Release #: HAL 16.08
July 13, 2016

Hawaiian Airlines Pilots Applaud Crewmembers’ Role in Best Airline Staff Service Award

Global Distinction for Excellence Reinforces Need for Market-Rate Contract

Honolulu—Capt. Hoon Lee, chairman of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council, issued the following statement after Skytrax announced that Hawaiian has received its highly coveted “Best Airline Staff Service in North America” award for 2016.

“Pilots at Hawaiian are proud of the crucial contributions we make to the success of our airline. We are honored to share this prestigious award with our fellow employees, whose dedication and professionalism are a showcase for our industry.

“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.

“Hawaiian Airlines pilots have demonstrated that we are willing to do whatever it takes to get a contract that reflects our significant effort in contributing to the airline’s astounding success. It is time for the pilots of Hawaiian Airlines to have a comprehensive contract solution that includes market-rate pay, benefits, and work rules.”

Hawaiian’s current pilot contract was ratified in 2010 and became amendable in September 2015. The pilots were in direct negotiations for about a year, entered federal mediation in January, and requested a release from negotiations in June. In a letter submitted to the National Mediation Board, ALPA requested a proffer of arbitration. If either the union or the company declines, the two sides would enter a 30-day cooling-off period, after which time the parties would be free to enter self-help—such as a strike by the pilots. 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 53,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org