The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has expressed support for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and its history of safeguarding aviation jobs in Hawaii. The endorsement comes as aviation workers in the state prepare to vote on union representation following the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a recent opinion piece, the editorial board highlighted the importance of the upcoming union vote, which will affect the future of maintenance operations and determine whether these positions remain in Hawaii. The board wrote, “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.”
The IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951 and includes a wide range of job classifications such as aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. According to the editorial, this broad membership helps protect local jobs from outsourcing.
Currently, IAM represents about 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The editorial emphasized that this coverage provides protection against outsourcing essential support roles that could lead to reduced pay or job loss.
Concerns were raised by the Star-Advertiser about alternative unions like AMFA due to their narrower scope and lack of history with local worker protections.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen responded to the endorsement by saying, “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. 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.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions. It represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various sectors including aerospace, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive industries in both the United States and Canada.
