Latest News – Page 15

April 14, 2026 15:50

Hi everyone,

I want to take a moment to provide some clarity around recent conversations regarding the Alaska AFL-CIO and how endorsements work within our structure.

First, the Alaska AFL-CIO is the state’s largest labor organization, representing over 50,000 workers across more than 50 unions, including ours. Together, we work through this federation to advance the interests of working people across Alaska through advocacy, education, and political engagement.

As part of this role, there is ongoing work throughout the year. Much of that work is carried out through our Government Affairs Committee, which is structured to engage in these efforts on behalf of the Council. This can include sharing information with members, participating in labor discussions, supporting issue-based advocacy, and coordinating with other unions on matters that impact working people across Alaska.

This structure allows responsibilities to be shared, which means officers may not always be in attendance at every event. That said, there are key moments, like the Alaska AFL-CIO convention, where officer participation is important. These are the settings where formal representation of the council takes place, including voting and involvement in the endorsement process, which are responsibilities of officers. This is done with input and feedback from our GA Committee, as they have been engaged in that work throughout the year.

Political endorsements are just one part of the overall work of the AFL-CIO. Endorsements are determined through an Alaska AFL-CIO process that takes place later in the summer in connection with their convention. That process includes candidate vetting, input from affiliated unions, and a collective decision made by labor organizations, not by any one individual or local council.

I want to be clear that I have not made any endorsement decisions at this time, and that process has not yet taken place.

As your elected representative, my role in that process is to represent our membership thoughtfully and in alignment with the broader labor movement. In past cycles, that has meant aligning with the recommendations of both the Alaska AFL-CIO and Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Government Affairs after candidates have gone through a formal vetting process. It’s also worth noting that endorsed candidates have come from both sides of the aisle, based on their support for labor and working people.

I also recognize that our membership spans a wide range of political perspectives, and that’s something I take seriously. While there are times within our structure where votes may be split to reflect that diversity, endorsement decisions are made collectively through labor organizations with a focus on supporting candidates who are committed to workers’ rights.

If you have questions about the process, I’m always happy to help clarify.

In Solidarity,

LeiLauni

April 14, 2026 13:38

After a recent meeting with ANC base leadership, we would like to share the following information:

There is an increase in Uniform Checks, which will include all required items also. (card reader, key, badges etc.)
The Airport will be monitoring the parking lot again and enforcing the 7 day limit. Also, we are to only park in the lot when working. (not vacay etc…)
Flight Attendants must pick up their new badge by April 21, 2026. If on a leave or out of town, please reach out to base to make arrangements.
Flight Attendants are not to hold boarding for the cleaners to be completely finished. This became the practice during Covid, but is no longer the requirement.
The FAA is going to be aboard our planes and asking about Hazmat. Flight Attendants do not need to know the answers off the top of their head, but they do need to demonstrate how to access the information in the FAM. The FAA will be verifying that the FAM is updated and current. It is okay to ask the FAA representative for their badge to verify. They welcome that step. Reminder also that FAA can board at any time with no min crew requirements…(appropriate to ask for badge).

If you have questions regarding any of the above, please reach out to your LEC Officers at anc@afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

LeiLauni, Heather and Annie

April 14, 2026 13:00

Stress is an inherent aspect of the Flight Attendant profession, often stemming from the demanding nature of responsibilities and the unpredictable nature of air travel. It’s essential for Flight Attendants not only to understand the different types of stress they may encounter but also to recognize the warning signs of acute and delayed stress for effective stress management.

Acute Stress: Turbulence in the Mind

Acute stress is like sudden turbulence during a flight—an unexpected and intense event that can disrupt the normal flow of operations. Flight Attendants may experience acute stress during emergency situations, unruly passenger incidents, or unexpected flight delays. This type of stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes such as a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Physical Symptoms of Acute Stress:

Heightened heart rate
Nausea or stomach cramps
Rapid breathing

Cognitive Impact of Acute Stress:

Impaired decision-making
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional reactivity

Delayed Stress: The Quiet Aftermath

Delayed stress, much like a delayed flight, doesn’t manifest immediately but can have lasting effects. Flight Attendants may experience delayed stress after particularly challenging flights, traumatic incidents, or extended periods of high stress. This type of stress can be confusing as it emerges after the initial event has passed, potentially catching individuals off guard. Symptoms of delayed stress include:

Persistent feelings of anxiety or unease
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the stressful event
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Proactive Stress Management Strategies

Flight Attendants can adopt various strategies to manage stress effectively and maintain their well-being amidst the challenges of their profession.

Self-Care Practices:

Regular exercise and physical activity
Adequate rest and sleep
Mindfulness or relaxation techniques

Seek Support:

Utilize your AFA EAP
Connect with peer support groups or mental health resources

Set Boundaries

Establishing work-life balance
Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when feeling overwhelmed

Remember, our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee is here to support you. Reach out for confidential assistance, resources, and guidance tailored to your needs at (949) 470-0493 or (800) 424-2406.

April 10, 2026 19:01

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We invite you to join us for our next webinar on April 14th at 11:00 AM HST, hosted by your Membership Chair, Phyllis Lau & your Benefits Chair, Rachel Fernandez. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the new AFA Membership Hub, Team AAG and come with any questions you may have. You may also pre-submit any questions during registration.

Please be sure to register using your personal email address on file with the union, as company emails will not be accepted. All members in good standing are invited to attend. Click here to register.

Mahalo for all that you do, and we hope to see you there.

In Solidarity,
LEC 43 Communications Committee

April 10, 2026 17:26

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

LAX Update – April 10, 2026

We hope you are all doing well. We wanted to take a moment to provide a few updates and share some recent happenings within our base.

Meaningful A Hui Hous
LAX Vacancy Update
NGP
AFA Lounge Visit
LAX Managerial Support
CA Endorsements

In solidarity,

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

Meaningful A Hui Hous

While we have said a hui hou to a good portion of our LAX Base as they transfered to SEA Base, we’ve had a couple of meaningful a hui hou moments we wanted to highlight.

First, we want to recognize the retirement of trailblazing Flight Attendant Larry Christenson. Larry retired after 41 years of dedicated service with Hawaiian Airlines. Throughout his career, he contributed to the legacy and culture that make our group so special. He will be deeply missed, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter.

We also said a hui hou to one of our own as he begins a new journey in another domicile. The legendary Uncle Pete, has transferred to the Seattle base. Before his departure, he was honored by his crew in recognition of his many years at LAX and his contributions to Hawaiian Airlines as a whole. We know he will carry that same Spirit of Aloha with him to SEA. And no more driving from VEGAS!!!

LAX Vacancy Update

As many of you have seen, a vacancy bid was posted for five LAX positions to be active in the month of May. Of those, only two positions were filled. While we had hoped and strongly advocated for new hires to fill the remaining three positions, the company has indicated they will not be moving forward with filling the remaining three positions. That said, we do believe our continued advocacy played a role in ensuring these vacancies were offered in LAX. Your feedback matters, so please continue to share your concerns with us so we can effectively represent you in these discussions.

NGP LAX Open Enrollment

We’re also pleased to share that NGP will be at the LAX Village from June 10–12. This will be an opportunity for you to enroll in or make changes to your supplemental insurance plans.

NGP (National Group Protection) offers a range of voluntary benefits designed to complement your existing coverage. This can include accident insurance, critical illness coverage, hospital indemnity plans, and more. These plans are intended to provide additional financial protection and flexibility based on your individual needs. Representatives will be available on-site to answer questions and walk you through your options.

LAX AFA Lounge Visit

Council 47 will also be conducting a lounge visit on April 13. Josh Aoki, along with members of your LEC committee leadership, will be present to connect with you in person, hear your feedback, and better understand how things are going on the line. We always value these opportunities to engage directly and ensure your voices continue to guide our work.

Please look out for more dates in May.

