4.01.25 – 2025 Annual BOD Convention Recap

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

2025 Annual BOD Convention Recap

In this hotline: 

• National Officer’s Update
• Defending Workers’ Rights: Unions Stand Strong Against Executive Overreach
• Annual Board Training
• 29th Annual Awards and Recognition Event
• Election for Executive Committee Ad Hocs #3 and #4
• Recognizing the Women That Make Our Union Run

The APFA Annual Board of Directors Convention took place last week at the Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas.

National Officer’s Update

This year’s focus: APFA’s financial standing.

The three ballot measures included in the 2024 Dues Restructure did not pass ratification. The Members have spoken, and we hear you.

Your APFA Representatives are Flight Attendants who earn compensation based on the same pay scale as line Flight Attendants. With the failure of the 2024 Dues Restructure, it is important to acknowledge the significant cost-cutting measures implemented since this administration took office in 2020. Moving forward, we remain committed to financial responsibility while ensuring that APFA continues to provide the representation and resources our Members deserve.

During our update, we addressed the challenges we face and the need to adapt APFA to better serve our Membership.

At this year’s convention, your APFA Board of Directors—comprised of elected Base Presidents—were faced with the difficult task of passing a budget that did not provide the same level of services Members received prior to the 2024 contract ratification. Without a change to our dues structure, essential services that protect both our Members and our contract will remain at risk. We must work together to ensure APFA remains strong and capable of fighting for the rights and resources Flight Attendants deserve.

Your elected Base Presidents reviewed feedback from Members on why the Dues Restructure did not ratify. Key concerns included the inability to vote on future increases, a lack of transparency regarding how funds are allocated both nationally and at the base level, and the ongoing issue of some Flight Attendants remaining in dues arrears.

This feedback is critical as we take the necessary steps to secure APFA’s financial health while providing the services our Members need to do their jobs. Your voice matters, and we remain committed to finding a path forward that strengthens our Union while maintaining transparency and accountability.

To ensure your voice is heard, we will be polling the Membership ahead of any potential dues restructuring. Your feedback is critical in shaping the path forward, and any decisions must align with the priorities of our Members.

Defending Workers’ Rights: Unions Stand Strong Against Executive Overreach

At the meeting, National President Hedrick addressed key issues, highlighting the growing challenges Unions face under the current U.S. Presidential administration. During these critical times, APFA stands united with our Union Siblings in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of our Members and all Workers.

Annual Board Training

On Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, your APFA Leadership participated in the annual board training outlined in the APFA Policy Manual Section 4.B.6. 

2025 APFA Leadership Training with Alexia Kulwiec

This year, we welcomed back Alexia Kulwiec from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Workers for another year of insightful training. Alexia led an engaging session on Continuing the Fight Past Negotiations, emphasizing the importance of next steps– holding American Airlines management accountable.

Your APFA Leadership formed four Steering Committees at the 2024 Fall Board of Directors Meeting, including one dedicated to addressing the impersonal and unjust disciplinary actions being imposed on Flight Attendants. Too often, these decisions fail to consider individual circumstances and the unique challenges of our profession. Moving forward, we will ensure management upholds its promise that Crew Managers receive proper training—so they can support Flight Attendants with job and contract-related concerns rather than resorting to unnecessary micromanagement and punitive measures.

2025 APFA Leadership Training

Stay engaged- holding management accountable will take all 28,000 Flight Attendants standing together in solidarity!

29th Annual Awards and Recognition Event

On Thursday, March 27th, we presented the Distinguished Service Award to Former IOD Chair Bellia Peckson and the Edward M. Kennedy Award to Former Secretary of Labor Julie Su.

Bellia began her career as an American Airlines Flight Attendant in July 1985. Her Union work began in the Safety Department, where she served as a volunteer from 1989 to 1991. In 2004, she began her work as a Health/ Injury on Duty (IOD) Representative, later rising to serve as Department Chair from 2015 to 2024.

Bellia Peckson

Bellia was unable to attend the ceremony. Kim Coats Tuck, APFA Retirement Specialist, accepted the award on her behalf.

Our new contract would not have been possible without 28,000 American Airlines Flight Attendants standing together, speaking with one voice, and showing support for our Negotiating Committee. Your solidarity sent a powerful message that we were committed to securing the contract we deserve.

We are grateful for the negotiations support we received from Leaders in Washington, D.C., who recognized the importance of fair wages and strong working conditions for Flight Attendants. Former Secretary of Labor Julie Su played a key role in advocating for a larger economic package, helping to push negotiations across the finish line.

Julie Su (fourth from right) and Bart Sheard (third from right) with Members of the APFA Negotiating Committee

APFA is proud to recognize Bellia Peckson and Julie Su, and we thank them for their commitments to Flight Attendants and the Labor Movement.

Election for Executive Committee Ad Hocs #3 and #4

The meeting concluded with an election for Executive Committee Ad Hocs 3 and 4. These committee members are elected by the voting Board of Directors, consisting of your Base Presidents. According to the APFA Constitution, the Executive Committee shall act as the agent for and on behalf of the Voting Board of Directors. More information on the responsibilities of the APFA Executive Committee may be found in Article III Section 4 of the APFA Constitution.

Kerstin Conners (DFW) and Joseph Seelye (PHX) were re-elected as Ad Hocs 3 and 4, respectively.

Executive Committee Q and A

Q1: What is the APFA Executive Committee?
The Members of the Executive Committee act as agents for and on behalf of the Voting Board of Directors (your Base Presidents), and interpret the APFA Constitution, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Q2: Who sits on the APFA Executive Committee?
The Executive Committee consists of the National President, National Vice President, National Secretary, National Treasurer and five (5) Ad Hoc Members.

Q3: Where can I read more about the Executive Committee and their responsibilities?
Duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee may be found in the APFA Constitution Article III  Section 4.

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Women’s History Month

APFA recognizes and honors the Women who make Unions run, always fighting for equality and improved working conditions.

International Women’s Day 2025

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Minutes for this meeting will be published to the APFA website no later than thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the meeting per Policy Manual Section 4.A.7.b.(3).

In Solidarity,