The Alaska Pilots Podcast

On Labor Day, the Alaska-Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee met for the latest round of bargaining with Alaska management. While some progress was made, there are still critical items unresolved. To discuss the current state of negotiations after 18 months of bargaining, this episode features our elected pilot leaders, Alaska MEC Chair Captain Drew Coyle and Hawaiian MEC Chair Captain Larry Payne, offering their perspective.

In this discussion, the MEC Chairs go over the recent negotiating developments, why the MECs are drawing public attention to the ongoing negotiations, and what pilots can do to help in the near future.<...

One of the core functions of a labor organization is ensuring the contract is appropriately enforced. In this episode, ALA Grievance Chair Larry Freer and HAL Grievance Chair Iam Bouret discuss how our Grievance Committees operate behind the scenes to defend our contracts. The two Chairs and their respective committees monitor contract violations and advocate on pilots’ behalf for remedies whenever violations occur. Their work requires comprehensive contract knowledge, historical research and analysis, strategic problem solving, dedication, and resolve. 

In this episode, we discuss the recommended steps pilots should take if they are affected by a potential con...

18 months into JCBA negotiations, talks have slowed with key sticking points around pay banding for larger narrowbodies, vacation and sick leave provisions, and other cost and control items. The Transition and Process Agreement (TPA) is guiding how new and growth aircraft are assigned—recently assigning 737 freighters to Alaska pilots and an A330 freighter to Hawaiian pilots until seniority list integration (SLI).

The TPA protects minimum fleet and block-hour levels for each pilot group until SLI, complicating plans to replace Hawaiian 717s with 737-800s in Honolulu. If the JCBA is ratified, SLI could take up to...

In this episode of the Alaska Pilots Podcast, MEC Chair Drew Coyle and NC Chair David Wilhelm provide a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) update. They discuss how we got here, how pilot feedback is shaping the work at the table, where progress has been made, and why the remaining issues are critical to getting this right.    This episode is designed to give you a clear understanding of where we stand—and why continued engagement matters as negotiations move forward. 

ALPA Pilot Webpage

This Alaska Pilots Podcast episode takes us behind the scenes of what happens when Alaska Airlines announces a new destination. Using Keflavík as the example, we walk through the work that takes place beyond the route announcement itself, hotel and transportation planning, security considerations, scheduling issues, flight planning, training pay, and some contractual pieces that come with launching a new route. This episode is meant to give pilots a better look at the moving parts ALPA is engaged in early, often before the flying appears in a bid packet. 

ala.alpa.org

In this episode of the Alaska Pilots Podcast, hear about a general overview of the state of the union, updates on the JCBA/merger, and associated timelines. Some other included topics will cover a recap of the previous months' work, updates from your newly elected officer group, and also touch on some points of progress and contention we are seeing overall.  

This episode is broken down into two distinct portions. In the first portion, you will hear MEC Chair Drew Coyle talk about the state of the union and where we stand, not only with the compan...

This episode goes into details about the San Diego base, how it came to be, and the contractual language that is associated with vacancy and displacement bids. Joining the discussion is the Alaska Chair – Will McQuillen, Membership Chair – Tom Samson, and Membership Committee Member – Will Swoveland. Not only will you hear about contractual language and concepts that will help you decide how to bid, but the committee will also share news about a new seniority tool coming out soon to assist pilots in planning and prepare for such changes. 

Ala.Alpa.Org

AlaHal.Alpa.Org

With Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines attaining Single Operating Certificate (SOC) status at the end of October, the two airlines are now a single carrier from the FAA’s perspective. To discuss how this marks an important transition for our pilot groups, Alaska MEC Chair Will McQuillen and Hawaiian MEC Chair Larry Payne sit down to offer their perspective on the state of the merger and what comes next with respect to our joint contract negotiations and the evolution of the airline. They also discuss recent hiring trends, route announcements, and important changes to our contract language that will come in...

In this episode, Communication Chair Kyle Johnson sits down with MEC Chair Will McQuillen and Executive Admin Drew Coyle. This is a summer update highlighting important issues such as block in times, September ALV, hiring/growth, and jumpseat priority. Other merger related issues are also discussed; a brief negotiations update and a reiteration of the SLI process and timeline.

