In the intervening time, 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 replicate the inflation we’ve seen in recent times.
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 an additional 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 provider.
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 “report 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 befell in Washington, with AFA Worldwide President Sara Nelson and AFA Normal 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 Government Council.” The Grasp Government 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 individuals voting in favor of a strike (and 93.47% of flight attendants taking part within the vote). So it’s good to see that there’s lastly some widespread floor between administration and the union.
Nevertheless, 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 offered by the union throughout their negotiations, and solely ratified the second settlement, after extra enhancements.
I’m curious how profitable this contract is
It’s fascinating how the union is referring to the tentative settlement as a “report contract.” Is that suggesting that that is essentially the most profitable contract that has been negotiated in your complete business up to now, or only a report for the airline (which looks as if it could be a given)?
The explanation I ask is as a result of traditionally Alaska hasn’t precisely had one of the best pay within the business. The airline has paid significantly better than extremely low value carriers, however not persistently to the identical stage as carriers like Southwest.
Southwest flight attendants have ratified a brand new contract whereby they get quick 22% pay will increase, and three% pay will increase in every of 2025, 2026, and 2027. On prime 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 provider now nearing a brand new contract, this also needs to assist American flight attendants with getting a brand new contract, as American has had essentially the most hostile negotiations on a brand new contract.
Backside line
The union representing Alaska flight attendants has introduced {that a} tentative settlement has been reached for a brand new “report contract.” The small print are anticipated to be launched within the coming days, so it’ll be fascinating to see the small print.
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?
