (it goes to voicemail) you can return their call after reporting as scheduled keeping your scheduled report.

State Sick Leave Bank

State Sick Leave Banks have been uploaded. Take a moment and double check that the correct amount was uploaded and moved from your SickFA (CBA) to your State Sick (CBA). You can find this line in your SickFA CBA. Contractually, they should move 40.0 TFP from your Sick bank to your State Sick bank. If you did not have 40.0 TFP, then they would have moved whatever Sick Leave balance you had to your State Sick bank. 

To access your balances, go to the Inflight page > Administration > Pay & Benefits > Rainmaker Logon > Crew Pay Manager > Bank Balances 

We will be hosting a PBS Base Sit in PDX on Monday, June 9 from 0600 to 1400. We will be in the FA Crew Room for best access to computers. Bring your bidding questions. Hope to see you there! 

Local Membership Committee

LECS Bethany Badalamenti  

AFA Membership services launched the new Membership Hub in April. Emails were sent on or about April 21st to Flight Attendants signed up to receive emails from AFA. We recommend logging into your Membership Hub Account if you haven’t already done so. Please be sure you check your junk or spam folder; the email was sent from AFAPortal@cwa-union.org.

·       Flight Attendants must use their personal email address. Company email addresses cannot be used.

·       Each Flight Attendant who received the email will be able to sign in immediately. 

·       The welcome email contains the AFA Hub Help page which can also be found on each Hub page of their accounts. 

Once signed in to the Hub you can: 

·       Check your current balance

·       Make payments via credit card or ACH (check payments)

·       Review your dues history

·       Set up recurring monthly payments 

If you did not receive the email and it isn’t in your junk or spam folder, you can access your account by going to afacwa.org/hub and selecting forgot password.

With the ratification of our new CBA, there were changes to §26.F for collecting dues in arrears that began starting with the April 20th paycheck.

§26. F.2.

Separate and apart from all deductions for initiation fees and dues referenced herein, the Company will deduct an additional amount equal to one (1) month’s dues for the purpose of satisfying any current or future dues arrears obligation from the reconciliation paycheck of each month. Such arrears deduction shall continue until the entire dues arrearage is satisfied.

Please familiarize yourself with this section of the contract.

For Portland-based Flight Attendants, if you have any questions or issues with the Membership Hub, please reach out to LEC Secretary Bethany Badalamenti at bethany.badalamenti@afaalaska.org. If you are not based in Portland, please reach out to your Council’s Membership committee at https://afaalaska.org/membership.

Grievance Committee

LECP Steve Maller

Recent grievance committee activity includes disciplines issued for flight delays, CBT incomplete violations, sick leave abuse, personal conduct, and required item violations. Please ensure you have a process to remember all required items when you leave home or a layover hotel. (Pro tip: A checklist taped to your front door or always keeping items in the same place in purses or bags, etc.) If a forgotten item, such as your crew ID or IMD, results in a delay of the flight, you will almost always receive a step of progressive discipline.

Personal conduct investigations have increased across all workgroups. Please remember your conduct, whether online or at work and on layovers, can be scrutinized and investigated for potential violations of the Flight Attendant manual (FAM) or the company’s Our People Policies. Always consider how your actions may be perceived by management and remember your conduct can be scrutinized if it might reflect poorly on the brand/company. If you have any questions about your conduct, please reach out to any LEC officer or Grievance Committee member.

A word about rumors…

Officers and committee members have heard some pretty wild rumors lately about investigations. Please consider how you would feel if you were being investigated for something and rumors got back to you that were completely unfounded and false. It can be very hurtful. We know it’s human nature to speculate and gossip, but please be careful about spreading salacious or outrageous rumors. Remember…these are our coworkers, who may well be completely innocent of any rumor circulating. Let’s be better…let’s give ’em a break!

Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) Update

The Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) is hard at work combining the seniority lists for the merged Alaska-Hawaiian Flight Attendant group. 

Coming in June, seniority verification letters will be mailed to Flight Attendants at their registered mailing address to confirm pre-merger seniority bidding dates. There is a 45-day period to review the letter and respond with any challenges via U.S. mail. In AUGUST and SEPTEMBER, the SMIC will review any challenges and respond to Flight Attendants who challenge their pre-merger seniority bidding date via U.S. mail. 

