On June 15, Alaska Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) announced that they reached a Merger Transition Agreement in Principle for dispatchers. If ratified, it will combine the Boeing and Airbus dispatch groups into a single group.
The agreement, which would be in lieu of normal Section 6 negotiations scheduled for later this year, includes a two-year extension of the existing contract and benefits the company’s approximately 90 Airbus and Boeing dispatchers. If ratified, the agreement combines both dispatcher groups into a single collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and includes the process for an integrated seniority list, provided by the TWU. Implementation would begin shortly after ratification and conclude when the groups are fully combined in a single work location.
“We’re so proud to have been a part of this landmark agreement. The more workers that are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the better it is for us all,” said TWU International Administrative Vice President and Air Division Director Mike Mayes. “They say, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” and that’s exactly what this agreement does: improves the lives for our TWU dispatch members at Alaska Airlines.”
“The TWU, representing our dispatchers, is a relatively small, but very important, work group. This group of professionals plays a critical operational role, responsible for 100% of our flights,” said Captain John Ladner, interim vice president of flight ops. “Reaching this Agreement in Principle is an important milestone. I’m proud that we can move forward together with an agreement that recognizes their hard work and dedication to the company.”
“This is another step that brings us closer to completing our labor integration, “said Greg Mays, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of labor relations. “Pending ratification of this agreement and the technician agreement negotiated by AMFA earlier in May, all five of our labor groups will have merger transition agreements in place. We are committed to bringing the best of two great airlines together and creating a remarkable future for our people.”