The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has publicly supported the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its longstanding efforts to protect aviation jobs in Hawaii. In a recent editorial, the board discussed the significance of the ongoing union representation vote following the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The outcome of this vote will influence whether maintenance operations and related jobs remain in Hawaii.
The editorial stated, “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 board noted that IAM has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951 and continues to have a significant role in defending local jobs. The union represents aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel.
According to the editorial, IAM currently represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines as well as more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. This broad coverage is seen as a safeguard against outsourcing essential support roles that could affect worker pay and job security.
The Star-Advertiser also expressed concerns about other unions with narrower classifications such as AMFA, pointing out their limited history of worker protections in Hawaii.
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 with around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout the United States and Canada.
