Pilots at Seattle-based Alaska Airlines will receive an increase in their wages beginning next month. To keep up with pay at other competing airlines, the pilots will see a pay bump of more than 10%.

The move comes amid an ongoing pilot shortage, which has motivated pilot unions to strengthen and demand better wages. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) representing the pilots reportedly said the pilots are satisfied with the outcome.

11.2% increase

According to The Seattle Times, 3,600 Alaska pilots will receive an increase of 11.2% to their wages starting September 1st. Last fall, the minimum increase was set at 4%, but thanks to a no-one-left-behind clause in the contract, the airline bumped the pay increase above 11%, staying aligned with the pay of pilots at rival carriers.

In an internal memo obtained by The Seattle Times, Dave Mets, Alaska’s Vice President of Flight Operations, said the news is good for the pilots and the airline.

“This fantastic news combined with our aircraft order book, future growth plans and industry leading financial strength and stability further solidifies your careers and your family’s long-term security,”

ALPA Chair Will McQuillan reportedly said the new deal is “very competitive and reflects a commitment by management to attract and retain pilots.” McQuillan also said the union’s members are pleased with the outcome, according to The Seattle Times.

More than a year in the making

Nearly a year ago, more than 80% of Alaska pilots approved an industry-leading contract that addressed critical issues that the pilots faced, including pay. It followed a historic informational picket organized at every Alaska Airlines base on April 1, 2022. ALPA said the event was pivotal in allowing the contract negotiations to proceed.

“The picket was the largest of its kind in ALPA history, with more than 1,500 off-duty pilots, including those from other airlines and employees from other work groups, coming out to stand shoulder to shoulder in unity to demand that management recognize the crucial role Alaska pilots play in the airline’s success.”

Photo: Alaska Airlines

The contract reportedly increased wages by over 20%, with the top-of-the-scale captain pay set at $306 per flying hour. Based on the former deal, the hourly rate would have been boosted to $318, but now, with the new increase, it is jumping to $340 per hour. As a result, pay at other carriers for first officers and Captains will be increased upward, according to The Seattle Times.

Achieving pilot’s priorities

On Friday, the pilots thanked those who attended its recent coffee sit at Seattle Tacoma International Airport.

“Throughout negotiations, MEC [Master Executive Council] leaders consistently polled the pilot group to ensure that they understood and were fighting to achieve their pilots’ priorities,” the union explained. “The MEC was firmly committed to transparency in communications, and efforts included regular podcasts, airport coffee sits, e-mails, social media outreach, and various unity events that created many opportunities for pilots to engage MEC leaders face-to-face.”

Alaska has joined several airlines that have recently bumped pilot’s pay. Dallas-bases Southwest Airlines is now reportedly one of the only major US carriers that has yet to ratify a new contract for its pilots.

Source: The Seattle Times