Alaska and Hawaiian management have satisfied any questions raised during the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) review of the proposed merger. This means DOJ will not take further actions and has essentially approved the merger.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to review international routes and general compliance with DOT requirements as it relates to the merged carrier. This has typically been a perfunctory approval.
Mergers take time — this first hurdle only relates to the financial closing of the merger which can now proceed. DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration will play a significant role in the operational merger.
As a reminder, the transition period includes specific protections for Flight Attendants as negotiated between our union, and both Alaska and Hawaiian management. Review last week’s communication on the Merger Transition Agreement (MTA). Negotiations for a contract at Alaska will continue separately according to the Railway Labor Act. Improvements for Alaska Flight Attendants will set a higher starting point for JCBA negotiations.
We will all do better through our solidarity. Stay close to union communications, fly safe, and as always look out for each other. We are stronger and better together.
Impact on AFA Alaska Negotiations
AFA will continue to work on negotiating a second Tentative Agreement (TA2) for Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants. Alaska Airlines has a legal obligation to continue negotiations with AFA Alaska.
The Negotiating Committee (NC) is drafting a survey to determine the targeted goals for TA2. Following MEC approval, we tentatively plan to release the survey on Tuesday, August 27 and close the survey on Wednesday, September 4. The NC will analyze the results and continue through the steps listed here, including drafting a TA2 proposal.
The status of our mediation has no impact on the merger transaction with Hawaiian.
