The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), which represents Horizon Air flight attendants, has filed for federal mediation as part of its ongoing effort to equalize wages with Alaska Airlines’ mainline crews. The request, submitted on January 17, 2025, will now be handled by the National Mediation Board (NMB), the federal agency responsible for labor disputes in the airline and railroad industries.
Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, operates flights on behalf of the oneworld Alliance carrier. The union argues that Horizon flight attendants perform the same duties as their mainline counterparts but are paid significantly less. The dispute highlights broader concerns about pay disparities in the regional airline industry, where lower wages and fewer benefits are common compared to mainline carriers.
Why Did Horizon Air Flight Attendants File for Mediation?
The AFA union has been negotiating with Alaska Airlines management to secure higher wages and better working conditions for Horizon Air flight attendants. However, union leaders claim that Alaska’s management has failed to offer meaningful pay increases, leaving Horizon flight attendants underpaid compared to Alaska’s mainline crews.
Key Issues Raised by the Union
📌 Unequal pay – Horizon Air flight attendants earn less than their Alaska Airlines counterparts, despite performing similar roles.
📌 Two-tiered pay structure – The union argues that Alaska Airlines maintains an “exploitative” regional airline model that undervalues regional flight attendants.
📌 Lack of meaningful offers – The union claims Alaska management has refused to offer fair wage increases for all Horizon flight attendants.
Union’s Perspective
Horizon AFA President Lisa Davis-Warren stated:
“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.”
The union hopes that mediation will lead to a fair resolution, ensuring that Horizon flight attendants receive competitive wages and benefits.
What is Federal Mediation and How Does It Work?
Filing for federal mediation is the next step in labor negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which governs labor relations in the airline and railroad industries. The National Mediation Board (NMB) will now oversee negotiations and assign a mediator to facilitate discussions between Alaska Airlines and the AFA.
What Happens Next?
1️⃣ NMB assigns a federal mediator to help Alaska Airlines and the union negotiate.
2️⃣ Mediation sessions begin, using methods like traditional mediation or interest-based problem-solving.
3️⃣ If no agreement is reached, the NMB may urge binding arbitration or release both sides into a 30-day cooling-off period.
4️⃣ If negotiations fail after 30 days, the union may legally strike, and Alaska Airlines could respond with lockouts or other measures.
⏳ How long does mediation take?
There is no set timeline—it could take a few meetings or several months, depending on the complexity of the negotiations.
What Are the Potential Outcomes?
Possible Scenarios
✅ Agreement reached – If both sides agree on a new contract, the dispute is resolved.
⚖️ Binding arbitration – If both sides agree, an arbitrator makes a final decision.
🚨 30-day cooling-off period – If mediation fails, both parties have 30 days before they can take action.
✈️ Potential strike – If no agreement is reached after the cooling-off period, Horizon Air flight attendants could go on strike.
How This Dispute Compares to Alaska Airlines’ Mainline Crew Negotiations
Notably, Alaska Airlines’ mainline flight attendants also requested mediation last year. Their first round of mediation took place in November 2024, with additional sessions in December and January 2025.
However, unlike the Horizon Air dispute, the mainline negotiations have reportedly made progress toward a better contract.
Why This Matters for Passengers & the Airline Industry
This mediation process could have significant implications for Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and the regional airline industry:
🔹 Pay equality in regional airlines – A successful negotiation could set a precedent for better wages in regional carriers.
🔹 Potential service disruptions – If mediation fails, a strike could disrupt Horizon Air flights, impacting Alaska Airlines’ regional network.
🔹 Airline labor relations – The case highlights ongoing struggles between airline employees and management over fair wages and working conditions.
What’s Next for Horizon Air Flight Attendants?
The next phase of negotiations will take place under federal mediation, with the National Mediation Board facilitating discussions between Alaska Airlines and the AFA union.
While the process could take months, the union remains committed to securing fair pay and benefits for Horizon Air flight attendants. If mediation fails to produce an agreement, the union could eventually call for a strike, potentially disrupting regional flights.
Will Alaska Airlines agree to higher wages, or will this dispute lead to further labor action? Only time will tell.
