Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Ratify New Contract
More than 6,900 Alaska Airlines flight attendants have successfully ratified a new three-year contract, marking a major win for the employees and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). With over 90% participation in the vote and a remarkable 95% approval rate, the agreement is set to enhance the careers and well-being of thousands of flight attendants across the airline.
The new contract, effective March 2, 2025, introduces significant improvements in pay and working conditions for Alaska Airlines’ flight attendants. Among its key provisions are increased pay rates, including enhanced boarding pay and a newly implemented market rate adjustment. These improvements are designed to ensure that employees receive competitive compensation reflective of their expertise and dedication. The agreement also enshrines work rules that guarantee a duty day lasting no more than 10 hours and 30 minutes—a duration that stands among the shortest in the industry, offering employees a better work-life balance.
In addition to financial benefits and reasonable work hours, the contract introduces enhancements in scheduling practices. Improved scheduling will help ensure that flight attendants have more predictable shifts and ample rest between flights, which is crucial in maintaining high levels of performance and safety. The agreement further includes measures to limit insurance premiums, providing further financial relief to the workforce. These changes come at a time when the aviation industry is increasingly focused on employee welfare as a cornerstone of operational success.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci highlighted the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a supportive work environment. “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,” Minicucci stated. His comments underscore the airline’s long-term vision, which emphasizes the importance of investing in its employees as a key driver of company success.
This ratified contract is not an isolated achievement but the eighth labor agreement finalized between an Alaska Air Group company and its represented workgroups in the past three years. Each of these contracts has aimed at improving wages, quality of life, and the overall sustainability of the company. The cumulative effect of these agreements reinforces Alaska Airlines’ commitment to maintaining a highly motivated and skilled workforce.
Jeff Peterson, AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) President, noted that the new contract lays a solid foundation for future negotiations, particularly concerning the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement. These upcoming discussions are especially significant in light of the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The strengthened contract terms are expected to serve as a benchmark, ensuring that the voices of flight attendants remain central as both airlines navigate the complexities of integration.
It is worth noting that while the previous contract did not have an expiration date, it had been amendable since December 2022. The current ratification not only brings long-awaited improvements but also symbolizes a collective commitment to positive change. As Alaska Airlines continues to evolve and expand, this agreement is a critical step toward sustaining high standards of service, employee satisfaction, and operational excellence in a rapidly changing industry.
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