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On Wednesday, March 25, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Nyachan Chuar (ANC), and Yan Yan Teague (SEA). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present. 

The Committee met with several members of management, including Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr., Director Culture & Belonging Steve Nelson, and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig.

The Committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Interaction With ICE Agents: The Committee requested that inflight Management provide guidance on what to do whenapproached by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Committee and inflight management agree that Flight Attendants should contact an inflight supervisor immediately. The committee also suggested contacting Alaska Corporate Security. Management will reach out to Corporate Security to establish a clear process for the Flight Attendant to follow.  
  • AFA ICE Report Form: Flight Attendants are encouraged to use the ICE report form to document interactions or issues involving ICE agents. This form can be found on the AFA International website: afacwa.org/icereport.
  • Flight Crew Verification of Employment (VOE) Letter: This documentation would be similar to the COVID-19 letter that was issued by management to all Flight Attendants. The letter would identify the Flight Attendant as an Alaska Airlines employee if approached while on duty, internationally or domestically. As of now, management asks that Flight Attendants keep a copy of their passport on their person or as a photo on their cell phone. 
  • Reminder of Crew Safety: Management issued a reminder in the December 11, 2024, bulletin “Layover And Crew Transportation Safety Reminders.” The committee requests that the reminder be republished for Flight Attendants
  • Cultural Tattoos: Continued discussion surrounding Cultural tattoos. Management hasn’t finalized a decision on this policy. As of now, each pre-merger airline’s policy remains in place.
  • Culture & Belonging: The Culture & Belonging department is developing within. More interaction for and with employees, more recognition programs, and resources. Resources for hosting/suggesting events within or outside of the company, as well as continuing to keep employees updated on events and Heritage months on Team AAG.
  • CSM (Customer Service Manual) Jumpseat Dress Code Verbiage: Verbiage has been updated to reflect gender-neutral language. 
  • SEA Village Inclusivity For SEA-Based Hawaiian Flight Attendants: Asking management to ensure the SEA Village is more welcoming for our SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants with the opening of the new domicile.
  • Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace. The Committee is reaching out to Culture & Belonging management to discuss this possibility.
  • Optional ADA Rooms: These rooms would be available to those who self-disclose their disability in PeopleSoft. Management’s stance is that if the Flight Attendant has self-disclosed via PeopleSoft, at the time of check-in at the hotel, the hotel must accommodate the Flight Attendant with an ADA-accessible room. This gives the Flight Attendant with disabilities the ability to request ADA-compliant hotel rooms during layovers. Once signed into PeopleSoft, click “Personal Details” then navigate to “Disability” to complete the form.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings: The Committee is tracking efforts to allow Flight Attendants to choose to display their personal pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, or they/them) on their uniform wings. The next steps depend on the progress of the merger, which might result in a completely new wing design for everyone.
  2. Land Acknowledgment Signage: The Committee is working to place signs in Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines workplace locations that acknowledge and honor the indigenous communities whose land these workplaces are on. Land acknowledgments are statements that recognize the long-standing relationship between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform: The Committee is tracking a proposal that would permit Flight Attendants to display traditional Batok tattoos while in uniform. Batok is an ancient form of tattooing practiced by indigenous communities in the Philippine and holds deep cultural significance. Management hasn’t made a final decision on the policy.  
  4. Transition of Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group to a New Alaska BRG / Hawaiian ERG: The Alaska Airlines Drug and Alcohol Infinity Group is becoming an Alaska BRG/Hawaiian ERG. Its mission is to help employees who are struggling with drug or alcohol issues by offering resources, peer support, and educational programs. The group will focus on prevention, recovery, and reducing the stigma around addiction in the workplace.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the Committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

The process for Council 39 Local Executive Officer Elections is officially underway. Nominations for Local Executive Officer positions are being accepted from now through April 16. Active Flight Attendants in good standing have the right to nominate one person who is committed to serve for each office. In order to appear on the ballot, each candidate must receive at lease two nominations from active members in good standing. (Self-nominations count as one of the two required nominations.)

