AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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Mark your calendar: Wednesday, September 23, 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: Wednesday, September 23
  • Time: 11 AM – 12:30 PM PT
  • Where: Zoom

What We’ll Discuss

Here’s some of what you can expect:

  • Low Morale & Management Changes: Discussing ongoing concerns, focusing on what we can control, and working together through our Union.
  • California Timekeeping: Our MEC’s strong stance against the proposed implementation of management’s California timekeeping system.
  • Base Staffing & Domicile Updates: Addressing SFO staffing and debunking closure rumors, alongside pmHA SEA domicile growth updates.
  • Disciplinary Trends: Current management focus areas for both pmAS and pmHA.
  • Inflight Service Concerns & Workload: Discussing increased workload, staffing issues, the 787 inflight service grievance, and upcoming Neighbor Island 737 service for pmAS crews.
  • Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Update: Progress report on current JNC negotiations and clarification on the JCBA process.
  • Crew Access Issues: Reviewing technical challenges with Crew Access and current priorities for resolution.
  • Tracking Non-Rev Travel Issues: Ongoing efforts to gather data on non-rev travel challenges so the MEC can address trends directly with management.

How to Join: Registration Required

Register now to receive your unique Zoom link and secure your spot. Even if you’re not sure you can attend, we recommend registering so you’ll have the link just in case you’re able to join.

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 Wednesday, September 23, at the Town Hall!

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, September 3, representatives from our pre-merger Alaska AFA Reserve Committee met to discuss ongoing work advocating for Reserve Flight Attendants. Attending on your behalf were Ella Embree (ANC), Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). MEC Grievance Chairperson Stephanie Adams also participated, and MEC Reserve Committee Chairperson Julie Thornton facilitated the meeting.

The Committee met with the Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint and Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy. 

The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Thursday, December 3.

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only discussions and meetings with management. Topics discussed included:

  • Initial Training Classes: Class 3-26 will begin in October and come online in December.
  • Revamping AFA Day & Onboarding for New Hires
    • We are completely revamping the AFA Day structure and improving how information is delivered to new hires during initial training.
    • We have launched Reserve Webinars to offer more resources, directly answer questions, and share real-world examples about how our collective bargaining agreement (CBA) works. The next Webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 21.
  • Rainmaker and Pay Concerns
    • Remember to review the user guide on the inflight website. Please wait for Crew Pay to deny a query before submitting an AFA Alaska Online Support Center ticket regarding a pay discrepancy.
    • Our MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative and our Communication Committee are collaborating to simplify and update pay resources.
  • Evaluating Contractual Interpretation Disagreements
    • Out-of-order assignments: If a Reserve Flight Attendant believes they have been assigned out of order, they should notify Crew Scheduling. If confirmed, an annotation will be made to pay the out-of-order premium. The trip should not be reassigned to another Reserve, as this would also violate our contract.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Developing Additional Tools & Resources for Reserve Flight Attendants: Reserve Survival Guide and Reserve 101 are updated and will be uploaded to the Inflight Website and AFA Website. Working on developing videos for common questions & answers for Reserves. 
  2. Assisting Reserve Flight Attendants with Pay Concerns: Answering questions and providing clarification to Reserve Flight Attendants regarding Reserve Guarantee and premium pay contractual provisions.
  3. Addressing Reserve Contractual Concerns: Researching and investigating reports from Reserve Flight Attendants and actively ensuring that management complies with our contract. Reminder to Flight Attendants about the AFA Alaska Online Support Center to report issues, raise concerns, or ask questions.

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the Committee, concerns to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know. Your Local Reserve Committee is your voice to management. Open a support ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center or contact us directly using the information on the Reserve Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Management announced a major policy shift last night that, starting October 1, 2026, California-based pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants in SFO, LAX, and SAN will be required to take an additional and redundant step to record their time worked by punching in and out using a timekeeping system. According to management, this new procedure applies to duty periods, airport standby, deadheading, required training, and other paid company business, such as CBTs, drug testing, and mandatory meetings.

