The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has expressed support for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) regarding its history of protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. In a recent opinion piece, the board discussed the ongoing union representation vote that follows the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
The editorial emphasized the importance of the decision facing Hawaii’s aviation workers, as it could affect whether maintenance operations and related jobs remain in the state. The 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.”
According to the editorial, IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951 and now represents 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines as well as more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. The union’s broad membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics personnel. The board credited this wide representation with helping protect local jobs from outsourcing.
The editorial also contrasted IAM’s presence with that of AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association), noting concerns about AMFA’s narrower classifications and limited local history.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen 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 approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in the United States and Canada.
