For Immediate Release

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – May 13, 2025 - On May 12, 2025, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) applied to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a determination that Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines constitute a single transportation system for purposes of representing individuals in the craft or class of Mechanics and Related Employees. AMFA anticipates that, within six weeks, the NMB will confirm that the two airlines constitute a single carrier for representation purposes.

The NMB will then solicit eligibility lists from the two carriers to determine who may participate in an election concerning union representation. AMFA will carefully review these lists and legally challenge, as appropriate, any improper inclusion or exclusion of employees.

Although the election process will take several months to complete, we are confident that the final result will confirm AMFA as the collective bargaining representative of the Mechanics and Related Employees of the merged airline.

“AMFA is eager to get this important merger process started. We have tried to talk with both Alaska Airlines and the incumbent union to expeditiously make this merger transition move to get that positive synergy. That’s why we are filing today, for this merger process to kickstart and move the momentum forward for our current Alaska and future Hawaiian members,” said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. “We are excited about the opportunity to represent our fellow professionals at Hawaiian Airlines and fully expect that we will be able to increase their wages and benefits to industry standard in the near future.”

“Hawaiian AMTs and skilled trade groups have been overlooked, their wages and priorities overshadowed by larger workgroups within broad bargaining units. With AMFA, that would change,” said Oestreich. “Hawaiian members can expect a craft union where democracy is paramount. Every AMFA union officer, both local and national, is elected by the membership, and every AMFA union officer shares their professional interests because they are a member of the same skilled craft.”

We will update our AMFA membership as the NMB process progresses.

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled trade groups actively involved in the aviation industry. These employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians/engineers and achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled professionals it represents. For more information about AMFA, visit www.amfanational.org