Hawaiian, 2 more unions reach deal

By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two more unions representing Hawaiian Airlines employees have reached new labor agreements with the company, the airline announced yesterday.

The tentative agreements, which need to be ratified by members, were reached with the Association of Flight Attendants and the Network Engineering Group representing computer technicians.

To date, five of six unions representing Hawaiian workers, have tentatively agreed to new contracts. Earlier agreements were reached with a union representing dispatchers and two unions representing mechanics and workers in facility maintenance, accounting, reservations, customer services and ramp services.

The Air Line Pilots Association continues to negotiate, and has publicly objected to what it said is a Hawaiian proposal that would raise pilot costs for retirement, disability and healthcare. The airline has said it wants to maintain labor costs at existing levels.

New labor agreements are essential for Hawaiian to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company said. Pending agreements require that all the unions representing its workers approve similar agreements.

"Since all of our other unions have now negotiated agreements they think are fair, we hope the pilots will, too," Hawaiian trustee Josh Gotbaum said in a statement.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.