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        You are here: Home / Latest News

        August 1, 2026 12:15

        We’re excited to introduce our first group of SEA Local Committee Chairpersons for the current LEC Officer term. They will be transitioning into their roles over the next few weeks and officially start their terms on September 1, 2026. Below you’ll find brief biographies that highlight their backgrounds and experiences as they prepare to support our Members at Council 19.

        Kiersten Larson | Local Communications Chairperson

        Kiersten began her career as a Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines in 2008. Over the last few years, she’s been involved with Government Affairs, Mobilization, and Communications. In addition to Union work, Kiersten is an active children’s rights advocate, reflecting her ongoing commitment to standing up for those who need a voice.

        Kiersten was motivated to step into the role of Council 19 Seattle Council Representative because of her passion for advocating for her fellow Flight Attendants and ensuring their voices are heard at every level. She aims to build on her advocacy background by keeping Members informed, engaged, and empowered. Outside of work, Kiersten loves spending time with her husband, two cats, and lovingly harassing her adult children.

        Jerry Sinclair | Local Communications Vice-Chairperson

        Jerry was born and raised in the Burien-Tukwila area and began his airline career with Air Cal Airlines, later American Airlines, in 1984. He joined Horizon Air in 1995, transferred to Alaska Airlines in 2001, and became a Flight Attendant in 2003. Since 2012, he has served in various Union roles, including committee work and two terms as Local Executive Council Representative for Council 19. 

        In his free time, Jerry enjoys the outdoors, caring for his dogs and rescue cats, and working in the yard.

        Andrew Stinson | Local Government Affairs/Human Rights & Equity Chairperson

        Andrew has been a Flight Attendant with Alaska Airlines since 2015. Before coming to Alaska, Andrew graduated with a bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hotel management and worked as a chef at Snoqualmie Casino in the banquets and catering department. Andrew’s goals in his new role as Council Representative are to engage with our Members by continuing to fly and to continue to build solidarity with other labor organizations.

        Andrew is heavily involved in many local labor organizations, such as the Pierce County Central Labor Council, the Washington State Labor Council, and Pride at Work Pierce County. When Andrew isn’t advocating for Flight Attendants, he keeps busy by spending time with his and his partners’ families. 

        Tracy Pettit | Local Membership Engagement Chairperson

        Tracy started flying for a different airline that was shut down because of Covid (and probably other industry-related issues). Along with other AFA Government Affairs volunteers, she fought to get the Payroll Protection Program into law. That bill allowed folks to keep their jobs, and those who became unemployed, like Tracy, to stay above water. This experience cemented for her the importance of Union power and solidarity.

        In 2022, Tracy started flying for Alaska and started doing Union work as soon as she could. Her goal for Membership Engagement and our local council is to participate more frequently in the larger labor movement, to hold management accountable to their promises, and to ensure every Flight Attendant has the resources to be informed, supported and empowered to advocate for themselves.

        Outside of Union work, Tracy has a dog who just turned 10! She spends a lot of time in Juneau, Alaska with her partner and his cat. Tracy likes to read, play games, and make art.

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Tagged With: communications, Council 19, Government Affairs, Human Rights Committee, Membership Engagement, pmAS, SEA

        July 31, 2026 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

        Originally posted July 28, 2026

        Pre-Merger Alaska

        This month, our pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee Chairpersons challenged management on operational concerns, including high reserve utilization, persistent staffing challenges, and localized base issues ranging from hotel usage to trip visibility. Read more about how the Committee is pushing for accountability on outstanding pay grievances and irregular operations mitigations to protect our schedules and improve the daily quality of life for Flight Attendants.

        Read More >


        Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

        Originally posted July 29, 2026

        Strengthening our collective voice begins with understanding how our Union operates, and we’re excited to empower you with that knowledge through the AFA Online Learning Academy. Designed to fit into our unpredictable schedules, this platform offers self-paced courses on everything from labor history to the AFA structure, ensuring you can learn whenever it’s convenient for you.

