AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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

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

Positions to be Elected

  • LEC President
  • LEC Vice President
  • LEC Secretary
  • 2 Council Representatives
LEC Officer Jurisdiction and Duties

New Self-Nomination Process

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

Election Schedule

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

Ballots will be mailed with an activation code and voting instructions. To ensure that you receive your ballot, please confirm that your mailing address is up-to-date in PeopleSoft. While all active members will receive a ballot, you must be in good-standing in order to vote, which means you must not have a delinquent dues balance or you must have a payment plan with AFA Membership Services to pay your delinquent balance. Log into your AFA Membership Hub account to check your status and standing and other important dues information. For more information, visit afacwa-elections.org.

AFA Membership HUB

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

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

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

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

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

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

In Solidarity,
Martin Gusman & Kela Chong

NGP Visit Ends on March 7

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

AFA Board of Directors Meeting in PDX

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

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

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

Reserve Webinar

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

January Dues Deduction

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

Updated Council 43 Roster

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

MEC Town Hall

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

March 19: UAL Member Action Day (MAD)

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

March 2026 Events

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

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

Travel Open Enrollment

Aloha LAX,

As the single Passenger Service System (PSS) approaches, Travel Open Enrollment will be commencing soon. Changes are coming to pass travel, so please take time to review what is ahead and make any necessary updates. We have provided a summary below but it is in your best interest to read the company’s detailed communication.

If you have specific questions, please contact the People Resource Line Department. We always encourge you to cc your union leadership in all interactions with manegement (email below).

The company is providing in-person assitance in Hawai’i during Travel Open Enrollment and your leadership has inquired and requested that the same support be offered to LAX and all stations on the Continental U.S.

Mahalo,

Josh, Paul and Beth
lax@afahawaiian.org
LAX Pulse Form

📅 Key Dates to Know

  • March 3–24: Travel Open Enrollment
  • April 21–22: System cutover to single Passenger Service System
  • April 22: Begin booking in Fly
  • April 21–22: If possible, avoid travel during system transition

**After April 22, ID90 listings for future flights will no longer be available and all bookings will move to Fly.

What Open Enrollment Means For You

During March 3–24, you may:

  • Update your Primary Traveler / Travel Companion
  • Remove parents and replace with Secondary Travelers (*new*)
  • Verify student status for eligible children
  • Enroll or review all travelers before the combined program goes live

If student status is not verified, travelers will be removed on April 22.

Your currently enrolled travelers will automatically transition into the combined program, but this is your opportunity to make changes.

🔄 Booking Timeline Before Cutover

  • Through March 13: Book up to 30 days out in ID90
  • March 14–April 13: Book up to 7 days out
  • April 14–20: Book up to 1 day out
  • April 22 forward: Book in Fly

If possible, avoid booking travel April 20–22 to ease the system transition.

What Changes After Integration

Once we reach PSS in April 2026:

  • Hawaiian employees move to the Alaska travel program platform (Fly)
  • Year of hire at Hawaiian and check-in time determines boarding priority (this has nothing to fo with the Seniorty Merger Integration List)
  • Travel privileges expand across AS, HA, and QX metal

Until PSS, boarding processes and procedures remain separate depending on which carrier is operating the flight.

Travel Programs Available After Integration

In addition to standby travel, employees will have access to:

  • Confirmed Employee Travel at 20% discount (similar to K-fare)
  • Positive Space Travel credits (2 one-way per year) or Employee Choice Credits (20 per year)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Traveler Categories at a Glance

You may select:

  • One Primary Traveler (Spouse, Domestic Partner, or designated PT)
  • Eligible children and students
  • Up to two Parents or Secondary Travelers

Imputed income rules apply to certain traveler categories.

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

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

We look forward to seeing many of you online.