For more information, please see the previously published AFA Alaska MEC Newsletter Update from May 28, 2025.

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

In This Edition

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

Originally posted June 1, 2025

Join us this June as we kick off LGBTQ Pride Month, a time to honor the legacy of the Stonewall Uprising and celebrate the ongoing fight for equality. Discover exciting events and meaningful ways to get involved, and proudly wear your commemorative AFA Pride pin to show your support!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, June 9Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, June 12Quarterly Human Rights Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

June 1 marks the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States. This celebration originated to honor the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, a significant milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Over the years, this single-day event has expanded into an entire month filled with various events and activities.

Discover More About LGBTQ Pride Month

To explore the history of LGBTQ Pride Month and the broader LGBTQ rights movement, you can visit the following dedicated websites and resources:

Get Involved in LGBTQ Pride Month Events

Celebrate with an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin

In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors took an important step by adopting a resolution to officially recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month. As part of this celebration, a special commemorative pin was created for AFA Members to proudly wear throughout June.

If you’re interested in learning more about this pin and its significance, please reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee. Additionally, keep an eye out for communications from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to find out how to obtain one of these commemorative pins!

In This Edition

Editor’s Note – A New News in Review Is Coming

Next week’s issue of the AFA Alaska News in Review will be the last one in its current format. On June 1, our MEC Communications Committees from Hawaiian and Alaska will merge, and we’ll begin streamlining our communication efforts to speak with one voice going forward. As a part of this, we’ll welcome Hawaiian Flight Attendants to the thread as we start distributing the all-new AFA News In Review: Weekly News For Alaska + Hawaiian Flight Attendants beginning on Friday, June 13.

Along with the new name, we’ll introduce a fresh design featuring graphics from our social media content, making the newsletter visually appealing and easier to navigate. You might have seen some of our social media graphics recently marked with a pre-merger AS badge in the upper right-hand corner, and some of our posts include references on the first line about the audience for specific news. From now on, you’ll see these indicators on content specific to pre-merger Alaska or Hawaiian Flight Attendants, respectively.

Additionally, we’ll be discontinuing cross-posting the link to AFA News in Review on our Facebook page. Our analysis showed that these posts received minimal engagement, so we’re shifting our focus to ensure that all essential content that’s already been delivered by social media isn’t duplicated when it’s delivered to those who prefer to receive news by email or via our website.

Thank you for your ongoing support! We’re looking forward to improving our communication with these updates. We welcome your feedback, thoughts, and ideas, so please feel free to reach out to our Communications Committee—we’d love to hear from you!

–Brian Palmer, MEC Communications Committee Chairperson

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – May 2025

Originally posted May 26, 2025

Discover the latest updates from our Hotel Committee, including upcoming changes to transportation times and upcoming “Track My Ride” functionality in the MyCrewCare app that will improve your layover experience. Also, don’t miss important information on upcoming relocations and learn how to help the Committee address issues effectively by filing the proper reports.

Read More >

System Board of Adjustment Interviews – July 2025

Originally posted May 28, 2025

Our Master Executive Council is seeking an Alaska Flight Attendant to join the System Board of Adjustment, where you’ll play a crucial role in arbitrating disputes and upholding our collective agreement. If you’re passionate about advocating for your fellow Members and possess a deep understanding of our contract, read on for details on how to express interest.

Read More >

Seniority Merger Integration Committee Update – May 2025

Originally posted May 28, 2025

The Seniority Integration (SMIC) Committee is hard at work combining the seniority lists for the merged Alaska-Hawaiian Flight Attendant group. Learn about this seniority integration process and what to expect.

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – May 2025

Originally posted May 29, 2025

In the latest update from this week’s Scheduling Committee Meeting, read about insights into bidding trends, block hour increases, and upcoming PBS Base Sits. Don’t miss the full post for important information on contract implementation and crew pay updates that could impact your schedule and earnings!

