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In this edition:

  • Happy Labor Day! – September 1st
  • Save the date – Local Council Meeting November 21st
  • Volunteer Committee Opportunities
  • Grievance Committee Update – Trending investigations and disciplinary issues
  • Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders 

Happy Labor Day! 

Whether you’re working or enjoying Labor Day festivities today, we hope you can take a moment to reflect on the history and successes of Labor in our country, and how far we’ve come in the Labor movement.

Click Happy 80th Birthday, AFA – Association of Flight Attendants-CWA to read about the history of AFA, celebrating 80 years this summer!

Save the date 

November 21, 2025 – Local Council Meeting. Location and time TBD.

Volunteer Committee Opportunities 

Communications Committee

Steve Maller, LECP

The Communications Committee works to maintain regular and timely communication with the membership through relevant channels including print, web, social media, and emerging platforms.

Communications Committee
https://afaalaska.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Communications-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf.

Government Affairs Committee

Colin Weaver, Chairperson

The Government Affairs Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and pursue legislative activities that relate to the AFA-CWA political agenda and to build positive relationships with candidates for office and elected officials.

Government Affairs Committee

Click to access Government-Affairs-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Human Rights & Equity Committee

Aaron Miller, Chairperson

The Human Rights & Equity Committee’s responsibility is to promote activities that foster greater understanding of one another and the diversity of our membership in order to build the strength of our Union through our common struggles and goals rather than allowing others to divide us by our differences.

Human Rights & Equity Committee

Click to access Human-Rights-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Inflight Service Committee

Todd Horn, Chairperson

The Inflight Service Committee represents Flight Attendant interests regarding catering and inflight service/sales and addresses Flight Attendant complaints and concerns regarding catering and inflight service/sales.

Inflight Service Committee

Click to access Inflight-Service-Committee-Duties-and-Responsibilities-2022.11.23.pdf

Please take a moment to review the specific Duties and Responsibilities link provided. These are all VOLUNTEER opportunities. Please reach out to the respective chairperson for specific committee related questions. 

If you would like to be considered for one of these volunteer opportunities, please email pdx@afaalaska.org. Please include the committee of interest, and any relevant experience you may have.Grievance Committee Update

Trending investigations and disciplinary issues

The Council 39 Grievance Committee continues to see increased disciplinary actions in the following key areas. Please review and stay informed to protect yourself from preventable violations.

CBT Completion

Discipline for failing to complete quarterly CBTs remains one of the top trends.

  • Flight Attendants returning from leave are given 60 days to complete any missed CBTs.
  • Forgetting or being too busy is not considered a valid excuse and will not overturn discipline.
  • If you experience technical issues, the Grievance Committee may be able to assist. Be sure to document everything and open a ticket with Alaska IT support.
  • Important: Multiple missed CBT deadlines, or any other performance related disciplines, within 18 months will escalate on the progressive discipline scale.
    • Example: Two missed CBTs = Written Warning.

Commuter Violations

Every Monday, management runs a commuter audit focusing on D8Y usage.

  • Ensure you’re using D8Y travel only in accordance with the commuter policy.
  • The correct usage guidelines are listed on the commuter registration form. Read and follow them carefully.
  • Misuse will likely result in disciplinary action, even if unintentional.

Social Media Discipline

Social media remains a significant source of disciplinary investigations, including terminations on first offense.

  • Even with private settings, your content can be screenshot and forwarded to management.
  • If your account has any identifiable link to Alaska Airlines (e.g., uniform photos, employer listed, Alaska-specific group membership), you may be subject to discipline.
  • There is no “free speech” protection or guaranteed privacy when it comes to social media and employer-related content and infractions.

Posting TikTok, Instagram, Facebook videos may very well be seen by management and bring you under scrutiny. Be cautious. Think before you post or comment!

Reserve Violations

Violations related to Reserve requirements are also on the rise.

  • You must be in base and within required proximity for RAPs and airport standby.
  • Leaving the airport while on airport standby is a terminable offense, even on the first violation.

Delays

  • If a delay is coded to a specific Flight Attendant, it will be investigated, with a meeting with Inflight performance management. 
  • If the Flight Attendant’s conduct is found to be the root cause of the delay (most commonly a forgotten required item) it will likely result in a Confirmation of Oral Warning (first step of progressive discipline) unless you’re already in a step of discipline. 