        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 July 27, 2026


        Next Week’s Events

        Thursday, August 6pmAS Reserve Webinar (Register Here) 

        See the MEC Event Calendar >

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        July 31, 2026 14:01

        In This Edition:

        • Membership Engagement
        • Council 39 Committee Updates
        • Follow Us On Socials
        • WEBINAR: Can They Do That?
        • VIDEO: Filing A Union Ticket
        • CBA Hardcopies
        • Upcoming I-5 Closure
        • HR&E Dates Of Interest

        From Our Socials:

        • CMAP in Portland
        • Portland Pride 2026
        • September Low Bid Option

        Membership Engagement

        This month, AFA has focused on our new Membership Engagement Committee. This committee is here to ensure that every Flight Attendant feels genuinely welcomed and valued throughout their career.

        Council 39 Committee Updates

        Benefits Committee

        We would like to thank Ann Larue for her years of service on our local Benefits Committee.

        Stepping in as Council 39 Interim Benefits Chairperson is Linda Gunselman. Linda will spend the coming months building her knowledge of our benefits, having already become a vital source of support to Flight Attendants through her work with our local Employee Assistance Program. She has a long history of supporting our Members through some very challenging moments, and we thank her for her willingness to serve in her new role.

        Linda started her career as an Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant 29 years ago, having always found a calling in helping her fellow Flight Attendants. When she was asked to step into this new role, she knew it would be a big responsibility, but also knew that her experience with EAP and taking her own leave gave her the knowledge and ideas needed to streamline the process.

        In this role, she hopes to create a committee that reaches everyone where they are in life, making the leave process more manageable and not as overwhelming.

        Jenny Cortez has been a Flight Attendant since 2013 and joined the Portland base in 2019. She helped qualify the Airbus A321 into the fleet in 2017 and later taught transition and recurrent training. Having experienced two maternity leaves of her own, she understands the questions, challenges, and excitement that come with the process. She is passionate about helping fellow Flight Attendants feel informed and supported, whether they are preparing for their first or adding another little one to their family.

        Scheduling Committee

        Joining our Council 39 Scheduling Committee is Aaron Lucich. Aaron has been with Alaska Airlines for 3 years, beginning his aviation career at Horizon as a Flight Attendant while also serving in a small capacity on their Scheduling Committee. That experience helped build a strong work ethic and laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of how the airline industry operates.

        Since joining Alaska in October 2024, Aaron has dedicated his time to flying a variety of trips while listening to Flight Attendants’ experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. He is committed to knowing the contract, reading a section each week to stay current, and has a passion for scheduling, pairing construction, and helping Flight Attendants understand their contractual rights to create a better work-life balance. Flying with all seniority groups has given him an appreciation for the experiences of those who came before him, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge to help fellow Flight Attendants navigate operational challenges.

        Before joining Air Group, Aaron spent three and a half years at Starbucks in Tacoma as a barista and barista trainer. Originally from Puyallup, he later moved to Portland and now lives in downtown Vancouver. Outside of flying, Aaron enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling when he can, and cooking.

        Reserve Committee

        The newest member of our Reserve Committee is Thomas Schwall. He has been with Air Group for three years this August and wants to help reserves understand their role and rights under our CBA. He comes to us after 20 years in hospitality where he learned to address issues with a smile, and four years in real estate that taught him to pay close attention to details in contracts. His broken sleep schedule makes him very accessible. When he isn’t working, you can find him spending time with his daughters at their many extracurricular activities, working on remodeling projects, or taking care of his animals.

        Contact information for all Council 39 Committee Chairpersons and Committee Members can be found on our Linktree.

        Follow Us On Socials

        Have you heard? Council 39 has our very own Instagram! Follow us for important updates, news and timely reminders. You can find us here here on Instagram and here on Facebook.

        WEBINAR: Can They Do That?

