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AFA and CWA Scholarships

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

AFA-CWA and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) offer scholarship opportunities each year to help support our members and their families as they pursue their educational goals. These programs are one of the ways our union invests in the future of working families by helping reduce the financial burden of higher education.

We encourage all eligible members and their families to explore these opportunities and consider applying. You’ll find more information about eligibility and application details below.

AFA Scholarship Fund

The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our members who will be attending a college or university. Your application must be postmarked by April 10, 2026. 

APPLY FOR THE AFA SCHOLARSHIP >>>

CWA Joe Beirne Foundation Scholarship

The CWA Joe Beirne Foundation was established in October 1974 by the Communications Workers of America Executive Board to honor the name and memory of the founding President of CWA, who served for more than 30 years. In his capacity as the first CWA President, Joe Beirne took great pride in the roles he played in the fields of education and learning and other areas of social concern. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026.

APPLY FOR THE CWA SCHOLARSHIP >>>

Council 47 LAX Update – April 2026 PBS Bidding

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

April Bid Period: New Pairing Layout & Navblue Tips

We know many of you have noticed the changes to how April pairings are displayed and that the new layout has caused some frustration. These changes are the result of the company transitioning to the same vendor used by Alaska Airlines. During the transition, efforts were made to keep the pairing information as familiar and readable as possible, but the presentation is different from what we have previously used.

Below are a few tips that may help when reviewing pairings in Navblue.

Viewing Pairings in NavBlue

You can view the full list of pairings for your base directly in Navblue:

  1. Log in and select Pairings from the left-side menu. This will display the full list of pairings for your base.
  2. Use the Bid Preference Editor on the right side of the screen to filter results. For example, you can filter by Aircraft Type (AC Type) such as the A330.
  3. If you want to remove filters, select Reset at the top of the Bid Preference Editor.

What’s Different This Bid Period

  • Turns: Pairings that are turn-only trips are now grouped at the beginning of the pairing list.
  • LAX Base: Because several pairings contain higher credit values, some Flight Attendants may benefit from using “Over Schedule” in their bid strategy to increase the likelihood of holding a bid.

We understand that adjusting to a new system can take some time. If additional tips or best practices become available, we will share them with you.

As always, if you have questions or notice anything unusual with the pairings, please let us know.

Mahalo,

AFA PBS Committee
Greg Wickstrom – greg.wickstrom@afahawaiian.org
Patrick Smith – patrick.smith@afahawaiian.org 

Council 47 LAX Update – AFA and CWA Scholarships

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Los Angeles Based Flight Attendants

AFA and CWA Scholarships

AFA-CWA and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) offer scholarship opportunities to support our members and their families in pursuing educational goals. These programs are designed to invest in the future of working families by helping offset the cost of higher education.

Two scholarship opportunities are available each year through both AFA and CWA, covering a range of academic pursuits for members, their dependents, and in some cases, continuing education for members themselves.

Members of Council 47 have also benefited from these scholarship programs in past years, with recipients from our Council successfully receiving financial assistance to further their education. We encourage all eligible members and their families to explore these opportunities and consider applying.

Additional information, eligibility requirements, and application details are outlined below.

AFA Scholarship Fund

The Association of Flight Attendants Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial assistance to dependents of our members who will be attending a college or university. Your application must be postmarked by April 10, 2026. Learn more about the Scholarship and see how to apply.

AFA Scholarship

CWA Joe Beirne Foundation Scholarship

The CWA Joe Beirne Foundation was established in October 1974 by the Communications Workers of America Executive Board to honor the name and memory of the founding President of CWA, who served for more than 30 years. In his capacity as the first CWA President, Joe Beirne took great pride in the roles he played in the fields of education and learning and other areas of social concern. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026.

CWA Scholarship

Hawaiian Flight Attendant Seattle Domicile Negotiations – March 2026 Update

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • AFA has filed a grievance disputing the proof of relocation required by management to qualify for the flat rate moving expense
  • Flat-rate moving expenses are taxed as bonus wages and are not grossed up, while actual moving expenses reimbursed with receipts will be grossed up to cover taxes owed

Flat Rate Moving Expense Update

Many of you have come to us with concerns about management’s requirement to provide proof of relocation to be eligible for the flat rate moving expense. AFA’s position is that a Flight Attendant does not have to actually move in order to be eligible for the flat rate payment.  We are in dispute with management over the requirement and have formally filed a MEC grievance on the issue. The grievance process will take some time to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, we would like to clarify the requirements for those who may be interested in securing the flat rate expense under management’s terms.

First, management is requiring that you actually move, but you do not need to move to Seattle – just a location that makes sense for you to be able to commute to SEA. For example, a move from HNL to a location on the continent such as AUS, SMF, PDX, or DEN, is allowable.

