AFA Alaska + Hawaiian

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

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What Does This Committee Do?

The Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) is dedicated to building a safer, healthier, and more secure workplace for every Flight Attendant and the passengers on our aircraft. We focus on the issues that matter most by identifying challenges, championing meaningful safety programs, and keeping everyone informed about the latest developments. Through our vigilance and advocacy, the ASHSC ensures every Member has a voice and that safety always comes first.

Download the Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Member duties and responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Identify Safety Issues: Collect information, analyze safety and health reports, and filter local trends. Use this data to develop evidence-based, actionable solutions and present formal, written recommendations for consideration.
  • Address Member Concerns: Act as the primary point of contact for Flight Attendants facing safety, health, or security issues. Address issues promptly through established protocols and provide effective follow-up.
  • Champion Reporting: Encourage proactive participation in safety programs by mentoring Flight Attendants on using reporting tools (such as ASAP/HSAP, fatigue reports, and company safety reports). Help Flight Attendants understand that these programs are essential tools for identifying hazards rather than just administrative tasks.
  • Educational Outreach: Translate complex safety matters—including regulatory changes and industry updates—into easy-to-understand information. Empower Flight Attendants by explaining the “why” behind safety policies, ensuring they feel confident and informed.
  • Develop Expertise: Proactively maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry safety changes, regulatory guidelines, and company procedures. Apply this expertise to actively guide LEC Officers and advocate for the Flight Attendant perspective in meetings with management regarding incidents or operational changes.
  • Build Partnerships: Collaborate with other AFA committees to provide unified, expert feedback on cabin interiors, new equipment, uniforms, and policy or procedure changes. Ensure management initiatives are reviewed for safety and advocate for practical, effective improvements for Flight Attendants.
Why Would I Contact This Committee?

The ASHSC is available to help you with:

  • Concerns or reports of safety, health, or security hazards onboard the aircraft and in other work locations
  • Obtaining resources and information from the AFA International Air Safety, Health, & Security Department
  • Questions about the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP/HSAP)
Air Quality Subcommittee
View the Air Quality Subcommittee page

The Air Quality Subcommittee specializes in aircraft-related air quality issues and concerns.


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Who Do I Contact?

For assistance, contact any member of your Local ASHSC Committee.  You can find a list of Committee Members on your Local Council Committees page.  For your convenience, a list of Committee Chairs and links to the Local Committee lists are below.

ANC

Debi Wallstrom
anc.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the ANC Committee List >>

HNL

Baron Lee
hnl.ashsc.chair@afahawaiian.org

LAX (pmAS)

Carin Merritt
lax.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the LAX (pmAS) Committee List >>

LAX (pmHA)

Kahea Alvarez
lax.ashsc.chair@afahawaiian.org

PDX

Kalin Lackey
pdx.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the PDX Committee List >>

SAN

Eva Gatus
san.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the SAN Committee List >>

SEA

David Lake
sea.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the SEA Committee List >>

SFO

Bradley Young
sfo.ashsc.chair@afaalaska.org

View the SFO Committee List >>

MEC

Seth Heiple, MEC Chairperson
Kerri Ruiz, MEC Vice Chairperson
Bradley Young, MEC Vice Chairperson
ashsc@afaalaska.org

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Links

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Committee News

View the SHSC news archives

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

Posted: October 29, 2026

Updated: 10/29/2026 17:05 PT On Thursday, October 22, members of our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), Baron Lee (HNL), Bryce Sarmiento (pmAS LAX), Kahea […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – August 2026

Posted: September 14, 2026

On Thursday, August 27, our Seattle Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met with management to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Walstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA pmAS), Kahea Alvarez (LAX/SEA pmHA), Carin Merritt (LAX […]

Staying Safe On Layovers

Posted: August 27, 2026

A joint message from our AFA Hotel Committee; Air Safety, Health & Security Committee (ASHSC); and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee. Your safety matters to us—and we want you to come home from every trip safe and well. Most layovers go smoothly, and you can keep it that way by staying aware and trusting […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – July 2026

Posted: July 23, 2026

On Wednesday, July 15, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO and MEC ASHSC Vice […]

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – May 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

On Wednesday, May 20, our Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) representatives met virtually to discuss ongoing safety concerns, operational challenges, policy updates, and workplace improvements impacting Flight Attendants across the operation. Representing you at the meeting were Deb Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Kalin Lackey (PDX), Bradley Young (SFO), Bryce Sarmiento (LAX pmAS), […]

AFA Alaska + Hawaiian MEC Congratulates Pilots on Tentative Agreement

Yesterday, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) announced that pilots at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) for a new Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). On behalf of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Master Executive Council, we extend our congratulations to our flight deck colleagues and their negotiating committee on reaching […]

Inside Our Inflight Service Committee Meetings With Management

Welcome to Week 2 of our Inflight Service Committee Focus Month! As aviation safety professionals and first responders, our primary focus in the cabin is always the safety and well-being of our passengers. At the same time, the care and hospitality we provide on every trip represent a core part of our professional identity. To […]

Hotel Committee Meeting Recap – November 2026

On Monday, November 2, our AFA Hotel Committee Chairpersons met in-person to receive an update on current layover hotels and transportation providers and discuss concerns with management. Representing you at the meeting were Dori Marron (ANC), Brian Sherill (pmAS LAX), Le’a Tupola (pmHA LAX/SEA), Kelly Hepworth (PDX), Kanani Vallot (SAN), Hilary Streem (SFO), with MEC […]

787-10 New Aircraft Negotiations

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants New Aircraft Acquisition Negotiations According to Section 27.C.2 of the AFA Hawaiian Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the company must enter into negotiations when acquiring new aircraft. The company announced plans to acquire additional 787s in January of this year. However, AFA received the official letter of intent […]

MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson Interviews – December 2026

This message is for pre-merger Hawaiian Flight Attendants. Are you passionate about helping your flying partners navigate their financial futures? Our MEC is seeking a dedicated and organized Member in good standing to serve as the pre-merger Hawaiian MEC Retirement Committee Chairperson. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for assisting […]

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