In the latest demonstration of national union support for Hawaiian Airlines pilots, Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA) president Capt. Tim Canoll met on January 6 with the pilots and the Honolulu news media to express solidarity in the pilots fight for a fair contract.

 

All year long, Air Line Pilots Association members make it a point to give back to their communities, and they make a strong finish through the December holiday season. Here are just a few examples of how ALPA pilots are giving back and spreading cheer this year.

Pilots at Hawaiian Airlines issued a warning to future passengers, including those from Japan, that upcoming travel could be at risk if pilots are forced into a lawful strike.

After the last round of mediated negotiations ended on November 19 without a tentative agreement, the National Mediation Board (NMB) advised ALPA and management that it will not schedule any future mediation sessions, and will instead move forward with the actions available under the Railway Labor Act to bring negotiations to a close.

Amid record setting profits and the launch of daily service to Narita, ALPA President Capt. Tim Canoll joined hundreds of Hawaiian Airlines pilots at Honolulu International Airport for an informational picketing event.  As the airline celebrated its inaugural Honolulu-Narita daily route, pilots warned passengers that their island vacations could be at risk if the pilot group is forced by management into a lawful strike.

“We regret the inconvenience to our domestic and international customers, but we want to make sure all of them are aware of the labor strife at our airline and the bargaining position of our management that has led to this point,” said Capt. Hoon Lee, chairman of ALPA’s Hawaiian Airlines group. 

Read more about today’s picketing event here.

ALPA pilot groups across the country received significant media attention this week after industry announcements were covered by the press.

In Atlanta, Delta Air Lines pilots sent a strong message to management with the opening of a strike center. Capt. John Malone, chairman of the Delta MEC, cautioned that “while we are fully committed and have dedicated all necessary resources to reach an agreement this summer, we are preparing for any eventuality allowed to us under the Railway Labor Act, including efforts from informational picketing to a legal strike.”

Meanwhile, in Hawaii, pilots and frontline employees at Hawaiian Airlines were awarded top honors by Skytrax for having the Best Airline Staff Service in North America this year. This award was particularly meaningful for these ALPA pilots, who are also nearing a possible strike after stalled negotiations.

Capt. Hoon Lee, chairman of the Hawaiian MEC, reiterated that, “This recognition is further proof of the value of frontline employees in the financial success of our airline. At a time when Hawaiian is experiencing historic success, there is no reason for management to continue to ignore the role that pilots play in ensuring that our airline continues to lead the industry.”

Visit www.alpa.org for further information on issues affecting today’s pilots.