Our Master Executive Council (MEC) unequivocally and strongly condemns this decision. Forcing Flight Attendants to navigate redundant punch-in and punch-out requirements is a completely misguided approach to compliance with California law. It introduces unnecessary administrative obstacles and operational friction into our daily work lives, risks creating widespread compliance confusion surrounding missed punches, and creates a potential distraction from our primary safety duties, all without offering a single tangible benefit to Flight Attendants.

Management has explicitly conceded that this system does not alter how we are paid under our collective bargaining agreement (CBA), does not change how attendance is tracked for purposes of the CBA, and does not change our actual check-in process. Adding an extra layer of tracking for routine duty and company activities is unacceptable and disrespects the professional environment our Flight Attendants operate in every day. While they make these claims, the opportunity for confusion, technical errors, and distractions from duties are substantial. We believe this change requires negotiations in order to comply with our contractual rights.

Our MEC stands firmly together in objecting to this burdensome policy and is taking immediate action to demand that management halt this rollout and postpone implementation. As always, we are ready to engage with management to establish practical, realistic solutions that fully respect our work environment and our CBA without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on Flight Attendants.

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the nation. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that expanded the celebration to a full month, reflecting the growing recognition of Hispanic-Latinx Americans’ vital role in shaping American society. Today, Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for everyone to come together, learn, celebrate, and foster greater understanding.

The timing of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month is especially meaningful. September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—each of which declared independence from Spain in 1821. This date was chosen to honor the shared history and aspirations of these nations. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, Chile on September 18, and Belize on September 21, further enriching the month with stories of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. These intertwined histories help us appreciate the depth and diversity of Hispanic-Latinx heritage in the Americas.

Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

To enhance your understanding of Hispanic-Latinx history and contributions, we invite you to explore some of the following informative resources:

Celebrate with a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin

We invite you to join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin! In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution honoring Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month and introduced a commemorative AFA pin for Members. Wearing this pin is a visible way to express pride, solidarity, and support throughout the month.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of the pin, reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. Want to get your hands on this unique pin? Keep an eye out for availability updates from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to ensure you don’t miss out.

Questions?

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is here to assist you.

On Thursday, August 27, our Seattle Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met with management 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 Walstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX/SEA pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Baron Lee (HNL), Kalin Lackey (PDX), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple. Also in attendance were members of the SEA pmHA ASHSC.

The Committee met with several members of inflight and safety department management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards and Training), Rhonda Jordan (Safety Standards & Compliance), Jenny Bookert (SEA Director of Inflight), Karen Wook (SEA Inflight Supervisor), Olinga Asress (Manager of Inflight Base Operations), David Stewart (Manager on Security Operations), and Fermin Navarrette (Director of Security)

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place virtually October 22, 2026

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

  • Outstation Catering & Fall Protection: The ASHSC raised concerns that some ground catering vendors are fully opening the R2 door at outstations to service the aft trash can, rather than the required partial opening, creating a fall hazard. Management acknowledged the issue, said a bulletin will go out to catering vendors, and noted this has high visibility and continued attention at the executive level.
  • First Class Seat Calf-Rest Stowage: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of first class calf rests failing to stow properly, creating a potential CFR violation and egress hazard. In the meantime, one aircraft with an updated mechanism is being tested, and if the fix is successful, the other aircraft will be retrofitted.
  • Preflight Emergency Equipment (EE) Check Time: The Committee continued pushing for dedicated preflight time for Flight Attendants to complete required safety and security checks, consistent with what pmHA Flight Attendants and most of the industry currently do. Management stated they believe this needs to be addressed through JCBA negotiations, while the ASHSC reiterated their stance that this is an operational safety issue that should not need to be negotiated.
  • Installed Physical Secondary Barrier (IPSB): The ASHSC made several requests related to the IPSB.
  • Crew Van Seatbelts: The Committee raised ongoing concerns about crew vans and shuttles that don’t have enough working seatbelts for every crew member. Seat belts are required for hotel shuttles under CBA Section 34.B.6.
  • Onboard Oven Safety: Flight Attendants continue to get burned while retrieving food from ovens because current gloves protect only the hands, not the forearms. Management will coordinate with the Inflight Service Committee and the ASHSC to evaluate other glove options that provide greater protection.
  • Carry-Ons Checked at the Gate: The ASHSC raised concerns about passengers checking bags at the gate for priority boarding and then removing the bag tag, so the bag never actually gets checked. Management advises Flight Attendants to send those passengers back to the gate podium if this is witnessed.
  • MedLink App Rollout for pmHA: The ASHSC asked for a timeline for rolling out the MedLink app to pmHA Flight Attendants. Management does not have a firm date yet, but is targeting early 2027.
  • Pilot PA Clarity: The ASHSC requested a reminder for flight crews about PA volume and clarity and encouraged consistent use of the interphone when a PA cannot be understood. The FAM should be updated to direct us to notify pilots when the PA is unclear so they can make adjustments to address the problem or document the issue in the logbook.
  • Universal Glassware Durability: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of chipped or sharp-edged glassware creating a laceration risk. Management is working with the vendor and reviewing the dishwashing process.
  • Boarding with “Cabin Lights Only”: The ASHSC raised safety concerns about boarding aircraft without full cabin power.
  • Flight Attendant Inflight Home Page Update: The ASHSC flagged that the company website/app still displays a misleading message stating Flight Attendants are up to date on all bulletins.
  • New Evacuation Commands: The ASHSC raised concerns about the new evacuation commands, which will go into effect next year. Specifically, the addition of “leave everything” between repeated commands like “stay back,” which we used to just repeat. We also question the necessity of changing things for both pmHA and pmAS Flight Attendants when there is already a huge amount of change taking place as a result of the merger.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Radiation Exposure – NAS Report Findings: The National Academies of Sciences recently released a congressionally mandated study confirming that Flight Attendants rank among the most radiation-exposed occupational groups in the country, with documented health risks, but no enforceable FAA dose limit, monitoring requirement, or tracking system. The ASHSC has met with safety department and inflight management to begin closing these gaps and will participate in a working group on the subject going forward. Safety is already sourcing a potential software product to manage exposure tracking. We’ve asked management to:

  • Provide route-level dose estimates, using the FAA’s CARI model or an equivalent internal tool.
  • Deliver training and education on radiation exposure.
  • Work with the MEC to develop accommodations when appropriate, including for pregnant Flight Attendants.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

  • pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
  • pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

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

  • Our JNC met with management last week on September 8 to September 10 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for October 26 to October 28
  • Our JNC and management will be exploring a different approach to traditional bargaining called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB) to address complex contract negotiations, aiming for solutions that benefit all parties
  • The Reserve Survey is being finalized for release in October

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from September 8 to September 10 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

Last week the JNC got the company’s response to Section 19 (Grievance Procedures) and Section 30 (Training).  We also received a new proposal from management for Section 29 (Performance Based Pay and Retirement) and provided our response, which included proposals for LOA 14 (Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges) and LOA 18 (Retiree Health Insurance).

Most of the remaining sections are complex and will require significant discussion. At this point in negotiations, it is clear that both contracts are very different, well-established and cover different operations and work rules. Finding a solution that works for the combined Flight Attendant group will be challenging. The traditional bargaining approach isn’t always conducive to resolving these types of complicated issues.

Interest-based Bargaining (IBB)Training

The JNC and management will be exploring a different way to negotiate called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB). In IBB, both the company and the Association identify issues and develop solutions that will work for both parties. This is different from traditional bargaining where each side negotiates from a fixed position. For IBB to be successful, all parties need to participate in training to learn how the process works and be open to candid discussions.

The IBB Training will take place in Seattle from October 14 to October 15, led by a mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). The NMB mediator has experience in contract negotiations and mediation, and has previously worked with AFA International, Alaska, and Hawaiian. Our staff negotiator also has a lot of experience with this process, and the pre-merger Hawaiian JNC members used IBB successfully in their last full Section 6 Negotiations.

The JNC has strategized to identify sections and concepts that would be best suited for the IBB approach. The most impactful sections of the contract are the most difficult to negotiate because both sides have a significant stake in the outcome. These sections are difficult to tackle even in regular Section 6 Negotiations and merging of our two contracts makes this task significantly more challenging.

