This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants
- Our JNC met with management this week on April 28 to April 30 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for June 2 to June 4
- Our JNC is working to combine vacation provisions for Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants, presenting a vision for Section 14 (Vacation) as a starting point for negotiations
- The Crew Meal Survey will be sent to your inbox on May 12 to collect feedback as the JNC evaluates Section 22 (Expenses)
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 28 to April 30 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:
| Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants | Representing Management |
| Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee Chairperson | Allen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska |
| Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Joe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska |
| Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Carmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska |
| Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Kalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian |
| Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee Member | Mike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska |
| Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff Negotiator | Karen Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska |
This session, the JNC continued to look closely at both the Alaska and Hawaiian vacation systems. At the start of the week, we had a helpful discussion about how Flight Attendant vacation is managed. Jake Jones, AFA’s MEC Scheduling Chairperson, joined us along with vacation administrators from both Alaska and Hawaiian: Manager of Crew Planning, Jefferey Hunt; Manager of Crew Staffing, Alex Mandus; Manager of Crew Planning, Colin Beard; Flight Crew Administration Manager, Laurie Shiira; Manager of Crew Pay, Debbie Bakke; Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Rich Nicklaw; and Senior Crew Plan Analyst, Choak O’Connell.
As the JNC began discussing combining the elements of the vacation sections, we identified several important issues that would need close work with company stakeholders. We proposed a collaborative approach to management to tackle the complicated provisions, so both sides can work together to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs. With this in mind the JNC presented our vision for Section 14 (Vacation), which will be used as a starting point for discussion.
The JNC also passed and received from management proposals on the new Section 37 (Temporary Duty Assignment) and shared our first proposal for Section 35 (Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges). The committee also continued to trade proposals on Section 36 (Commuter Policy).
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:
- 🆕 Temporary Duty Assignments (AS CBA does not address these provisions and HA CBA Section 15)
- Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
- Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)
- Flight Attendant Jumpseat and Pass Privileges (AS CBA Section 35 and HA CBA Section 30)
Sections in ongoing discussion:
- Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
- Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
- 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)
- Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)
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)
Crew Meal Survey
Our JNC is in the process of reviewing Expenses (AS CBA Section 22 and HA CBA Section 4). We are looking for your feedback regarding Crew Meals. The survey is currently being finalized and will be sent to your inbox on May 12.
- Survey opens Tuesday, May 12 at 9 AM PT
- Survey closes on Tuesday, May 25 at Noon
What’s Upcoming
Our next session with management is scheduled for June 2 to June 4.