It’s important to note that participation in every step of the local elections process depends on your standing. Check out the links below to determine your eligibility, read about the requirements and qualifications of LEC Officers, and to learn more about the elections process:

If you are interested in nominating a Flight Attendant in good standing or you’re interested in self-nominating, please consider doing so prior to the deadline. This will allow the AFA International Ballot Certification Committee enough time to determine the eligibility of all candidates prior to printing of ballots.

As always, it is vital that your contact information is up-to-date in the AFA Membership Hub as well as in Peoplesoft. After completing the nomination form, you will receive a confirmation email with your selections.

Nomination Forms

Positions To Be Elected:

  • LEC President
  • LEC Vice President
  • LEC Secretary

Term Of Office:

  • July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029

Nominations are now being accepted for Council 19 Local Officers for the next term of office. SEA-based Flight Attendants can nominate or support only one candidate for each Officer position. Those interested in running for office may also self-nominate by submitting a Self-Nomination form and at least one endorsement of an Active Member in Good Standing in Council 19. It is highly recommended to submit nominations before the last day to allow for the Membership department to confirm eligibility of supporters/endorsers and nominees. Nominations will be accepted through April 16.

Nominate

Check your standing and eligibility on the AFA Membership Hub

Term of Office:

July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029

Positions to be Elected:

  • LEC President
  • LEC Vice President
  • LEC Secretary
  • 2 Council Representatives

Election Schedule:

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

Those who are considering running for office are encouraged to reach out to the current Officers to gain an understanding about each role and get valuable insights about what to expect. We are happy to answer your questions and offer support during your decision-making process. Contact information for Local Officers are found at afaalaska.org/sea/officers and on our Council 19 LinkTree.

LEC Officer Jurisdiction and Duties

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Seattle Based Flight Attendants

Council 47 Welcomes You

Aloha Seattle Base Transfers and AFA Council 47 Members,

On behalf of your Council 47 Officers – Joshua Aoki, Paul Ikioka, and Beth Hayes, we want to welcome you all to Seattle. This will be a new journey for all of us as Flight Attendants and as union members.

Let’s be clear, this transition has not been seamless. There have been challenges, and there may be more ahead. That said, this is exactly when it matters most that we stay grounded, informed, and unified.

Our responsibility as your officers is to enforce the contract and hold the company accountable. Where there are violations, we will address them. Where there are gaps, we will continue to push. But that work is only as strong as the unity behind it. These issues do not impact just a few of us, they affect all of us. As union members, we need to remain united in our efforts. The opportunities for division are real when the environment around us feels chaotic, so let’s remember who and where to direct our frustrations.

We know this transition will look different for each of you. New flying, new crews, and new uniforms will take adjustment. Through it all, do not lose what makes our group strong. The Spirit of Aloha is not tied to a base, a uniform, or an aircraft. It is something we carry with us, and it should continue to define how we show up for one another.

Nonetheless, we are excited for this next chapter in your careers and all that comes with it. We look forward to connecting with each of you in person through our lounge sits, on the line and at membership meetings.

We’re proud to stand alongside you in this transition and are committed to representing you every step of the way.

Below is a bunch of information (we know… more information…) and suggested action items. Please take the time to read through it and save this for future reference.

In Solidarity,

Josh, Paul and Beth
Council 47 Officers LAX/SEA
47@afahawaiian.org
SEA Pulse Form

Union Representation

Council 47 will represent the Seattle (SEA) Domicile in addition to the Los Angeles (LAX) Domicile.

What does this mean for you?

Your primary representation will come through the Council 47 Officers: Joshua Aoki – LEC President, Paul Ikioka – LEC Vice President, Beth Hayes – LEC Secretary, along with the Council 47 Chairs and Committee Members who support the work of the Council.

Council 47 currently has strong representation in place and, as we expand to support both domiciles, we will also be seeking additional committee members to help support our continued growth.