Read More >

Inflight Service Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

Originally posted May 30, 2025

Our AFA Inflight Service Committee met with management earlier this month to address concerns impacting Flight Attendants, from enhancing aircraft cleanliness to resolving catering issues that affect our service delivery. Dive into the highlights of their discussions and see how we’re advocating for a better workplace for all of us!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Thursday, June 5Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

Find Us on Social Media

You can find the most up-to-date official information on our AFA Alaska social media accounts.  Click below and follow so you can stay connected!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, May 15, our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Naomi Parcell (ANC), Ross DeJong (SEA), Todd Horn (PDX), Raymond Ramirez (SFO), and Chase Vandergrift (SAN). MEC Inflight Service Committee Chairperson Stephanie Garnett was also present.

The committee met with Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder, Principal Cabin Product and Experience Manager Chris Dela Rosa, Director of Cabin Experience David Scotland, Director of Food and Beverage Products Mita Padhi, Manager of Food and Beverage Planning and Programs David Rodriguez, Senior Food and Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston, Food and Beverage Planning Systems Manager Gayatri Watwe, Principal Food and Beverage Programs Gracie Truex, Director of Catering Operations Andrew Moyer, Catering Safety Compliance Manager Raena Alonzo, Regional Catering Performance Manager Jayson Yang, and Regional Catering Performance Manager Katie Thompson. We also met with Service Strategy Product Manager and Marketing/Sales Jesse Starmer, IT Contractors Chris Pettigrew and Chris Daniels, and the new Managing Director of Products & Experience Mark Krolick.

The next committee meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 18.

Topics of Discussion

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

Aircraft Interiors

  • New Overhead Bin Signage and Lavatory Placards: New reserved overhead bin signage and lavatory trash placards are currently being installed. The lavatory placards are intended to mitigate the misuse of the amenity cabinet, which contains toilet seat covers, as a trash compartment by passengers, especially on the 737 MAX. Please inform your Local Inflight Service Committee if these placards are effective.
  • Concerns Regarding Aircraft Cleanliness: There have been recent concerns regarding aircraft cleanliness, particularly the galley 1 trash compartment on the MAX 9. The area surrounding the trash container should be cleaned daily according to the RON cleaning schedule. Additionally, the cleanliness of the new hard plastic material used for the forward bulkheads in newer cabin interiors has been noted. These bulkheads tend to show dirt and grime, including footprints. Management acknowledged that this material is not meeting expectations, and alternatives are being evaluated. In the meantime, Fleet Service should clean and wipe down the bulkheads regularly. If you notice any cleanliness issues on the aircraft, please report them.
  • Reporting Broken Lavatory Furnishings: If you encounter broken lavatory furnishings, such as toilet paper or soap dispenser holders, please document these issues as a cabin discrepancy. It has been noted that Fleet Service has increased the frequency of deep cleanings for some aircraft and expanded the number of locations where these cleanings occur.

Catering Operations

  • Ice Quality Issues: Ice quality has been a significant issue due to a vendor change in Seattle. Management is working with LSG to switch vendors immediately, and a quality improvement is expected. Please be diligent in reporting any ice issues using catering feedback tool in Block2Block as we head into the warm summer months.
  • Old Carts on SEA-ANC Flights: Concerns were raised regarding old carts not being removed from the aircraft on SEA-ANC flights, and follow-up is requested from the SEA and ANC kitchens.
  • Missing Meals and Meal Components: Issues with missing meals or meal components, shortages of gold chocolate bars, and an influx of new catering staff have been prevalent. While these issues are frustrating, please continue to report them using the catering feedback tool in Block2Block.
  • Trash Cart Replacement Procedures: When an aircraft is re-catered, the empty trash cart in the aft galley (G4) should be replaced, not just emptied. Seattle has been experiencing ongoing issues with a shortage of carts due to handling by catering personnel. The catering operations team has assured us that new carts have been integrated into the system, and this issue should be resolved soon.
  • Use of Onboard Supplies by Fleet Service: Fleet Service Agents using onboard supplies, such as gloves and trash bags, for cabin cleaning was brought up. They should be using their station-provided supplies.
  • Procedure for Pre-Ordered Meals on Last-Minute Aircraft Swaps: The Committee expressed the need for a procedure to transfer pre-ordered meals to a new aircraft in the event of a last-minute aircraft swap. The catering operations team will work on establishing this procedure to mitigate issues during such events.

