The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), representing flight attendants at Horizon Air, a regional subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, has escalated its fight for wage equality. On 17 January, the union filed for federal mediation, marking a significant step in its ongoing battle to address pay disparities between Horizon Air crews and their counterparts on Alaska Airlines’ mainline operations.
The Push for Wage Parity
Horizon Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, operates regional flights under the Alaska Air Group. Despite performing the same essential duties, flight attendants at Horizon Air earn significantly less than those working for Alaska Airlines’ mainline fleet. This disparity, the AFA argues, reflects a “two-tiered system” that undervalues the contributions of Horizon Air staff.
Union representatives claim that Horizon Air flight attendants deliver comparable levels of service and professionalism to passengers, yet their compensation lags far behind. With the Alaska Air Group ultimately determining pay and working conditions for both groups, the union is seeking to equalize wages across the board.
Turning to Federal Mediation
The decision to file for mediation brings the dispute to the National Mediation Board (NMB), which oversees labour disputes within the airline and railroad industries. The NMB’s role is to act as an impartial mediator, facilitating negotiations between labour unions and management to resolve conflicts and reach agreements.
In a statement, the AFA expressed its frustration with Alaska Airlines’ management, accusing them of failing to offer “meaningful pay increases” during the negotiation process. The union hopes that mediation will expedite progress toward a resolution that ensures fair compensation for all Horizon Air flight attendants.
A Systemic Issue in Regional Airlines
The pay gap between regional airline employees and their mainline counterparts is not unique to Horizon Air. Across the industry, regional carriers often operate under tighter financial constraints, resulting in lower wages for flight attendants, pilots, and other staff. However, unions argue that such disparities are unjustified, particularly when regional crews provide a level of service on par with mainline carriers.
At Horizon Air, the AFA represents a significant portion of the airline’s 3,500+ employees. Union leaders contend that the Alaska Air Group’s approach perpetuates a system where regional flight attendants are undervalued and underpaid, despite being integral to the success of Alaska Airlines’ operations.
Alaska Airlines’ Response
While Alaska Airlines has not issued a detailed public response to the mediation filing, the airline is now obligated to participate in the NMB-led process. Mediation could result in a negotiated agreement that addresses the union’s concerns, but it could also lead to further escalation if no resolution is reached.
Historically, disputes that remain unresolved through mediation may lead to strikes or other forms of industrial action. However, such outcomes require careful navigation through legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in the highly regulated airline industry.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The outcome of the Horizon Air dispute could have ripple effects across the regional airline sector. If the AFA succeeds in securing wage increases for Horizon Air flight attendants, it may set a precedent for similar negotiations at other regional carriers. This could intensify pressure on mainline airlines to address wage disparities within their networks of regional subsidiaries.
Additionally, as airlines face staffing shortages and increased demand for air travel, ensuring competitive pay and benefits will be crucial in attracting and retaining skilled employees. The aviation industry is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and labour disputes such as this one highlight the need for long-term solutions to address workforce concerns.
What’s Next?
The mediation process with the NMB is expected to take several months, during which time the AFA and Alaska Airlines will engage in facilitated negotiations. Both parties will aim to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, but the union has made it clear that it will not back down until its demands for fair compensation are met.
For now, Horizon Air flight attendants will continue to advocate for wage parity, drawing attention to their vital role in the airline’s operations. Whether through mediation or further action, the fight for fair pay at Horizon Air is far from over.
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This article is based on publicly available information as of 23 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