        If you’ve ever wondered, “Can they do that?”, when Crew Scheduling calls with a reserve assignment or schedule change—whether you’re a Reserve Flight Attendant or a lineholder flying with a Reserve—this series is designed for you. Our Reserve Committee will host a limited-run series of webinars starting in August, focused on your most pressing questions and providing clear, actionable guidance on the topics that matter most.

        Mark your calendar for our kickoff session: Thursday, August 6, at 1 PM Pacific. Our first Reserve Webinar, “Can They Do That?”, will offer practical, contractual insights for both everyday scheduling scenarios and those unexpected curveballs. This session is open to all, Reserve Flight Attendants and lineholders alike. Come ready to engage, learn, and ask anything on your mind.

        Register For Reserve Webinar
        Submit A Question

        VIDEO: Filing A Union Ticket

        Have you ever heard a Flight Attendant tell you to “file a ticket” and had no idea what they meant? In this video you will learn how and when to use AFA’s Online Support System to get solutions to questions or concerns you are having trouble finding the answers to on your own.

        CBA Hardcopies

        Printed copies of the 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement are available in the PDX crew room downstairs. Please feel free to pick up a copy at your convenience.

        Upcoming I-5 Closure

        AFA has been made aware of a major closure of all southbound lanes of I-5 starting on September 11, 2026, and lasting up to five weeks. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) predicts that these closures may cause the worst traffic in our region’s history.

        Flight Attendants will be urged to plan ahead, leave home earlier than usual and consider options like carpooling or public transit. More reminders will be posted as the time draws nearer, and you can sign up for travel alerts from ODOT here.

        Human Rights and Equity Committee Dates of Interest (August 2026)

        from our Council 39 HR&E Committee Chairperson, Aaron Miller

        • August 6: Hiroshima Day
        • August 9: International Day of Indigenous People
        • August 12: International Youth Day
        • August 19: International Humanitarian Day
        • August 23: International Day For the Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition
        • August 29: International Day Against Nuclear Tests

        CMAP in Portland

        KCM is continuing its transition to a new program called Crewmember Access Point (CMAP), which is expected to fully replace KCM by New Year’s Eve 2026.

        CMAP may be available for your use in Portland now, but continue carrying your KCM card and use KCM checkpoints if needed.

        Keep in mind that opting out of CMAP means that you will forego the opportunity for crew-specific screening at TSA checkpoints once KCM sunsets and will be required to use passenger screening checkpoints instead.

        Portland Pride 2026

        Our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Commitee, chaired by Portland-based Flight Attendant Aaron Miller, was proud to partner with Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO for Portland Pride 2026.

        It was a beautiful day in downtown Portland, and while we may have been few this year, we made our presence known and had a great time representing Council 39 at Pride!

        For information about our HR&E Committee and the vital work they do, reach out to Aaron directly.

        September Low Bid Option

        Bidding for September Low Bid Options (LBOs) opened on July 23 and closed on July 30. §10.Q of the CBA covers eligibility requirements, rules and restrictions.

        • No staffing adjustment leaves (SALs) will be offered for September.
        • While AFA advocated for more, only a small number of LBOs were offered for each base.
        • Everyone who wanted an LBO was encouraged to bid, even if they felt it was unlikely they would be awarded one. Collecting this data is important to gauge interest in possible future LBO offerings.

        In Solidarity,

        Krystle, Melodie and Kevin

        Filed Under: Council 39 PDX Tagged With: Council 39, july, Portland, update

        July 30, 2026 15:00

        This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

        Meet Your Reserve Chairs

        Aloha Council 47,

        Your SEA/LAX Reserve Committee is excited to introduce themselves and connect with our Reserve Flight Attendants. Whether you’re new to Reserve or have years of experience, your committee is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate the contract and day-to-day Reserve issues.

