The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has endorsed the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its longstanding role in protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. The endorsement comes as Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merge, prompting a union representation vote that will influence the future of local maintenance operations and determine if those jobs remain in Hawaii.
In a recent editorial, the board highlighted the importance of this decision for Hawaii’s skilled aviation workforce. “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.
The board noted that IAM has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951 and has consistently defended positions based in Hawaii. The union represents a wide range of workers, including aircraft mechanics, line service staff, cleaners, and logistics personnel. According to the editorial, this broad representation helps strengthen the state’s economy by preventing outsourcing and job losses across all aviation-related fields.
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 emphasized that this coverage acts as a safeguard against outsourcing essential support roles that could negatively affect pay and job security.
Concerns were also raised about AMFA’s narrower worker classifications and their lack of history with local worker protections.
“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 from various industries across both the United States and Canada.
