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Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – 4th Quarter 2022

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

  • Our AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met on Thursday, October 13 to discuss their ongoing program of work to represent Flight Attendants interests related to safety, health, and security in our workplace.
  • The Committee also met with management to receive updates and discuss issues and problems that Flight Attendants are facing onboard the aircraft.
  • Reporting safety concerns is more important than ever given the challenges we are currently facing as a work group.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Reports (ASAP), and fatigue reports can all be filed through Report It!  Please contact a member of your Local ASHSC if you need assistance.

On Thursday, October 13, our AFA Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing work to represent our Flight Attendants and push for improvements in our workplace.  Representing you at the meeting were Debi Wallstrom (ANC), David Lake (SEA), Blair Kimball (PDX), Brad Young (SFO), Carin Meritt (LAX), and Eva Gatus (SAN).  Also present were MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson—Air Quality Yvette Satterlee and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple.  The committee met with Cabin Safety Manager Cari Smith-Allen, Director of Inflight Training & Standards Thomas Kaminski, Inflight Policy & Procedure Specialist Cassie Tevis, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance Corey Chestnut, Interim Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedure Johanna Giese, and Inflight Experience Program Manager Matthew Coder.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed a number of items when meeting with management.  Some items discussed include:

  • IMD Replacement Status.  F/As hired prior to 2022 should be receiving new IMDs before 2023.
  • Trash Stowage.  A Trash Task Force (which includes a representative from both the ASHSC and AFA Inflight Service Committee) meets every other week to monitor trash reports and work on solutions.
  • Single Door Catering.  Working with other divisions to come up with a documented process for catering out of just the aft or forward galleys where dual door catering cannot be accomplished.
  • 737 MAX 9 G1 Trash Compartment: Management is reviewing process for cleaning the MAX 9 G1 trash compartment in response to Flight Attendant complaints.  Management is also looking at improving the design on future versions of the MAX. 
  • Undesirable Lavatory Odors.  Toilets cowls are being removed on regular intervals to deep clean underneath them, which should help alleviate unpleasant smells.  Flight Attendants should write up the aircraft (using a Cabin Discrepancies form) if odors are overwhelming and need immediate attention.
  • Passenger POC Batteries.  Discussed concerns about passenger’s POC battery not being charged enough to last the length of the flight.  Management reported that CSAs are trained to ask if the POC battery is charged and can last at least 1.5x the length of the flight.  All POCs should have cabin approved tag attached prior to boarding to indicated they have been verified by CSAs
  • 737-900 Seatbelts Extensions.  Not all seat belt extensions on our fleet are compatible with every aircraft type. Maintenance checks each aircraft to ensure the correct ones are boarded every 120 days.  The Committee also brought forward concerns to management that some extensions require opening the buckle 180 degrees to release, which makes performing the safety demo awkward and may be difficult for passengers to use.
  • Onboard Cleaning Products. Management is looking at removing the large bottle of cleaning spray currently boarded due to issues with leakage. They may place a smaller bottle in the UPK instead so it is still available when needed.
  • Event Follow Up Emails.  Management reported that they are trying to constantly provide information to employees about significant events.
  • MELs.  Significant discussion was had about ways to improve communication from Maintenance Technicians and Pilots when sharing information with Flight Attendants regarding MELs.  The Committee believes management can do a better job training Flight Attendants about the MEL process and how to apply safety principles (Ready, Safe, Go).  The Committee also wants to build awareness with Flight Operations and Maintenance & Engineering so that there is a better understanding of how legally applied MELs affect Flight Attendant working conditions and can lead to the perception of an unsafe work environment.
  • Recurrent Training (RT) Drills for 2023.  Review of the number and type of drills planed for RT 2023.  Management currently plans to evaluate Flight Attendants on both Boeing and Airbus drills and a new arrival procedure drill.  The Committee is concerned that the number of drills when accompanied by hands-on practice time will not fit comfortably in the RT footprint.