Second, there is no requirement that your move be a permanent one. If you move and a group of Flight Attendants decides to lease a home or large apartment together, with the intention of moving from your current place of residence to SEA or to a location closer to SEA than your current residence, the flat rate moving expense is available.

Third, management is requires that you provide two forms of the required proof of relocation within sixty (60) days after the effective date of your transfer in order to receive the flat rate moving expense. Management requires two forms of the documentation below:

  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Mortgage or rental payment receipt
  • Insurance documents, like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
  • Driver’s license, State ID
  • Mail from the Department of Motor Vehicles with your address listed
  • Official school documents, including an enrollment form or a school ID
  • Utility bill (including any public utility like a gas, electricity, or water bill) or confirmation of utility service (including a utility hook-up or work order)
  • Statement from a bank or financial institution with the address listed
  • U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation letter
  • Moving company contract or receipt with your address listed
  • Voter registration card with your name and address listed

Finally, if you need the flat rate moving expense before your move, please contact your base manager. Section 5.B.2. of the contract provides that the flat rate moving expense can be provided to you in advance. Please note that the company will not be able to provide you with a cash voucher (the funds will be directly deposited). In addition, flat rate expenses are now taxable under changes in tax laws.

AFA’s position is that you should not need to provide proof of relocation. We hope this information provides additional clarity regarding flat rate moving expenses for those of you who will be able to provide the company-required documentation, while we work through the grievance process for those who will not be able to provide relocation documentation.

If you are unable to provide the company requested documentation:

  • Document all interactions with management regarding your denial of the Flat Rate moving expense
  • Email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org so we may track any potential grievants.

Moving Expenses – Tax Clarification

Actual Moving Expenses

For moving expenses that are reimbursed with actual receipts (actual moving expenses and settling expenses), the company will gross up the payment. This means that the company will be increase the gross payment to cover the taxes owed, to ensuring the Flight Attendant receives the intended reimbursement amount.

Flat Rate Moving Expenses

Lump sum payments (flat rate moving expense and new hire settling expense) will be taxed similarly to bonus wages and will not be grossed up.

For any questions regarding your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor or another qualified financial professional.

Other Information

Pet Moving Expenses

The company will reimburse reasonable expenses associated with moving your pet, including the required pet health certificate. If your pet is unable to travel in the cabin or in the baggage compartment and may require specialized handling, please reach out to your duty manager for next steps.

Cargo Information

If you wish to ship your household goods by cargo, you may do so on a space available basis on company aircraft. You will need to complete an SP-28 form, available through Alaska Cargo. Please call 1-800-225-2752 or cargo.capacity@hawaiianair.com for more information.

SEA LOA Resources

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local leadership or email the SEA Domicile Negotiating Committee at sea@afahawaiian.org.

Council 43 Update – March 1, 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well.

As we begin March, we continue the work to meet the challenges that are being brought about because of the merger. We have all seen management’s need for speed brings with it constant change and plans that at times seem incomplete or not well thought out. The result can be an unforced error, which creates difficult situations for both passengers and Flight Attendants alike. To be clear, management is doing their best. We all do our best. But mergers are messy and complex, and when the business tries to capture revenue as quickly as possible, people are sometimes caught in the middle when things do not work out as intended.

Kela and I continue to do our work both at home and away. February was Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, so in addition to his already-frequent lounge sits, Kela and members of I Mua Ke Alo (Hōkū Kamakeʻeʻāina, Kainoa McGill, Kamalani Wehrsig, Kawika Lum-Nelmida, Kekai Lum, Kela Chong, Mālia Benevedes, and Namahana Lota) were in the lounge sharing their manaʻo and bag tags. In mid-February we held a Grievance Committee meeting to review and discuss the scheduling protest and grievance process. In attendance were Chasity Theno, Patrick Smith, Ashley Keanu-Blanco, Michelle Kang, Zack Moulden, Rachel Fernandez, Joni Pak, Lea Franzoi, and Wilisoni Fatafehi.

Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations, Alaska + Hawaiian MEC meetings and SEA domicile work all continue, mostly in SEA. We are now a month away from the SEA domicile opening and several important issues remain outstanding, including management’s requirement to provide documentation of relocation for flat rate moving expenses (AFA has filed a grievance on this issue), the availability and distribution on SEA domicile uniforms, and the 787 ER service. Work continues on getting clarity on all of these issues.

In closing, Kela and I would like to extend a special mahalo to the Flight Attendant volunteers who give their time and energy to support the Hawaiian Flight Attendants. Their contributions make the daily running of the Local Council possible. Volunteering is never a small gesture. Their willingness to serve reflects compassion and commitment since it means taking time away from their personal responsibilities, and sometimes even sacrificing time with families. Mahalo nui!