March 2: Joint Pre Board of Directors Agenda Item Review

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

March 3: AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Town Hall

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

March 3: Reserve Webinar

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

REGISTER HERE >>>

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

In solidarity,
Council 43 Communications Committee

In This Edition

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

Important Update: Irregular Operations Due to Civil Unrest In Mexico

Originally posted February 22, 2026

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

Read More >

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – February 2026

Originally posted February 25, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

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

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 1st Quarter 2026

Originally posted February 26, 2026 | Pre-Merger Alaska

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

Read More >

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

Originally posted February 27, 2026

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

Read More >

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 12 – February 2026

Originally posted February 27, 2026

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

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Monday, March 2Council 30 (ANC) Local Council Meeting
Monday, March 2Council 19 (SEA) Local Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 3MEC Town Hall (Register Here)
Wednesday, March 4Council 35 (SFO) Local Council Meeting
Thursday, March 5Quarterly Reserve Committee Meeting (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 February 24 to February 26 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for March 24 to March 26
  • Progress was made in narrowing issues in Section 15 (Leaves of Absence) and Section 22 (Expenses)
  • First proposal on Section 28 (Domiciles) was presented to management

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for three days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management on February 24 to February 26 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

 Representing AFA and our Flight AttendantsRepresenting 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

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

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA will be used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Sections discussed in this session:

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

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 26 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
  • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

  • Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
  • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
  • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

What’s Upcoming

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

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

The Details

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

What We’ll Discuss

Here’s some of what you can expect:

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

How to Join: Registration Required

Register now to receive your unique Zoom link and secure your spot.

Click Here to Register Now >

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

Shape the Conversation: Submit Your Questions Now

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

Click Here to Submit a Question >

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

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, February 19, our AFA Local Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), Bob Moore (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), and JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson David Jelinek were also present.

The committee also met with SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis, SEA Fit Center Manager Ashley Sentner, Director of Procurement and Logistics Eric Phillipson, Director of Operations Supply Chain Management Christine Wakayama, Principal Product Manager of Service Strategy Megan Low, and Brand Partnerships & Uniform Manager Janelle Bayne.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • Because of changes in state laws, management and the Committee have not been able to get Occfit tights and shoes covered by insurance. Management is now working to add compression tights to the PerkSpot website so you can buy them at a discount. There has been some progress, and we hope to have an update by the next meeting.
  • You can now buy a selection of compliant shoes at a discount on the Zappos for Work page. The Fit Center is also working to add hosiery to Zappos soon. Flight Attendants can access the Zappos for Work page through the Uniform Subsite on Team AAG and use their AAG SSO to create an account.
  • The Committee discussed the discontinuation of the ¼ Zip Cardigan and Aura Ponte Knit Dress with management.
    • The ¼-zip cardigan and gilet were brought back as limited, one-time items. They were not meant to be permanent because of the existing large inventory. Since the ¼-zip is now gender neutral, it sold out faster than expected. Management knows this item is popular, but producing more would take about 10 months. With a new uniform expected in late 2028, management does not want to cover the cost of an item that would be used for only about a year.
    • The same reasoning applies to the Aura knit dress. Order history shows the dress is not as popular as it might seem. Making more would mean ordering 3,000 to 5,000 dresses, which would leave a lot of extra inventory when we switch to the new uniform. Because the manufacturing process takes a long time, the dresses would arrive close to the new uniform launch. While the Committee thinks the dress was discontinued too soon, management does not want to take on the cost or extra inventory right now.
    • As we move toward the new merged uniform, management is starting to reduce inventory on some items. Once stock runs out, those items will not be restocked. Right now, this only affects the Aura Ponte Dress, Gilet, and Aura Blazer. The Committee has asked management to keep us updated on any more changes so we can help keep Flight Attendants informed.
  • Flight Attendants can wear the Patriotic Tie and Scarf on Honor Flights. The uniform policy guide will be updated soon.
  • The Committee has requested better descriptions for items like pants on the Unisync website. The Fit Center will work with Unisync to add these descriptions.
    • For Aura pants, the Classic fit is roomier in the hips and thighs, while the Modern Fit is slimmer.
    • For Atlas pants, the Classic fit is roomier in the hips and thighs and has pleats. The Modern Fit is slimmer with a flat front.
  • The Committee has raised concerns about the quality of the wings, as some are arriving broken at a weak point. Flight Attendants should inspect their wings when they receive them and fill out a quality report if they are damaged. You can order up to four sets of each type (such as committed to kindness or language speaker) each year through your base supervisor.

What The Committee Is Working On

1. Easier Reporting of Quality Concerns. Management is working to add the ability to report quality concerns directly from your IMD in Comply365. We are getting closer, and hopefully, this feature will be available in the next couple of months.

