Dispatchers at Alaska Airlines ratify new five-year contract

Rhea-AI Summary

On April 19, 2022, Alaska Airlines announced that its 100 dispatchers, represented by the Transport Workers Union, ratified a new five-year contract with an 81% approval rate. The agreement includes increased pay, a mid-term market review to maintain competitive wage rates, enhanced benefits, and streamlined training. Dispatchers play a vital role in flight safety and operations, with their contract becoming amendable on March 24, 2022. This ratification aims to support long-term success amidst economic uncertainties.

Positive

• 81% approval rate for the new contract enhances employee satisfaction.
• Increased pay and benefits strengthen workforce retention and morale.
• Mid-term market reviews ensure competitive wages.

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• None.

SEATTLE, April 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines' 100 dispatchers, who are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), have ratified a new five-year contract. The contract was approved by 81% of those employees who voted. The new contract includes increased pay with a mid-term market review to ensure wage rates stay competitive, along with enhanced benefits and streamlined training.  

Alaska's dispatchers are responsible for flight planning and tracking to ensure the safety and progress of each flight conducted by the airline from origin to destination. They are the carrier's primary command and control link with Alaska pilots, providing en route weather, airport facility and other flight safety information.

"Our dispatchers play a critical role in our operation with responsibility for every single flight throughout the system," said Jenny Wetzel, vice president of labor relations at Alaska Airlines. "I'm glad we were able to reach an agreement that works for dispatchers and our company's long-term success. This means, even amid an uncertain economy, we can increase pay and enhance their benefits today." 

"TWU was impressed with the logic-based approach taken in these negotiations by the Alaska negotiators," said Gary Peterson, TWU international vice president and air division director. "Early on both groups agreed on the industry analysis each of us had independently performed, which helped us reach an agreement in-line with our amendable date."

The previous contract became amendable on March 24, 2022. Contracts in the airline industry do not expire. Once they become amendable, the current contract remains in effect until a new agreement is ratified.

About Alaska Airlines 

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize providing low fares for our guests, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). 

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SOURCE Alaska Airlines

FAQ

What did Alaska Airlines announce on April 19, 2022?

Alaska Airlines announced the ratification of a new five-year contract for its dispatchers with an 81% approval rate.

How does the new contract affect Alaska Airlines dispatchers?

The new contract provides increased pay, enhanced benefits, and streamlined training for dispatchers.

What is the significance of the mid-term market review in the new contract for ALK?

The mid-term market review ensures that the wage rates for dispatchers remain competitive throughout the contract period.

When did the previous contract for Alaska Airlines dispatchers become amendable?

The previous contract became amendable on March 24, 2022.

How many dispatchers at Alaska Airlines are represented by the Transport Workers Union?

There are 100 dispatchers at Alaska Airlines represented by the Transport Workers Union.