AFA Contact – Council 47​
LEC PresidentJoshua Aoki
Email – josh.aoki@afahawaiian.org
LEC Vice PresidentPaul Ikioka
Email – paul.ikioka@afaalaska.org
LEC SecretaryBeth Hayes
Email – beth.hayes@afahawaiian.org
SEA Officer Group EmailIf you would like to email all officers, please use this group email47@afahawaiian.org
SEA Pulse FormThis anonymous form is a space for SEA Flight Attendants to share concerns, feedback, ideas, and observations. Submissions may be brought directly to management or addressed within AFA leadership, depending on the topic. While responses are anonymous, all submissions must align with ourMutual Respect Policy. Our goal is to use your feedback to advocate effectively and strengthen our base.SEA Pulse Form
INSTAGRAMClick Here to Follow Us
SUBSCRIBE TO COUNCIL 47 EMAIL COMMUNICATIONShttps://actionnetwork.org/forms/alaska-hawaiian-email/

Update Your Info

We encourage all Flight Attendants to review and update their contact information with the company to ensure the most accurate details are on file. Please be aware that updating your physical address with the company may affect your taxes.

It is equally important to keep your information current with AFA so you continue to receive communications and any important physical mail from the Union. With the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) process on the horizon, key updates and materials will be sent to the mailing and email addresses on file. Taking a moment now to confirm your information is up to date will help ensure you do not miss any important communications. For additional help, please email beth.hayes@afahawaiian.org.

Update Contact Info​
With the companyPeopleSoft
With the AFAhttps://afacwa.org/hubhttps://afacwa.org/hubhelp (if not currently subscribed to the Membership Hub)

SEA Base Manager Contacts

Gina Lorenzo (HA), former LAX Inflight Manager, will be our SEA Inflight Manager. For all inflight administration and operational support, please contact her. Jenny Bookert (AS) is the Operations Manager and is responsible for both Seattle and Anchorage operations.

SEA Base Manager Contacts​
SEA Inflight Manager (HA)Gina LorenzoDuty Cell – (808)352-2950Email – gina.lorenzo@alaskaair.com
SEA Operations Manager (AS)Jenny BookertOffice – (206)301-0511Email – jenny.bookert@alaskaair.com

Commuter Information

Please remember that if you plan to commute, you must be registered as a commuter to be protected by our Commuter Policy.To register, please fill out the Commuter Policy Enrollment Form. We encourage you to read through the policy so that you are clear what is required of you and how you are protected by the Commuter Policy.

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Letters of Agreement (LOA)

Below are links to our 2025 contract extension and letters of agreements that affect our SEA Base.

SEA Community Groups

Below are a few groups created by Flight Attendants to help streamline communication and stay connected. While these groups are member-driven and not managed by AFA, they can be a helpful resource for coordinating drops/trades and discussing Seattle base–related topics.

SEA Community Groups​
HA SEA BASE [Facebook Group]https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17R49VuGUb/
HawaiianFASEA [Google Groups]Group focused on drop/trades/pickupsEmail Patrick Smith for invite: psmith808@gmail.com
HALSEATTLE [Google Group]Email Molly Anderson for invite: northshorehippie@gmail.com

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

LAX Officer Report – March 2026

Aloha LAX,

We wanted to provide an Officer Report based on what has transpired this month. If you have any questions, concerns or need clarification on any of this information, please reach out to us at 47@afahawaiian.org or fill out the LAX Pulse Form.

In solidarity,

Josh, Paul and Beth
Council 47 Officers LAX/SEA
47@afahawaiian.org
LAX Pulse Form

On-Site LAX Manager

Since the departure of Gina Lorenzo, your officers have seen a significant lack of in-person support in Los Angeles for our Flight Attendants. We made it clear to management that the current system is not working, and that virtual briefings alone do not provide the level of support our Flight Attendants need.

Following Gina’s departure, there was a possibility that Alaska would hire a Hawaiian-specific manager for LAX. After further strategic planning, the company decided instead to move that vacant manager position to San Diego, where they intend to expand Alaska flying.

That said, we strongly emphasized the importance of having a consistent, in-person support manager in LAX. We need someone who can serve as a reliable “go-to” for administrative, operational, and day-to-day support.

In response to our concerns, the company moved quickly. LAX Alaska management will be stepping in to provide increased support. We were also told that they have always wanted to support our group, but had been approaching the situation carefully out of respect for our Hawaiian workgroup during this transition. Even if Alaska management is not fully familiar with our operation or contract, they can still serve as a point of contact to help obtain answers and ensure appropriate company follow-up.