To ensure issues are addressed until the new IMD feature is available, please submit quality concerns using the Quality Concern Form on Team AAG > Other Resources > Uniforms > Safety & Quality > Quality > Here [AAG SSO required]. This will enable Unisync and the AFA Uniform Committee to track recurring issues. Changes can only be made if the vendor is provided with sufficient data and evidence of quality concerns.

2. Policy and Standards Expectations of the New Uniform. The Committee and management are aware of the challenges ahead as we move forward with the new uniform and a global look. The Committee raised concerns about the expectation that a single workgroup will represent two brands. It was suggested that the design team for the new uniform meet with Crew Planning to discuss how our pairings are currently built and how Reserves are used for last-minute flights.

Management will begin exploring ways to engage Flight Attendants as we approach the launch of the new uniform. Management talked about things they have tried that have not worked and is asking for ideas as we move forward. It was agreed that it would be easier to get Flight Attendants engaged with changes once the design of the new uniform is officially revealed. 

3. SEA Fit Center has moved to the new Global Training Center (GTC). The Fit Center Website has been updated with the new location, hours, and transportation information. Appointments are encouraged. Drop-ins may not be accommodated if Fit Center employees are working with a new-hire class. 

4. New Uniform Wear Testing. The Committee is working with management to develop the wear testing process for the new uniform. The Committee shared what has worked and what has not in previous wear tests, as well as contractual requirements. 

Management has not yet provided information on how many wear testers will be needed. The Committee appreciates the enthusiasm of the Flight Attendants who have reached out asking to be wear testers. Until we have the details, we cannot anticipate the number of volunteers we will be able to use. Unfortunately, we cannot use everyone who has contacted us, but we will be reaching out in the coming months.

We Want to Hear From You!

Please fill out the Quality Concern Form on the Uniform subsite on TeamAAG with any quality issues. Additionally, you may email your Local Uniform Committee Chairperson.

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

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, February 24, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Russel Rivinius (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee—PBS Subcommittee Member Adam Clarey, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones were also present.

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

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

Topics of Discussion

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

Local Scheduling Committee Chairperson Reports

  • Downtrade Errors: Flight Attendants reported that attempts to downtrade are resulting in errors related to open time calculations. An investigation by the IT department is essential to identify the root cause of these errors and implement a fix.
  • Scrolling Issues: Crew members have reported difficulties scrolling on Crew Access interfaces when using iPhones. This issue is hindering their ability to access schedules and make necessary adjustments. A follow-up with IT is required to find a solution. They suggest trying a different browser at this time. 
  • Low Bid Options: Feedback from Flight Attendants indicates a strong preference for low bid options rather than the current Staffing Adjustment Leaves (SAL). This shift could improve crew satisfaction and operational flexibility, so further discussions with Crew Planning are necessary to explore viable options.
  • DHD Bookings: DHD (Deadhead) bookings are currently made well in advance when pairings are loaded.  However, crew scheduling only gets visibility to the deadheads in their systems seven (7) days in advance, which limits crew flexibility and may lead to operational challenges. A review of this process is needed to enhance scheduling flexibility.
  • Stranded Crews: Crews at BOS, JFK, PVR, and EWR have been stranded, raising significant concerns about pay discrepancies. They are expecting issues related to compensation due to the extended delays. A thorough audit is requested to ensure fair compensation for affected crew members. Payroll is aware of the strandings and will audit. 
  • Concerns About Communication: The response from the pay department raised concerns about the thoroughness of their review process. A follow-up with the team is needed to ensure responses are comprehensive and take into account all relevant communications when Flight Attendants submit inquiries. 
  • Hotel Compensation Request: A request for compensation for hotel wait time was denied for a Flight Attendant. However, it is believed that compensation is justified due to the circumstances of having to self-arrange accommodations after a flight. The issue will be escalated for further review.
  • Hotel Conditions: A serious issue arose when crew members were moved to a hotel without heating during a winter storm. This situation poses both safety and comfort concerns. A follow-up is needed to obtain a resolution.
  • Travel Adjustments: Due to a lack of hotel availability on the island of Kona, crews were moved to an alternate city (OGG) for their layover. Confirmation from payroll regarding these adjustments is awaited, as it impacts crew compensation.
  • Reimbursements for Stranded Flight Attendants: A discussion on whether reimbursements for flight attendants stranded on the East Coast can be processed is needed. Historically, a standard reimbursement of $25 has been provided, but current discussions will determine if this amount remains consistent across all bases.
  • Premium OT Review: A reassignment involving premium Open Time pickup was discussed, and the Committee conducted a review of the Premium OT and reassignment pay policies. If you are on a premium Open Time trip and reassigned, you are only paid reassignment for the flying above scheduled, not the entire sequence. 
  • Schedule Accessibility Issues: A Flight Attendant reported that her schedule had disappeared from the Crew Access system. This issue is preventing her from trading or picking up shifts, and it has been escalated to IT for urgent resolution. Discussions regarding potential compensation for the inconvenience, especially considering her status as a high-time flyer, are ongoing.