Alahal.alpa.org  

Ala.alpa.org 

Textcaster Signup/Changes 

SFV hotline number: 833-303-5667 

In this episode, our Alaska and Hawaiian MEC Chairs, Will McQuillen and Larry Payne, sat down to provide their thoughts on the recent announcements about the Seattle 787 base and the future aircraft orders. The discussion also touched on the status of JCBA negotiations and what pilots can expect moving forward. 

https://ala.alpa.org/

In this episode, Communication Chair Kyle Johnson sits down with MEC Chair Will McQuillen, Executive Admin Drew Coyle, and Negotiating Committee Chair David Wilhelm. A mid-year State of the Union is the focus for this podcast. There are discussions about the latest Joint/MEC meeting that took place on May 19-21, which leads into topics including JCBA updates, Seniority List Integration processes, hiring and future outlooks. The Surf to Summit tour just launched, which is also talked about in this episode, highlighting the importance of unity as this merger moves forward. 

https://ala.alpa.org/

In this episode, our Alaska and Hawaiian MEC Chairs, Will McQuillen and Larry Payne, as well as our Joint Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs, David Wilhelm and Doug Grant, all sat down to provide an update on the status of our Alaska-Hawaiian merger and the state of our Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) negotiations. Through the episode, we covered several topics, including the union’s actions during the last six months to prepare for negotiations, the importance of unity, current perspective on negotiations, and what happens once a Tentative Agreement is reached. 

Alaska Hawaiian Joint Website

In this episode, Communications Chair Kyle Johnson sits down with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Executive Admin Drew Coyle, and Negotiation Chair David Wilhelm to discuss topics such as JCBA, SLI, and Company milestones. Also discussed, an overview of an agreement on premium pay reserve blocks (OTRPBs) and the timeline for their implementation.  

Alaska and Hawaiian Merger Website

OTRPB 

Merger Committee Update

In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell discusses updates about the merger between Alaska Airlines and  Hawaiian Airlines with MEC Chair Will McQuillen, Vice Chair Garin Tentschert, Secretary Scott Rubin, and Treasurer Dan Richards. Also discussed are the issues revolving around the recent company standing bid and allocation of flying.

Merger Committee Update November 18, 2024 

MERGER FLIGHT PLAN

Alaska and Hawaiian Merger Site

With the merger transaction between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines now final, the separate pilot groups from each carrier will continue the process of combining into one. A significant part of that includes negotiating a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) under which the new combined pilot group will work. The Master Executive Councils (MECs) of each pilot group, as part of the Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA), have elected six pilots (three from each airline) to negotiate with Alaska Airlines on their behalf. This episode introduces the Negotiating Committee Chairs from each MEC—Alaska MEC Negotiating Chair David Wilhelm an...

In this episode, Co-hosts Alaska Communications Chair David Campbell and Hawaiian Communications Chair Mike Davis interview Alaska MEC Chair Will McQuillen and Hawaiian MEC Chair Larry Payne. Captains McQuillen and Payne discuss the vision they share for the collective future of a combined pilot group and the critical importance of pilot unity, engagement, and feedback in upcoming contract negotiations. 

In addition to the episode’s audio content, please watch the video linked below to hear more from the two Union Chairs and other pilots from each carrier.  

VIDEO  

JOINT MEC WEBSITE 

A Tentative Agreement (TA) has been reached between the Alaska Master Executive Council and Alaska Airlines which will soon be up for a ratification vote by the Alaska Airlines pilots. This TA would extend the current contract’s amendable date by 16 months while providing two additional annual pay increases. In this episode Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell discusses the details of this TA with MEC Chair Will McQuillen and Negotiating Chair David Wilhelm. 

Full Language Tentative Agreement

On July 25, a negotiated Transition Process Agreement (TPA) was unanimously ratified by the Master Executive Councils of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell discusses the details of that agreement with MEC Chair Will McQuillen, ALA Negotiating Chair David Wilhelm, and Executive Administrator Drew Coyle. Also discussed is the recent agreement made between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines management and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on a 10-day extension to the timeline for antitrust review. This agreement extends the deadline to August 15, 2024.  

Full Language TPA

MEC Chair's Message

In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell speaks with Chair Will McQuillen, Vice Chair Garin Tentschert, Secretary Scott Rubin and Executive Administrator Drew Coyle about the MEC’s work over the last several weeks including scheduling, merger progress, rumor control, and other ongoing projects.

IFALPA Global Pilot Survey

Please complete the survey using login password: vffd24

Reserve Preferencing Instructions

In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell speaks with MEC Chair Will McQuillen, Scheduling Chair Chandler Blair, and Negotiating Chair David Wilhelm about the recent Letter of Agreement 24-04 which will create the option to bid for a reduced bid credit value. These bid options will be awarded based on seniority. Also discussed, are data and trends on the first two cycles of bidding using PBS. 

