The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has publicly supported the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its long-standing efforts to protect aviation jobs in Hawaii. The endorsement comes as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines proceed with their merger, prompting a union representation vote that will affect local maintenance operations and job security.
In a recent editorial, the board highlighted the significance of the upcoming vote for Hawaii’s aviation workforce. The outcome is expected to influence whether key jobs remain in the state following the merger. 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 IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951 and currently includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel among its members. This broad membership base is credited with helping prevent outsourcing and maintaining stable employment within Hawaii’s aviation sector.
According to the editorial, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines as well as more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The board emphasized that this extensive coverage helps safeguard essential support roles from being outsourced or eliminated.
Concerns were also raised about AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), noting its narrower job classifications and limited history of worker protections in Hawaii.
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.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions. It represents around 600,000 active and retired members across various industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout the United States and Canada.