In Solidarity,
Martin Gusman & Kela Chong

NGP Visit Ends on March 7

The good people of National Group Protection (NGP) will be wrapping up their visit to HNL on Saturday, March 7. Frank and JoAnn have been in the lounge providing information about NGP supplemental insurance plans, and will resume their lounge visits on Tuesday, March 3. Please feel free to stop by the lounge to ask questions about your existing plan or coverage. You can reach NGP at (800) 344-9016.

AFA Board of Directors Meeting in PDX

This year’s AFA Board of Directors (BOD) meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon, and begins on Monday, March 9. The 2026 BOD will be a full meeting, meaning the board will need to approve an annual budget and may amend the AFA-CWA Constitution & Bylaws. In addition, this year the board will be electing International Officers (President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer) to serve the term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.

Council 43 will be hosting a joint meeting on March 2, with United Airlines Council 14 (HNL) to review the 2026 BOD agenda items. The meeting will run from 1200-1300 HST, and the meeting agenda will be limited to reviewing the advance agenda items. All members in good standing are welcomed to register and attend.

More information about the BOD meeting, including the agenda items, may be found on the AFA-CWA website. If you have any questions about the BOD meeting or any of the agenda items, please feel free to reach out to us or email us both at hnl@afahawaiian.org.

REGISTER HERE >>>

Reserve Webinar

Reserve Committee Co-Chairs, Sasha Kahele-Manners and Joni Pak will be hosting a reserve webinar on Tuesday, March 3, from 1100 HST – 1200 HST. A reserve webinar is a great opportunity to learn more about our contract and the scheduling of reserves. Please register and feel free to submit your questions ahead of time. We look forward to seeing you there!

REGISTER HERE >>>

January Dues Deduction

Please be advised that our March 6th paycheck will include two deductions: one for March and a make-up deduction for the deduction that was missed by the Company on January 6. The AFA Membership Services department is aware of this issue and will and will apply the make-up deduction accordingly. Please visit the Membership Hub if you have any questions or concerns about your dues status.

Updated Council 43 Roster

The Council 43 Roster has been updated and moved to its new home at the AFA Alaska website (afaalaska.org). The roster may be found on the HNL Council 43 Committee page (https://afaalaska.org/hnl/committees). Please bookmark the page for future reference. Over the next few weeks, we will be migrating Honolulu’s content to the AFA Alaska website.

MEC Town Hall

On Tuesday, March 3, the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting for Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants. The meeting will be held from 0900 HST – 1030HST. More information about the meeting, including registration information, may be found here.

REGISTER HERE >>>

March 19: UAL Member Action Day (MAD)

The United Airlines Flight Attendants have been in contract negotiations for nearly five years! On March 19, the United Flight Attendants will have system-wide, in-person informational picketing – a Member Day of Action. The details of specific times and locations will be released when they become available.

March 2026 Events

DateEvent
March 2BOD Agenda Item Review with UAL 14
March 3MEC Town Hall; Reserve Webinar
March 3-7NGP Insurance in CRO
March 7MEC Meeting in PDX
March 9-11AFA BOD in PDX
March 19UAL Member Action Day
March 23-26JCBA Negotiations in SEA

Why Vote?

As we continue our Government Affairs Focus Month, our attention turns to civic engagement and the critical role voting plays in shaping our day-to-day work environment. While many of us associate workplace protections primarily with contract negotiations, the laws and regulations that govern our aviation career extend far beyond the bargaining table. Watch: Why Vote? […]

Reminder: Don’t Miss Next Week’s MEC Town Hall!

Mark your calendar: Wednesday, September 23, is almost here! There’s still time to register for our Alaska + Hawaiian Town Hall and hear directly from your MEC Officers: MEC President Tim Green, MEC Vice President Brice McGee, and MEC Secretary-Treasurer Paul Ikioka. Join us for the latest updates and get answers to your questions. The […]

Reserve Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Thursday, September 3, representatives from our pre-merger Alaska AFA Reserve Committee met to discuss ongoing work advocating for Reserve Flight Attendants. Attending on your behalf were Ella Embree (ANC), Conner Gallager (SEA), Anthony Eskander (PDX), Meghan Casey (SFO), Kanako Yamada (LAX), and Rebecca Garcia (SAN). MEC […]

MEC Statement Regarding Management’s New California Timekeeping Policy

Management announced a major policy shift last night that, starting October 1, 2026, California-based pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants in SFO, LAX, and SAN will be required to take an additional and redundant step to record their time worked by punching in and out using a timekeeping system. According to management, this new procedure applies to […]

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, a vibrant and meaningful tribute to the remarkable contributions, history, and cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. This celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson to recognize the impact and influence of Hispanic-Latinx communities across the […]

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