Hawaiian Airlines pilots have ratified a new labor contract. The four-year deal will raise pay by an average of 32%, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union said.<\/p>\n
Of the 93% of Hawaiian pilots who voted, 65% voted in favor of the agreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Under the new contract, pilots will receive an immediate 16.6% raise on March 2. Pilots will also receive a ratification bonus, improved retirement contributions, new health benefits and improved schedule flexibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The agreement is the latest boost in pay and benefits achieved by U.S. airline pilots during a pilot shortage that bolsters their bargaining power.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Last month, Spirit pilots ratified a two-year agreement that included an average pay increase of 34%, while JetBlue pilots approved a two-year contract extension that includes a 21.5% average compensation increase over its first 18 months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Delta pilots are voting throughout February on a proposed contract that features average pay increases of 31% over four years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Regional airlines have also sharply increased pilot pay in recent months following moves by American’s regional subsidiaries last summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pilot contracts at United, American and Southwest are also under negotiation, with industry observers expecting that American and United will follow the lead of network rival Delta.<\/p>\n