Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines flight attendants approved a three-year contract on February 28, 2025, with 95% support and 90.8% participation.
- The contract includes 18.6%-28.3% immediate pay raises, retroactive pay from December 2022, and new boarding pay.
- Paid changes began March 2, 2025, amid preparation for a joint labor agreement following the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger.
On February 28, 2025, Alaska Airlines’ flight attendants took a big step forward in their careers by approving a new three-year contract. This decision came with overwhelming support from 95% of voting members, who showed up in large numbers with a 90.8% participation rate. Represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), more than 6,900 flight attendants now benefit from this agreement, which brings major improvements to their pay, work conditions, and overall quality of life.
This contract, which took effect on March 2, 2025, not only addresses long-standing concerns of flight attendants but also highlights their essential contributions to the airline’s safety and operations. It’s an agreement that gets to the heart of what these employees have been asking for, ensuring they are better rewarded and supported in their roles.
Key Benefits in the Contract
The new agreement includes a variety of provisions that will immediately and significantly benefit Alaska Airlines flight attendants. These are the main highlights:
Higher Pay and Scheduled Raises
One of the standout features of the contract is the large pay increase flight attendants received. Depending on their position and years of service, pay scales increased by 18.6% to 28.3% as soon as the contract was signed. This means significant adjustments in take-home pay for many employees. Beyond this, the contract secures additional raises of 3% in both 2026 and 2027. With these changes, Alaska Airlines flight attendants now rank among the best-paid in the sector.
New Boarding Pay
Another major win is the boarding pay provision. For the first time, flight attendants are compensated for their time during the boarding process. According to reports, this boarding pay is noticeably higher than the amounts offered by other major airlines. It sets a new benchmark within the industry.
Retroactive Pay
One of the issues often raised during labor disputes is the time gap between the end of one contract and the beginning of a new one. The new Alaska Airlines contract addresses this by offering retroactive pay from as far back as December 2022. This means that during the period of extended negotiations, flight attendants didn’t miss out on the pay they would have received under the new agreement.
Reassignment and Extended Duty Pay
The contract introduces several specific pay provisions to address scenarios like rescheduled work or extra duty:
– 150% pay for reassignments that cover entire trips
– 200% pay for shifts on “Extended Reserve” duty, which refers to extra on-call responsibilities
– 250% pay for flights that occur on days designated as scheduled time off
These pay enhancements ensure flight attendants feel appropriately valued, even in challenging situations.
Improved Benefits and Rules
The agreement also includes better benefits and conditions for the day-to-day lives of flight attendants:
– Those with 25 years of service will now enjoy a sixth week of vacation each year.
– Their sick leave bank has been expanded, and they now have the option to cash out unused sick leave.
– The per diem, which is the allowance paid for food and travel-related expenses, has been increased.
– Contributions to flight attendants’ 401(k) retirement accounts have improved, and caps have been placed on insurance premiums to manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Additionally, the contract keeps the maximum scheduled workday at 10 hours and 30 minutes. This is notably one of the shortest in the airline industry.
The Timing: Why This Contract Matters Now
The timing of this agreement is no coincidence. Alaska Airlines is in an important phase, following the federal government’s approval of its merger with Hawaiian Airlines in late 2024. This contract plays a critical role as both airlines prepare for the challenges of combining their workforces and operations.
AFA Alaska Master Executive Council President Jeffrey Peterson acknowledged the importance of this deal. He called it a “milestone” for flight attendants at Alaska Airlines, noting that it reflects how valuable they are to the airline. He also highlighted that this contract lays a good groundwork for the upcoming joint contract negotiations between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants.
What Happens Next?
The changes brought by the contract began taking effect immediately after ratification. Pay increases and scheduling changes started on March 2, 2025, at midnight, just two days after the vote. The AFA Alaska Negotiating Committee is sticking close to the process, promising to assist flight attendants in adapting to the new rules. Over the next few months, online resources and explanations such as flowcharts will be provided to make the transition seamless.
