Alaska pilots authorize future strike if contract talks fail
SEATTLE (AP) — Alaska Airlines pilots have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a future strike if current contract negotiations with management and federal mediation efforts fail.
The Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday that almost 96% of its members cast mail-in votes and that 99% of those authorized the union’s leaders to call a strike if necessary and when permitted after a prolonged process managed by the National Mediation Board, The Seattle Times reported.
Following an informational picket in April by 1,500 off-duty pilots, the vote may increase pressure on Alaska Airlines management to come to a contract settlement. The union has been stalled for years trying to negotiate a contract that addresses work rules, scheduling flexibility and career security.
In a memo to the pilots, Capt. Will McQuillen, council chairperson of the pilots association's Alaska unit, said the vote provides union negotiators “an important tool to help achieve your goals.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/alaska-pilots-authorize-future-strike-if-contract-talks-fail/ar-AAXJofP