• Our JNC met with management this week, on April 15 to April 17; the next negotiation session is scheduled for May 20 to May 22 
• Commuter Survey to be released on Monday, April 21
• Hawaiian Flight Attendants ratify Contract Extension

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 on April 15 to April 17 in Seattle, WA. This marks the second joint negotiating session, with the first held in March. (see Joint Contract Negotiations Begins). At the negotiating table for this session were:

During this negotiation process, we started by tackling simpler topics and non-money-related issues where both contracts have similar terms. Once we settle these easier points, we will move on to the more complex issues that involve significant financial considerations.

We’ve agreed to use the Alaska contract as a base while negotiating relevant provisions and terms from the Hawaiian contract.  

Section by Section Progress

Tentative Agreements (TAs) reached in this session:

• Section 20 – Board of Adjustment (HA CBA Section 24)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

• Section 13 – Uniforms (HA CBA Section 6)
• Section 18 – Reduction in Force (HA CBA Section 16)
• Section 27 – Association General (HA CBA Section 22)
• Section 30 – Training (HA CBA Section 26)

Survey: Commuter Policy

Our JNC is reviewing the Commuter Policies (AS CBA Section 27 and HA CBA Section 34-28) and is looking for your feedback. The Committee is sending a Commuter Survey to your personal emails next week!

• Survey opens Monday, April 21 at 9 AM PT 
• Survey closes Monday, May 5 at 12 PM PT

Every Flight Attendant commutes to work whether by air or by ground, and we want to make sure your voice is heard. Please make sure to complete the survey before it closes!

Hawaiian Extension TA Results

Hawaiian Flight Attendants voted to ratify a Contract Extension through February 2028. This Extension includes continued pay increases, retirement improvements, better profit sharing, and a strong foundation to build upon as negotiations for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) continue. The Contract Extension was ratified with 88% voting for the agreement. 

Our Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) has completed the first week of negotiations for our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). 

Normally, this update would have been published sooner; however, a lot has been happening at both Alaska and Hawaiian:

• February 28: AFA Alaska TA2 was ratified for the Alaska Flight Attendant Contract
• March 1: Merged Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Councils (MEC) officers’ term began 
• March 3 and 4: JNC Negotiations Training
• March 4-6, 10, 11, 13, 17: JNC Negotiations planning meetings took place
• March 11: AFA Hawaiian reached TA on Contract Extension
• March 18: JCBA Negotiations began

With the MECs of both carriers merged, we were now able to begin JCBA negotiations. This JCBA bargaining is unique as we merge two strong and complex contracts on the heels of negotiating successor contracts to both the Hawaiian and Alaska Contracts. As a result, our opening proposals in joint contract negotiations were broad and brief. Key highlights of our Opening Proposal:

• Each contract section will be addressed individually.
• The Alaska CBA will be used as a basis for language purposes.
• Our commitment is to combine the best of both contracts. 
• We will be seeking improvements over the current contract provisions.
• Big decisions like TFP vs Block Pay, Open Time systems, etc., will be decided downline after surveying members and consulting with the MEC.

For our first session, we focused on the less controversial sections and passed proposals on the following: 

• Non-Discrimination
• Purpose of Agreement
• Savings Clause
• Status of Agreement
• Probation Period
• Seniority
• Grievance Procedures
• System Board of Adjustment
• Association Security
• Training
• Leaves of Absence

Tentative Agreements were reached on the following sections:

• Non-Discrimination
• Purpose of Agreement
• Savings Clause
• Status of Agreement
• Probation Period
• Association Security
• Medical Examinations

As we move forward, the JNC will normally meet with management for one session per month. Your input will be crucial as the JNC pinpoints the most beneficial language from our two contracts. Our plan involves consulting with our MEC and the relevant Alaska and Hawaiian AFA committee chairs. This will ensure the JNC possesses the necessary working knowledge to fully understand each contractual provision. Then, we will develop section-specific Member surveys to determine our negotiating priorities. 

The JNC will be conducting several membership surveys throughout JCBA negotiations that target specific areas of the contract. This will give you the opportunity to provide us with the most current feedback on many key contractual sections, including:

• Reserve 
• Pick Ups, Drops, Trades, and Exchanges / Exchange of Sequences 
• Scheduling / Hours of Service 
• Sick Leave 
• Vacation 
• Commuter Policy
• TFP/Block Hours

Our first Survey about the Commuter Policy is currently being developed and will be sent out in the near future. Please anticipate these surveys throughout negotiations as we approach key sections.  

We value your feedback as we work together to create the best possible contract for our combined group. Please reach out to us with any questions or ideas you may have so that we can ensure we leave no ideas on the table.

In Solidarity,

Your Joint Negotiating Committee – Tim Green, Martin Gusman, Jeff Fuke, Virginia Fritz, Heather Reier, and AFA Senior Staff Negotiator Paula Mastrangelo