Six-Year Contract Covers Carrier's Ramp Service And Stores Agents

Alaska Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) jointly announced Tuesday they have reached tentative agreement on a new six-year contract covering the carrier's 587 ramp service and stores agents. The agreement includes wage increases of 10 percent over the life of the contract, long-term incentive bonuses, and job security and improved productivity provisions.

"This contract represents the continued and improving partnership between Alaska Airlines and the IAM membership within District 142,"said Tom Higginbotham, president/directing general chair of IAM Air Transport District 142. "Job security was our number one issue heading into these negotiations, and this agreement delivers not only job protection, but an enhanced financial package and an opportunity for future growth."

Negotiations between the airline and union began in February and culminated in agreement on a proposed contract two months before the current pact becomes amendable. Ratification vote results are expected by Aug. 1, 2012. If approved, the new contract would become amendable in July 2018.

"I'm very pleased we were able to reach agreement on a proposed contract that provides long-term security for our employees—and do that before the amendable date of the current contract," said Shane Tackett, Alaska Airlines' vice president of labor relations. "This achievement reflects the professionalism of the negotiators for both Alaska and the IAM as they worked together to address each other's concerns."

FMI: www.alaskaair.com/newsroom