  • Trays.  The Committee discussed issues with trays coming out of galley compartment unexpectedly and striking Flight Attendants.  Management reports that trays should all be catered inside of beverage carts.  It is a catering error if they are found elsewhere and should be reported using the catering feedback function in Block2Block (B2B).
  • Emergency Medical Equipment.  The Committee continues to advocate that additional equipment, such as pulse oximeters, be added to onboard medical kits.
  • Layover Transportation Safety.  Reports have been received about a number of recent accidents involving layover transportation.  The Committee wants to ensure drivers are well vetted by management and encourage Flight Attendants to wear a seatbelt whenever they are available.
  • Personal Items Plugged Into Galley Power Outlets.  There have been reports of Flight Attendants plugging personal items, like tea kettles, into galley power outlets.  No personal items may be plugged into galley power outlets as they are not tested to be safe for the environment or with the 400Hz power supplied by the outlets.
  • Apple AirTags.  Lufthansa recently banned Apple AirTags on checked luggage. The Committee asked management to provide a safety assessment of Apple AirTags and similar tracking devices on checked luggage.
  • Lack of Reach Out After Significant Events. Discussed better ways to ensure that management and AFA representatives are aware of significant events which take place on the aircraft. There can be a lag time if the only notification is from a FAIR filed by the Flight Attendants involved in the event.  Flight Attendants need better information about how and when to reach out to Inflight management about an event.  
  • Change Location of “In an evacuation, leave all carry-on items behind” Announcement.  The Committee provided feedback to management that this announcement doesn’t flow well in the safety demo and suggested moving to a different location.  Management agreed and will look at improving the flow.
  • CSA Boarding Questions in B2B Teams Messaging.  Management understands that there is significant confusion among Flight Attendants and CSAs with this process. There seem to be very different expectations between CSAs and Flight Attendants about the meaning of the “ready to board” message.  Per Company policy, boarding should start at D-40, so it is expected that when answering “ready to board” that boarding will begin accordingly at D-40.  The Committee also expressed concern about the questions being asked before Flight Attendants have even reported to the aircraft and with messages not going through in a timely manner because of connectivity issues. 
  • Block2Block (B2B) Passenger Age Group Identifiers.  The Committee shared a request to have identifiers added to B2B to help Flight Attendants assess compliance related to age-related policies and regulations (under 2, 15 or over, 21 or over). Management indicates this is on the development list but a low priority.
  • Final Compliance Checks at 18,000 Feet.  After years of advocacy by the Committee, management indicates that final compliance checks will move from being conducted at 10,000 feet on descent to 18,000 feet to improve safety. This change is being made to reduce turbulence related injuries.
  • Cabin Lighting During Compliance Checks: The Committee had previously requested brighter lighting for pre-landing compliance checks.  Management recently made the change based on this request.

What the Committee is Working On

  1. Simplifying Cabin Lighting Settings.  Together with the Inflight Service Committee, working to reduce the number of cabin lighting scenes and simplify settings while ensuring a safe level of lighting whenever carts are in the aisle.
  2. 737 MAX 8 Galley Designs.  Working with the Inflight Service Committee and management to ensure the new 737 MAX 8 galleys are as safe and as Flight Attendant friendly as possible.
  3. Launching the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) Program.  Working with the members of the LOSA Steering Committee to launch the LOSA Program.  Additional communications from management will be coming soon about the opportunity for Flight Attendants to get involved in the program as LOSA Observers. 

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve experienced a safety-related issue, please help the committee to advocate for improvement and change by filing a report.  Flight Attendant Irregularity Reports (FAIR), Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) reports, and fatigue reports can all be submitted using ReportIt!  If you’re not sure what type of report to file for a particular situation or need help, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of your Local ASHSC.

Do you have other feedback for the committee or items that you’d like brought up with management?  Please let us know!  Your Local ASHSC is your voice to management.  You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website. 

