This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants
- JCBA negotiations aim to create a new contract from two existing agreements, rather than improving an existing one
- Our JNC will be conducting targeted surveys for specific contract sections and considers feedback from MEC Committee Chairs and Members
- The goal is to negotiate a contract that incorporates the best aspects of both carriers, providing improvements that benefit all Flight Attendants
JCBA vs. Regular Contract Negotiations: What’s the Difference?
There are important differences between Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations and standard “Section 6” negotiations under the Railway Labor Act. This message outlines how JCBA negotiations work—and what you can expect.
Regular Section 6 Contract Negotiations
Most of you are familiar with Section 6 negotiations, which are used to update and negotiate your carrier’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Here’s how that process typically works:
- Survey First: Before bargaining begins, the Negotiating Committee (NC) sends out a survey to all members to gather input on priorities on existing contract provisions.
- Comparison and Strategy: The NC looks at recent gains by other Flight Attendant groups and compares contract terms across the industry.
- Proposal Development: This information helps AFA create initial proposals for management—our roadmap for negotiations. Management also brings wanted changes forward.
- Negotiation Flow: Talks usually begin with non-economic sections and sections both sides agree don’t need changes. Tentative agreements are communicated to members along the way.
- If Talks Stall: Either side can ask the National Mediation Board (NMB) for help. If mediation fails, AFA can request a “Proffer of Arbitration,” which may eventually lead to a 30-day cooling-off period—and the legal right to strike.
All of this is governed by Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act. However, JCBA negotiations follow a very different process.
JCBA Negotiations
Here’s how JCBA talks differ from regular negotiations:
- Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process and don’t have all of the above avenues under the Railway Labor Act. However, the NMB can provide mediation/facilitation services if requested.
- Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts—each with its own culture, policies, rules, and operational concerns adding complexity to the process.
- Different Survey Process: Because it wasn’t possible to capture the entirety of both contracts in one survey, the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections. These will also help educate members on both carriers’ current provisions.
- Input Matters: Besides survey feedback, the JNC also considers input and advice from committee chairs, and member emails, comments, and concerns when making decisions.
The Framework: Merger Transition Protocol Agreement (MTPA)
JCBA negotiations are guided by the MTPA, which outlines where and how often the JNC and management meet and other related details. The MTPA also establishes two main approaches:
- Adopt-and-Go: Use an entire section from one contract as-is.
- Modify-and-Adopt: Take a section from one contract, modify it, and include it in the new agreement.
Because the JCBA will likely last beyond current amendable dates of the Alaska and Hawaiian CBAs, the JNC is also pushing for improvements that go beyond both current contracts. Industry comparisons play a key role in setting these goals.
Balancing Two Contracts
In consultation with the Master Executive Council (MEC), the JNC evaluates and compares each section from both contracts—like Sick Leave, Vacation, Open Time, and Training. These provisions often differ significantly between carriers. The JNC’s job is to find solutions that work best for the combined membership.
Subject-matter survey results help guide these choices.
Expect more information on surveys soon as the JNC tackles major contract sections.
Merged Seniority List
Under AFA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the merged seniority list is based on Flight Attendant date-of-hire. A joint committee of Flight Attendants from both airlines – under the guidance of the AFA International Secretary-Treasurer – verifies with documentation and with individual Flight Attendants – all training and hire dates and integrates them according to date-of-hire.
Until a JCBA is finalized (which could take 2+ years), here’s what you can expect per the provisions of the MPTA:
- Hawaiian and Alaska Flight Attendants will continue to operate separately and on their own operation’s aircraft
- No cross-flying between airlines
- Hawaiian widebody aircraft will be flown to Asia and Australia/New Zealand, etc. by Hawaiian Flight Attendants
- Bases and pairings will stay separate
- Alaska Flight Attendants will continue to receive higher pay rates and boarding pay
While having control of the merged seniority list does give AFA significant leverage in these negotiations, there will also be pressure on the parties to combine the operation so that all members can work and take advantage of the entire, combined operation, receive higher pay, and transfer freely between bases- but the JNC will move at a pace that protects your contract rights and prioritizes improvements for all.
Looking Ahead
JCBA talks will involve tough decisions. The JNC will keep members informed and involved, working closely with MEC leaders every step of the way. Your feedback and engagement are vital.
The JNC is committed to negotiating a contract that reflects the best of both carriers—with improvements over and above those provisions that will benefit all Flight Attendants.
