March 31, 2008 - After a proud history spanning more than 60 years, Aloha Airlines has made the painful decision to cease its passenger operations effective April 1, 2008. International and District staffs have been dispatched to work closely with Local Lodge representatives and assist the membership in any way possible.
Employees courageously fought for the airline’s survival, making extreme sacrifices during the company’s first trip through bankruptcy court. The restructuring IAM members made possible could not prevent the shock being experienced today, but it should have. Forces beyond the control of management and employees controlled Aloha’s destiny: predatory pricing, exorbitantly high fuel prices and a distressing lack of government regulation conspired against Aloha’s success. While employees tried valiantly to save their airline, others fought to see it disappear. Aloha is a victim of corporate homicide.
A potential buyer for Aloha’s cargo unit and contract services has been found and is seeking bankruptcy court approval to take over these operations. How this will affect these employees is not yet certain, but these units will continue operating for the time being.
The IAM will continue fighting to protect as many jobs as possible, and assist those that lose their jobs as a result of Aloha’s demise. The Machinists Union’s Department of Employment Services has the resources and programs to assist members affected by Aloha’s shutdown. The Machinists Union will not abandon our Aloha members.
“We thank the Aloha membership for decades of strong solidarity and support,” said IAM District 141 President Randy Canale and District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “They will always be part of the Machinists Union family.”