If you have any questions about these topics or need support, please reach out to your AFA Grievance Committee or LEC Officers. Early guidance can help you avoid a formal investigation and potential discipline.

Registered Air Commuter Status – D8Y Reminders 

If you are registered under Commuter Status (D8Y), please review the following important reminders to ensure compliance and avoid potential violations:

Permitted Use of D8Y

  • D8Y may only be used when commuting to or from work at your domicile.
  • Both direct flights and connections are allowed on Alaska metal and other carriers (proof of offline travel is required.)
  • D8Y is not permitted for personal travel or out of base pick-ups under any circumstances.

Update Your Commuter Info If:

You must submit an Update or Removal Request via the Commuter Form on the Inflight website if any of the following have changed since you enrolled:

  • Registered commuter city
  • Primary residential address
  • Permanent domicile
  • Temporary base swap

Keeping your information accurate is essential to maintaining your commuter status.

D8Y Is Not Permitted When:

  • Picking up a trip outside your base.
  • Choosing to be released from a deadhead segment that was scheduled to return you to your domicile.

Improper use of D8Y, even unintentionally, may result in disciplinary action. Be sure you’re using this benefit appropriately and only for its intended purpose.

If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to your LEC Officers or Grievance Committee. We’re here to help!

In Solidarity,

Steve, Krystle and Bethany

Steve Maller, LEC President, steve.maller@afaalaska.org
Krystle Berry, LEC Vice President, krystle.berry@afaalaska.org
Bethany Badalamenti, LEC Secretary, bethany.badalamenti@afaalaska.org

In This Edition

  • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025
  • Next Week’s Events

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

Originally posted August 28, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

This month’s Scheduling Committee Meeting recap highlights a focus on mitigating fatigue and working together with ALPA to address shared concerns. Discover how local issues across various bases are being addressed to improve the overall experience for our Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Wednesday, September 3 – Friday, September 5SEA Domicile Negotiations (pmHA)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Tuesday, August 26, our AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons/Representatives met 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), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). Also present were Council 35 (SFO) Hotel Committee Chairperson Hilary Streem, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—PBS Virginia Fritz, and MEC Scheduling Committee Chairperson Jake Jones.

The committee met with Managing Director of Inflight Operations & Crew Scheduling Sara Cook, Senior Crew Planning Analyst Christopher Potts, Inflight Crew Scheduling Supervisor Matthew Trujillo, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke, Crew Hotels Specialist Nichole Turner, Manager of Flight Crew Systems Support Sue Rawlings and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Hotels and Crew Scheduling

The Committee is next scheduled to meet in person on Tuesday, September 23.

Topics of Discussion

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

Crew Backlog Review: The Committee thoroughly analyzed the crew backlog as of August 7, 2025. They identified critical areas where contractual changes are needed, bugs must be fixed, JIRAs updated, and priorities renumbered in our system operations to enhance functionality, automation, and contractual compliance. The Committee stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent further disruptions and ensure crew members’ systems are correctly programmed.

Crew Bi-Monthly Review with ALPA: The outcomes of the bi-monthly review with ALPA on July 23, 2025, were discussed in detail. Key topics included collaborative strategies to address ITS system conflicts, improving communication between management and crew members, and aligning system needs with the crew member experience. The Committee highlighted the significance of these discussions in fostering a cooperative environment that prioritizes both parties’ contractual and programming needs.

Fatigue Review Board Meetings: The Committee outlined the agenda for the upcoming Fatigue Review Board meetings scheduled through December 2025. These meetings will focus on addressing the increasing concerns regarding crew fatigue reported by members. The Committee plans to collect data on fatigue incidents, discuss mitigation strategies, and evaluate current policies to enhance crew well-being. The importance of these discussions lies in their potential to lead to actionable changes that prioritize safety and crew health.

