Large Transport; Low Wing; 3 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload; Training / Qualification; Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Company Policy; Procedure
At the gate in LAX just prior to departure I noticed there was the Gate Agent and two Customer Service Managers at forward entry door.  I went out to see how the boarding process was going and the CSMs were in the process of shutting the aircraft entry door.  I stopped them and told them that there numerous overhead bins open; passengers were up with their bags in hand.  I told them that the aircraft was not ready for the door to be closed.  The female CSM got in my face and told me 'Have you read management's letter regarding on time departures?' I told her that I did not care about the letter if it meant that we are going to compromise safety and FAR's.  She threatened to call Operations and get me in trouble.  The threatening nature of the two CSMs was appalling especially when they were willing to sacrifice safety for an on-time departure. She was in violation of 14CFR121.589 as well as 14CFR121.533; 14CFR121.535; and Flight Manual Part 1.  I asked my #1 Flight Attendant if she had been pressured by the CSMs and she said that she was being unduly pressured by them to shut the aircraft entry door before all the overheads were closed and bags were stowed.  Do not pressure the flight attendants and to abide the CFRs.  Also to check with the Captain before shutting the door.
A Captain refused to allow Customer Service Agents to close the main cabin door because passengers were not seated nor baggage stowed in the open overheads; but insistent agents cited a Company memo directing their behavior.