Alaska Airlines, baggage-handling contractor Menzies appealing state fines for alleged violations at Sea-Tac

SEA-TAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- Workers are questioning the safety of one of our region's largest airlines.

Recently, state inspectors fined Alaska Airlines and its contractor, Menzies Aviation, saying they found multiple cases when employees were working in unsafe conditions at Sea-Tac Airport.

Inspectors say Menzies Aviation is not giving workers adequate equipment and training to handle luggage for passengers of Alaska Airlines.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries is now citing Menzies Aviation $62,000 for 16 violations; 12 of 16 violations are considered serious by state inspectors.

Inspectors say Menzies Aviation is not providing enough safety devices and safeguards for workers. They say the contractor failed to adequately inspect trucks and baggage trailers used to haul luggage in and out of airplanes.

Matt Haney, a researcher with the Service Employees International Union Local 6, says there are problems with brake lights and steering wheels. Haney says the unsafe vehicles could cause injuries to workers.

State inspectors also ordered Menzies and Alaska Airlines to address issues of employees working in awkward postures and positions that could cause long-term health problems.

But Menzies Aviation is appealing the state’s findings.

In the appeal, the company states they are not exposing employees to hazards and that some or all of the alleged violations may have been the result of unavoidable employee misconduct.

“They try to blame the employees, but it is their fault for not providing proper equipment,” former Menzies employee Ailene Lagat said.

Lagat believes the problems behind the scenes could mean delays for passengers.

But an aviation expert told Q13 News on Monday the impact on passengers is so far minimal.

“The only real impact on passengers is whether or not the 20-minute bag guarantee has changed in any way.  Right now, there is no anticipation that there would be; right now, the bags are arriving in 20 minutes. Basically this is a political tug of war between the union, Menzies and Alaska Airlines,” Steve Danishek said.

Menzies Aviation released a statement that reads in part.

“Many of the citations relate to airport infrastructure issues. Fully mitigating these issues would require a massive reconfiguration of the airport itself, and changes to baggage systems and ground handling equipment used not just at Sea-Tac, but throughout the U.S. aviation industry.”

Alaska Airlines, which was fined $7,000, is also appealing the violations and released this statement to Q13 News on Monday.

"Alaska Airlines' top priority is the safety of its customers, employees and vendors. Alaska and its vendor Menzies Aviation are in discussion with the Department of Labor and Industry to resolve these citations."

Both companies have until the end of March to fix the violations.