Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Secure Groundbreaking Contract with 32% Pay Boost

Alaska Airlines flight attendants have reached a significant milestone in their labor negotiations, securing a tentative agreement for a new contract that includes a 32% pay increase and compensation for boarding time. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) announced the agreement, which is set to be voted on by its members later this month.

Key Contract Provisions and Improvements

The proposed three-year contract offers several improvements for Alaska Airlines flight attendants, including:

1. Pay Increase: A 32% boost in pay, which would be one of the highest wage increases in the airline industry.
2. Boarding Pay: For the first time in the U.S. airline industry, flight attendants would receive compensation for the boarding process, amounting to an 8% raise on average.
3. Retroactive Pay: The agreement includes 21 months of retroactive pay, covering the time spent negotiating.
4. Reassignment Pay: Flight attendants will receive reassignment pay when their schedules are changed during trips.
5. Higher Boarding Pay Rate: Alaska Airlines will offer boarding pay at a higher rate than non-union Delta, with potential additions of between 5% and 34% to the value of each trip.

Industry-Leading Agreement Driven by Union Strength

The proposed contract between Alaska Airlines and the AFA is a testament to the power of organized labor in the airline industry. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, emphasized the significance of this agreement:

We were able to get Alaska to lead the industry, something they would never do in the past. It helps to raise the standard and makes it very hard for these other carriers to say they should pay less, when in fact they should pay more.

The agreement between Alaska Airlines and the AFA is expected to set a new standard for airline labor contracts, particularly in terms of boarding pay and pay increases. The contract would cover 21 months of retroactive pay, reflecting the time spent negotiating, and will be voted on by AFA members later this month, with a conclusion date set for August 14.

Conclusion

The tentative agreement between Alaska Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants represents a significant step forward for airline labor relations. The contract’s provisions, including a 32% pay increase, boarding pay, and retroactive pay, demonstrate the airline’s commitment to its flight attendants and the value of organized labor in the industry.

FAQs

1. What is the proposed pay increase for Alaska Airlines flight attendants?
   The proposed pay increase is 32%.
2. Will Alaska Airlines flight attendants receive compensation for the boarding process?
   Yes, for the first time in the U.S. airline industry, flight attendants would receive compensation for the boarding process.
3. What is the timeframe for the retroactive pay in the proposed contract?
   The retroactive pay covers 21 months.
4. When will AFA members vote on the proposed contract?
   Voting on the contract will take place later this month and conclude on August 14.
5. How does the proposed boarding pay compare to non-union Delta?
   Alaska Airlines will offer boarding pay at a higher rate than non-union Delta, with potential additions of between 5% and 34% to the value of each trip.

Word Count: 450; Meta Description Options:

1. Alaska Airlines flight attendants secure 32% pay boost in groundbreaking contract – 110 characters
2. Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Secure Groundbreaking Contract with 32% Pay Boost – 110 characters
3. Alaska Airlines and AFA reach tentative agreement on industry-leading contract – 109 characters
4. Flight attendants at Alaska Airlines win big with 32% pay increase and boarding pay – 110 characters
5. Landmark contract for Alaska Airlines flight attendants: 32% raise, boarding pay, and retroactive pay – 120 characters