LOA 24-04 VRBO 

March has marked several significant transitions for the Alaska pilots and their elected leaders. This episode covers some of those important changes. The implementation of Contract 2022 will be complete in May when pilots begin working under the first monthly schedules built using preferential bidding. MEC officer terms started on March 1. Perhaps the biggest transition facing pilots is the merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines. In this episode, each of these topics will be discussed. 

Included in these show notes are a table and flowchart of the monthly PBS bidding timeline. If they don’t show on the...

This episode includes conversations among Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell, MEC Chair Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chair David Wilhelm, Scheduling Chair and MEC Secretary-Elect Scott Rubin, and Strategic Planning Chair Brad Beachler. McQuillen gives some details of the recent MEC and Joint MEC meetings that occurred in January. Wilhelm explains the Incentive Line (IL) LOA (24-01) including the provision suspending reserves’ ability to pick up flying on their days off while the LOA is in use as well the replacement of LOA 22-06 with LOA 24-02 which enhances reserves’ ability to pick up work on days off when the IL L...

Preferential bidding will go live on April 1 for the May bid period. Now is the time for Alaska pilots to become familiar with the new system so that they may achieve the best possible outcome in the bid award. A great number of resources have been created to facilitate this learning including three rounds of mock-bidding beginning on Monday, February 12. In this episode, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Scott Rubin and other members of the Joint Preferential Bidding System Working Group (JPWG) including  Captains Ben Brooks, John Owens, and Jake Woods explain how and where to find these training materials a...

On December 3, Alaska Airlines announced an agreement with Hawaiian Airlines to merge. Pending regulatory approval, this announcement begins a long process that will conclude with a merged pilot group working under a single Collective Bargaining Agreement. In this episode, Host Strategic Communications Chair Capt. David Campbell discusses the steps required before a merger will be complete as it relates to pilots. Broadly, these steps include negotiating a Transition Process Agreement and a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement, merging the pilot Seniority Lists, and finally merging the respective Master Executive Councils into what will become the new governing body of the...

Following the third Quarter MEC Meeting, Host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell speaks with MEC Chair Will McQuillen, MEC Executive Administrator Drew Coyle, and Scheduling Committee Chair Scott Rubin about the state of the union. Some topics discussed are basing, contract implementation progress, and staffing.

The Alaska Master Executive Council oversees more than 40 pilot support committees, which are run by dedicated pilot volunteers (overseen by elected leaders) working daily for their peer union members, who are Alaska pilots. Much of their work goes unnoticed, but today we are shining some light to show what these committees do. Our ongoing goal is to periodically spotlight the incredible work our dedicated volunteers do on behalf of our pilots, as we've done in the past. Join host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell as he speaks with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Professional Standards Committee Chairman Scott Hathaway, Diversity...

In the recently negotiated contract, higher pay rates and additional employer contributions to defined contribution (DC) plans were secured. As a result, these benefits will cause more pilots to exceed annual IRS limits on amounts that may be contributed to the PISP 401(k). Company contributions to 401(k) exceeding these limits spills into pilots’ paychecks, thereby limiting potential tax-deferred and dues free retirement savings. The Alaska Pilots’ Retirement and Insurance (R&I) Committee, professional ALPA staff and other subject matter experts have researched multiple tax-advantaged avenues to address the spill issue. Join host Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell as he disc...

Attraction and retention of Alaska Airlines pilots remains a key focus for the Alaska Master Executive Council. In this episode, Strategic Communications Chair David Campbell discusses why the San Fransisco base has not seen a meaningful increase in lines, issues surrounding vacation in 2024, why attraction and retention is an issue that should concern all pilots and how solutions require proactive involvement with the MEC. Campbell is joined by MEC Chair Will McQuillen, Scheduling Committee Chair Scott Rubin, and Negotiating Committee Chair David Wilhelm.

Vacation Podcast Episode

Vacation Bidding for 2024

The Alaska Pilots have secured a market rate adjustment keeping them in line with the industry and providing for additional wage increases above those previously scheduled on September 1, 2023.  In this episode Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and Negotiating Chairman David Wilhelm discus how this Market Rate Adjustment was derived.  Also discussed are other elements to address the issue of attracting and retaining pilots.

