Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Reject New Contract

Alaska Airlines flight attendants have turned down a proposed labor agreement that would have provided immediate salary increases averaging over 24%, according to their union. This decision comes as the airline prepares for a potential merger with Hawaiian Airlines, prompting both parties to engage in further negotiations. The tentative agreement, reached in June, was described as a "record" deal, offering average pay increases of approximately 32% over three years, along with additional benefits such as boarding pay and back pay. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA emphasized that there is still "more work to do" and plans to survey its members to identify key issues before returning to negotiations. The union's stance reflects a broader trend among airline workers, who have been advocating for improved pay and working conditions following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, Alaska Airlines expressed its commitment to reaching an agreement that acknowledges the vital role of flight attendants while also ensuring the airline's long-term success. The airline industry has seen a surge in labor negotiations as workers seek to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic, with pilots at major carriers successfully securing new contracts in recent years. As discussions continue, the outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, particularly in light of the impending merger and the ongoing push for better compensation across the airline sector.