Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On September 9, 2025, the IAM Union District 142 filed an application to hold a representation election for more than 220 Alaska Airlines Hospitality Hosts and On-Call Lounge Agents nationwide. This filing marks the next step in a year-long organizing effort led by these workers.
“After months of building solidarity and signing authorization cards, their time has come,” said Jackson Hartsfield, IAM District 142 Director of Organizing. “The IAM is here to give these workers a seat at the table and a voice in their workplace. The work these lounge agents perform is essential to Alaska Airlines’ success and deserves recognition, especially after so long of facing management discretion and unfair treatment.”
IAM District 142 President/Directing General Chair, John M. Coveny, Jr., added: “We value our relationship with Alaska Airlines and look forward to building on it by working with the Host and On-Call groups to ensure they receive the respect and fair treatment they deserve and will add to the over 85% of union workers at Alaska Airlines.”
Believing they deserved better treatment from management, Alaska Host and On-Call Agents decided that union representation and a legally binding contract were the best way to secure recognition, fairness, and job security. In late 2024, they reached out to the IAM in pursuit of a stronger voice at work.
“Every time working people recognize their power and come together for better conditions, it’s a victory for all of us,” said Hartsfield. “Alaska Host and On-call Agents will be a strong addition to the most powerful transportation union in North America, and words cannot express how proud I am of these workers.”
IAM District 142 represents thousands of airline professionals—including mechanics, customer service agents, fleet service, reservations agents, and related employees—at major and regional carriers such as American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Bahamasair, Commuteair, National Airlines, Southwest, PSA Airlines, Air Wisconsin, Alaska Airlines, and Qantas Airways.
With more than 620,000 active and retired members across countless industries, the IAM Union is the largest transportation union in North America.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair
Jackson Hartsfield
Director of Organizing