Local Chairperson Reports:

PDX (Portland)

  • Day Room Issues: Flight Attendants have reported difficulties securing day rooms after long international flights, often facing delays and inadequate communication regarding accommodations. The Committee will investigate these incidents to enhance support systems for crew members during layovers and ensure that hotel arrangements are handled efficiently.
  • Banking Challenges: Increased passenger volumes at the airport have led to operational strain, particularly during peak hours. The Committee is aware of the challenges crew members face in navigating airport facilities and is exploring logistical improvements to ease congestion and enhance the flying experience at PDX.

SAN (San Diego)

  • Double Out Rest Clarification: The Committee discussed the nuances of contractual provisions regarding double-out rest for flight attendants. 
  • Jumpseat Assignment Policy: A review of the jump seat assignment process highlighted the need for more straightforward guidelines regarding seniority-based assignments. The Committee will work with management on developing a transparent policy that ensures fairness in the allocation of jump seats, addressing concerns raised by Flight Attendants.

ANC (Anchorage)

  • Open Time Reporting: The Committee reviewed Open Time reporting metrics and operational challenges faced by crew members. Addressing this system outage is crucial for maintaining crew flexibility. The Committee is working on resolutions with Alaska ITS and Jeppesen, the vendor.

LAX (Los Angeles)

  • IT Concerns: Ongoing IT issues were addressed, including delays in release times and hotel accommodations. The Committee is working closely with IT support teams to resolve these issues, aiming to improve the overall experience for crew members during layovers and operational changes.

SFO (San Francisco)

  • Communication Protocols: The need for clearer communication regarding crew transitions from working to deadheading was emphasized. The Committee plans to establish protocols that ensure timely notifications to crew members, reducing confusion and improving operational efficiency.

SEA (Seattle)

  • Reassignment Clarification: A significant number of reassignments and pre-cancellations have raised questions about pay and provisions. The Committee seeks more straightforward guidelines and support mechanisms to assist crew members in navigating these changes effectively.

PBS Subcommittee

  • Bidding Process: The Subcommittee reported on the current bidding trends for August and September, noting minor fluctuations in awards. Adjustments were made to ensure compliance with labor agreements, and efforts are ongoing to address any discrepancies.
  • NAVBLUE Issues: Ongoing meetings with NAVBLUE have focused on addressing technical failures and functional requests. The Subcommittee is committed to resolving these issues to enhance the bidding and scheduling process for crew members.
  • Releases Timeline: Upcoming software releases are planned for September and November, emphasizing incorporating Member feedback into system improvements. These updates aim to enhance the overall user experience and address existing pain points.

ITS Update

  • Testing and Automation: The automation initiative is progressing, with the introduction of new test cases aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the PBS system. The Committee is prioritizing robust testing to ensure reliability before implementation.
  • Crew Calendar Development: The crew calendar and personal drop form are undergoing user acceptance training, with a targeted rollout by early October. Ensuring a smooth transition to the new system is a priority for the Committee.
  • JCTE Issues: The committee continues to collaborate with vendors to address recurring issues with the JCTE system, focusing on improving reliability and minimizing disruptions for crew members.

Flight Attendant Crew Pay Update

  • Inquiry Management: The committee is actively addressing the increase in crew pay inquiries, emphasizing the importance of submitting queries judiciously to avoid system overload. Educational resources will be provided to help crew members navigate the pay inquiry process effectively.
  • Trend Analysis: An upward trend in pay inquiries has been observed, prompting a comprehensive review of existing processes to improve efficiency. The Committee aims to streamline communication regarding pay issues to serve crew members better.

Flight Attendant Crew Planning Update

  • Staffing Metrics: The Committee is analyzing planned reserve staffing levels and block hours to ensure alignment with operational demands. Adjustments will be made as necessary to optimize crew utilization.
  • Irregular Operations Mitigation Strategies: The Committee is focusing on enhancing connection times and scheduling practices to minimize delays and improve operational reliability. Specific strategies include analyzing connection times and addressing known issues at key airports.

