Welcome to the free market! Horizon will obviously pay as little as possible until the pain to the operation (cancelled or delayed flights) becomes too great. AA noticed a possible problem in the future with UAL and DAL contracts paying significantly more so AA coughed up an 8% raise outside of section 6. I imagine the news article may move things along somewhat as the public is now more aware of the situation and Alaska may apply some pressure to ensure preservation of the brand and the flight schedule.