Aloha cargo buyer OK with union

Saltchuk Resources does not intend to take over the existing bargaining agreement

A top executive of Saltchuk Resources Inc.'s newly formed cargo subsidiary said yesterday that it has no objections to recognizing Aloha Airlines' pilots union, but that the new company does not intend to take over the existing collective-bargaining agreement.

Michael Coffman, chief operating officer of Aeko Kula Inc., said the new subsidiary intends to hire 30 to 40 cargo pilots from the existing pool of more than 300 pilots, and has scheduled talks today with the Air Line Pilots Association.

"There's no obligation on our part to assume the existing collective-bargaining agreement," said Coffman, who previously served as senior vice president of Aloha's airline operations and was responsible for air cargo, maintenance, passenger operations and contract services. "Recognition of ALPA to represent employees in the new company is contingent upon us reaching a new agreement."

Last Friday, Aloha trustee Dane Field filed a motion in federal Bankruptcy Court requesting that all six of Aloha's union agreements be rejected, saying they had no value to the estate since the company was being liquidated.

ALPA has demanded that the Aloha pilots that are retained by the Saltchuk subsidiary be hired in seniority order. Those senior pilots who needed training to fly the Boeing 737 freighters have undergone additional training since Aloha shut down passenger operations on March 31.

Coffman stopped short, though, of saying that Aeko Kula would adhere to the seniority list.

"As far as specific conditions of any new agreement, I'd prefer to stay away until we sit down and discuss those issues," he said.

On Saturday, Aeko Kula reached a tentative four-year agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 141, which represents the cargo and supply agents. Randy Kauhane, assistant chairman and lead negotiator of the union, was in Seattle yesterday to finalize the agreement.

One of the provisions of the contract was that no union members would take a pay cut if employed in the same capacity by the new company. Coffman said Aeko Kula intended to hire about 275 employees from that unit — about the same number that was employed prior to Aloha's bankruptcy March 20.

The cargo agents — who check in the cargo, process it and load and unload it — have hourly wages ranging from $9.87 to $17.28. Supply agents, who inventory equipment and acquire equipment necessary for aircraft repairs, make from $9.89 to $16.23 an hour.

Coffman said he also was hoping to meet today with Ken Boone, chairman of IAM District 142, which represents Aloha mechanics. Coffman said he anticipates hiring 60 to 70 mechanics.

"We're going to hire from both the pool of people who are currently supporting cargo and any of the pool of people who were terminated when the airline shut down who are interested in joining the new company," he said.