In the coming weeks, you will begin hearing more from Alaska managers, and we expect a designated point of contact to be identified. With ALL interaction with management, we encourage you to ALWAYS have a union rep with you or cc us (47@afahawaiian.org) in your email discussions.

We will continue to advocate for the level of support our Flight Attendants deserve and will keep you updated as things develop.

LAX Widebody Gate

For months, Terminal 6 has been operating with only one wide-body gate due to ongoing airport construction. We were advised that construction on the second wide-body gate remains on schedule and is expected to be completed sometime in April.

The reopening of this gate should help reduce arrival wait times when our flights come in.

Thank you for your patience during this construction phase. We know how frustrating it has been, especially when flights have had to arrive at remote gates.

HNL Airport Standbys (ARC) at LAX

The company has seen an increase in sick calls recently. As a result, they have been positioning HNL reserves at the LAX Village to help cover flying.

We want to remind everyone that while sick calls are a contractual right, the frequency of usage can impact overall base reliability and, ultimately, the type of flying assigned to LAX.

Please continue to take care of your health, but also be mindful of how these patterns can affect our operation as a whole.

NGP LAX Visits

We have begun the early stages of planning for our annual NGP (National Group Protection) visits for LAX, and we are currently targeting dates in June.

NGP is a voluntary benefits program available to AFA members that offers access to supplemental insurance plans, such as accident, disability, critical illness, and other coverage options, at special AFA group rates. These plans are designed to provide additional financial protection beyond your standard benefits.

NGP only offers open enrollment once a year, so it is important to pay close attention to upcoming communications and plan your schedule accordingly when the time comes.

LAX Base Sits

Starting in April, we will begin coordinating base sits. These visits may include or be a combination of your officers, chairs, and committee members, and are an opportunity to connect with you before your flights, hear your concerns, and share important updates.

If you are unable to catch us during a base sit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 47@afahawaiian.org or by using the anonymous LAX Pulse Form.

Editor’s Note: Our MEC Inflight Service Committee now represents both pre-merger airlines, but management still makes service decisions that affect each group of Flight Attendants differently. This update covers changes for both Hawaiian- and Alaska-branded flying, but is specific to aircraft flown by pre-merger Hawaiian Airlines crews.

As the work of the merger progresses, we are nearing a monumental milestone. The operation cutover to PSS (Single Passenger Service System) occurs on 4/22. From the perspective of Inflight Service, PSS signifies the beginning of change for our Inflight work routines. Your Inflight Service Committee has been working diligently to represent your interests over the last several months to prepare for the changes that you will begin to see onboard the aircraft.

Who makes up our AFA Inflight Service Committee?

Master Executive Council (MEC) – deals with issues at a combined carrier level

  • Bianca McKee, Chairperson – Hawaiian Brand
  • Chase Vandergrift, Chairperson – Alaska Brand

Local Council – deals with issues at a local (or base) level

  • Thalia Adachi, Chairperson for Council 43 (HNL)
  • Gary Mano’i, Chairperson for Council 47 (LAX & SEA pmHA)

What has the Committee been working on?

  • 787 International – HA Brand
  • 787 International & Domestic – AS Brand
  • SEA Base Immersion Training
  • The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service
  • B2B App & Early Adopter Group
  • Service Resource Update
  • Safety Risk Assessments
  • Cabin Interior Projects

787 International – HA Brand

  • Main Cabin Delivery & TSU Collection Procedures have been updated following Flight Attendant feedback
  • All 787 flights will transition to Alaska Branded Service starting April 25

787 International & Domestic – AS Brand

Starting April 25, all flights operated on the 787 will launch with Alaska branded service.

Planning for these service changes began in late 2025. Management called on the HA Service Team for their onboard expertise to assist in building service procedures that meet the company’s competitive service goals. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee was also included in discussions. The HA Service Team members currently include Kahea Ching, Corynn St. Marie, Joyce Foley, George Thronas, Chason Yamaguchi, Bianca Mckee (AFA), Thalia Adachi (AFA), and Gary Mano’i (AFA).

Details around 787 service changes will be shared in depth at SEA Base Immersion Training. Service resources are being developed by management to be made available to all Flight Attendants.