        Throughout August 2-5, Zach Rajkovacz and Megan Moore will be visiting the Seattle crew lounge to meet with Flight Attendants, answer questions, and hear your feedback. If you see them, please stop by and say hello. They look forward to meeting you.

        LAX lounge visit dates will be announced soon, so stay tuned for more information.

        In the meantime, we invite you to get to know your Reserve Committee below. They’re committed to being a resource, advocating for Reserve Flight Attendants, and ensuring our contract is applied fairly and consistently.

        We look forward to seeing you in Seattle soon!

        Mahalo,

        Council 47 Reserve Committee LAX/SEA
        Zach Rajkovacz
        zach.rajkovacz@afahawaiian.org
        Megan Moore
        megan.moore@afahawaiian.org

        Filed Under: Council 47 LAX/SEA (pmHA) Tagged With: Council 47, pmHA

        July 29, 2026 21:00

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

        To help you on this journey, we’re excited to introduce a powerful resource: the AFA Online Learning Academy at afalearning.org. This platform is built to open doors for every Member by offering accessible education that lets you get involved on your own terms—wherever you are, whenever you’re ready.

        What’s Available On The Academy

        The AFA Online Learning Academy features a diverse course catalog where you can choose the topics that interest you most. You can explore subjects such as:

        • Union structure and history
        • Committee work and leadership
        • Labor history
        • Communications, safety, and much more

        Real empowerment comes from making education truly accessible to everyone. The academy lays a strong foundation for you to build your knowledge and become a more active, confident participant in our Union. Some of the key benefits include:

        • No Experience Needed: Whether you’re curious about how our Union works or considering getting involved, this is the perfect place to start. You don’t need to be a committee volunteer or AFA officer—everyone is welcome.
        • Zero-Pressure Learning: Every course is self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed—no deadlines, no pressure.
        • Fits Your Schedule: Life on the line is unpredictable. Whether you have 15 minutes between flights or a little extra time at home, you can log in and learn whenever it’s convenient for you.

        How To Access The Site

        Getting started is simple and takes just a few clicks:

        1. Head over to afalearning.org.
        2. Create your account if you are a first-time user.
        3. Start exploring the course catalog and dive into the topics that interest you.

        Watch Now: Discover The AFA Online Learning Academy

        Curious to see the academy in action? Watch this short video with Nona Diaz and Meredith Havens, your Membership Engagement Chairpersons for Council 30 in Anchorage. They’ll walk you through how they found this resource, how easy it is to use, and why it’s such a valuable tool for all our Members. Take a few minutes, watch the video, and see what’s possible!

        Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Membership Engagement Committee

        July 28, 2026 13:00

        This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants

        On Tuesday, July 21, our pre-merger Alaska AFA Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met in person at Alaska Global Training Center to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Melodie Anderes (PDX), Jaqui Bellenie (SFO), Kanako Yamado (LAX), and Kitty Cohen (SAN). MEC Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson—Pairing Construction Karen Ferrell, PBS Committee member —Krystal Kehrli, MEC Grievance Committee Payroll Representative Julie Thornton, 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 Inflight Crew Scheduling Terrance Chariandy, Manager of Inflight Crew Scheduling Goose Hlaingmyint, Managing Director of Ops Staffing and Resource Management Brittany Audette, Director of Crew Planning Trisha Bennett, Manager of Crew Planning Colin Beard, ITS Technical Product Owner Nathan McFerren, Manager of Crew Pay Debbie Bakke and other management representatives from Crew Planning, Crew Scheduling, information technology (ITS), and payroll.

        The Committee is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, August 25.

        Topics of Discussion

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

        Upcoming Meetings

        • Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings set for August 25, September 29, October 27, November 24, and December 29.
        • Scheduling Review Board (SRB) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) meetings scheduled through December 2026.
        • JCTE updates are expected in Q3 2026.
        • AI Crew Solutions: Meeting on November 4, 2025, to discuss vacation awards and slot processing. We are moving forward with the implementation process, hopefully this fall in the 4th quarter. 
        • Monitoring: Active monitoring of Flight Attendant OT every 16th of the month at designated times.

