Alaska Airlines Faces Pressure as Horizon Air Crew Push for Fair Wages
Flight attendants at Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, have taken a major step in their ongoing battle for fair wages. On January 17th, their union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), filed for federal mediation to push for pay parity with Alaska Airlines’ mainline flight attendants. The case is now in the hands of the National Mediation Board (NMB), which will oversee negotiations between the airline and the union.
The Two-Tiered Wage System
Horizon Air operates as a regional carrier under Alaska Airlines, but flight attendants there earn significantly less than their mainline counterparts. The AFA argues that despite performing the same duties, Horizon Air flight attendants are paid lower wages due to what the union calls an “exploitative” two-tiered system.
Alaska Airlines, as the parent company, determines the pay and working conditions for Horizon Air employees. The union claims that management has so far failed to offer meaningful pay increases, which has led to frustration among Horizon’s 3,500+ employees.
Union Demands and Management Response
Horizon AFA President Lisa Davis-Warren emphasized the importance of fair pay for regional flight attendants, stating:
“Flight Attendants at Horizon Air and in the regional airlines deserve fair compensation. The company needs to recognize the contributions we have made to its continued growth.”
She remains hopeful that the federal mediator will help both parties reach an agreement. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines has not issued a statement regarding the mediation request.
Understanding the Mediation Process
Filing for mediation is a key step under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which governs labor disputes in the airline and railroad industries. The National Mediation Board (NMB) will now:
- Assign a federal mediator to facilitate negotiations.
- Conduct mediation sessions between Alaska Airlines management and the AFA.
- Use various strategies, including traditional mediation and problem-solving discussions, to encourage a resolution.
This process will continue until an agreement is reached or until the Board determines that no further progress can be made. If mediation fails, both parties may be encouraged to settle the matter through binding arbitration.
What Happens If Mediation Fails?
If no agreement is reached and either side rejects arbitration, the NMB will:
- Initiate a 30-day cooling-off period, during which no changes can be made to wages, benefits, or working conditions.
- If a resolution is still not reached, both parties may take self-help actions, such as:
- Strikes by flight attendants.
- Lockouts or unilateral changes by the airline.
Alaska Airlines’ Mainline Mediation Efforts
Notably, Alaska Airlines’ mainline flight attendants also requested federal mediation last year. Their first mediation session occurred in November 2023, followed by meetings in December and January 2024. According to union reports, some progress has been made in negotiations.
The Horizon Air flight attendants’ fight for wage parity highlights the ongoing struggle of regional airline employees to achieve fair compensation. While federal mediation is a significant step forward, the outcome remains uncertain.
If no agreement is reached, a potential strike or other industrial actions could impact the airline’s operations. The coming months will determine whether the union and Alaska Airlines can find common ground or if further escalation is inevitable.
