SEATTLE, Dec. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska
Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)
today jointly announced tentative agreement on a proposed five-year
contract for the carrier's nearly 700 aircraft technicians and
related employees. The proposed contract includes significant pay
increases and added job protection provisions.
"I am very proud of our members' trust and the serious
commitment, diligence, and prompt timing of both the Alaska and AMFA negotiation committees in
reaching this agreement," said Bret
Oestreich, AMFA national director. "This agreement was
reached only 53 days past the current amendable date, thus
indicating the importance of taking care of the people."
Further details of the contract are being withheld pending a
ratification vote by union members, which is expected to be
completed by early March. If ratified, the new contract would
become amendable in October 2021. The
current contract became amendable on Oct.
17, 2016.
"The men and women who maintain our aircraft play a vital role
in Alaska's operation and this
contract reflects their expertise, contributions and commitment to
safety," said Kurt Kinder, Alaska
Airlines' vice president of maintenance and engineering. "I want to
thank the AMFA membership for their patience during this process
and for putting safety above all else."
AMFA is the largest craft union representing aircraft
technicians and related employees and serves members at
Alaska and Southwest Airlines.
AMFA's motto is "Safety in the air begins with quality maintenance
on the ground."
In May Alaska Airlines was served with its 15th Diamond Award of
Excellence from the FAA in recognition for the company's dedication
to maintenance training. Additionally, earlier this year, a team of
Alaska maintenance technicians
took first place in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition in
Dallas.
Alaska Airlines, together with its regional partners, flies 32
million customers a year to more than 110 cities with an average of
970 daily flights throughout the United
States, Canada,
Costa Rica, Mexico and soon Cuba. With Alaska's global airline partners, customers
can earn and redeem miles to more than 800 destinations worldwide.
Onboard, customers are invited to make the most of their flight
with amenities like power outlets at every seat, streaming
entertainment direct to their device, Wi-Fi and an inspired food
and beverage selection featured on most flights. Alaska Airlines
ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers
in North America" in the J.D.
Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study for nine
consecutive years from 2008 to 2016. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
also ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty
Rewards Programs" in the J.D. Power Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program
Satisfaction Report for the last three consecutive years. Alaska
Airlines is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). Learn
more on the airline's newsroom, blog, alaskaair.com, @AlaskaAir,
facebook.com/alaskaairlines and
linkedin.com/company/alaska-airlines.
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines