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. The endorsement comes as workers face a union representation vote following the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a recent editorial, the board described the current decision as critical for Hawaii’s aviation workforce, noting that it will affect whether maintenance operations and related jobs remain in the state. 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 board highlighted IAM’s history with Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951 and emphasized that the union represents a broad range of workers including aircraft mechanics, line service staff, cleaners, and logistics personnel. According to the editorial, this inclusive approach helps prevent outsourcing and job loss within Hawaii’s aviation sector.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines as well as more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The editorial suggested that this wide coverage acts as a safeguard against outsourcing essential support roles which could impact pay and job security.
Concerns were also raised by the board about alternative unions such as AMFA, citing their narrower classifications and lack of local experience or established worker protections.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, 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.”
IAM is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions with approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in both the United States and Canada.