        MEC Committee Chairperson Report

        • Crew Backlog: Review pending. Need to set up additional dates to review the items that require change requests and bug fixes. The list is short, as most of the items from the prior negotiations have been implemented. 
        • Fatigue Review Board: Scheduled meetings throughout the rest of 2026. This is a bi-weekly meeting. 
        • Pay Disputes: Ongoing discussions regarding pyramiding pay and specific grievances filed by AFA. We recently resolved a dispute with Section 8.F and 8.G and posted the MOU. 

        Local Committee Chairperson Reports

        • PDX: Issues with ITS visibility and scheduling blocks for trips.
        • SAN: Concerns about redeye flights and parking fees; requests for a pay chart.
        • ANC: Issues with downgrades, reassignment processes, and hotel room rates.
        • LAX: Reliability of B2B contact and quality of trips under review.
        • SFO: Requests for presentations on open base flying and pay regulations regarding overpayments. .
        • SEA: Various pay and scheduling issues highlighted, including double out crew rest, reassignments and conversions from DHD to working and vice versa. 

        PBS Subcommittee Update

        • Bidding Engagement: Good engagement noted for August. 
        • Bid Awards: Processed as expected; higher minimum windows needed to meet management’s desire for higher reserve percentages. 

        Alaska ITS Update

        • NAVLBUE Testing: Completed testing of recent updates; ongoing issues with trip visibility.
        • Trading Volume: Notable increase in Open Time trades; stability in trading noted.
        • Jeppesen and Alaska management continue to monitor Flight Attendant trip postings that were reported to have an issue with being visible immediately in the system. 

        Alaska Payroll Update

        • Query Counts: Increase in pay queries, with a focus on timely closure before payroll processing.
        • Audit Processes: Weekly audits are in place, but some issues remain unresolved. All inquiries must be closed prior to payroll being processed.  Please wait a week before filing your inquiries on trips, as most of the contractual items are resolved in the audit process. If you have inquiries after payroll processes, the pay analyst will review those as well. 

        Alaska Crew Planning Update

        • Staffing Challenges: Anticipated higher absenteeism leading to a need for additional reserves.
        • Operational Changes: Ongoing discussions about schedule changes affecting Flight Attendants’ quality of life.
        • Trip Distribution: Reductions in red-eye duty for September; extensive review of trip pairings planned.
        • The Committee asked management about the 717/737 changes to Hawaii neighbor island flying, and we should see what those pairings will look like in the near future. Crew planning will work with the AFA Scheduling Committee Pairing Construction Subcommittee to determine how the pairings will appear in the system. 
        • Irregular Operations (IRROP) mitigation:
          • SAN start of duty JFK/BOS/IAD/MCO/DCA
          • EWR layovers 12 hours ATC
          • End of duty AM departures EWR to PDX/SEA
          • Increased crew connect times
          • Layover increase to 11 hours PHX/LAS
          • Rest before PHX 11:30 AM departures  – crew rest delays
          • Rest before GEG to PDX start flight increased to 12 hours – crew rest delays
          • End-of-duty DLG and AKN to ANC; summer TSA mitigation.
          • Flight Attendant teaming still in effect.

        Alaska Crew Scheduling Update

        • Sick Leave Statistics: Increased sick leave noted; reserve utilization remains high on mainline Alaska.  Sick leave and fatigue are much lower on the Hawaiian operational side. 
        • Premium Compensation: Adjustments to premium compensation based on significant events and operational demands. We are seeing some premium posted a week in advance to help allow Flight Attendants to pick up earlier to assist with operational needs. 
        • New Leadership: Recent changes in management structure to enhance scheduling operations. Tiara Taulolo started as a temporary supervisor on June 20, and Jacob Fordham started as a new manager on July 20. Alaska crew scheduling plans to have approximately 48 crew schedulers in the department by the end of the year. A few new crew scheduler classes are planned in September (14 new hires) and October (5 new hires)
        • Statistics July MTD: There have been no personal drops or TSN adjustments. 10.R.4 reassignments for the system are at 553.  Deadhead conversions under 10.X.7 are at 287 system wide. Fatigue Reports are shown 24, with 18 of those reserves. Alaska reserve utilization for the system is 93.6%, while Hawaiian is 50.6%. Sick leave for Alaska, both lineholders and reserves, is at 12.4%, with some days having over 400 sick calls.

