Hawaiian Air dispatchers
reject concession request
Star-Bulletin News ServicesHawaiian Airlines' dispatchers, voting contrary to the precedent set by other union groups, have "overwhelmingly" rejected the carrier's request for concessions for a second time.
The Transport Workers Union's Local 540, which represents about 25 members, voted Monday to turn down Hawaiian's request for $185,000 in labor cost reductions that is part of the airline's overall need for $15 million in employee concessions. Hawaiian also is seeking $15 million in leasing concessions from Boeing Co.
"We're in the process of trying to restructure it to get something they can agree to," said David Durkin, president of Local 540. "We're trying to put this together this week and basically are soliciting suggestions from the members because they say they want to take part in it."
The dispatchers initially voted Feb. 28 to turn down Hawaiian's request for concessions. Dispatchers are responsible for making the flight plan, which includes listing information about weather, winds and points of destination, and securing the fueling.
Previously, the International Association of Machinists, the Air Line Pilots Association and the Association of Flight Attendants all overwhelming approved Hawaiian's concession requests.
Hawaiian Air