FAA Finalizes 10 Hours Rest Rule

Government Affairs Committee

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized a rule earlier this week requiring a minimum of 10 hours of irreducible rest for Flight Attendants between duty periods.
  • Though Alaska Flight Attendants have benefitted from contractual language ensuring scheduled rest of greater than 10 hours between duty periods for over a decade, this rule brings similar protections to all Flight Attendants throughout the industry.
  • This rule change is the culmination of tireless advocacy by members of our AFA Government Affairs Committee and other Flight Attendant activists from every airline.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this week finalized a rule requiring 10 hours minimum, non-reducible rest for Flight Attendants between duty days – finally implementing a 2018 law that will make aviation safer for over 100,000 Flight Attendants and the passengers in our care. The rule will increase the rest period to 10 irreducible hours when scheduled for a duty period of 14 hours or less. Though Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants have had contractual language guaranteeing greater than 10 hours of scheduled rest between duty periods since 2006 and Alaska management and AFA implemented 10 hours of irreducible rest in June 2020, equivalent protections have not been in place for all other Flight Attendants across the industry up to this point.

“After years of fighting for the Fight For 10, the FAA on October 4, 2022 finalized 10 hours minimum rest. This is a pivotal moment for the aviation industry and we owe our thanks to the dedicated Flight Attendants from our Government Affairs Committee. For years our Committee Members fought hard and worked with our elected Representatives to make our careers safer by fighting to give us proper rest. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to achieving this milestone,” said Martin Monteblanco, AFA Alaska MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson.

AFA International President Sara Nelson also issued a statement about the rule, which can be read by clicking here.

Reassignment Flow Charts – Sections 10.R and 10.R.5

Scheduling Committee

As part of the ongoing efforts of the Scheduling Committee to assist Flight Attendants in understanding contractual language and compensation, it was recommended a flow chart related to reassignments under contract sections 10.R and 10.R.5 be produced and published.  The first flow chart is designed to help you understand your rights and obligations in the event that you are subject to a reassignment by Crew Scheduling.  The second flow chart will help you understand what pay you are due for a sequence containing a reassignment.

Click here to view the reassignment flow chart >

Click here to view the reassignment pay flow chart >

The Committee enlisted the help of MEC Mobilization Committee Chairperson Justin Wetherell to produce the flow charts for distribution.  We wanted to take this opportunity to thank Justin for their time and commitment to this project.  

Questions or Feedback?

Please feel free to provide feedback on the flow charts and let us know if there are any other helpful documents you would like to see in the future.  If you have any questions about these flow charts or reassignments in general, please contact your Local Scheduling Committee.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee

  • Domestic violence can affect anyone and abusers can come from any demographic or background.
  • Though there is no single defining personality of an abuser, abusers may display common traits or exhibit certain warning signs.
  • If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, confidential help is available through your AFA EAP Committee at (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap.

Signs of Domestic Abuse

Anyone can be an abuser. They come from all groups, all cultures, all religions, all economic levels, and all backgrounds. They can be anyone—your neighbor, your friend, your coworker, etc.  It is important to note that the majority of abusers are only violent with their current or past intimate partners. One study found 90% of abusers do not have criminal records and abusers are generally law-abiding outside the home. 

Traits Abusers May Have in Common

There is no one typical, detectable personality of an abuser. However, they may display common characteristics. An abuser often denies the existence or minimizes the seriousness of the violence and its effect on the victim and other family members. An abuser objectifies the victim and often sees them as their property or sexual objects. An abuser externalizes the causes of their behavior. They blame their violence on circumstances such as stress, their partner’s behavior, a “bad day,” on alcohol, drugs, or other factors. An abuser may be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and is often seen as a “nice person” to others outside the relationship. 

