The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has endorsed the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its record in protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. In a recent editorial, the board highlighted IAM’s role as workers at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines decide on union representation following the airlines’ merger.
The editorial emphasized the significance of this vote for Hawaii’s aviation workforce, particularly regarding the future location of maintenance operations and job security for local workers. The board 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.”
IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951. Its membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. The editorial credited IAM’s broad representation with helping to protect a wide range of aviation-related jobs from outsourcing.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. According to the editorial board, this coverage helps prevent outsourcing that could affect worker pay and job stability.
The board also raised concerns about AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), noting their narrower classifications and lack of history in Hawaii or track record of protecting local workers.
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.”
IAM is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions. It represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit, healthcare, automotive sectors in both the United States and Canada.