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:

  • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
  • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
  • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
  • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
  • Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
  • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

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)
  • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

JCBA Negotiations

As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

  • Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
  • Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
  • Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

What’s Upcoming

Reserve Survey

The JNC is finishing up the long-awaited Reserve Survey, and we expect to release it in October. Thank you for your patience as we collaborated with our MEC Reserve Committee Chairpersons to make sure that the survey questions targeted key issues of concern. To help you understand the differences between the two Reserve programs, we have created extra resources that will be shared with the survey.

Next Session

Our next negotiating session with management is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

As we continue our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, this week we’re exploring how the legislative process works, why enacting laws strengthens our collective bargaining power, and how to engage effectively with our elected representatives.

The legislative process may sometimes feel complex or far removed, but it directly shapes our day-to-day lives—from cabin safety regulations to our working environment and job security. By understanding how an idea becomes federal law, we empower ourselves as advocates for our profession, our flying partners, and our passengers.

Watch: Intro to the Legislative Process

In our latest short video, Honolulu Government Affairs Committee Member Maria Kahele breaks down the legislative journey into four clear steps and shares why our voices as Flight Attendants are indispensable in Washington.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

The Four Steps: From Idea to Law

In the video, Maria walks through the step-by-step progression of a bill:

  1. The Idea: Everything starts with a clear goal—like closing a safety gap or securing stronger rest rules. We ask a member of Congress, either a Representative or Senator, to formally introduce the measure.
  2. Committee Review: Next, the proposal goes to a specialized Congressional committee where members fine-tune the wording and hear directly from key voices. If it earns their approval, it advances to the full chamber.
  3. The Vote: The measure is brought up for debate and a vote on the floor. Securing a simple majority moves it forward to repeat the exact same evaluation and voting process in the opposite chamber.
  4. The Signature: After matching versions pass both the House and Senate, the finalized bill is sent to the President. With their signature, the initial concept officially transforms into binding federal law.

Flight Attendants Are The Subject Matter Experts

As Maria emphasizes, lawmakers aren’t airline crewmembers—they rely on “subject matter experts” to explain how regulations will function in the real world. No one understands cabin safety or the realities of our workday better than Flight Attendants. By sharing our firsthand experience, we ensure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but for us.

Get Involved & Share Your Voice

Understanding the process is the first step toward active engagement. Throughout Government Affairs Focus Month, we’ll continue sharing new topics on civic participation, voting resources, and FlightPAC to help you stay informed, involved, and empowered.

Ready to get involved? Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our Union’s legislative advocacy efforts!

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

NGP IS COMING TO THE SEA VILLAGE

Council 47 is excited to welcome National Group Protection (NGP) representatives to the SEA Village October 3–5!

NGP works in partnership with AFA to provide Flight Attendants access to supplemental insurance that provides additional financial protection beyond your regular Company benefits.

Depending on the coverage you choose, benefits can provide cash payments directly to you for covered events. Some plans also include wellness benefits that may pay you simply for completing routine care, such as an annual physical or eye exam.

For our newer Flight Attendants, we encourage you to talk with some of our veteran members who carry NGP coverage. Many have used these benefits firsthand and can share how valuable the additional protection has been when they needed it.

NGP representatives can help you:

  • Enroll in supplemental coverage
  • Review or adjust your existing plans
  • Understand your benefits and coverage
  • Get answers to your questions

📍 SEA Village
📅 October 3–5

Stopping by before your flight? Please plan to arrive early enough to allow sufficient time to meet with an NGP representative before you need to report for your flight.

Whether you’re learning about NGP for the first time or already enrolled, we encourage you to stop by and take advantage of having representatives available in person.

Click on the flyer below to see more details about plans offered…

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

Reserve Webinar – Register Now!

Join us for our next Webinar:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 @ 1100 HST

Registration Reminders:

  • Register with a personal email address such as Gmail.
  • Registration will close one hour prior to the webinar,

DENIED BOARDING: Registration using an alaskaair.com or hawaiianair.com email address will be denied.

Webinar Panelists

  • Sasha Kahele-Manners, Reserve Committee Co-Chair – HNL Base
  • Joni Pak, Reserve Committee Co-Chair – HNL Base
  • Julie Thornton, AFA Alaska – MEC Reserve Committee Chair

Joni & Sasha are the subject-matter experts when it comes to our reserve operation. They help Reserve Flight Attendants navigate situations at work in areas such as legal rest, RAP, and reserve assignments.

