IAM District 143 today announced it will be entering federally-mediated negotiations with Alaska Airlines on September 7, 2010 on behalf of 2,700 employees in the clerical, office and passenger service (COPS) classification at the Seattle-based carrier.
“We have been in direct negotiations for months, but Alaska Airlines has been unwilling to adequately address our members’ job security proposals,” said District 143 President Stephen Gordon. “ Alaska has left us with no choice but to seek the assistance of a mediator.”
Direct bargaining began March 2, 2010 after members rejected an Alaska Airlines offer to extend their agreement until 2012. The extension was rejected over job security issues. The current contract became amendable on July 19, 2010.
“One in four airline jobs have vanished over the last decade,” said Gordon. “Our members and their families have earned the right to know they will be a part of Alaska Airlines’ future.”