If we are not able to connect with you during Lounge Visits, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

LAX Management Support

We have been working closely with management to ensure LAX Flight Attendants are appropriately supported by managemnt. LAX Base Manager Aron Kahan recently shared an email with contact information for all LAX managers. New information shared with us is that while all managers remain available as resources, Gary Oda will now serve as the primary point of contact for the Hawaiian LAX group. As part of this effort, Gary will be traveling to Honolulu in early May to job shadow Hawaiian Inflight leaders at the CRO. This is intended to strengthen alignment and deepen understanding of Hawaiian Inflight operations, ultimately improving support for our LAX group.

Midterm Endorsements from the California Federation of Labor Unions

As we approach the upcoming midterm elections, the California Federation of Labor has released its list of candidate endorsements. These recommendations are made by union delegates, including your Local Council President, Josh Aoki, and LEC Government Affairs Chair Bruni Agosto-Pinal.

It’s important to note that these endorsements are not based on political party affiliation. They are grounded in one key principle: support for labor. The recommendations reflect candidates who have demonstrated a consistent track record of standing with working people and supporting legislation that protects and advances workers’ rights.

We encourage you to take time to review the endorsements and stay informed as you prepare to vote.

April 10, 2026 17:00

In This Edition

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media
Shared on Social
Next Week’s Events

Protect Yourself From Potential Discipline on Social Media

Originally posted April 10, 2026

Think what you say on private social media groups or your personal account is secret? Even behind closed groups or privacy settings, your social media posts, comments, and reactions can affect your job, so it’s smart to know the rules before you hit ‘post.’

Read More >

Shared on Social

Check out this week’s highlights from our social media! Click on a graphic below to view the original post on Instagram. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and news as we share it!

Originally posted April 8, 2026

Next Week’s Events

Monday, April 13	Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting
Tuesday, April 14 – Thursday, April 16	Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, April 16	LEC Officer Elections: Nominations Close –Council 19 (SEA pmAS), Council 39 (PDX), Council 43 (HNL)
Thursday, April 16	Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

April 10, 2026 16:00

Our Grievance Committee would like to provide background on social media, protected classes, and discipline.

Federal protected classes include race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

Alaska’s People Policy says:

Personal Conduct
22. Threatening, intimidating, or discourteous behavior, including abusive, profane, or obscene language, acts, or gestures, to guests or employees at any time will not be tolerated.
23. Any form of harassment or discrimination based on a Protected Characteristic is prohibited.

Flight Attendants have also faced discipline under the Social Media section of the People Policy.

Alaska Airlines management has disciplined for posts made in Flight Attendant-run social media groups such as Galley Tea, Patriots with Wings, and others, as well as Flight Attendants’ personal pages, even with very little to show that the poster was a Flight Attendant employed by the company. In fact, an arbitrator upheld discipline, although there was very little evidence on the Flight Attendant’s personal page to identify them as a company employee.

We know the world feels unsettled right now, and even within our group, people have strong and different opinions. Still, management continues to issue discipline when company policies are broken, no matter what is happening in the news. Depending on the nature and severity of an incident, outcomes may range from a warning to suspension, or even termination. It’s important to be aware that violations of company policy, whether on social media or in other contexts, can result in a wide range of disciplinary actions.

Most Flight Attendants who were disciplined for social media posts were reported by co-workers. Usually, the person reporting did not want anyone fired—they just wanted the post taken down or prevented from happening again. Instead of going straight to management, you can contact AFA Professional Standards for help. You can find their contact information on the EAP/Professional Standards Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website. The Committee can help facilitate resolution between Flight Attendants without management involvement. Sometimes, taking some breathing room and understanding can help the situation.

We may not always agree, but everyone wants a respectful and positive workplace. Both AFA and Alaska have rules about treating others with respect at work and online. Please think carefully before posting or commenting on social media and be considerate in your interactions with other Flight Attendants and passengers. If you avoid posting or commenting on things that could break company policy, you can avoid problems.

If you have questions, please contact your Local Grievance Committee or LEC Officers.

April 9, 2026 22:19

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

Important Info for SEA!!

Aloha Council 47 Seattle Flight Attendants,

We just wrapped up our final day of April Immersion Training. There was a lot covered and a lot to absorb, but it was truly great connecting with so many of you.

