The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has publicly supported the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its role in protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. This endorsement comes amid a union representation vote that follows the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, a decision that could impact local maintenance operations and job retention in Hawaii.
In a recent opinion piece, the editorial board wrote, “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.” The board acknowledged IAM’s long-standing presence, noting it has represented Hawaiian Airlines employees since 1951. The union’s membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics staff. Its broad representation is seen as helping to protect against outsourcing and job losses.
Currently, IAM represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines as well as over 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. According to the editorial board, this wide coverage offers protection against the outsourcing of key support roles that can undermine wages and job security.
The editorial contrasted IAM with other unions such as AMFA by pointing out their narrower worker classifications and limited history in Hawaii or experience with worker protections.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, responded to the endorsement by stating: “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 with about 600,000 active and retired members across industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout the United States and Canada.