        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. These discussions are still ongoing with Labor Relations management. AFA has filed several grievances and still has not received a pyramiding pay chart from payroll or labor relations and our requests go unanswered. 
        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. We have additional meetings to discuss implementation and buddy bidding. We are currently testing and reviewing the User Acceptance Testing (UAT) environment. This is scheduled for implementation in the 4th quarter of 2026. 
        3. Flow Charts: These are posted on the AFA website to help guide you through contractual understanding and irregular ops here: 2025-2028 AFA Alaska CBA Reference Documents 01.26.2026
        4. Block2Block (B2B) Contactability: Implemented on February 1, 2026. Please familiarize yourself with the contractual language and bulletin bundle. Every Flight Attendant must check B2B at the end of every duty period (not trip) and make positive contact if a message is sent prior to block-in of the last flight of the duty period per §8.Q.2.e. We are actively working with management to post an updated bulletin. 
        5. Compensation: Follow up on crew pay issues and reassignment policies. Please give Flight Attendant Crew Pay a minimum of a week to update compensation for irregular operations. 
        6. Pairings: Continue to address pairing and scheduling concerns with management.
        7. Software: Monitor upcoming software implementations and their impacts on operations. We will have another JCTE update in August 2026. 
        8. Sick Leave Tracking: Continue monitoring sick leave trends and review strategies to mitigate operational impacts. 
        9. Notifications: Addressing communication issues regarding flight changes and notifications. 
        10. AFA Alaska Online Support Center Tickets: Local AFA Representatives do not have access to your schedules, Rainmaker, or pay stubs. When filing a ticket, please screenshot as much information as possible, such as trip details, reports, and Rainmaker buckets, to assist them in their research into your concerns. 

        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 + Hawaiian website.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Scheduling Committee Tagged With: committee meeting

        July 25, 2026 12:00

        During this week’s LEC meeting, our LEC held interviews for our first group of Local Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson positions. We want to thank everyone who expressed interest and willingness to serve. After careful consideration and deliberation, the following candidates have been appointed:

        • Local Communications Chairperson: Kiersten Larson
        • Local Communications Vice-Chairperson: Jerry Sinclair
        • Local Government Affairs Chairperson: Andrew Stinson
        • Local Human Rights & Equity Chairperson: Andrew Stinson
        • Local Membership Engagement Chairperson: Tracy Pettit

        These newly appointed Local Committee Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons will carry out their respective roles for Council 19. Over the next few weeks, they will transitions into their new roles with their official term beginning on September 1, 2026. They will serve for the current LEC Officer election cycle which began on July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

        If you have any questions, please reach out to your LEC President at sea.lecp@afaalaska.org. 

        Filed Under: Council 19 SEA (pmAS) Tagged With: Council 19, SEA

        July 24, 2026 17:00

        In This Edition

        • Need Help? Let Us Show You Where To Find It!
        • Alaska Management Announces Plan To Operate Boeing 737 Aircraft on Neighbor Island Flights
        • Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026
        • Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026
        • Shared on Social
        • Next Week’s Events

        Need Help? Let Us Show You Where To Find It!

        Originally posted July 20, 2026

        When you need AFA support, finding the right resources shouldn’t be a struggle—or a guessing game. Discover how to quickly connect with your Local Council, access our specialized AFA committees, and submit support tickets with ease, so you’re always empowered when challenges arise.

