Posted on: Friday, January 28, 2005

Aloha, machinists union agree on new contract

Advertiser Staff

Aloha Airlines has reached an agreement with its largest union on a new 4 1/2-year contract, the airline announced last night.

Aloha's new contract with its machinists union is retroactive to Jan. 1 and runs through April 30, 2009. The contract was ratified last night.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The contract is with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 141.

Lodge 141 represents about 2,250 employees, including ticket and reservations agents and commissary, clerical, ramp, cargo and contract services workers.

Aloha Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Dec. 30.

"This vote of confidence by this IAM (International Association of Machinists) unit tells our community and traveling public that the largest of our employee groups is committed to the future of our company," said David A. Banmiller, Aloha president and chief executive officer.

An Aloha press release quoted union assistant general chairman Randy Kauhane as saying, "Our members have shown what is necessary to move our company forward."

The agreement with the machinists comes three days after Aloha and the pilots union reached agreement on a new 28-month contract that takes effect Tuesday. Terms of the deal with the Air Line Pilots Association were not announced.