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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Hawaiian, clerical workers reach deal

By Rick Daysog
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Mark Dunkerley

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Hawaiian Airlines said it has reached a tentative, two-year agreement with its clerical workers, who are members of the machinists union.

The deal calls for raises ranging from 3 percent to 10 percent and provides for incentive-based compensation and performance and profit bonuses, according to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 141.

"This tentative agreement puts more money into our members' pockets during extremely difficult economic times," said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney.

"Our negotiating committee unanimously recommends ratification of the agreement."

Members of the IAM will vote on the pact in the coming weeks. The unit represents 1,220 Hawaiian employees, or about a third of its 3,700 workers,

The IAM's clerical unit includes customer service, ramp, reservations, schedule planning, purchasing, records and crew scheduling positions.

"Thanks to a collaborative approach, we've been able to reach a tentative agreement with the IAM that would increase pay for our unionized ground staff while helping to strengthen our company at the same time," said Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley.

The deal doesn't cover the airline's 560 mechanics and related technical workers, who are members of IAM District 142. Talks with District 142 continue. The airline also continues to hold contract talks with its unionized pilots after two years of bargaining.

Last month, Hawaiian reached a tentative, two-year agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants. The flight attendants are to vote on the agreement this month.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.