April 7, 2022Fellow pilots,

Mediated negotiations took place again this week on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 5-6).

You may recall that ALPA provided a comprehensive proposal at the last mediation session, including a full economic proposal. The National Mediation Board’s (NMB) agenda for this week directed the Company to respond to the MEC’s comprehensive scope proposal and, to the extent that time permitted, respond to the comprehensive work rule and quality of life issues that were previously proposed by ALPA. ALPA also offered several times to be available to answer questions regarding our scope proposal for the company ahead of the session.

The Company made no written scope proposal, asked no questions about the full language proposal we provided earlier, and declined to engage in any discussion of key job security issues despite our efforts. More specifically, management did not counter-propose or offer any ideas or solutions that improve merger protection, limit the number or weight of small jets, or ensure that Alaska pilots participate in the Company’s growth when it enters new code-share agreements.

We are all well aware of the increasing merger activity, including JetBlue’s offer this week to merge with Spirit. This environment, along with the company’s unwillingness to solve problems during and after the VX merger, highlights the need for stronger job security provisions.

Additionally, there was no meaningful progress made on the fundamental work rule improvements. The company did withdraw their proposed changes to Section 15 [Physical Standards], Section 22 [Seniority], and uniform provisions, and made a union business and reserve vacation proposal. While eventual parts of an overall agreement, they were not responsive to the core issues critical to Alaska pilots and did not address the primary items on the NMB’s agenda for this week. The new company proposals will be discussed with the MEC.

Given the letter distributed the night before mediation started by the VP of Labor, it wasn’t surprising that management failed to follow this week’s agenda and deal with the issues that provide a foundation for a ratified agreement. This was another in a stream of company letters that shows management’s disregard for issues you want addressed and its unwillingness to use proven industry solutions. Rapidly increasing attrition and the inability to fill new hire classes show that Alaska pilots and prospective pilots are voting with their feet to dismiss company rhetoric. Once again, the company spent more time and effort distributing information that isn’t credible than it did trying to solve problems or negotiate.

As a result, the mediator decided that the third day of mediation would not be productive and ended the session early. He will consult with his superiors at the NMB to determine appropriate future steps before setting any new mediation dates. That was the right conclusion. Management’s lack of response this week, and the proposals it has on the table, provide no path to a ratifiable agreement.

It’s our strong recommendation that Alaska pilots prepare financially for a much bigger fight to achieve our collective goals. The strong showing made on April 1 convinces us we’re ready. Your efforts were key in showing that ALPA’s proposals reflect critical pilot priorities that pave the way to a successful comprehensive agreement.

The MEC has its Quarterly Meeting on April 19-22. Your elected representatives will provide further direction at that meeting on the next steps to move the process forward.

In unity,