Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Overwhelmingly Approve New Contract

1 month ago 5

Alaska Airlines’ flight attendants, numbering more than 6,900 and represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new three-year contract, which will yield considerable improvements in wages, scheduling, flexibility, benefits and more.

The agreement, which is the eighth ratified labor contract in the past three years between Alaska Air Group and its various employee groups, was approved by 95 percent of voting members with a participation rate exceeding 90 percent. The new deal is part of Alaska Air Group’s broader effort to transform its business by enhancing working conditions, increasing wages and improving the overall quality of life for its team members. And, the company recognizes flight attendants as a vital part of its mission to deliver an exceptional travel experience for its passengers.

"One of the many reasons our guests choose to fly Alaska is our flight attendants and the warm welcome, fantastic service and commitment to safety they provide onboard," said CEO Ben Minicucci. "I'm glad to have them working under a new contract that values their contributions to Alaska, and I'm grateful to our colleagues at AFA who bargained with determination and fierce dedication for our flight attendants. We are focused on making Alaska Airlines a place for the best people in the business to grow their careers, and this new contract reflects that."

"This agreement marks a major milestone for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. It reflects their essential role in ensuring both safety and operational excellence," said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) President. "Furthermore, it will immediately and significantly improve their lives while setting a strong foundation for upcoming Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations as we move forward with the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines."

In addition to pay increases—including boarding pay, a newly implemented market rate adjustment and more—the new contract introduces workplace protections, including a duty day capped at 10 hours and 30 minutes, which is among the shortest in the industry. Enhancements in scheduling and limits on insurance premium hikes are also included. The agreement is set to take effect on March 2, 2025.

The previous contract, which became amendable in December 2022, remained in effect until the ratification of this new agreement. Unlike other industries, airline labor contracts do not expire but instead stay in force until renegotiated and approved.

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