The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has expressed support for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in an editorial discussing the ongoing union representation vote following the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The board cited IAM’s longstanding record of defending aviation jobs in Hawaii.
According to the editorial, Hawaii’s aviation workers are facing a significant decision regarding their future employment as they vote on union representation after the merger. The outcome will affect whether maintenance operations and related jobs remain based in Hawaii.
“When keeping good jobs in Hawaii is the priority, as it must be, IAM’s record of nurturing and preserving a well-paid Hawaii workforce seems to offer an edge,” wrote the Star-Advertiser Editorial Board.
The editorial pointed out that IAM has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951 and continues to play a major role in protecting local jobs. The union represents aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. Its broad membership is credited with supporting Hawaii’s economy by preventing outsourcing and job loss across various aviation roles.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and over 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The editorial argued that this wide coverage helps safeguard against outsourcing essential support positions, which could impact worker pay and job security.
The board also noted concerns about the narrower job classifications covered by AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), mentioning their limited history of worker protections in Hawaii.
“This endorsement reinforces what we’ve known all along, the IAM is the best Union to protect Hawaii’s future in aviation and to keep jobs, skills, and decisions right here at home,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “IAM has protected Hawaii’s workforce for more than 70 years, and we’ll continue fighting to ensure these are not just good jobs, but good jobs that stay in Hawaii.”
IAM is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions with about 600,000 active and retired members representing several sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, among others across the United States and Canada.