International:

Four service test flights on SEA-ICN were operated by the service team and AFA Inflight Service Committee for the service model to be used for SEA-FCO/LHR/ICN/NRT. These test flights helped to determine deliverability & service flow.

The Committee continues to express concerns over staffing and heavy Flight Attendant workload. It is important to note that at this time the Committee has not given its full agreement to service changes that management plans to implement. Updates will be shared as we continue to advocate for a manageable workload onboard the aircraft.

Domestic:

Domestic 787 flights will mirror current day Alaska Airlines Premium Long-Haul Service. The Committee has requested that meal options be limited at launch to allow Flight Attendants time to learn the new process.

A brief overview of the 787 Domestic Alaska Brand Service:

  • First Class Pre-Ordered Meals
  • No complimentary main cabin meal
  • Premium Class Snack Basket
  • Limited pre-ordered fresh meal options available for purchase in the main cabin
  • Shelf-stable meal options over boarded to be made available for purchase

Immersion Training for SEA-Based Flight Attendants

On Friday, March 20, Vice President of Inflight Allen Thieman sent a SEA Domicile Update to Flight Attendants including the following information about SEA base Immersion Training:

“The Alaska Global Immersion is an in-person experience at our Global Training Center for our new Seattle domiciled Flight Attendants that is designed to:

  • Set our HA SEA Flight Attendants up for success delivering our global experience from our Seattle gateway
  • Align service flow expectations, onboard service, and guest experience standards
  • Give Flight Attendants direct access to leaders, partners, products, and the broader vision for Seattle as a global gateway”

Immersion training for SEA-based Flight Attendants, who were awarded bids on March 10, will take place from April 7 through 9. Our AFA Inflight Service Committee Chairpersons will attend all three days of this training to represent you.

The Future of Hawaiian Branded Service

The Committee is in discussion with management as they look to redesign the Hawaiian Brand service model.

For many, our inflight service is the foundation of our identity and who we are as Hawaiian Airlines. Protecting our brand remains paramount as we navigate forward.

Block2Block (B2B) App & Early Adopter Group

The new inflight app Block2Block (B2B) launches April 22. The Committee has been included in the Early Adopter group to provide feedback to management and the app development team. B2B should already be downloaded on your IMDs. Early Adopters will be distributing new card readers in base CROs throughout the rest of March. Roadshows will continue through April for card reader distribution and in person guidance on Status Recognition and Premium Class Offerings. Please complete your 1st Quarter CBT in Cornerstone prior to April 15. Reference the “Q1 2026 CBT” email for details.

Service Resources Update

Service In-Flight Planning Communications are now available for offline viewing on your IMD:

Content App > All Files > 5. Onboard Service > 0. Latest Updates

Safety Risk Assessments

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has been actively engaged in management’s process to analyze safety risks and corresponding mitigations. Data utilized for Safety Risk Assessments are sourced directly from Intelex. Please continue to document any unsafe work practices, experiences, and/or onboard events within the Intelex system.

Cabin Interior Projects

The MEC Inflight Service Committee has established a consistent and collaborative relationship with the planning teams responsible for future aircraft model acquisitions and scheduled retrofit projects. This proactive engagement ensures that the perspectives and needs of our Members are integrated into the decision-making process at the earliest stages.

Important Dates

April 7-9SEA Base Immersion Training
April 151st Quarter CBTs due in Cornerstone
April 22PSS (Single Passenger Service System)
– B2B goes live, New Credit Card Readers to be used with B2B
– Status Recognition begins
– Extra Comfort turns to Premium Class, Premium Class offering begins
April 25All 787 Flights to Transition To Alaska Branded Service
April 28SEA-FCO Inaugural
April 30Pau Hana App removed from IMDs, sync transactions prior to April 30
May 21SEA-LHR Inaugural

Other Updates

Catering Reports

Due to the HA emailing sunsetting on April 23, catering reports will need to be submitted as follows:

  • March 23 – April 21: Flight Attendants are directed to submit catering reports via Intelex
  • April 22: B2B goes live. Flight Attendants will be directed to submit catering reports via the “catering and service feedback” tab found under your selected flight.