        Read More >


        Alaska Management Announces Plan To Operate Boeing 737 Aircraft on Neighbor Island Flights

        Originally posted July 21, 2026

        Management’s surprise announcement to introduce Alaska-branded 737s on neighbor island routes starting this October directly contradicts the foundational promises they made when this merger began. Our MEC is taking steps to protect the identity and legacy of the Hawaiian Airlines brand, and the integrity of the commitments management made to our combined Flight Attendant group.

        Read More >


        Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

        Originally posted July 22, 2026

        Get ready for changes that may impact your next trip—guests are now allowed on crew shuttles for pmHA Flight Attendants, and new live tracking for some pmAS Flight Attendant ground transportation puts more control in your hands. Plus, information on upcoming site visits that are actively shaping the hotels and amenities that define your layover experience.

        Read More >


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

        Originally posted July 23, 2026

        From reports of chemical fumes in the crew rest to new tools for safe glass cleanup, this month’s Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting tackled real, on-the-job challenges we face as Flight Attendants. Catch up on July’s updates—including onboard wheelchair stowage issues, burn risk concerns, and cargo odor problems—so you’re prepared and protected.

        Read More >


        Joint Contract Negotiations Session 17 – July 2026

        Originally posted July 24, 2026

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

        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 July 22, 2026

        Originally posted July 24, 2026


        Next Week’s Events

        Thursday, July 30Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) (pmAS)

        See the MEC Event Calendar >

        Filed Under: Latest News Tagged With: AFA News in Review

        July 24, 2026 13:00

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

        • Our JNC met with management this week on July 21 to July 23 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for August 24 to August 26
        • Our JNC presented our response to the company’s initial proposal on Section 23 (Insurance Benefits), aiming to secure Flight Attendant specific provisions

        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 from July 21 to July 23 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 MemberRyan St. John, Vice President, Finance, Planning and Investor Relations, Alaska
        Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
        Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
        Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
         Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

        This week the JNC started off by meeting with our pre-merger Alaska MEC Reserve Chairperson, Julie Thornton, to continue to review Alaska Reserve concerns. Julie also weighed in on formulating the Reserve survey to ensure all relevant pre-merger Alaska questions were addressed. The JNC will be meeting with the pre-merger Hawaiian MEC Reserve Chairperson, Kela Chong, prior to the next negotiating session.

        The JNC passed our initial proposal on Section 23 (Insurance Benefits) this week, incorporating many of the protections found in the Hawaiian agreement and cementing those already in the Alaska agreement. One of our goals is to secure Flight Attendant specific insurance plan provisions in our JCBA, examples being Flexible Spending Accounts, coverage of dependent children up to age 26 and company provided life insurance.

        We continued to discuss the remaining outstanding issues in Section 30 (Training) and have made much progress in this section. We have already secured Buddy Bidding for Recurrent Training and are working to secure other improvements in this section. This proposal is currently in the company’s court and we are hopeful to receive a response from management at the next session.

        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:

        • Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
        • 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)
        • 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)
        • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
        • 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

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

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Tagged With: Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), pmAS, pmHA

        July 23, 2026 13:00

        On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson), Kahea Alvarez (LAX pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX pmAS), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), Bri Shaw (LAX pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Barron Lee (HNL), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Kerri Ruiz, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.

        The Committee met with several members of Inflight leadership and Safety management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Wendy Kong (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Ken Hawkins (Inflight Duty Program Manager), Nicky Sagum (Manager of Safety Compliance), Lavesh Bhatia (Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures) and base management representatives Aron Kahn (LAX Manager of Base Operations) and Benito Pasia-Garcia (Director of Inflight Base Operations).

