Alaska Flight Attendants Slated to Receive 32% Pay Bumps

In a major victory for the airline’s unionized flight attendants, Alaska Airlines has announced a collective bargaining agreement that will provide a 32% pay increase for the airline’s 4,000-plus flight attendants. The new agreement, which was reached after months of negotiations, marks a significant milestone for the flight attendants, who have been working without a contract since 2020.

According to reports, the pay bump will be phased in over the next three years, with a 10% increase taking effect on October 1st, followed by a 12% increase on October 1st of next year, and a 10% increase on October 1st of the following year. The new pay scale will mean that flight attendants will receive an average hourly wage of around $54.75, up from the current average of $41.25.

The agreement also includes other significant benefits for the flight attendants, including improved scheduling and staffing ratios, as well as new language related to job security and career advancement. Additionally, the airline has committed to reducing the number of hours per month that flight attendants work, which will help to improve work-life balance and reduce burnout.

“We are thrilled to have reached this historic agreement with our flight attendants,” said Alaska Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Ben Minicucci. “We recognize the critical role that our flight attendants play in providing exceptional customer service, and we are committed to compensating them fairly and compensating them for their hard work and dedication.”

The agreement was negotiated by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents the flight attendants. The union’s president, Tom Buffenbarger, hailed the agreement as a major victory for the flight attendants.

“This is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the commitment of our members to standing together to fight for their rights and interests,” said Buffenbarger. “We are proud to have achieved a wage increase that recognizes the value of our flight attendants’ hard work and dedication to keeping our customers safe and comfortable.”

The pay bump is a significant step forward for the flight attendants, who have been seeking improved compensation and benefits for years. The agreement is also expected to have a positive impact on the airline’s overall operations, as happy and satisfied flight attendants are more likely to provide better service to customers.

The implementation of the new agreement will take place over the next three years, with the first phase of the pay increase taking effect on October 1st. The airline will also be working with the IAM to implement the new scheduling and staffing ratios, as well as the other benefits and improvements outlined in the agreement.

Overall, the Alaska Airlines’ flight attendants’ pay bump is a significant victory for the union and a major step forward for the airline’s employee relations. The agreement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of recognizing the value of employees’ hard work and dedication.