The Cost of IAM Stalling: How Delays Are Hurting Hawaiian Mechanics

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The Wage Gap: IAM vs. AMFA

Hawaiian Airlines mechanics represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are facing a significant pay disparity compared to their counterparts under the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). Recent data from current respective CBA's highlights this gap:

The Difference: At least $12.77/hour lower for IAM mechanics, translating to $26,561.60 less per year.

How We Calculated the Numbers

The Human and Economic Impact

IAM's stalling tactics isn't just about numbers—it's costing mechanics dearly. Here's why the stalling matters:

• Family Strain: $26,000 could cover a year's rent, college tuition, or emergency savings—delays mean real families issues.
• Retention Crisis: Lower pay drives skilled mechanics away, worsening shortages and compromising safety.
• Membership Erosion: Ironically, IAM's fear of losing members by demanding too much is accelerating defections to unions like AMFA that deliver results.
• Merger Fallout: In the Alaska-Hawaiian deal, AMFA's proactive stance secured gains; IAM's caution leaves Hawaiian workers behind.

Negotiation Timeline: Why the Delay?

In 2025, the National Mediation Board (NMB) process for the Alaska-Hawaiian merger has been marked by IAM's repeated tactics and now extension, delaying representation elections and wage parity for mechanics:

• May 12, 2025: AMFA files for single carrier status with the NMB for the merged Alaska-Hawaiian mechanics craft or class.
• July 30, 2025: NMB issues decision confirming Alaska and Hawaiian as a single transportation system for mechanics representation.
• August 14, 2025: Carriers Submit Eligibility Lists to NMB.
• September 22, 2025: IAM files for extension with the NMB, further delaying the election and joint bargaining on wages and benefits.
• Ongoing 2025: Mechanics continue to wait amid IAM's stalling tactics, as IAM leaders benefit from prolonged uncertainty—lost wages mount daily of the mechanics eager to join AMFA, a Craft Union that represents them.

IAM leadership's focus on preserving dues revenue has prolonged this injustice of the single carrier merger integration of AMFA Represented Members at Alaska Airlines & future Hawaiian Members.

What Can Be Done?

Mechanics deserve representation that fights for them. Reach out to AMFA Representatives, and share this page to raise awareness. Check back for updates to stay informed!