The union representing Hawaiian Airlines pilots has petitioned the federal government to release it from mediation and offer arbitration instead, a process that could start the clock for a potential pilot strike 30 days later. In a letter submitted to
The union representing Hawaiian Airlines pilots has petitioned the federal government to release it from mediation and offer arbitration instead, a process that could start the clock for a potential pilot strike 30 days later.
In a letter submitted to the National Mediation Board on Wednesday, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l said it believes further mediation would be futile and requested that the NMB make a proffer of arbitration.
If either the union or the company declines, the two sides would enter a 30-day cooling-off period, after which time the parties would be free to enter self-help — such as a strike by the pilots or a lockout by the company.
The sides remain apart on pay and other financial issues.
In a strike-authorization vote taken in May, 99 percent of participating Hawaiian pilots gave their leadership the go-ahead to declare a strike if the NMB releases ALPA to self-help.
The two sides have been in negotiations for more than a year and in federal mediation since January.
There are currently no further mediation sessions scheduled after the week of June 27.
•••
The Garden Island
Subscribe today for unlimited access.
Already a subscriber?
Login
Not ready to subscribe?
Register for limited access.
If you have a print subscription but require digital access,
activate your account.