PBS Subcommittee Updates

  • Bidding Assistance: For the March bidding cycle, there has been a high volume of requests for individual assistance, indicating that many Flight Attendants are struggling with the bidding process. However, engagement in virtual assistance sessions has been low, suggesting a need for better outreach. Common issues include cache clearing and password resets, which are causing significant barriers to accessing the bidding system.
  • Bid Awards: The results of the March bid awards show that higher averages led to better alignment with reserve numbers. Most bases exceeded their reserve requests, prompting adjustments to templates to ensure feasible solutions could be implemented. This balance is crucial for maintaining operational stability.
  • Bid Protests: An increase in SLG (Secondary Line Generation) emails this month has been noted due to a high SLG rate. Despite this, the overall number of protests has not been overwhelming, suggesting that concerns are being addressed efficiently.
  • Scheduled Meetings : Several meetings have been scheduled, including:
    • Monthly NAVBLUE call on February 5, 2026.
    • In-person bid awards on February 10, 2026.
    • Conversations with Crew Staffing to better understand the differences between SAL and low bid offers on February 10, 2026.
    • Focus group discussions related to NAVBLUE on February 19, 2026.
  • Upcoming Changes: The shift to Single Sign-On (SSO) is anticipated after March bid awards, pending additional testing to ensure functionality. The 25.7 Maintenance Release is currently being tested, with a note that it will not be implemented until the new 26/7 rule is rectified.
  • Collaborations with Other Airlines: The Subcommittee has met with representatives from Jazz, Air Canada, Breeze, and JetBlue to share best practices and explore features to advocate for in JCBA negotiations.
  • Low Bid Testing: The Subcommittee is currently conducting tests to demonstrate the positive impacts of low-bid awards in the bidding process. The objective is to encourage management to consider these options more broadly in future bidding cycles.

Pairing Construction Update

  • April Pairings: The April pairings have been finalized, with the “B” run selected. There is a significant focus on minimizing the number of hotel stays for crews, which has led to an increase in deadheads. This approach is intended to reduce overall costs associated with hotels and transportation.
  • Challenges Faced: The planning of April runs has been complicated by incomplete launches; discussions with Jeppesen regarding the analysis are needed to ensure future runs are optimized.
  • Line Average: The current line average is 78 TFP (Trips For Pay), reflecting the crew’s workload and scheduling efficiency. Ongoing efforts to analyze and update pairing programs are essential for maintaining optimal operations.

Payroll Subcommittee Update

  • Training Completion: Recent training sessions with key personnel have provided insights into the coding system and how JCTE imports function. Understanding when analysts override or change inputs is crucial for minimizing errors in pay processing.
  • Error Reduction Focus: There is a concerted effort to reduce errors and enhance clarity in the responses of payroll analysts. Feedback indicates that many analysts could benefit from additional guidance and training to improve their response accuracy.

ITS Update

  • NAVBLUE Testing: There have been no new updates from NAVBLUE, which is awaiting test cases and validation under the UTA (User Testing Agreement).
  • TFP Calculators: Deployment has been postponed until March. This tool is expected to improve the accuracy of pay calculations for Flight Attendants.
  • Performance Metrics: OT trading has increased significantly by 20% compared to last month. Transaction times for system interactions are notably efficient, with 98.6% occurring in less than 10 seconds.
  • User Experience Improvements: Ongoing issues with scrolling on iPhones have been reported, suggesting that switching to alternative browsers may alleviate some of the problems. Recognizing this issue is critical for improving user satisfaction.

