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 amid a union representation vote following the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, a decision that could affect the future of maintenance operations and job retention in Hawaii.
In its editorial, the board highlighted IAM’s history with Hawaiian Airlines employees, whom it has represented since 1951. The union represents a broad group of workers, including aircraft mechanics, line service staff, cleaners, and logistics personnel. This inclusive approach is seen as important for safeguarding against outsourcing and preserving local employment.
“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,” wrote the Star-Advertiser Editorial Board.
IAM currently 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 wide representation provides protection for essential support roles that might otherwise be outsourced or subject to pay cuts.
The editorial also raised concerns about other unions with narrower worker classifications and less experience defending local jobs. Specifically mentioned was AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), which was noted as having less local presence or history of protecting workers in Hawaii.
“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,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest industrial trade unions. It represents about 600,000 active and retired members across several sectors including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive industries in both the United States and Canada.