Warning Signs of an Abuser

Red flags and warning signs of an abuser include but are not limited to:

  • Extreme jealousy and/or possessiveness, even accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair.
  • Verbal abuse including blaming the victim for anything bad that happens
  • Extremely controlling behavior
  • Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
  • Sabotage or obstruction of the victim’s ability to work or attend outside activities
  • Controls all the finances
  • Control of what the victim wears and how they act
  • Demeaning and/or humiliating the victim either privately or publicly
  • Harassment of the victim at work

Confidential Help is Available

Remember, confidential help is available through your AFA EAP Committee.  Contact us at (949) 470-0493 or afaalaska.org/eap.

This information is provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

MEC Committee Chairperson & Appointed Position Interviews

Master Executive Council (MEC)

In accordance with Article VI.C of the AFA Alaska MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, the term of appointment for the MEC Committee Chairpersons is concurrent with those of the MEC Officers.  As the current MEC Officer term will end on December 31, 2022, the MEC will be conducting a review of all MEC Committee Chairperson and other MEC-level appointed positions at a Special MEC Meeting to be held November 29 through December 1, 2022.

During this review process, the MEC will be interviewing for the following MEC-level chairperson positions:

  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson
  • Benefits Committee Chairperson
  • Communications Committee Chairperson
  • EAP Committee Chairperson
  • EAP Committee Vice Chairperson
  • Government Affairs Committee Chairperson
  • Grievance Committee Chairperson
  • Hotel Committee Chairperson
  • Hotel Committee Vice Chairperson
  • Human Rights Committee Chairperson
  • Inflight Service Committee Chairperson
  • Inflight Training Committee Chairperson
  • Reserve Committee Chairperson
  • Reserve Committee Vice Chairperson – New Hire & Probation
  • Retirement Committee Chairperson
  • Scheduling Committee Chairperson
  • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – PBS 
  • Scheduling Committee Vice Chairperson – Pairing Construction
  • Uniform Committee Chairperson

Additionally, interviews will also be held for the following MEC-level appointed positions:

  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Primary Representative
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) Alternate Representative
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Primary Representative
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Alternate Representative
  • Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee – Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) Representative
  • Grievance Committee Assistant
  • Grievance Committee – Payroll Representative
  • Inflight Training Committee Member (3 positions)
  • Scheduling Committee – PBS Subcommittee Member (3 positions)
  • Scheduling Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Primary Representative
  • Scheduling Committee – Fatigue Review Board (FRB) Alternate Representative

General Qualifications

The following qualifications apply to all MEC-level Chairperson positions:

  • Previous experience as a Committee Member or Chairperson preferred (required for EAP).
  • Previous committee-specific training preferred (required for EAP).
  • Ability to attend meetings as required (primarily by videoconference and occasionally in-person).
  • Strong computer skills. Good working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google Workspace (email, calendar, and other software), and Microsoft Office.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write membership communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and plan meetings agendas and take minutes.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, delegate responsibilities, and follow up on assigned tasks.

The following qualifications apply to all Inflight Training Committee positions:

  • Current Inflight Instructor who is regularly assigned to Inflight Training Department responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Information about the duties and responsibilities of each specific committee can be found in article VII of the MEC Policy and Procedure Manual, which can be accessed by clicking here.  Additional information about MEC Committee Chairperson duties and responsibilities can be found in this document. 

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss for each position will be discussed during each interview.  All positions operate in accordance with AFA’s spirit of volunteerism.

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews of eligible candidates during a special MEC meeting from November 29 through December 1, 2022.  If you’re interested in interviewing, plan to bid around these dates or adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate.  All interviews will be conducted using Google Meet videoconferencing.

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest and resume online at https://forms.gle/xyvgfD9vzyJX5z8c6.  The deadline for submissions is 9 AM Pacific time on Saturday, November 19.  After the submission deadline, MEC Secretary-Treasurer Linda Christou will contact eligible candidates to arrange a specific interview time.

Please note that in order to submit an expression of interest, you must have a Google account.  If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at https://accounts.google.com/signup.

Questions?

Any questions about MEC Committee Chairperson or MEC-level appointed position duties and responsibilities should be directed to MEC Vice President Brian Palmer at  mecvp@afaalaska.org.

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