On December 6th, the Department of Justice cleared the way for the Alaska-Virgin America merger to take place. This Wednesday, December 14th, the merger closed making Virgin part of Alaska Group. While this is a major step in the merger process, both airlines are still working as separate airlines and as employees, we need to be aware that, while we now represent the Virgin America workers, we continue to work our Alaska flights and Virgin America employees continue to work their flights.
Our next step is to finalize negotiations on an integration agreement, which would address how and when the Virgin America employees would be blended into the Alaska – IAM Agreement. We need to seek out representatives from the Virgin America workers who will work closely with us at their stations, like the stewards at Alaska currently do. We will be doing station visits with the Virgin America workers and getting their feedback and answering any of their concerns regarding this merger. As you see the Virgin America employees in your airport, welcome them into the IAM family! Working together, we believe this will be a great combination for both work groups.
Fraternally,
Dave Supplee
PRESIDENT & DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIR
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