Council 39 August 2026 Update

Know Your Rights

AFA International recently published a guide to knowing your rights as a working Flight Attendant in domestic airports if and when you are confronted with ICE while on duty. The guide includes guidance depending on your working status or location including what to do on the jet bridge or aircraft when working, inside an airport, etc.

Please know that this is a rapidly developing area of the law and this guide should be treated as general guidance.

Dues Rebate

Dues rebates have landed in your AFA Membership Hub account! For Flight Attendants who have taken any type of leave, it’s important to know whether you have a past-due dues balance. If you do, your rebate will first be applied to that balance before the remainder, if any, is available to you.

If you’re not sure whether you are past due, please reach out to our C39 LEC Secretary Kevin Sharp, and watch the videos below to learn about accessing your dues rebate.

Upcoming I-5 Closure

The closure of the southbound lanes of I-5 through the Rose Quarter is quickly approaching. Flight Attendants who typically commute to work using this part of I-5 are strongly encouraged to plan ahead by finding different routes, carpooling, leaving home earlier than usual or exploring alternate modes of transportation like Trimet.

For more information, click here.

Left Behind With Open Seats

Sadly, most of us have been there: you get to the gate with time to spare, you log in to Fly one last time to triple check, you see there are plenty of open seats, you find a place to wait for your name to be called. An hour later, the jet bridge door closes and you are stuck with Plan B. (Or C.)

If this situation rings a bell, our MEC Grievance Committee wants to hear from you. Click here or visit our Linktree in bio to report your case(s).

Save The Date: Council 39 Membership Meeting

Our Council 39 Bi-annual membership meeting will be held on October 30. Time and location will be announced as the date draws nearer.

“A regular meeting of the Local Council shall be called at least two (2) times per calendar year.” – Article III.D.2.a, AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws

Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest (September 2026)

from our C39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller

September includes some important observances, and one that you can directly participate in at work! Highlights include World Suicide Prevention Day, an especially relevant subject in our industry and in these times, as suicide is on the rise. Please share the resources included if you know someone who is struggling and has or may be considering suicide. Equal Pay Day is also important as it connects with labor in closing wage gaps and paying everyone fairly for the same work.

September 15th begins the wonderful celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month! AFA provides Union pins for this month that you can wear on your uniform to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage. Please reach out to our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Committee if you need a pin!

• September 5: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Women & Girls
• September 8: Labor Day
• September 8: International Literacy Day
• September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
• September 15-October 15: National Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
• September 18: International Equal Pay Day
• September 29: International Day of Awareness On Food Loss & Waste Reduction

In Solidarity,

Krystle, Melodie & Kevin