On September 6, 2019, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) filed a lawsuit in federal court addressing Alaska Airlines’ unilateral change and bad faith bargaining practices. The issue related to the company directing pilots to order a new uniform despite clear contract language requiring the MEC’s “mutual agreement” on certain changes. That mutual agreement was never obtained. Subsequent to ALPA’s filing, the company rescinded its requirement and consequently, ALPA withdrew its lawsuit.
This episode discusses the litigation, the Union’s commitment to defend its pilots and the contract, and what to expect moving forward.