In the meanwhile, we’re seeing flight attendants at most main US airways making an attempt to ratify new contracts (besides at Delta, the place flight attendants aren’t unionized). Flight attendants largely haven’t had pay will increase since earlier than the pandemic, and are on the lookout for vital raises, to mirror the inflation we’ve seen lately.
Again in April, Southwest flight attendants grew to become the primary to ratify a brand new contract, and it’s most likely the richest flight attendant contract we’ve ever seen, by way of wage will increase, retroactive pay, and extra.
There’s now a optimistic replace for one more US airline, as Alaska flight attendants now have a tentative settlement on a brand new contract, which ought to assist with labor relations on the Seattle-based oneworld service.
Alaska flight attendants attain new tentative settlement
The Affiliation of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Alaska’s flight attendants, has simply introduced that it has reached a tentative settlement with Alaska administration for a “document contract.”
The union describes this tentative settlement as having been reached with the assistance of the Nationwide Mediation Board (NMB). Over the previous week, negotiations passed off in Washington, with AFA Worldwide President Sara Nelson and AFA Common Counsel in attendance, together with Alaska Chief Working Officer Constance von Muehlen.
Precise particulars of the contract aren’t but being launched. The union states that within the coming days, each events will “work to wash up the contract language to current the complete textual content of the TA to the Grasp Govt Council.” The Grasp Govt Council will then vote to launch the settlement for a full membership ratification vote.
Again in February 2024, Alaska flight attendants voted to authorize a strike, with 99.48% of contributors voting in favor of a strike (and 93.47% of flight attendants collaborating within the vote). So it’s good to see that there’s lastly some widespread floor between administration and the union.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t assume it’s a provided that the membership will essentially ratify the brand new contract. For instance, Southwest flight attendants rejected the primary tentative settlement they have been introduced by the union throughout their negotiations, and solely ratified the second settlement, after extra enhancements.
Alaska flight attendants have been preventing for a brand new contract
I’m curious how profitable this contract is
It’s attention-grabbing how the union is referring to the tentative settlement as a “document contract.” Is that suggesting that that is probably the most profitable contract that has been negotiated in your entire trade to this point, or only a document for the airline (which looks as if it might be a given)?
The rationale I ask is as a result of traditionally Alaska hasn’t precisely had one of the best pay within the trade. The airline has paid significantly better than extremely low value carriers, however not constantly to the identical stage as carriers like Southwest.
Southwest flight attendants have ratified a brand new contract whereby they get speedy 22% pay will increase, and three% pay will increase in every of 2025, 2026, and 2027. On high of that, they acquired retro pay, which comes out to round $18K per flight attendant. Does that imply Alaska flight attendants are getting contracts which are much more profitable?
With a second service now nearing a brand new contract, this also needs to assist American flight attendants with getting a brand new contract, as American has had probably the most hostile negotiations on a brand new contract.
I’m curious how profitable this new contract is
Backside line
The union representing Alaska flight attendants has introduced {that a} tentative settlement has been reached for a brand new “document contract.” The small print are anticipated to be launched within the coming days, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see the main points.
It’s nice information that flight attendants at a second US airline are nearing a brand new contract, because it ought to assist with this cycle of negotiations, offering stability to passengers (although maybe rather less stability to the underside line of airways).
What do you make of Alaska flight attendants getting a tentative settlement on a brand new contract?