As Committee Chairs, they collaborate with Union Leadership & Committees to provide insight, and advocate for our reserve group.

Contact our Reserve Committee Chairs via email at:

JCBA Reserve Survey

MEC Reserve Committee Chairs Julie Thorton (Alaska) and Kela Chong (Hawaiian) will share an update on the Joint Negotiation Reserve survey.

  • Tune in;
  • Ask questions;
  • Ensure you’re well-informed & ready to provide your input!

The Joint Negotiation is an opportunity for us to combine the best Reserve provisions from both pre-merger contracts.

The survey will launch soon!

About This Webinar: Reserves

  • Learn about operational trends and changes at HA;
  • Get answers to questions about our reserve operation;
  • Familiarize yourself with the Reserve section of our Contract!

Our panelists will update us on the current state of our reserve operation with a presentation. After the presentation, we’ll have time to answer questions that involve our reserve operation.

If you have a question about our reserve operation, please feel free to submit it during registration.

We’ll accept live questions during the webinar as well. Use the Q&A feature on the Zoom interface to submit your question.

We hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

HNL Communications Committee
AFA Hawaiian – Council 43, Honolulu Base

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change.

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal for a candid video interview exploring the Committee’s work and impact. Together, they unpack what terms like “lobbying” and “PACs” really mean, and highlight why your engagement is crucial to protecting our collective future.

What You’ll Discover in This Interview

Our AFA Government Affairs Committee is the critical link between our frontline experience and the lawmakers shaping our profession. In this engaging interview, Bruni reveals how the Committee champions both our careers and our safety:

  • Educating Policymakers: How our operational insights guide aviation law.
  • Remaining Non-Partisan: Why focusing on Flight Attendant safety builds effective partnerships.
  • Unleashing the Power of FlightPAC: How our collective “influence fund” supports our profession.
  • Safeguarding Our Progress: Why participating in upcoming elections secures our contract goals.

Watch Now

This conversation is a powerful demonstration of how our collective advocacy gives us a seat at the decision-making table. Take a moment to watch the full interview—you’ll see firsthand how our voices make a real difference in the halls of government:

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Get Involved & Shape Our Future

History isn’t just happening to us—it’s being written by us. By stepping up and getting involved, we shape the protections of tomorrow, defend our contractual rights, and keep our collective voice strong in every decision that affects our profession.

Connect with any Government Affairs Committee Member to:

  • Ask questions: Reach out directly to learn more about our legislative goals and advocacy work.
  • Sign up for FlightPAC: Support our collective political influence fund to help elect pro-Flight Attendant candidates.

Find out more about volunteering and getting involved by visiting afaalaska.org/volunteer.

That’s a Wrap on Government Affairs Focus Month!

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month comes to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who tuned in, asked insightful questions, and shared resources throughout September. Whether you watched a quick video on the van or started a conversation about voting in the crew lounge, your engagement made a difference. We started this month […]

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met for their regular quarterly meeting to advance ongoing activism, promote workplace equity, and champion meaningful policy improvements across our workplace. Your representatives attending the meeting were Nyachan Chuar (ANC), Soon Kim (HNL), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (pmHA LAX/SEA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel […]

MEC Town Hall Video and Q&A Recap – September 23, 2026

Whether you joined us live or are ready to watch on your own schedule, the full recording of our September 23 MEC Town Hall is now available! Catch up on the discussions and hear directly from our MEC Officers and AFA panelists. Watch the video anytime on our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian YouTube channel using the link below. (Note: […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – September 2026

In September, our Hotel Committee participated in two meetings: the standing monthly meeting with Crew Hotels on September 14, and a Quarterly Business Review (QBR) with the company’s hotel procurement vendor, API, on September 23 (pmAS) and September 24 (pmHA) in Seattle.  Representing you at these meetings were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA pmAS), […]

Register Now: Reserve Webinar – Wednesday, October 21

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants When Crew Scheduling calls at 3 AM with a change to the trip you self-assigned, do you know your contractual rights? Understanding what management can—and cannot—do on reserve is your strongest line of defense. Join our Reserve Committee for “Is This Legal?”, the second installment in our three-part pre-merger […]

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