Alaska Airlines and its main pilots' union have tentatively agreed on a new three-year contract after more than three years of discussions.
After a protracted negotiation process that saw pilots picketing at important Alaska hubs earlier this year and included the overwhelming majority of pilots in the union voting in May to authorize a strike — though a strike never actually occurred — the agreement reached on Friday, confirmed by the union and airline, includes pay increases for the more than 3,000 Alaska pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association.
The union representing pilots in Alaska must still approve the agreement; this procedure is anticipated to begin "in the coming weeks," according to the union.
Pilots demanded raises as part of the negotiations, which got underway in 2019 but were put on hold due to the COVID-19 epidemic between 2020 and 2021. Pilots also made demands about scheduling flexibility, job security, and what the union referred to as "better quality of life."
It appears that the agreement satisfies the demands made by union officials, especially those related to salary.
Capt. Will McQuillen, chair of the Alaska pilots union, said in a statement announcing the development on Friday evening, "We are thrilled, after three years, that we have struck an agreement covering all the areas in which we have behind our mainline carrier pilot colleagues for nearly ten years.
The management of Alaska Airlines stated in a statement that the tentative agreement has "major advances in the areas we know are most important to our pilots: improved pay, greater flexibility, better benefits, and job security."
Raises a clause in the agreement
According to the tentative agreement, the Seattle-based carrier's captains will receive raises this year that range from 15% to 23%, depending on service.
A framework for the agreement, which was made public by the union, states that this includes a 23% hike for mainline captains who begin their careers with Alaska.
Pilots will receive additional small hikes under the agreement in 2023 and 2024.
Captains who are just starting out with the main line carrier will make $300 per hour by 2024, while those with at least 11 years of experience will make over $331.
According to airline officials, "two industry market checks are included to ensure pay rates competitive with your sector peers during the three-year pact."
First officers would receive raises this year ranging from 8% to 21% as part of the same deal, based on seniority.
The negotiations, and this agreement in particular, take place at a time when the entire airline industry is struggling with a pilot shortage that has contributed to flight disruptions throughout much of 2022. As a result of this issue, carriers like Alaska have occasionally temporarily reduced flight schedules and are looking for new strategies to attract, train, and retain pilots.
In conclusion
Although the Alaska Airlines pilots union must still approve this tentative agreement, the fact that a deal has been reached after protracted negotiations is undoubtedly encouraging news. It brings an end to three years of discussions and probably allays concerns about any potential future pilot strikes.
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