AFA Inflight Service Committee Lounge Sits

We’d like to hear from you! Please visit our AFA Inflight Service Committee in the HNL CRO from 9 AM to 1 PM on the following dates: April 14,15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 28.

*Lounge Sits for pmHA LAX and SEA will take place at a later date.

At last year’s AFA Board of Directors Convention in Orlando, I lobbied for and spoke in favor of this year’s convention coming to Portland. There were other choices, some more weather “friendly” for the time of the year, but I stood at the microphone and told the voting delegates (LEC Presidents from all AFA airlines) that Portland hadn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic convention business (we still haven’t) and that Portland and Oregon were strong Union communities that deserved our support. Quite frankly, I said, Portland needed the love. I was proud when the delegates voted in favor of coming to Portland.

Fast forward to this month and what happened at this year’s convention felt very different. I’m not happy with what I experienced regarding the annual budget (Agenda Item #1.) I know a lot of information has already been circulated about what happened, so I won’t dwell on all of the specifics here, but I want to give you an overview of how the budget was ultimately finalized. Please reach out to me if you would like more information or have questions.

Some background

A dues increase was not optional. Our 2003 merger agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) requires our dues to be in line with the CWA dues average. We’ve waited several years for CWA to tell us that average so we could budget accordingly. For reference, our dues at AFA haven’t gone up in over ten years.

Recognizing the needs of smaller airlines, especially regional airlines including Horizon Air, the International Budget and Finance committees proposed a three-year, stepped-in approach to a dues increase and recommended a budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027 (effective June 1st) that included a $5.12/mo dues increase for the first year and a planned potential $7M withdrawal from the Union’s reserve fund to balance the budget.

Alaska Hawaiian LECPs asked several questions about the proposed budget in advance of the convention, including what the budget might look like if various scenarios of dues increases were voted in. We shared many delegates’ concerns regarding relying so heavily on the reserve fund. Ultimately, we agreed to support the proposed budget, approved and recommended by the committees, that included the stepped-in dues increase for all airlines.

So what happened?

An amendment from the floor would have created a two-tier dues structure, whereby United and Alaska Hawaiian Flight Attendants would begin paying the full CWA dues average of $65.36/mo immediately, beginning with the new fiscal year, rather than the stepped-in dues increases recommended by the committees. All other AFA airlines, including regionals, would remain with the stepped-in dues increases as recommended.

While there was a motion to amend the amendment to remove Alaska Hawaiian from the amendment, that motion failed on a roll-call vote and the original amendment passed, also on a roll-call vote, even though the majority of the Board’s delegates were not in agreement.

Prior to the vote on the original amendment, I read the following statement to the full Board:

“I speak in opposition to this amendment.

“Originally, I was in favor of an immediate dues increase to fulfill our requirement of meeting the CWA dues average. A stepped-in dues increase seemed messy and potentially noncompliant.

“However, after hearing concerns from our siblings at Horizon Air, where I started my career 22 years ago, and our Hawaiian LECPs on the Alaska Hawaiian MEC, I feel the stepped-in approach recommended by our Budget Committee is more fair and just, giving respect to and showing concern for our Hawaiian siblings going through a first-time merger, where two different cultures are trying to come together in a unified and dignified manner. Alaska and Hawaiian MECs have always considered the needs of all airlines, big and small.

“To my United siblings, I hear your concerns regarding your budgets. We went through this same process when we negotiated a pay increase without a corresponding dues increase. But we adjusted. We planned our budgets accordingly and we moved on.

“Article XI.A.4 of the Constitution and Bylaws gives you an option for raising dues at your airline. Effectively, you could realize a $10/mo per member dues increase, representing 2/3 of the stepped-in three-year plan, immediately without this amendment.

“To the entire Board, I ask you to consider the precedent it sets to allow one airline to put forth an amendment that raises dues for another airline selectively, especially when that airline’s members are not in agreement. Contrary to what you may have heard, Alaska Hawaiian was never in agreement. I ask the United delegation to remove Alaska Hawaiian from the amendment. In the absence of that, I strongly urge the Board to reject this proposed amendment. It does not make us stronger together or better together.”

