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Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Meeting Recap – August 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 pmAS), Eva Gatus (SAN), Baron Lee (HNL), Kalin Lackey (PDX), MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson Brad Young, and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple. Also in attendance were members of the SEA pmHA ASHSC.

The Committee met with several members of inflight and safety department management, including Heidi Stiley (Cabin Safety & Compliance Manager), Matthew Coder (Senior Inflight Experience Program Manager), Shari Hinshaw (Manager of Inflight Policy & Procedures), Randy Katz (Managing Director of Inflight Safety Standards and Training), Rhonda Jordan (Safety Standards & Compliance), Jenny Bookert (SEA Director of Inflight), Karen Wook (SEA Inflight Supervisor), Olinga Asress (Manager of Inflight Base Operations), David Stewart (Manager on Security Operations), and Fermin Navarrette (Director of Security)

The next scheduled Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee meeting will take place virtually October 22, 2026

Topics of Discussion

The Committee reviewed several items when meeting with management. Some items discussed include (items which are Security Sensitive Information are not included):

  • Outstation Catering & Fall Protection: The ASHSC raised concerns that some ground catering vendors are fully opening the R2 door at outstations to service the aft trash can, rather than the required partial opening, creating a fall hazard. Management acknowledged the issue, said a bulletin will go out to catering vendors, and noted this has high visibility and continued attention at the executive level.
  • First Class Seat Calf-Rest Stowage: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of first class calf rests failing to stow properly, creating a potential CFR violation and egress hazard. In the meantime, one aircraft with an updated mechanism is being tested, and if the fix is successful, the other aircraft will be retrofitted.
  • Preflight Emergency Equipment (EE) Check Time: The Committee continued pushing for dedicated preflight time for Flight Attendants to complete required safety and security checks, consistent with what pmHA Flight Attendants and most of the industry currently do. Management stated they believe this needs to be addressed through JCBA negotiations, while the ASHSC reiterated their stance that this is an operational safety issue that should not need to be negotiated.
  • Installed Physical Secondary Barrier (IPSB): The ASHSC made several requests related to the IPSB.
  • Crew Van Seatbelts: The Committee raised ongoing concerns about crew vans and shuttles that don’t have enough working seatbelts for every crew member. Seat belts are required for hotel shuttles under CBA Section 34.B.6.
  • Onboard Oven Safety: Flight Attendants continue to get burned while retrieving food from ovens because current gloves protect only the hands, not the forearms. Management will coordinate with the Inflight Service Committee and the ASHSC to evaluate other glove options that provide greater protection.
  • Carry-Ons Checked at the Gate: The ASHSC raised concerns about passengers checking bags at the gate for priority boarding and then removing the bag tag, so the bag never actually gets checked. Management advises Flight Attendants to send those passengers back to the gate podium if this is witnessed.
  • MedLink App Rollout for pmHA: The ASHSC asked for a timeline for rolling out the MedLink app to pmHA Flight Attendants. Management does not have a firm date yet, but is targeting early 2027.
  • Pilot PA Clarity: The ASHSC requested a reminder for flight crews about PA volume and clarity and encouraged consistent use of the interphone when a PA cannot be understood. The FAM should be updated to direct us to notify pilots when the PA is unclear so they can make adjustments to address the problem or document the issue in the logbook.
  • Universal Glassware Durability: The ASHSC raised ongoing reports of chipped or sharp-edged glassware creating a laceration risk. Management is working with the vendor and reviewing the dishwashing process.
  • Boarding with “Cabin Lights Only”: The ASHSC raised safety concerns about boarding aircraft without full cabin power.
  • Flight Attendant Inflight Home Page Update: The ASHSC flagged that the company website/app still displays a misleading message stating Flight Attendants are up to date on all bulletins.
  • New Evacuation Commands: The ASHSC raised concerns about the new evacuation commands, which will go into effect next year. Specifically, the addition of “leave everything” between repeated commands like “stay back,” which we used to just repeat. We also question the necessity of changing things for both pmHA and pmAS Flight Attendants when there is already a huge amount of change taking place as a result of the merger.

Things The Committee Is Working On

1. Radiation Exposure – NAS Report Findings: The National Academies of Sciences recently released a congressionally mandated study confirming that Flight Attendants rank among the most radiation-exposed occupational groups in the country, with documented health risks, but no enforceable FAA dose limit, monitoring requirement, or tracking system. The ASHSC has met with safety department and inflight management to begin closing these gaps and will participate in a working group on the subject going forward. Safety is already sourcing a potential software product to manage exposure tracking. We’ve asked management to:

  • Provide route-level dose estimates, using the FAA’s CARI model or an equivalent internal tool.
  • Deliver training and education on radiation exposure.
  • Work with the MEC to develop accommodations when appropriate, including for pregnant Flight Attendants.

We Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve encountered any safety-related issues at work, you can help the Committee advocate for improvement and change by submitting a report:

  • pmHA: Use INTELEX to submit In-Flight Incident Reports (including fatigue and injury) and Hawaiian Safety Action Program (HSAP) reports.
  • pmAS: Use ReportIt! to submit FAIRs (including Fatigue reports), ASAP reports, and Employee Injury Reports (EIR).

If you need clarification or assistance on what type of report to file, please get in touch with a member of your Local ASHSC.

Your Local ASHSC is always ready to represent your voice to management. Please don’t hesitate to let us know about any issues or concerns you want us to bring forward. We would also love to hear any other feedback you may have for the Committee. You can find our contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Joint Contract Negotiations Session 19 – September 2026

This message is for both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants

  • Our JNC met with management last week on September 8 to September 10 in Seattle; our next negotiation session is scheduled for October 26 to October 28
  • Our JNC and management will be exploring a different approach to traditional bargaining called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB) to address complex contract negotiations, aiming for solutions that benefit all parties
  • The Reserve Survey is being finalized for release in October

Negotiations Update

Our AFA Alaska + Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) met this week for four days of collective bargaining with management. The JNC met with management from September 8 to September 10 in Seattle, WA. At the negotiating table for this session were:

Representing AFA and our Flight Attendants  Representing Management
Tim Green, Joint Negotiating Committee ChairpersonAllen Thieman, Vice President of Inflight, Alaska
Martin Gusman, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberJoe Wonderly, Vice President, Labor Relations, Alaska
Jeffrey Fuke, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberCarmen Williams, Managing Director, Labor Relations, Alaska
Virginia Fritz, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberKalani Sloat, Senior Director, Labor Relations, Hawaiian
Heather Reier, Joint Negotiating Committee MemberMike Link, Labor Relations Program Manager, Alaska
Paula Mastrangelo, AFA Senior Staff NegotiatorKaren Themelis, Senior Labor Relations Business Partner, Alaska

Last week the JNC got the company’s response to Section 19 (Grievance Procedures) and Section 30 (Training).  We also received a new proposal from management for Section 29 (Performance Based Pay and Retirement) and provided our response, which included proposals for LOA 14 (Legacy Retiree Pass Privileges) and LOA 18 (Retiree Health Insurance).

Most of the remaining sections are complex and will require significant discussion. At this point in negotiations, it is clear that both contracts are very different, well-established and cover different operations and work rules. Finding a solution that works for the combined Flight Attendant group will be challenging. The traditional bargaining approach isn’t always conducive to resolving these types of complicated issues.

Interest-based Bargaining (IBB)Training

The JNC and management will be exploring a different way to negotiate called Interest-based Bargaining (IBB). In IBB, both the company and the Association identify issues and develop solutions that will work for both parties. This is different from traditional bargaining where each side negotiates from a fixed position. For IBB to be successful, all parties need to participate in training to learn how the process works and be open to candid discussions.

The IBB Training will take place in Seattle from October 14 to October 15, led by a mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB). The NMB mediator has experience in contract negotiations and mediation, and has previously worked with AFA International, Alaska, and Hawaiian. Our staff negotiator also has a lot of experience with this process, and the pre-merger Hawaiian JNC members used IBB successfully in their last full Section 6 Negotiations.

The JNC has strategized to identify sections and concepts that would be best suited for the IBB approach. The most impactful sections of the contract are the most difficult to negotiate because both sides have a significant stake in the outcome. These sections are difficult to tackle even in regular Section 6 Negotiations and merging of our two contracts makes this task significantly more challenging.

Section by Section Progress

The Alaska CBA is being used as the basis of the joint contract for language purposes. Each section and provision from both contracts will be reviewed individually to incorporate and amend the strongest elements from each agreement.

Sections discussed in this session:

  • Grievance Procedures (AS CBA Section 19 and HA CBA Section 23)
  • Training (AS CBA Section 30 and HA CBA Section 26)

Sections in ongoing discussion:

  • Vacations (AS CBA Section 14 and HA CBA Section 18)
  • Sick Leave (AS CBA Section 16 and HA CBA Section 19)
  • Leaves of Absence (AS CBA Section 15 and HA CBA Section 17)
  • Insurance Benefits (AS CBA Section 23 and HA CBA Section 32)
  • General and Miscellaneous (AS CBA Section 24 and HA CBA Section 27)
  • Domiciles (AS CBA Section 28 and HA CBA Section 5, 14, and 27)
  • Commuter Policy (AS CBA Section 36 and HA CBA Section 34-28)

Sections listed below are on hold until discussions regarding future sections, which affect specific provisions, take place.