Why Is This Contract Important Beyond Alaska Airlines?
This new agreement at Alaska Airlines is particularly influential because it addresses some of the challenges that flight attendants face across the broader airline industry. Labor negotiations within the airline sector frequently take months or even years, with compensation for work completed outside of actual flight time, such as during boarding, often being a sticking point. By explicitly including substantial boarding pay, Alaska Airlines has raised the standard, likely encouraging flight attendant unions at other airlines to push for similar improvements.
Ben Minicucci, the CEO of Alaska Airlines, also views this contract as a reflection of the airline’s dedication to its employees. In his words, the contract shows that “flight attendants are central” to the brand’s success. This contract not only rewards employees but also helps position Alaska Airlines as one of the top companies to work for in the industry.
Reactions and Early Feedback
Only a week into the new contract’s implementation, reactions from flight attendants have been overwhelmingly positive. Many are particularly appreciative of the immediate pay bumps, which they feel reflect their true value as professionals who are essential to passenger safety and comfort. As the details of the contract become more widely understood, satisfaction appears to be increasing.
Meanwhile, other industry stakeholders are keeping a close eye on how this agreement unfolds. With the imminent merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, everyone involved in the process is closely watching its effects on joint labor negotiations and efficiency improvements.
Broader Industry Implications
For the airline industry at large, this contract could symbolize a shift in how flight attendants are treated. Historically, airline workers, particularly flight attendants, have faced significant challenges when negotiating contracts. The Alaska Airlines agreement marks one of the most comprehensive deals of its kind, addressing both pay and non-pay concerns like work-life balance and job stress.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this agreement doesn’t just affect employees and the airline; it also has potential consequences for customers. Satisfied and well-compensated flight attendants are better positioned to provide excellent service, which can contribute to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Looking Towards the Merger
The journey isn’t over yet. The hard work will continue as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines prepare for their upcoming joint labor agreement. Though the merger offers opportunities for growth and improvement, merging policies and expectations from two different carriers is never without challenges. This current contract, however, creates a strong basis for what’s to come.
Final Thoughts
The ratification of the new three-year contract for flight attendants at Alaska Airlines stands out as a landmark achievement. By addressing key worker concerns regarding pay, work rules, and benefits, this agreement not only improves the work lives of flight attendants but also sets a new industry standard. It’s a forward-thinking move that reflects Alaska Airlines’ commitment to treating its frontline teams as valued partners.
As the merger with Hawaiian Airlines progresses, this contract will likely serve as both a guide and a goalpost for future negotiations. In a broader sense, it provides a hopeful figure on the horizon for other airline workers across the U.S. For anyone who interacts with flight attendants—be it as a colleague, employer, or customer—this agreement is a reminder of just how pivotal their roles are in the complex world of aviation.
To explore more about how Alaska Airlines approaches its labor relations and agreements, visit the official Alaska Airlines careers page.
Learn Today
Retroactive Pay → Compensation provided for work already completed prior to the signing of a contract or agreement.
Boarding Pay → Payment received by flight attendants for time spent assisting passengers during the boarding process, before the flight departs.
Extended Reserve Duty → Additional on-call work responsibilities assigned to flight attendants, often involving flexibility for unexpected scheduling needs.
Per Diem → A daily allowance provided to cover food and travel-related expenses incurred during work-related trips.
Reassignment Pay → Extra compensation granted to flight attendants for taking on rescheduled or adjusted work assignments, often on short notice.
This Article in a Nutshell
On February 28, 2025, Alaska Airlines flight attendants achieved a historic victory by ratifying a new three-year contract with 95% approval. Boasting significant pay raises, boarding pay, and work-life improvements, this deal elevates over 6,900 attendants’ careers. It sets a new industry standard, proving the power of unity in modern labor negotiations.
— By VisaVerge.com
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