Payroll Updates

  • Query Management: A significant reduction in total queries has been observed, from 2,593 in January, indicating improved efficiency in handling inquiries. 
  • Dispute Protocols: It is essential for Local Scheduling Committee Chairpersons to promptly communicate with payroll analysts about any disputes to ensure timely resolution and prevent further complications.

Crew Planning Updates

  • April Block Hours: Block hours for April are slightly elevated compared to previous months, with line averages around 78 TFP and 18% of crews designated as reserves. This adjustment reflects an ongoing effort to optimize staffing levels.
  • Trip Distribution Review: A comprehensive review of trip distributions indicates that the best commutability is found for certain routes, such as SEA/SAN/ANC for three-day trips. In contrast, PDX/SFO is identified as more challenging.
  • IRROP Mitigation Strategies: Several strategies have been implemented to mitigate delays and improve layover rest times across various routes. Adjustments to connection times and layover durations are being made to enhance crew scheduling and reduce fatigue.

Crew Scheduling Updates

  • Absence Rates: The sick leave absence rate has improved, with a notable decrease in overall figures. The absence rate was approximately 10.8% in January and 10.6% in February, with pmHA-specific metrics reflecting lower rates due to differing scheduling practices and contractual provisions. 
  • Reserve Utilization: System-wide reserve utilization is over 90%, with SEA at 95% and ANC at 83%. These figures highlight the need for strategic adjustments to effectively manage reserve levels.
  • Tracking Reassignments: The total number of reassignments for the current month remains low, reflecting operational stability and effective scheduling strategies.
  • Fatigue Management: Ongoing monitoring of fatigue levels shows a decline in reported fatigue incidents. This is crucial for ensuring crew wellness and operational efficiency.

What The Committee Is Working On

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

We Want to Hear From You!

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

We are one week away from our joint membership meeting with Horizon Council 16. The AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws require that each year, one of our local membership meetings be held prior to the Board of Directors Convention. This is your opportunity to review the advance agenda items that are up for consideration and vote at the Board of Directors. We hope you can attend to provide feedback on the changes you would like to see in our Constitution and Bylaws. The joint meeting is open to all members in good-standing and you are invited to join in-person or virtually. Please use the registration links for either option below.

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

In-Person
Virtual

Meeting Agenda

  • Call to Order
  • Welcome and Introductions
  • AFA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda Items
  • Q&A
  • Adjournment

Your Voice Matters

Your participation and engagement is important to ensure a strong Union. Local Council Presidents (LECPs) are your representatives and vote on your behalf at the Board of Directors. Your feedback is not only crucial, but also welcomed for decisions in how we shape our Union.

SEA LECP Paula Isla-McGill is requesting input from as many Council 19 members as possible on the advance agenda items for the Board of Directors. Information for each of the 12 agenda items is found on the afacwa.org/convention site. These proposed changes to the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws range from approval of the 2026-2027 budget, which includes a dues adjustment, to direct membership elections of MEC Officers and International Officers. Please review all agenda items and provide your feedback on the Google form. This is another way for you to make sure your voice is heard and your LECP can consider how best to represent the interests of Council 19.

Agenda Item Feedback Form

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, August 13, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Uniform Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent Flight Attendants and push for improvements in the workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Kim Mazzolini (ANC), Dena Heath (SEA), Diana Berni (PDX),  Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

On Monday, August 10, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met remotely 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), Brian Sherill (LAX pmAS), Kanani Vallot (SAN), and Matt […]

787-9 Inflight Service Grievance: Protecting Our Contract and Standards

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants For decades, Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants have defined the Spirit of Aloha. We take pride in delivering world-class service, but management’s current Boeing 787-9 service model is threatening that legacy. It isn’t just inefficient—it’s an unsustainable pace that undermines the quality our passengers expect and the professional […]

Pre-Merger Alaska Reserve Webinar Video and Q&A Recap – August 6, 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants Thank you to everyone who joined our first pre-merger Alaska Reserve Webinar! We created this interactive session to share practical contract tips and help you feel more confident about reserve life. You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel using the link below. Please note that […]

Wrapping Up Membership Engagement Focus Month: Stronger Together

July was a remarkable month for our Membership Engagement Committee. We set out with a clear purpose: to bring our Flight Attendant community closer together, share valuable resources, and build authentic connections throughout our system. Over the past four weeks, we explored what it means to be engaged in our AFA family. We kicked things […]

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