Alaska Airlines Pilots Set To Vote On Strike Action

Leading members of the Alaska Airlines Air Line Pilots Association’s Master Executive Council dropped a new episode of The Alaska Pilots Podcast last week, illuminating the case for a strike authorization vote and what could happen if a strike is authorized.

Leading members of the Alaska Airlines Air Line Pilots Association’s Master Executive Council dropped a new episode of The Alaska Pilots Podcast last week, illuminating the case for a strike authorization vote and what could happen if a strike is authorized.

The MEC leaders have made clear in many public-facing conversations that the culture of Alaska Airlines is of deep concern. Part of the problem is how, when and where management works on relationships with the union members.

Pilot retention is a big concern to the MEC leadership, however, according to the podcast, the average attrition of pilots from Alaska Airlines is about 20, while this year so far over 60 pilots have left Alaska Airlines employment.

This ties into recent flight cancellation problems with Alaska Airlines earlier in April 2022 where more flights were scheduled than contractually committed pilots available. So, overtime pay is being used to incentivize Alaska Airlines pilots.

Eligible pilots can vote electronically between May 9 - 25 to authorize the MEC to call a strike when legally permissible.