If we didn’t get a chance to meet, we look forward to seeing you on the line, in the lounges, and at our upcoming membership meetings.

In Solidarity,

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

Check-in Procedures

When you arrive at the airport, please double check your departure gate. If your flight departs out of the A or S gates, think Alaska call sign (AS), you will proceed directly to the gate instead of the village, as timing will be too tight to check in at the village and then make it to those gates. A manager will meet you at the gate for your briefing and with the FFA Packet and paperwork.

For all other gates, continue to report to the village for your briefing as usual.

Apologies for this last minute procedure but AFA was only notified of this today.

If in doubt, contact a base manager:

Base Email: InflightEngagementandSupport@alaskaair.com
SEA Base: (206) 574-4990; available daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM PDT.
SEA Inflight Duty Manager: 206-392-9065 or mobile 206-466-8675; available 24/7.
Gina Lorenzo: 808-352-2950; available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Jacket Requirement

Per Section 6.V. of our contract, jackets are not required between April 15 and October 31, or at any time ground cooling is not functioning. If you are challenged by any manager, please refer them to our contractual language and notify your officers.

LDT and HST Reminders

Some contractual timelines are based on Local Domicile Time (LDT) or Hawaii Standard Time (HST). For former LAX based FAS, you may be used to the Pacific Time adjustments. For those former HNL based FAS, there will be differences to be aware of. Please review the attached chart that covers some of the timelines affected by LDT and HST mentioned in our contract.

Process	Time	Time Zone
DFSDaily Flight Schedule	1700	HST
Open Time pick up/trade requests are proccessed	1800	HST
ETCH posting window	0600-1800	LDT

SEA Pulse Form

The SEA Pulse Form is a way for Seattle-based Flight Attendants to share feedback with your Council 47 leadership on anything and everything you’re experiencing.

Whether it’s whats happening on the line, change you want to see or feedback on how AFA leadership is supporting you, this form helps us better understand what’s happening so we can advocate more effectively on your behalf.

You can submit the form anonymously, or include a non-company email if you’d like a follow-up.

SEA Pulse Form

New Hire Settlement Pay

New hire Flight Attendants who were assigned to Seattle and whose original residence was not in Seattle are entitled to a settling expense of $800 under the SEA Domicile Letter of Agreement. This amount was increased from the previously negotiated $350 Section 5.H.3.

To request this, please email Inflight Admin and request the $800 “New Hire Settling Expense.” Be sure to CC your officers at 47@afahawaiian.org for visibility.

New Hire FLICA Activation

FLICA access for new hires is expected to be activated this week. You should receive communication, if you haven’t already, from the company with details on activation and a walkthrough. Please keep an eye out for that information.

April 5, 2026 11:30

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Easter is a time to celebrate life and renewal, and gives us an opportunity to reflect on what is important to us.

This Easter many of our hearts are heavy with thoughts of friends we lost too soon. With our busy lives and so many changes at work, it can be easy to overlook the little things that mean a lot to us. This Easter is a gentle reminder to take a moment to cherish every story, laugh, and hug we share with one another – the memories we will keep forever.

May this Easter bring you and your loved one’s peace and joy.

In Solidarity,

Martin Gusman & Kela Chong

April 3, 2026 17:00

In This Edition

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026
Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026
Next Week’s Events

Pre-Merger Hawaiian Inflight Service Committee Update – March 2026

Originally posted March 30, 2026 | Pre-Merger Hawaiian

Pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants are set to experience a significant transition as the next major milestone in the merger process approaches. The cutover to the single Passenger Service System, the launch of the Block2Block app, and the shift of all 787 flights to Alaska-branded service will directly reshape our daily routines and the service we deliver onboard.

Read More >

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

Originally posted April 2, 2026

Curious about how our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee is working to create a safer, more supportive workplace? Learn about guidance and reporting tools for interacting with ICE agents, and about the Committee’s ongoing advocacy for cultural tattoos and accessible layover accommodations.

Read More >