In private meetings that followed, we attempted to resolve our concerns regarding the amendment. While it was clear there were some assumptions made and perhaps a misunderstanding regarding our intentions with our questions about the budget prior to the convention, we were unable to reach consensus.

What happened next…

We paused on taking a vote on the main Agenda Item (as amended) until the next day, allowing further discussion among the delegates at all airlines.

The next morning, an amendment was offered by United that raised dues for all airlines to the full $65.36/mo dues level effective with the 2026-2027 fiscal year, but included a “hardship” rebate at individual airline MEC discretion. Because the choice was either the original amended budget (with just United and Alaska Hawaiian at the full dues increase and no rebate provision) or the new amendment, Alaska Hawaiian’s delegation felt obligated to vote in favor.

This was a hard vote, especially for regional airlines. Horizon Air MEC President Lisa Davis-Warren made a heartfelt address to the Board that brought almost everyone to their feet in support, including all of us at Alaska Hawaiian. The amendment passed, as did the final vote on the Agenda Item as amended.

Reflecting and moving forward…

To say I’m disappointed in what happened at the Board is an understatement. We need changes in how our Union conducts business. When there is a single, dominant airline that can use a roll-call vote to force through amendments, there’s an imbalance. I’m not sure how we fix that, but many of us voting delegates (LECPs) recognize we have to change.

Throughout my terms as an elected Union leader, I have always subscribed to the “Stronger Together, Better Together” mantra of our Union and the overall labor movement. This was a setback, but I’ve taken some time to think about it, and I realize what happened at the Board is very similar to any governing body in a democracy. We are democratically elected leaders with a Constitution and Bylaws. But individual airlines and delegates have different needs and differences of opinion, and we use the convention to debate positions on the floor and work hard to achieve consensus. It’s very much like our system of government for our country. It isn’t perfect.

I have serious concerns about the fairness of the roll-call vote when there’s an imbalance of the sizes of the airlines in our Union. With there being one dominant airline, the power of the roll-call vote is significant. That is an issue we need to reconcile, and I plan to work with other leaders over the next year to work-up an advance agenda item for the next full convention in 2028; the next year constitutional amendments can be considered. Hopefully, we can make progress on a solution. 

As I look ahead, I will carry with me a spirit of unity that has always guided me through challenges like this. Through obstacles like civil unrest and pandemics, to mergers, contract negotiations, furloughs and economic downturns, my hope is that our leaders’ shared commitment to progress, equality, and justice continues to pave the way forward. Together, we can build a brighter future for all, ensuring our Union not only endures but thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for reading.

Steve

In This Edition

  • 2025-2028 CBA Final Document
  • Hawaiian Seattle Domicile Council 43 and Council 47 Meeting Recap
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026
  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026
  • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026
  • Next Week’s Events

2025-2028 CBA Final Document

Originally posted March 24, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

The final 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) document is complete and has been sent for printing. Be on the lookout for information from your Local Council if you are interested in a printed copy of the CBA. The final 2025-2028 CBA hyperlinked document is also complete and loaded on the IMD and online.

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Hawaiian Seattle Domicile Council 43 and Council 47 Meeting Recap

Originally posted March 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Hawaiian

Our SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee continues to advocate for clear and consistent guidelines regarding moving expenses and reimbursement for Flight Attendants. The committee remains committed to addressing members’ concerns and ensuring contractual compliance. As the grievance process moves forward, Flight Attendants are encouraged to document their interactions and stay engaged in upcoming opportunities to seek clarification from management.

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Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026

Originally posted March 26, 2026

From recurring fume events on the A330 and A321 to proposals for streamlined emergency procedures, this month’s Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) meeting tackled significant safety and operational challenges. Read on for highlights such as new exit row safety initiatives, service cart injury risks, and the rollout of European flying validation flights and updated reporting tools.

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Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – March 2026

Originally posted March 27, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Stay informed with the latest updates on pay, scheduling, fatigue, and technology—each impacting your experience as a Flight Attendant. This month’s pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee meeting highlights offer a look at what’s happening behind the scenes with PBS, Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, and more.

