We know that everyone has questions and concerns about the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Mergers take time. Nothing will happen overnight. But right now we must stick together because the airlines are very clear about how this will benefit shareholders, consumers, and employees but together we can claim clarity in black and white for our jobs and the improvements we can expect.
Our union of Flight Attendants, AFA-CWA, represents cabin crew at both carriers. Our first priority is to determine whether we support this merger, depending upon what it means in improvements for Flight Attendants. We are gathering information, reviewing the proposed merger, and AFA leaders from both Hawaiian and Alaska will meet with our International Officers and experts to conduct this review. Our union has significant experience in mergers and all of that will benefit us now.
Read the full communication from AFA Alaska in response to the merger announcement >
Resources and Information
General Resources
- AFA Merger Policy (AFA International Constitution & Bylaws, Section X)
- Hawaiian-Alaska Merger Transition Protocol Agreement (08/09/2024)
AFA Alaska
Alaska Airlines
Hawaiian AFA
Hawaiian Airlines
AFA Merger FAQs
If the merger moves forward
What is the Timeline for a Corporate Merger?
The Department of Justice (DOJ) must approve the merger and determine that it does not violate any antitrust laws or regulations. Only after the DOJ gives its approval to the transaction, can the actual conclusion of the financial transaction (corporate merger) happen. There is no set timeline for the DOJ review and approval.
When would the operations of the two carriers be merged?
It will be a while, at a minimum 12-18 months. This is a journey of a thousand steps. Throughout it all, your AFA leadership will be representing your best interests and negotiating for the best outcome for Flight Attendants.
What exactly is “integration” and when would it happen?
It is important to understand that “integration” applies to many steps along way to completely combining the two carriers:
- Integration of corporate management and departments (Labor Relations, Legal, Finance, etc) is one aspect of integration and could possibly happen quickly after DOJ approval and the financial close of the corporate merger.
- Operational Integration of policies, maintenance procedures and manuals, etc. leading up to a Single Operating Certificate takes over a year and longer.
- Seniority list integration – we will conduct our bidding “date of hire” seniority integration process with Flight Attendant representatives from each airline, but management will not receive the completed list until a merged contract is ratified.
- Contract Integration – negotiating the Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) and finalizing a process agreement which allows for a smooth and orderly combining of the two labor groups (eg. Alaska Flight Attendants and Hawaiian Flight Attendants) requires Flight Attendant ratification – and this step can only take shape alongside the operational integration.
- Operational Integration, including combined reservations and scheduling. Again, this will take time, likely a couple years if the merger moves forward.
What bases would open and close at the combined carrier?
The airlines have stated all bases will remain open and contractual protections will protect base assignments.
How would the seniority lists be combined?
A Seniority Merger Integration Committee (SMIC) with Flight Attendant representatives from both carriers will be established and representatives may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from each respective pre-merger airline. The SMIC will review the records of every Flight Attendant and ensure no one leap frogs another Flight Attendant on each respective list, while also assessing whether adjustments of bidding seniority dates should reflect time in training consistently for both groups. This process is transparent and includes a verification period with the opportunity for each individual Flight Attendant to review their seniority date before the list is final.
What is the AFA merger policy that will govern how the Flight Attendant groups are integrated?
The AFA Merger Policy can be found in the AFA International Constitution and Bylaws, Section X. AFA has vast experience with mergers and negotiating agreements that protect our members and keep Flight Attendant interests front and center.
Will negotiations continue for our own Alaska Flight Attendant Contract?
Yes. We are continuing with the Alaska contract negotiations. Improvements are needed now and will help raise standards for Flight Attendants in the industry whether this merger is approved or not. Contract negotiations will be our main focus and our energies will be targeted toward achieving the contract we have earned.
How would the merged contract be negotiated?
Under the AFA Constitution & Bylaws, a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) will be formed following Single Carrier Determination by the NMB. Flight Attendants from both airlines will be members of the JNC, and JNC may only be chosen by Flight Attendants from their respective pre-merger airlines. The JNC will negotiate a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) attempting to combine the best from each Flight Attendant Contract in addition to other improvements. The tentative JCBA will be voted on by all Flight Attendants at the merged airline and must receive a majority vote in favor by the combined group for ratification.
When would the Flight Attendant Groups be combined?
The Flight Attendant groups cannot be combined until the JCBA is ratified and the seniority list is merged and accepted. In addition, combining carriers includes FAA oversight of safety policies and procedures – leading to the Single Operating Certificate. Flight Attendants will take part in “differences training” to ensure certification is the same on each aircraft. The company will also need the ability to schedule crew with a combined system.
The expanded flying opportunities and route network typically provides more choice for Flight Attendants in bidding and managing our schedules.
Some call it a merger, others call it an acquisition. Does it matter?
An acquisition is a technical finance term about the financial transaction between the two airlines. No matter what the technical financial transaction is called — the two companies must be merged together. The merger begins once the financial transaction is approved. Nothing changes for Alaska Flight Attendants or Hawaiian Flight Attendants until the airlines are in merger mode. That’s why we don’t refer to the financial transaction, because it doesn’t change your contract or your legal rights during the actual merger. When and if we get to an “approved deal” involving these airlines, that is when the merger starts and that is what it is called no matter how management initiated the deal.
