The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has endorsed 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 union’s role as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merge, with a union representation vote currently underway. The outcome of this vote will affect whether maintenance operations and related jobs remain in Hawaii.
“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,” wrote the Star-Advertiser Editorial Board.
The editorial noted that IAM has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951 and emphasized its commitment to defending locally based jobs. IAM’s membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. The board credited IAM’s broad representation with helping protect aviation-related work from outsourcing and job loss.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. According to the editorial, this broad coverage serves as an important safeguard against outsourcing essential support roles that could impact worker pay and job security.
The Star-Advertiser also pointed out concerns about narrower job classifications covered by AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association) and questioned their local experience and history of protecting workers.
“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,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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 approximately 600,000 active and retired members across several industries including aerospace, airlines, shipbuilding, transit, healthcare, automotive, defense, railroad sectors in both the United States and Canada.
