As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines move closer to completing their $1.9 billion merger, a behind-the-scenes union battle could influence how aircraft maintenance is managed — and shape the future of local jobs and operational efficiency.

Two unions — the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)) and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) — are competing to represent aircraft technicians, also known as mechanics, and related jobs such as utility workers, fuelers, planners and maintenance control staff. The outcome will determine work rules and seniority systems for thousands of employees, which could affect staffing flexibility, cost structures, and the overall integration.

The merger recently cleared a major hurdle: Alaska secured a single op

See Full Page