Alaska Air Group's flight attendants have rejected a tentative agreement offered by the airline. The agreement would have seen salaries increase by just over 30% over three years, as well as backpay for the duration of the negotiation period, and compensation for employee boarding.
The attendants' union representative said some 68% had voted against the agreement. The union said it will ""work diligently"" to carry out the next steps in negotiations. Subsequently, the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Alaska has announced a strike authorisation vote on August 14, 2024.
Alaska Airlines said in a statement: ""We respect their protected right to engage in these activities and do not expect any disruption to our operation or service as a result.""
The airline said the ""only way to close the gap between parties"" was continued negotiations. Further meetings are planned in the new year.
As the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines awaits approval, Alaska further clarified that the acquisition ""does not impact our ability or desire to reach an agreement"".
The acquisition is currently in a review period from the US Department of Justice (DOJ). In a stock filing on August 15, 2024, the airline said the review period has been extended for a third time. The review period had originally been extended 10 days until August 15, before being extended again until August 16. It has now been extended until August 20, 2024.
Alaska Air flight attendants reject offer, review period of Hawaiian acquisition postponed again