  • Seniority (AS CBA Section 6 and HA CBA Section 9)
  • Charters (AS CBA Section 33 and HA CBA Section 12)

JCBA Negotiations

As a reminder, here’s how JCBA bargaining differs from regular negotiations:

  • Not Section 6 Negotiations: Because our contracts are not amendable, we fall outside the regular Section 6 process.
  • Creating One Contract from Two: Instead of improving a single contract, JCBA talks are about building an entirely new agreement from two existing contracts.
  • Different Survey Process: The Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will send targeted “subject matter” surveys on specific contract sections.

For more information about the process please see Understanding JCBA Negotiations

What’s Upcoming

Reserve Survey

The JNC is finishing up the long-awaited Reserve Survey, and we expect to release it in October. Thank you for your patience as we collaborated with our MEC Reserve Committee Chairpersons to make sure that the survey questions targeted key issues of concern. To help you understand the differences between the two Reserve programs, we have created extra resources that will be shared with the survey.

Next Session

Our next negotiating session with management is scheduled for October 26 to October 28.

Understanding The Legislative Process

As we continue our Government Affairs Committee Focus Month, this week we’re exploring how the legislative process works, why enacting laws strengthens our collective bargaining power, and how to engage effectively with our elected representatives.

The legislative process may sometimes feel complex or far removed, but it directly shapes our day-to-day lives—from cabin safety regulations to our working environment and job security. By understanding how an idea becomes federal law, we empower ourselves as advocates for our profession, our flying partners, and our passengers.

Watch: Intro to the Legislative Process

In our latest short video, Honolulu Government Affairs Committee Member Maria Kahele breaks down the legislative journey into four clear steps and shares why our voices as Flight Attendants are indispensable in Washington.

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

The Four Steps: From Idea to Law

In the video, Maria walks through the step-by-step progression of a bill:

  1. The Idea: Everything starts with a clear goal—like closing a safety gap or securing stronger rest rules. We ask a member of Congress, either a Representative or Senator, to formally introduce the measure.
  2. Committee Review: Next, the proposal goes to a specialized Congressional committee where members fine-tune the wording and hear directly from key voices. If it earns their approval, it advances to the full chamber.
  3. The Vote: The measure is brought up for debate and a vote on the floor. Securing a simple majority moves it forward to repeat the exact same evaluation and voting process in the opposite chamber.
  4. The Signature: After matching versions pass both the House and Senate, the finalized bill is sent to the President. With their signature, the initial concept officially transforms into binding federal law.

Flight Attendants Are The Subject Matter Experts

As Maria emphasizes, lawmakers aren’t airline crewmembers—they rely on “subject matter experts” to explain how regulations will function in the real world. No one understands cabin safety or the realities of our workday better than Flight Attendants. By sharing our firsthand experience, we ensure that legislative decisions don’t just happen to us, but for us.

Get Involved & Share Your Voice

Understanding the process is the first step toward active engagement. Throughout Government Affairs Focus Month, we’ll continue sharing new topics on civic participation, voting resources, and FlightPAC to help you stay informed, involved, and empowered.

Ready to get involved? Visit afaalaska.org/volunteer to see how you can lend your voice to our Union’s legislative advocacy efforts!

Go In-Depth with Our AFA Government Affairs Committee Chairperson

As Government Affairs Committee Focus Month continues, we’re excited to bring you a direct, face-to-face conversation that goes to the core of our Union’s legislative work. You’ll see how our experiences in the cabin translate into meaningful advocacy that drives real change.

MEC Communications Committee Chairperson Brian Palmer recently sat down with MEC Government Affairs Committee Chairperson Bruni Agosto-Pinal for a candid video interview exploring the Committee’s work and impact. Together, they unpack what terms like “lobbying” and “PACs” really mean, and highlight why your engagement is crucial to protecting our collective future.

What You’ll Discover in This Interview

Our AFA Government Affairs Committee is the critical link between our frontline experience and the lawmakers shaping our profession. In this engaging interview, Bruni reveals how the Committee champions both our careers and our safety:

  • Educating Policymakers: How our operational insights guide aviation law.
  • Remaining Non-Partisan: Why focusing on Flight Attendant safety builds effective partnerships.
  • Unleashing the Power of FlightPAC: How our collective “influence fund” supports our profession.
  • Safeguarding Our Progress: Why participating in upcoming elections secures our contract goals.

