The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has expressed support for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) regarding its efforts to protect aviation jobs in Hawaii. The endorsement was published as a union representation vote is underway following the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, a development that could affect local maintenance operations and job security for aviation workers in the state.
The editorial board highlighted the importance of maintaining well-paid jobs within 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.
According to the editorial, IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951. Its membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. The board credited this broad representation with helping prevent outsourcing and supporting job stability in Hawaii’s aviation sector.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The editorial suggested that this wide scope offers protection against potential outsourcing of essential roles that could otherwise lead to reduced pay or job losses.
In contrast, concerns were raised about AMFA’s narrower worker classifications and their limited history of representing local employees or providing worker protections.
“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.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active and retired members across several industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit healthcare automotive sectors throughout North America.