Flight Attendant Crew Scheduling Update

  • Sick Leave Monitoring: The Committee is closely monitoring sick leave trends, focusing on improving reserve utilization rates and addressing fatigue-related concerns. Strategies will be developed to ensure adequate staffing while prioritizing crew members’ health.
  • Policy Review: Ongoing reviews of policies regarding deadheading and hotel accommodations aim to provide more straightforward guidelines and enhance crew support. The Committee is committed to ensuring crew members have access to the resources they need while on duty.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Crew Access Issues: Crew Access challenges significantly affect how well operations run, influencing how Flight Attendants feel about their work. It’s crucial to tackle these problems to create a better working environment. The committee will set up a review process to pinpoint the specific access difficulties faced by Flight Attendants, including technology problems and policy gaps. Flight Attendants will have the chance to provide their feedback through direct communication. A preliminary report outlining the findings and suggestions is expected by early September 2025, and actions to address these issues will begin soon after.
  2. Resolving Pyramiding Pay Disputes: Finding a solution to the pay dispute related to pyramiding is vital for maintaining fairness in how Flight Attendants are compensated. Disagreements about over-duty pay and day-off violations can seriously affect crew morale and operational integrity. The committee will keep discussing the matter through the Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to clarify payment rules and ensure they are followed. They will gather information from Flight Attendants affected by these issues to guide their discussions. An update on the progress and any resolutions will be shared with Members by the end of September 2025, aiming for a settlement soon after. Management and AFA will explore other options, like mediation or arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.
  3. ISA for Reserves Implementation: The ineligibility for self-assignment (ISA) for Reserve Flight Attendants is an important step toward fairer and more transparent scheduling practices. This change is crucial for boosting crew satisfaction and efficiency. The Committee will work quickly to finalize this new system by working with the IT department and other relevant management to implement the necessary changes to the scheduling system. They will also develop ways to keep Flight Attendants informed about the updates. The next Crew Access release, which will include ISA implementation allowing Reserve Flight Attendant to Reserve Flight Attendant trading, is expected to be available in early October 2025, after all testing has been completed.

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.

In This Edition

  • Seniority Merger Integration Committee Update – August 2025
  • Hawaiian Airlines SEA Flight Attendant Domicile Update – August 2025
  • Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025
  • Next Week’s Events

Seniority Merger Integration Committee Update – August 2025

Originally posted August 19, 2025

The deadline to challenge the seniority date listed in your Seniority Verification Letter (SVL) is quickly approaching–all challenges must be received by August 29, 2025. Check your position on your pre-merger airline’s current list and stay informed about the upcoming work of the Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) as we work towards a unified seniority list for our Flight Attendants.

Read More >

Hawaiian Airlines SEA Flight Attendant Domicile Update – August 2025

Originally posted August 21, 2025 | Pre-Merger Hawaiian

Planning continues for the new Hawaiian Airlines Seattle domicile set to open in 2026, with a dedicated Negotiating Committee established to expedite negotiations with management. AFA Council 47 will represent Hawaiian Flight Attendants at the new base, supporting both LAX and SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants once the base opens.

Read More >

Uniform Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

Originally posted August 22, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Our Uniform Committee is working on a simpler way to report uniform problems–soon, you’ll be able to report issues directly from your IMD. Also, with boot season coming up, remember to check the uniform guidelines to stay stylish, compliant, safe, and warm!

Read More >

Next Week’s Events

Tuesday, August 26Monthly Scheduling Committee Meeting (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Thursday, August 14, the 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), David Jelinek (PDX), Lisa Mueller (SFO), Heather Holmes (LAX), JP Perina (SAN). Horizon AFA MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Norann Mann and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson Kiara Jenkins were also present.

The committee also met with Interim Senior Product Manager Marketing Ann McCurties, Senior Product Manager Marketing Megan Low, Supply Chain Program Manager Lizzie Revard, PDX Inflight Base Manager Kristie Stafford, and SFO Inflight Base Manager Cierra Lewis.

The next Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6.