Watch Now

This conversation is a powerful demonstration of how our collective advocacy gives us a seat at the decision-making table. Take a moment to watch the full interview—you’ll see firsthand how our voices make a real difference in the halls of government:

Click here to watch on YouTube ➔

Get Involved & Shape Our Future

History isn’t just happening to us—it’s being written by us. By stepping up and getting involved, we shape the protections of tomorrow, defend our contractual rights, and keep our collective voice strong in every decision that affects our profession.

Connect with any Government Affairs Committee Member to:

  • Ask questions: Reach out directly to learn more about our legislative goals and advocacy work.
  • Sign up for FlightPAC: Support our collective political influence fund to help elect pro-Flight Attendant candidates.

Find out more about volunteering and getting involved by visiting afaalaska.org/volunteer.

Honoring the 25th Anniversary of September 11: Never Forget

A quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally transformed our world and redefined aviation safety forever. Today, as members of the Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family, we stand together to reflect on that pivotal morning, honor the memory of those we lost, and reaffirm our solemn promise: We Will Never Forget.

We pause to remember the heroic crew members aboard American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93. As aviation’s first responders, those twenty-five Flight Attendants displayed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Their decisive actions, alerting the nation and protecting lives, epitomize the highest ideals of our profession. Alongside the eight Pilots and three Customer Service Representatives we lost, we honor their sacrifice and carry their legacy with us every time we step into the cabin.

Remembering our fallen colleagues is more than an annual reflection; it is a living commitment that shapes who we are. Over the past 25 years, our collective dedication has driven significant improvements in aviation security, cabin safety, and crew welfare. As our workgroups continue to build a unified future, our solidarity stands as our greatest strength.

Watch: 25th Anniversary Remembrance Message

In honor of the lives lost and the legacy we carry forward, MEC President Tim Green has shared a personal message for our Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendant family. In this video, Tim reflects on our profession’s history, the responsibility we hold for one another, and the solidarity that keeps our skies safe. We invite you to watch and share in this moment of remembrance.

Click Here to Watch on YouTube ➔

Wear Your Remembrance Pin

To visibly demonstrate our solidarity throughout this memorial month, all Alaska and Hawaiian Flight Attendants are invited to wear either the AFA September 11th Black Ribbon Pin or the AFA and APFA Never Forget Unity Pin. If you need a pin, please contact your LEC Officers for more information. 

Join Us in a Moment of Silence

Please join us in a moment of silence and quiet reflection on Friday, September 11, at 8:46 AM Eastern Time (5:46 AM Pacific Time / 2:46 AM Hawaii Time) to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and the compassion you show to one another and to our passengers every day. Together, we are the living legacy of our heroes—ensuring their memory endures. We will Never Forget:

American Flight 11

Flight Attendant: Barbara Arestegui
Flight Attendant: Jeffrey Collman
Flight Attendant: Sara Low
Flight Attendant: Karen Martin
Flight Attendant: Kathleen Nicosia
Flight Attendant: Betty Ong
Flight Attendant: Jean Roger
Flight Attendant: Madeline Sweeney
Flight Attendant: Dianne Snyder
Customer Service Representative: Renee Newell
Captain: John Ogonowski
First Officer: Thomas McGuinness

United Flight 175

Flight Attendant: Robert J. Fangman
Flight Attendant: Amy N. Jarret
Flight Attendant: Amy R. King
Flight Attendant: Kathryn LaBorie
Flight Attendant: Alfred G. Marchand
Flight Attendant: Michael C. Tarrou
Flight Attendant: Alicia N. Titus
Captain: Victor Saracini
First Officer: Michael Horrocks
Customer Service Representative: Marianne MacFarlane
Customer Service Representative: Jesus Sanchez

American Flight 77

Flight Attendant: Michele Heidenberger
Flight Attendant: Jennifer Lewis
Flight Attendant: Kenneth Lewis
Flight Attendant: Renee May
Captain: Charles Burlingame
First Officer: David Charlebois

United Flight 93

Flight Attendant: Lorraine G. Bay
Flight Attendant: Sandra Bradshaw
Flight Attendant: Wanda A. Green
Flight Attendant: CeeCee Lyles
Flight Attendant: Deborah Welsh
Captain: Jason Dahl
First Officer: Leroy Homer

Additional Resources

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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