Inflight Mobile

  • Updates to Block2Block App: The inflight mobile team is rolling out an update to Block2Block, which will require Flight Attendants to certify their pre-flight readiness in three categories. Early adopters have already received this update. The Committee has noted that some certifications are pre-trip and not pre-flight, which should be removed from subsequent legs of multi-leg trips.
  • Contactability Rollout: Contactability in Block2Block will be rolled out in mid-June. This feature will allow Crew Scheduling to contact Flight Attendants in the event of a schedule change via the Block2Block team messaging function.
  • Development of Block2Block 3.0: Block2Block 3.0 is still in development, and the Committee previewed the various functions the team is working on. The update will include different views for pre-flight, boarding, and service processes. The Committee believes this enhancement will introduce valuable features to the app.

Cabin Product Team Updates

  • Sustainable Product Testing: Management is interested in testing more sustainable products, such as bamboo cutlery and fiber-based food containers. The Committee will monitor this testing to ensure these products are safe and easy for Flight Attendants to use onboard.
  • Clarification on Snack Loading: Management acknowledged the confusion caused by loading two types of snacks in the beverage cart on LH and PLH flights, especially now that only one type of snack is served on all flights. The second snack is not intended for premium class. The team will work on ensuring that only the type of snacks designated for a specific flight are loaded into the food cart.
  • Premium Class Snack Basket Update: The premium class snack basket is currently on hold but is still expected to launch in the future. The Committee will ensure that sufficient testing is conducted and that an adequate amount of product is loaded to deliver this service without disappointing passengers.
  • Blanket Availability Issues: Management noted ongoing challenges in receiving enough blankets for PLH flights due to a shortage caused by a held shipping container. Consequently, crews will continue to experience inconsistent blanket availability for the time being.
  • Potential Upcoming Service Changes In The Future: The marketing department would like to explore and possibly start preliminary testing for additional crew support for the First Class Cabin. They are very early in this exploration, but our Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons emphasized the need to evaluate the balance of duties and establish very clear procedures if this moves forward. Management is also evaluating a full bar pre-departure selection and would like to begin testing that service. The Committee expressed concerns, including wanting to make sure our Flight Attendants are set up for success. This includes providing proper tools, individual water at seats, and clear procedures and training materials.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. More Inflight Service Committee Involvement in Onboard Testing: Our MEC and management recently signed a letter of agreement (LOA) to allow Committee Members to participate in onboard product testing. For future testing, we want to use Committee Members whenever possible as part of the working crew or as a cabin observer. The Committee will continue to push for extensive onboard testing before any sweeping service changes are rolled out. 
  2. Optimize Cart and Galley Loading: We all know space is at a premium onboard. The Committee wants to look at how we can make cart setup and galley packing even easier for crews and help minimize the steps necessary to begin service. We’ll take a thoughtful approach and look at creative solutions to help make our jobs easier.
  3. Updated Reporting Tools: We want to work with management to streamline the catering feedback tool in Block2Block so that reporting is easier for Flight Attendants and requires fewer steps. The Committee would also like management to explore adding a Fleet Service reporting tool that’s as easy to use as the catering feedback tool. This new tool should facilitate the easy reporting of missing supplies, such as alcohol wipes, lavatory supplies, and issues with dirty airplanes, all of which can affect inflight service.

We Want to Hear from You!

Please continue to report any catering issues or problems with onboard service using the catering feedback function in Block2Block. If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please submit a report through ReportIt! Your reports provide the Committee with the data needed to continue pushing management for meaningful improvements in our workplace.

Do you have other feedback for the Committee or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Inflight Service Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Inflight Service Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – December 2025

On Monday, December 1, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Brian Sherill (LAX), and Kanani Vallot […]

MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation Interviews – January 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Do you want to help new Flight Attendants as they go through initial training and probation? Our MEC is seeking a dedicated and organized Member in good standing to serve as the MEC Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson—New Hire & Probation. In this role, you’ll be the primary […]

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for the next group of pre-merger Alaska MEC Committee Chairperson positions to be elected for the upcoming MEC Officer term. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After […]

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Election Results

During this week’s MEC Meeting, our MEC held interviews for our next merged MEC Committee Chairperson and Representative positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest in the available positions and their willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been elected: MEC Inflight Training Committee Chairperson: Megan BrownMEC Inflight Training […]

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