The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board has publicly supported the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) for its longstanding role in protecting aviation jobs in Hawaii. In a recent editorial, the board highlighted IAM’s involvement during the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines and discussed the importance of an ongoing union representation vote that will impact local maintenance operations.
The editorial described the current situation as a significant decision point for Hawaii’s aviation workers. The outcome of the union vote will influence whether key jobs remain based in Hawaii or face potential relocation.
“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,” wrote the Star-Advertiser Editorial Board.
The newspaper pointed out that IAM has represented employees at Hawaiian Airlines since 1951. Its membership includes aircraft mechanics, line service workers, cleaners, and logistics staff. The board credited this broad representation with helping protect a range of aviation-related positions from outsourcing.
Currently, IAM represents about 2,550 ground workers and mechanics at Hawaiian Airlines and more than 5,100 ground workers at Alaska Airlines. According to the editorial, this extensive coverage helps safeguard essential support roles from being outsourced—an issue that can negatively affect worker pay and job security.
Concerns were also raised by the editorial board regarding another union option—the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA)—noting its narrower job classifications and lack of history in protecting local workers.
“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,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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 including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive sectors throughout the United States and Canada.
