Pilots at Alaska Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have approved a new three-year contract with the company, including pay rises of up to 23%.
Alaska Airlines announced on October 17, 2022, that the new contract includes significant improvements including increased pay, greater flexibility, better benefits and stronger job security.
The new deal comes amidst a shortage of pilots in North America, with many airlines in talks for bumper pay rises to keep staff.
ALPA said that with 96% of eligible Alaska Airlines pilots casting ballots, 82% voted in favor of the new agreement.
Alaska Airlines Pilots Overwhelmingly Ratify Collective Bargaining Agreementhttps://t.co/S2vLCkUnHe pic.twitter.com/pUfnKPAwpZ
— Alaska Airlines Pilots (@AlaskaPilots) October 17, 2022
“Our goal was to negotiate an agreement where our pilots could make Alaska Airlines a lifelong career,” Captain Will McQuillen, chairman of the Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council, said in a statement.
McQuillen further said:“This contract is good for our pilots and their families and also good for our airline.”
ALPA said that prior to this current agreement, Alaska Airlines pilots had been working for over a decade under conditions and wages that trailed many of their peers.
In May 2022, pilots agreed to authorize a strike should talks with management fail to reach an agreement.
The new contract, effective immediately, includes the following:
Wage increases up to 23% depending on years of service. Top-of-scale captains will now make $306 per hour, which increases to $330 after two years. A market rate adjustment will keep pilots in line with peers at other airlines in the years ahead.
ALPA-designed schedules and increased flexibility for pilots to adjust their schedules.
Stronger job security to ensure Alaska pilot growth alongside company growth.
Retirement contribution increases and no increase to health care costs.