Topics of Discussion 

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

  • The 2026 Uniform Committee Quarterly Meetings dates are as follows: February 19, May 7, August 13, and November 5.  
  • A uniform issue reporting form to be located on the IMD has been approved by IT. Management will continue to collaborate with IT and will provide updates on testing and launch dates as they become available.  
  • Additional Phase 2 uniform focus groups are tentatively scheduled for October.  
  • The second round of Request for Proposal (RFP) meetings with various labor groups took place this month. The primary focus was on evaluating the potential manufacturers surveyed as candidates. Discussion also included the transition to Phase 2 (production) elements, such as cut & sew, safety (fire-resistant material), and fabric.  
  • Flight Attendants should not be charged for wings. If you have been charged, please contact management to arrange for a refund.  
  • Alisa Onishi from Hawaiian Airlines is leading the new uniform program. Please direct all new uniform inquiries and discussions to her. Current uniform issues will continue to be handled by the existing management personnel who attend the quarterly meetings.  
  • The Committee has requested that the Copper River vest be approved for use when flying within the state of Alaska. Management will review this request.  
  • With boot season approaching, please review the boot guidelines. If you would like to seek pre-approval before purchasing your boot wear, please email kristie.stafford@alaskaair.com.  
  • For those interested in purchasing Arctic boots and receiving reimbursement through a deduction from your uniform allotment, please refer to section 13.D.1 of the contract for more information.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Arctic Stuff Sack: Management will revisit a Unisync test sack that was initially thought to be too bulky, but may ultimately fit the needs due to the size of the parka.
  2. Quarter Zip Cardigan: The Committee noticed these pieces have been removed from the uniform subsite. Some sizes have completely sold out, and when they do, there will not be a restock. Management will work with Unisync to return the remaining sizes to the subsite so Flight Attendants can order them until stock is depleted.
  3. Pantyhose: The Committee continues to advocate for less expensive or discounted options, as the price and difficulty of finding pantyhose (especially navy ones) have increased.

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. Please consider opening a ticket on the AFA Alaska Online Support Center so the Uniform Committee can track these issues.

Would you like to join the wear test pool? 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 Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We want to provide an update on the planning progress for the Hawaiian Airlines Seattle (SEA) domicile announced by the Company, which management intends to open in 2026.

Since the initial announcement, two key developments have occurred:

SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee

Section 27 D.2 of our contract provides that AFA and the Company must negotiate before establishing a new domicile. Recognizing the need for an expedited timeline, the pre-merger Hawaiian members of our MEC have chosen a Negotiating Committee prepared to address this process efficiently. The Negotiating Committee Members are Joshua Aoki, Jeff Fuke, and Martin Gusman.

MEC President Tim Green will serve as the Chairperson of the committee, and Paula Mastrangelo, our AFA Staff Negotiator for the Joint Negotiating Committee, will also take on this role for the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee.

While meeting dates for negotiations with management are yet to be scheduled, we promise to keep you updated every step of the way.

AFA Local Council Representation

According to the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, specific considerations must be addressed regarding who within AFA will represent the Flight Attendants at the new base [Article X.2].

After thorough consultations with AFA International and careful review of the policy requirements, the pre-merger Hawaiian voting members of the MEC—LEC Presidents Martin Gusman and Joshua Aoki—have unanimously agreed that Council 47 will represent Flight Attendants based in SEA. This means the Council 47 Officers and Committees will support both LAX and SEA-based Hawaiian Flight Attendants once the SEA base is operational.

Questions?

We recognize that many details still need to be worked out regarding the SEA Hawaiian Flight Attendant domicile. Many of these will be addressed in our upcoming negotiations. We are committed to providing you with as much information as possible throughout this process. If you have any questions or need clarification, please feel free to reach out to your LEC President.

Mahalo for your continued solidarity and support as we navigate this together.

Challenges to Seniority Dates Must Be Received by August 29

We want to ensure that your voice is heard regarding any challenges to the competitive bidding seniority date in your Seniority Verification Letter (SVL). All challenges must be received by August 29, 2025, in accordance with the AFA Constitution and Bylaws. For guidance, refer to the instructions included in your SVL letter and send your supporting documents to:

Association of Flight Attendants – CWA
501 Third Street NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20001.

If you haven’t received your SVL, don’t worry! You can request a duplicate by emailing smic@afacwa.org. When reaching out, please provide your name, employee number, council/base, and personal email address to ensure that we can process your request in the most efficient way possible.

You can also check your current competitive bidding seniority date by visiting the seniority lists for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines using the links below. Please note that these lists were compiled in April 2025, but will be updated in the future to reflect the latest initial training classes.

Click here for the Alaska Airlines seniority list >
Click here for the Hawaiian Airlines seniority list >

What Happens Next?

