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.