Flight Attendants from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Seek Guarantees Pre-Merger

Flight attendants from Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines demand assurances on job security and pay before endorsing a potential merger, focusing on an "industry-leading" contract.

 

Flight attendants from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are demanding assurances before endorsing any potential merger between the two carriers. Their primary concerns include job security measures such as no furlough clauses, in addition to seeking pay raises. Despite Alaska Airlines flight attendants recently turning down a proposed 15 percent salary increase and moving towards a strike vote, the focus remains on securing a contract that offers both financial and job security benefits.

Union representatives for flight attendants from both airlines have engaged with stakeholders, including government officials and financial analysts, to scrutinize the merger details. They plan to reconvene in March to further discuss their demands, having already submitted a resolution to airline executives advocating for expedited contract negotiations.

This cautious approach contrasts with the flight attendants of JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, who initially supported their companies' merger proposition without reservations. However, that merger faced a setback when a federal judge blocked it, a decision currently under appeal.

The flight attendants' strategy aims to leverage an “industry-leading” contract, reflecting their aspirations for favorable terms that go beyond standard agreements. The proposed merger, initiated by Alaska Airlines, envisions uniting the two airlines under the Alaska brand. The union's hesitance to immediately endorse the merger underscores their intent to use this opportunity to negotiate a more advantageous contract for their members.