In September 2025, the Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) will meet in Washington, DC, at the AFA International Office. During this meeting, the Committee will review all submitted challenges related to the SVLs. If you submit a challenge, you’ll receive a follow-up letter with the outcome via US Mail.

Moving forward, we’ll also work on adjusting initial training dates for Hawaiian Flight Attendants, developing a methodology for same-day tiebreakers, and merging the two seniority lists into a single unified list.

Once a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) is ratified, the SMIC will update all Members via email to outline the seniority merger process, provide access to the merged list, and address frequently asked questions.

Timeline of the SMIC Process

Questions?

We’ve prepared a list of frequently asked questions that you can find here. If you have any other inquiries about the seniority verification letters or the seniority verification process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at smic@afacwa.org.

Previous SMIC Communications

In This Edition

  • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025
  • Shared on Social
  • Next Week’s Events

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – August 2025

Originally posted August 15, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

What happens when reports of possible bed bugs surface at one of our crew hotels? This week’s Hotel Committee meeting recap highlights how management and hotel staff handle these concerns. Plus, read about the challenges of unplanned accommodations in remote Alaskan outstations and the updated ad hoc hotel list that’s soon to be posted.

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 August 13, 2025

Next Week’s Events

Monday, August 18Monthly Communications Committee Meeting

See the MEC Event Calendar >

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

On Monday, August 11, our AFA Local Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in person in Seattle to receive an update about current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Jarod McNeill (SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Hilary Streem (SFO), Chris Cardenas (LAX), and Kanani Vallot (SAN), with MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich facilitating the meeting.

The Committee met with Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Hotels and Administration Diane Szubert, Senior Crew Hotels Support Specialist Nichole Turner and Crew Hotels Support Specialist LaFay Williams. Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling (Interim) Matthew Trujillo also joined for a portion of the meeting.    

The next scheduled Hotel Committee meeting is Monday, September 8.

Topics of Discussion

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

  • Unplanned Accommodations in Remote Outstations: Over the summer, we had a few flight cancellations in the State of Alaska, resulting in significant accommodation challenges for Flight Attendants. Hotels are limited outside the larger Alaskan cities, especially contractually compliant ones. The Committee had a robust discussion with Matthew Trujillo about Crew Scheduling’s process in helping to secure rooms when flights are to be canceled. The goal was to identify opportunities in the process to accommodate crewmembers better.        
  • Ad Hoc List: Early this year, the Committee undertook a large project to review and revise the hotel ad hoc list. The ad hoc list is vetted (by AFA and ALPA) and used by API when the designated crew hotel in a layover city is unavailable. This could happen for several reasons, such as known blackout dates, fire alarm testing, planned water shut off, local events that can lead to road closures or excessive noise, etc. API and Crew Hotels use this list to secure accommodation with the next best option. The Committee discussed the process to keep the list current and the plan to post this list for Flight Attendants to view, as called for in section 34.A.6 of the contract.    
  • Bed Bug Reporting: Bed bugs have recently become a significant topic of discussion, and the Committee believes it is essential to clarify the procedures followed when a hotel is informed of potential bed bug sightings. Hotels take these reports seriously and are equally committed to resolving them as management is. Additionally, bed bug mitigation and treatment protocols are reviewed with each hotel during every site visit by the Hotel Committee. When a suspected bed bug report is made, the hotel will immediately take the affected room out of service, along with the adjacent rooms, as well as those above and below it, for at least 24 hours. During this time, a pest control vendor will inspect and treat the rooms, even if no bed bugs are found. This precautionary measure is taken to ensure safety. Management receives these reports upon request, which they have shared with the Hotel Committee. While it is impossible to prevent bed bugs entirely, we encourage Flight Attendants to remain vigilant and take precautions by familiarizing themselves with the AFA Bed Bug Resources.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Conducting Hotel Site Visits: The Hotel Committee conducts visits to hotels that are considered by management to ensure that the selected options provide the safest and most comfortable layover experience for Flight Attendants. Crew Hotels has provided the Committee with the remaining cities that will be visited in 2025: SLC (Sept), SAN (Oct), CUN (Oct), BNA (Nov), HNL (Nov), MCO – Long Stay (Nov), ORD – Short Stay (Dec), and SJO (Dec). Market reviews are triggered by factors such as contract expirations, crew complaints, and opportunities for cost savings. Depending on the outcome of these reviews, additional site visits may be arranged in those cities.
  2. Hotel Gainshare Program: MEC Hotel Committee Chairperson James Bozanich, MEC President Tim Green, and MEC Vice President Brice McGee met with management on July 28 to continue discussions on a Hotel Gainshare program. Our prior meetings have focused on general program discussion and research. Our next steps are to build out the program’s concepts. We’ll continue to keep you updated as developments occur.    

