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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 […]

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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), […]

Scheduling Committee Meeting Recap – October 2026

This message is for pre-merger Alaska Flight Attendants On Tuesday, October 27, our pre-merger Alaska Scheduling Committee Chairpersons and Representatives met virtually to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace. Representing you at the meeting were Rebekah Olds (ANC), Rita Tillou (SEA), Russel Rivinius (PDX), Jaqui […]

AFA Committee Focus Month: Inflight Service

Welcome to November!  Every day, we step onto our aircraft prepared to handle any situation as first responders and trained safety professionals. At the same time, so much of the pride we take in our profession comes from the warmth and hospitality we deliver to our passengers on every flight. Delivering a memorable, welcoming experience […]

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November 1 marks the start of Native American Heritage Month across the United States. Also observed as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, this month provides an opportunity to recognize the profound contributions, vibrant cultures, and enduring sovereignty of Indigenous peoples. From the ancestral homelands of Alaska Native peoples across the North to […]

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 20 – October 2026

The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met with management in Seattle for three days of collective bargaining, addressing critical sections of the contract. Through productive discussions, the JNC reached Tentative Agreements on Section 6 (Seniority), Retiree Pass Privileges, and Retiree Health Insurance. The committee plans to continue using both Interest-Based Bargaining (IBB) and traditional methods to resolve complex issues during negotiations.

Call To Action: Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3

Our voice. Our vote. Our power. Throughout September, our AFA Government Affairs Committee highlighted how legislative advocacy impacts our work and daily lives as Flight Attendants. By breaking down the role of AFA Government Affairs, explaining the legislative process, encouraging civic engagement, and demonstrating the vital importance of FlightPAC, the campaign showed how our union’s voice is […]

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