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Joint Contract Negotiations Session 13 – March 2026

Originally posted March 27, 2026

Our JNC met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC focused on clarifying questions about moving expenses and presented a proposal for Sick Leave, using feedback from Flight Attendants to guide improvements. The Committee is working to incorporate the strongest elements from both contracts to ensure better support for all Members.

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Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, April 1LEC Officer Elections: Nominations Open –Council 19 (SEA pmAS), Council 39 (PDX), Council 43 (HNL)
Wednesday, April 1Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

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

  • Our JNC met with management this week on March 24 to March 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for April 28 to April 30
  • Our JNC continued to focus on improving Sections 15 (Leaves of Absence) and 28 (Domiciles), working to clarify issues and provide better support for Flight Attendants
  • A new Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments) and the first proposal for Section 16 (Sick Leave) was presented to management, based on member feedback from the sick leave survey

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 March 24 to March 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 ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska
Jake Jones, MEC Scheduling Committee ChairpersonBrittany Audette, Managing Director Operations Staffing and Resource Management
 Rich Hendrickson, Finance Process Manager

In this session, we continued to focus on the concerns identified in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 28 (Domiciles). We also presented our first proposal for Section 16 (Sick Leave) to management that captures important Alaska provisions and brings in the benefits of the Hawaiian sick leave program. Your feedback on the survey helped the Committee understand what matters most to Flight Attendants, and we are pushing for more improvements to address all of our needs going forward.

A new Section was also proposed as Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignments). We modeled our proposal on the Hawaiian CBA, along with provisions from other global carriers. Jake Jones, AFA’s MEC Scheduling Chairperson, together with Brittany Audette and Rich Hendrickson from management, joined us to talk through creating the framework and process for programming the buddy bidding process for company-required training. We discussed possible scenarios, important questions, and the steps needed to match operational needs with bidding preferences so we can successfully automate buddy bidding into the training process.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA is being 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)
  • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
  • 🆕 Temporary Duty Assignments (AS CBA does not address these provisions and HA CBA 15)

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 April 28 to April 30.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Please be advised that the AFA-CWA Council 43 Elections will begin shortly. The positions of LEC President, LEC Vice. President, and LEC Secretary, will be elected for the term starting on July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.

Nominations will be accepted starting April 1, 2026, though April 16, 2026. Voting notices will be mailed to your address on file with the Membership Hub on April 30, 2026. Voting begins on May 5, 2026, and ends on May 19, 2026, at 1500 EDT.

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

Positions to be Elected

  • LEC President
  • LEC Vice President
  • LEC Secretary

This is the first year our Local Council will be using the election self-nomination process. This process was adopted during the 2024 Board of Directors meeting and is intended to make it easier for everyone to participate in Local Council elections by allowing a Flight Attendant to self-nominate for any of the LEC Officer positions with at least one endorsement of an active member in good standing. Please see the Self-Nomination Guide for more information about the process on how to ensure that your name will appear on the election ballot.

Election Schedule

  • April 30: Voting Notices mailed
  • May 5: Polls open
  • May 19: Polls close at 9:00 AM HT

All members in good standing are both invited and encouraged to participate in this important process. If you or someone you know are interested in running for local office, it would be helpful to review Article III and Article VIII.C of the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws and to become familiarized with the LEC Officer duties. Your LEC Officers are happy to speak with anyone who may be interested in running for office or who may just want a better understanding about the positions and/or the election process.

Please feel free to reach out to us directly or email us at hnl@afahawaiian.org.

Mahalo!

Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

As part of Membership Engagement Committee Focus Month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our core missions: empowering you with knowledge and confidence to participate more fully in our Union. When we understand how our Union works, we strengthen our collective voice and create a more engaged community. To help you on this journey, we’re […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, July 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Global Training Center to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026

This session, the JNC focused on refining the Reserve survey to ensure a comprehensive representation of member concerns. Significant progress was also made on Section 23 (Insurance Benefits), with proposals aimed at enhancing Flight Attendant protections and securing tailored insurance provisions. Additionally, productive discussions continued on Section 30 (Training). Further improvements are anticipated pending management’s response to our latest proposal.

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

On Monday, July 13, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person 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 pmAS), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Le’a Tupola (LAX/SEA pmHA), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), and […]

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