Seeking Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement With Alaska Management

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) announced that Pilots for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have opened negotiations with Alaska Airlines for a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA). If successful, both pilot groups will be brought together under a single contract, which would streamline future operations and negotiations since the merger of the two airlines last year.

ALPA currently represents both pilot groups under the Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council and the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council.

Capt. Will McQuillen, Alaska Airlines MEC chair said, “Since the merger announcement, our Joint Negotiating Committee, with the direction of both Master Executive Councils, has been working to ensure that this negotiation process results in the right deal—one that aligns with the pilots’ priorities and recognizes their value and contributions to this new airline’s future success. We will only ratify an agreement that truly reflects what our pilots have earned and deserve.”

Capt. Larry Payne, Hawaiian Airlines MEC chair echoed those comments saying, “Hawaiian Airlines pilots have a long history of excellence, and united with the Alaska Airlines pilots, we are focused on securing a contract that protects our careers and future. This merger is an opportunity to build a stronger airline, but it must start with a fair and equitable agreement for all our pilots.”

The Alaska Air Group finalized the merger transaction between the two airlines in September 2024, bringing together two respected commercial carries with robust operational histories. Throughout the integration process, both pilot groups have maintained a collaborative relationship to ensure a smooth transition.

Upon completion of the JCBA, a Tentative Agreement will be submitted for approval by both groups. This will be followed by a ratification vote. When ratification is approved, the merger committees of the two Master Executive Councils will begin integrating the two seniority lists to create an Integrated Seniority List so the two groups can unify into one Master Executive Council. Together, the Integrated MEC will represent a total of more than 4,400 pilots.

FMI:  www.alpa.org/