We Want to Hear From You!

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

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

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

In This Edition

  • Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—September 2025
  • Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—September 2025
  • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 6 – August 2025
  • Next Week’s Events

Merged MEC Committee Chairperson Interviews—September 2025

Originally posted August 5, 2025

Our first group of MEC committees merged on June 1, and we’re moving forward with plans to merge the next group on October 1. During the September MEC Meeting, we’ll hold interviews for MEC Committee Chairperson positions for the merged Hotel and Membership Engagement Committees. Interested candidates should submit an online expression of interest form by September 9, 2025, at 5 PM PT.

Note: The original version of this post incorrectly listed the term of service for the positions. The correct term will begin on October 1, 2025, and will end on December 31, 2028. The version on the website has been updated to reflect this correction.

Read More >

Pre-Merger Alaska MEC Committee Interviews—September 2025

Originally posted August 5, 2025 | Pre-Merger Alaska

Our MEC will soon begin interviewing and electing MEC Committee Chairpersons and other MEC-level positions for the upcoming new MEC Officer term. In September, interviews will be conducted for the MEC Grievance Committee Chairperson, Assistant, Payroll Representative, and MEC Uniform Committee Chairperson. If you’re interested in stepping up, submit your expression of interest by September 9!

Note: The original version of this post incorrectly listed the term of service for the positions. The correct term will begin on January 1, 2026, and will end on December 31, 2028. The version on the website has been updated to reflect this correction.

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Joint Contract Negotiations Session 6 – August 2025

Originally posted August 8, 2025

During this week of negotiations we exchanged various proposals with careful consideration. We identified several provisions that need further evaluation to align with our collective goals. As we continue our dialogue, we remain hopeful that progress will be made in the upcoming sessions scheduled for September 30 to October 2.

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Next Week’s Events

Monday, August 11 – Tuesday, August 12CWA Convention
Monday, August 11Monthly Hotel Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Wednesday, August 13Regular MEC Meeting
Thursday, August 14Quarterly Uniform Committee Meeting (pmAS)
Thursday, August 14Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

See the MEC Event Calendar >

SEA Domicile Negotiations – October 2025

The recent meetings of the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee in Seattle and Honolulu highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in negotiations with management. While there has been advancement on some issues, significant concerns remain. Key topics under discussion include the transfer processes, return options to HNL or LAX, staffing, moving expenses, and safeguarding existing bases. Our committee prepares for the next round of negotiations in Seattle during the week of October 20.

Protecting Yourself From Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Understanding Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) involves the use of substances to incapacitate someone, making them vulnerable to sexual assault. These substances are often undetectable, having no color, taste, or smell, and can be easily added to drinks. Common Drugs Used in DFSA Important Note: Alcohol significantly enhances the effects of these drugs, […]

Government Affairs Committee Update – 4th Quarter 2025

An update on what our Government Affairs Committee has been working on this quarter. Thank you to all our Members who remain engaged and to all our volunteers and Committee Members for dedicating their time representing our Members, advocating for the safety and advancement of our careers while strengthening our labor movement every single day […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2025

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, October 2, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 7 – September 2025

Our JNC made significant progress in shaping our JCBA, successfully reaching a Tentative Agreement on Section 13 – Uniforms. Key provisions include enhancements to uniform standards, ensuring protective measures such as no surnames on name tags from the Hawaiian CBA. While we continue discussions on various sections, including Air Safety Health and Security, Training, and Commuter Policy. We appreciate feedback from the 2207 Flight Attendants who participated in our recent Vacation Survey.

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