        The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place hosted by the SEA ASHSC on August 27

        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):

        • Onboard Wheelchair Stowage: The Committee raised concerns that storing auxiliary supplies (gloves, soap, hand sanitizer) in the wheelchair compartment obstructs the space when the chair is removed, making re-storage difficult. Management is replacing the current wheelchair with a new design and will look at the stowage of other items in the 737 celling bins as part of this process.
        • Catering Consistency – Ice in G1: The Committee noted that ice stowed in the drawer in the G1 is leaking into the forward galley and flight deck during descent when no liner is used in the drawer. Management responded that this is a catering error and asked for Flight Attendant write-ups when liners are missing to support the case; a newsletter reminder was also issued recommending that ice be used first, as it causes issues when melted.
        • Broken Glass Disposal: With new glassware leading to increased breakage, the Committee discussed the need for a consistent, harmonized policy for safe disposal. Hawaiian carries a dustpan and whisk broom onboard; Alaska’s policy is less defined, though FAM language directs broken glass to be placed in a puncture-resistant bag. Management is working towards adding a dustpan and a whisk broom to the 737 fleet.
        • Required Briefings Communication: The Committee discussed instances of required briefings (CRS, UMs, 3-point) being missed prior to door closure. Management agreed to address cleaner cabin-ready communication and area-of-responsibility training through the cabin door closing working group.
        • Fumes in the LDMCR: A crew reported chemical fumes both during takeoff and later in flight in the lower crew rest area, with one crew member experiencing chest tightness and headache. Management is following up with Maintenance and Cargo to identify the source; Management emphasized that we can contact MedAire for assessment when we have symptoms.
        • Hot Beverage Temperature Safety: The Committee raised ongoing burn-risk concerns related to hot water and coffee temperatures. Management confirmed water temperature is regulated by a thermostatic switch, checked during scheduled overhaul inspections, and cannot be manually lowered without affecting brew quality. A new cup design compatible with tablet/cup holders is being launched; adding lids to cups was discussed, but will not be adopted at this time.
        • A321 Pneumatic Lav Door Closer: Reports indicate the pneumatic lav door closer, connected to the lav wall and folding door on the A321, may be being detached by cleaning crews and not reattached, causing the door to swing freely and creating a pinch/cut risk during reattachment. The fleet manager confirmed that cleaning staff should not be handling this mechanism and will send a reminder communication.
        • Fish Odor/Cargo Contamination Incident: There has been an uptick in the smell of rotting fish in aircraft cabins this summer, leading to air quality issues. The Committee asked for a standardized process for handling spills of this nature, better tools at all cargo-handling stations (not just HNL/SEA), and improved acceptance criteria for seafood when shipped.
        • Intelex Reporting System Issues: Multiple Flight Attendants reported login issues, lockouts, and app glitches, discouraging incident reporting. Management suggested utilizing the desktop version or emailing the crew can email inflightreports@alaskaair.com if the app doesn’t work.
        • Jumpseating Guidance (Boeing 737-700 Series Aircraft): The Committee identified unclear FAM language regarding jumpseater seat assignments on 737-700-series aircraft. Management agreed that clarification is needed and will work to update the manual with specific seating guidance.

        Things The Committee Is Working On

        1. Cabin Secure Procedures: After the addition of the cabin-ready concept for boarding door closure and adding a cabin secure compliance check after door arming, there hasn’t been a clear indicator for the FFA / A Flight Attendant to know that the cabin is secure. We’ve been working with Inflight Policy and Procedure to develop a better system to ensure the cabin is ready for surface movement and to eliminate the current confusion around the process.
        2. Bulletins and Alerts Timing: Effective June 24, management changed when Flight Attendants must review bulletins and alerts. Per the manual, Flight Attendants must now ensure that all alerts, bulletins, and FAM revisions/EIBs are updated and read, and that required training is completed, after check-in but prior to boarding the aircraft. We are advocating that management restore the previous policy, requiring bulletins to be checked 24 hours prior to reporting for duty, which gave Flight Attendants adequate time to read and understand this information.

        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.

        Filed Under: AFA News Now, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Tagged With: committee meeting

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