Alaska Airlines Dispatchers Ratify Contract Extension

Alaska Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) today jointly announced ratification of an amended contract extending the current agreement covering the airline’s 34 dispatchers to June 30, 2010.

The five-year contract in effect since July 1, 2002, called for a reconsideration of wages in 2005. The extended contract includes a redistribution of planned wage increases through 2010 and other contract updates and clarifications resolving issues raised by the union and the airline.

"This extended deal offers Alaska’s dispatchers stability over the next five years in an uncertain environment," said Tom Lynch, TWU, Local 542 Alaska Airlines Section Chairman.

"I appreciate the work and commitment of the union leadership to reaching a collaborative agreement," said Kevin Finan, Alaska’s vice president of flight operations.

Alaska’s dispatchers are responsible for flight planning and tracking to ensure the safety and progress of each flight conducted by the airline from origin to destination. They are the carrier’s primary command and control link with Alaska pilots, providing en route weather, airport facility and other flight safety information.

TWU represents more than 120,000 workers in America’s transportation industries in virtually all classes and crafts. It maintains contracts for its members working at 27 airlines.

Alaska and sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve more than 80 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For reservations visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/.

SOURCE: Alaska Airlines