Alaska Airlines pilots, represented by their union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have voted to sign a tentative agreement that will increase wages by up to 23% based on length of service. The airline's first pilots will earn $306 an hour, and in two years this figure will increase to $330 an hour.
In addition, the agreement will introduce flexible working hours developed by ALPA, which will increase the safety of pilots, and and their pension savings.
82% of union members voted in favor of the new contracts, avoiding a planned strike in May.
The results, announced last Monday, ended several years of contentious negotiations between employees and the management of the airline.
Alaska's new collective agreement; — the first of its kind. In all other major airlines, negotiations are ongoing, and not always go smoothly. Delta Air Lines pilots are voting this month to sanction a strike. And much will depend on the position of the directorate.
Alaska Airlines' salary increase comes amid a surge in inflation, as well as a sharp increase in airline revenues associated with a recovery in travel demand after the pandemic.