Captain Will McQuillen’s Chairman Letter

Negotiating Committee Update

LOA 23-08 [One-Time MRA Exception]

The Market Rate Adjustment (Section 3.A.4) to Alaska Airlines pilots’ salaries is effective September 1. In this episode, Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discusses this time frame and the current market conditions that should affect the compensation of Alaska Airline Pilots. He is joined by MEC Chairman Will McQuillen and Membership Committee Chairman Brad Beachler. Other topics briefly discussed are how to handle a trade request denial, the Pilot Mentorship Program, and volunteerism.

Most pilot contracts have traditionally included provisions for an annual raise. The current Alaska Airlines pilot contract includes, for the first time, additional language requiring a...

In this episode, Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discusses the state of the Union with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, MEC Vice Chairman Joe Youngerman, Scheduling Committee Chairman Scott Rubin, and the new Negotiating Committee Chairman David Wilhelm. Topics include recent work by the Negotiating Committee including uniforms, pay increases scheduled for September, scheduling, and CBA 2022 implementation progress.

July Scheduling Summary

Washing State Cares Fund Tax Communication

Jump Seat Communication including links to FOM language and the revised CSA Bulletin

In this episode host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell discusses progress on implementation of CBA 2022 and the state of the union including, MOU 23-02, Third Step trading, Jumpseat listing, and other topics. Joining Campbell are MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner, Strategic Planning Chairman Drew Coyle, and Scheduling Chairman Scott Rubin.

VolunteerALA@alpa.org

MOU 23-02 [Premium Trip and Reserve Amendments]

Third Step Instructions

This episode describes the state of the union, including progress made over the last year, areas of current focus, and how Alaska pilots move the profession forward. Three new Letters of Agreement (LOA) have been signed, which collectively represent improvements to the collective bargaining agreement and benefits to the Alaska pilots.

Join Host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner, and Strategic Planning Chairman Drew Coyle as they discuss these issues.

If you are interested in volunteering with your MEC, please send an email to Vo...

In this episode MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner, and Scheduling Chairman Scott Rubin discuss and clarify differences between a reassignment, a cancelation, and a delay. There are pay implications to each of these categories. The recent ice storm in Seattle and Portland created examples of each of these categories. The most recent Negotiating Committee Update is a useful companion communication and is linked below.

Negotiating Committee Update

In this episode, MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Chairman Chris Gruner, and Scheduling Committee Chairman Scott Rubin further discuss the CBA implementation process. A number of ALPA resources are mentioned in this episode which are linked below.

Scheduling Floor Pilot Volunteer Hotline Number: 833-30-FLOOR or (833) 303-5667

Pilot Peer Support Number: (309) 777-ALPA or (309) 777-2572

Negotiating Committee Update of November 11, 2022

Payroll Committee Update

MOU 22-06 [CBA 2022 Implementation]

Scheduling Committee Stan Notes

The Alaska Airlines pilots recently ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The process of implementing these new work rules has begun in earnest. This episode discusses the work being done to ensure that the process moves forward expeditiously and the need for pilots’ solidarity to remain strong. Join host Strategic Communications Chairman David Campbell as he speaks in further detail on these topics with MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Negotiating Committee Chairman Chris Gruner, Scheduling Committee Chairman Scott Rubin, Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue and his Vice Chair Drew Coyle.

MOU 222-06 CBA 2022 Implementation

Negotiating Comm...

The Tentative Agreement (TA) approved by the Alaska MEC is now before the pilot members to consider for approval. This episode discusses the process of completing the full language TA which is expected to be available by Friday, September 30, events where one may learn more about the TA, such as roadshows and airport sits, and the balloting process. Host Strategic Communication Chairman David Campbell is joined by MEC Chairman Will McQuillen, Strategic Planning Chairman Ronan O’Donoghue, and Strategic Planning Vice Chairman Drew Coyle.

Find more information at AlaskaPilots.org.

PBS Hotline: (833) ALA-PBS1 or (833) 250-7271

Learn about the changes to vacation and how vacation will interact with preferential bidding (PBS).

Find more information about the TA at AlaskaPilots.org.

Call the PBS Hotline for questions related to PBS, or using vacation in a PBS system: (833) ALA-PBS1 or (833) 252-7271.

This tentative agreement contains major changes to the reserve system designed to improve reserve pilots’ quality of life. Additionally, there are a number of positive changes for pilots who commute to work.

Find more information at AlaskaPilots.org. 

This tentative agreement includes several changes to protect pilots’ schedule and days off. It also includes new compensation or monetary incentives in the instances where trips are changed.

Find more information at AlaskaPilots.org.