Alaska Airlines flight attendants have authorized a strike, if their union, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, fail to reach an agreement with the company.
“Alaska Flight Attendants today backed up our fight for an industry-leading contract with a 99.48% strike vote. And we’re out on the picket line demonstrating that we’re ready to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve. There’s no excuse: Alaska management has the money to buy another airline, they certainly have the money to invest in Flight Attendants. We have a simple message for management: Pay us, or CHAOS!” said AFA Alaska President Jeffrey Peterson.
The last time Alaska Airlines flight attendants went on strike was in 1993, when the Alaska flight attendants adopted the CHAOS slogan. A CHAOS strike is an intermittent strike strategy, where attendants could strike any flight at any time without notice to management or passengers.
The group has even trademarked the CHAOS strategy, which is intended to do maximum damage to the company.
“This trademarked strike strategy has the power to disrupt operations system-wide by striking just a few flights at a time, one hub location, or the entire system. In 1993’s strike, Alaska saw dramatic reductions in ticket bookings as passengers never knew whether Alaska flights might take off until they had already arrived at the airport,” the union said.
“You can’t fly without Flight Attendants. If Alaska management doesn’t remember what happens when you disrespect Flight Attendants, we are ready to show them. It’s past time for a fair deal,” said AFA International President Sara Nelson.
Now that members have authorized a strike, the union can request a release from the National Mediation Board leading to a 30-day “cooling off” period and strike deadline.
