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Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest carrier in the United States, is currently dealing with labor challenges as it heads into a busy travel season. The airline's flight attendants are pushing for a new contract, using Alaska's merger with Hawaiian Airlines as leverage in their demands.
The Seattle-based airline has been negotiating with its flight attendants' union for several months. In August, a proposed contract was rejected by 68% of union members. This offer included an average pay increase of 32%, payment for boarding time, and reassignment pay. Despite federal mediation assistance, negotiations have continued following the rejection.
The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), representing over 6,000 Alaska flight attendants, remains engaged in talks through a federal mediator. They argue that the airline's recent $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines indicates financial capacity to meet their demands. Additionally, they point to high executive salaries as further justification for increased compensation.
