In This Edition:
- We Will Never Forget
- Local Council Meeting
- Government Affairs & FlightPAC
- 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference Recap
- Council 39 Committee Updates
- Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest
We Will Never Forget
This month marked a somber anniversary for everyone in our industry. Twenty-five Flight Attendants, eight pilots and three Customer Service Agents lost their lives twenty-five years ago on September 11, 2001. Since that day, tens of thousands of people have chosen to become Flight Attendants. Many of us still carry memories of that morning — where we were, the uncertainty that followed, and the profound impact the tragedy had on our careers and our sense of safety.
AFA’s Employee Assistance Program encourages every Flight Attendant to care for themselves as intentionally as they care for their passengers and flying partners. If this remembrance brings up difficult emotions, reach out to someone you trust: talk with a fellow Flight Attendant, a family member, or an EAP representative. Connection remains one of the most powerful tools for healing.
Our local EAP Committee Members can be reached through the AFA EAP helpline at (503) 389-3911.
Local Council Meeting
Our next Council 39 Local Council Meeting will be held next month. All members of Council 39 in good standing are invited to attend in person or on Zoom. To check your standing, log in to your account on the AFA Membership Hub.
- October 30
- 12 PM-2 PM Pacific
- Concordia Room (PDX Village) and on Zoom
Advance registration is required! As a reminder, registered air commuters are not allowed to use commuter status (D8Y) to attend Union activities exclusively. If you have questions about commuting on or around the day of the meeting, reach out to our LEC Officers.
To attend in person, click here.
To attend virtually on Zoom, click here.
Government Affairs & FlightPAC
September is Government Affairs Focus Month at AFA Alaska + Hawaiian!
Our Government Affairs Committee amplifies the voices of Flight Attendants at the highest levels of government. Serving as a link between our Union and policymakers, this committee helps shape the legislative agenda that defines our profession. Their work is non-partisan, concentrating on the issues that affect the safety, working conditions, financial stability, and job security of every Flight Attendant. By building strong relationships with elected officials and advocating for our priorities, Government Affairs helps keep Flight Attendant interests front and center throughout the legislative process.
Click the image of Manda to learn more about her and the work she and our local Government Affairs Committee do on our behalf!
FlightPAC is a part of CWA’s Committee on Political Education (COPE), AFA’s Political Action Committee. Election law prohibits labor organizations from using treasury dues to make contributions and expenditures in connection with federal elections. Dues from our members are never contributed to campaigns. Violations of campaign finance laws can result in civil penalties, therefore it is important for AFA-CWA leaders and Government Affairs Committee members to understand and observe the laws and rules which govern PACs and political activity. FlightPAC allows members the opportunity to make voluntary contributions to provide financial support to candidates for federal office who are committed to helping us accomplish our legislative goals.
2026 CWA Human Rights Conference Recap
Our Council 39 Human Rights & Equity Chairperson Aaron Miller recently attended the 2026 CWA Human Rights Conference in Atlanta. The theme of the conference this year was, “Building Resilience, Through Resistance”.
Click here to read Aaron’s recap of the conference.
Council 39 Committee Updates
Andrea Jones, Government Affairs Committee
After almost 25 years as an Alaska Flight Attendant, Andrea realized it was time to contribute to the organization that has fought over the years to achieve the rights and benefits Flight Attendants enjoy as a workgroup. She hopes to contribute her years of experience in the industry on a broader level through the Government Affairs Committee.
At a time in our nation’s history when workers’ rights are constantly under threat, Andrea is passionate about helping Flight Attendants achieve the rights and compensation they deserve for the work they do every day in no ordinary office.
When she’s not flying, Andrea is home on her little farm with her husband, five dogs, two kittens, six goats, two sheep, and sixteen chickens, just on the other side of Mount Hood, which she is fortunate enough to see every day.
AFA-CWA Supplemental Insurance Open Enrollment
AFA Benefit Counselors will be in Portland soon to offer guidance and information on supplemental benefits available to AFA Members.
- October 12 (8 AM to 4 PM) & October 13-14 (6 AM to 1:30 PM)
- PDX Village
Human Rights & Equity Dates of Interest (October 2026)
from our C39 Human Rights & Equity Charperson Aaron Miller
October continues National Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. If you don’t have a pin for the month please reach out to the Human Rights & Equity Committee! We also have special days this month to honor and support teachers, recognize the need for disaster risk reduction, and very importantly for everyone, to bring awareness to mental health. Nobody in this world makes it through alone and unscathed, and in our country and industry, we face particular challenges that make mental health a priority for everyone. Please remember, you can find in-network mental health providers using your respective health insurance provider search. In-network providers allow for ongoing sessions with the same provider, with usually only a co-pay due per session. Everyone should be in therapy, not just to weather the storms of life, but to strive to improve ourselves as people.
- September 15-October 15: Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
- October 5: World Teacher’s Day
- October 10: World Mental Health Day
- October 13: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
In Solidarity,
Krystle, Melodie & Kevin
