The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has expressed support for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in relation to its record of protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. In a recent editorial, the board addressed the implications of the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger and the ongoing union representation vote that will influence local maintenance operations and job retention within the state.
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 emphasized that IAM, which has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951, has a vested interest in defending jobs based in Hawaii. The union represents a range of workers including aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. This broad membership base is seen as contributing to economic stability by helping prevent outsourcing and job losses.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines along with more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. According to the editorial board, this extensive representation provides important protection against outsourcing roles that could impact worker pay and job security.
The Star-Advertiser also raised concerns about AMFA’s narrower classifications and noted their limited history of local involvement or 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.”
IAM 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 both the United States and Canada.
