Horizon Air Pilots Protest in Seattle and Boise for Fair Contract

The Facts -

Pilots Push for Fair Compensation Amid Ongoing Negotiation Stalemate

(SEATTLE) – In a bid to secure fair contracts, approximately 650 pilots from Horizon Air took to the streets of Seattle and Boise, organized by Teamsters Local 1224. They demanded the airline put an end to prolonged stalling tactics and accept an agreement that aligns with industry pay scales.

Negotiations have stretched close to four years, as Horizon pilots seek a contract that resolves vital concerns such as pay scales, workforce numbers, and training difficulties—issues that are influencing both their working conditions and the airline's future prospects.

Horizon Air, a division of the Alaska Air Group, requires its pilots to meet similar operational demands as those at Alaska Airlines. Yet, Horizon pilots continue to be compensated below industry standards, a situation exacerbated by the company’s hesitance to reach a fair contractual resolution.

"Our pilots are the backbone of Horizon’s operation," stated Henry Simkins, Chair of Local 1224’s Horizon Executive Council. "They continue to deliver safe and reliable service every day while management drags its feet on a contract that reflects their contribution and value. The same mismanagement has created operational challenges throughout the airline, and that dysfunction has become impossible to ignore in bargaining. Our members deserve better and they’re tired of being told to wait."

Alongside public demonstrations, Horizon pilots have announced plans to conduct a vote of no confidence concerning Carlos Zendejas, the Senior Vice President of Operations.

Persistent staffing issues, erratic enforcement of company policies, and increasing reliance on pilots to cover for operational weaknesses underline the pilots' dissatisfaction. These ongoing problems have not only hampered negotiations but also eroded trust in the leadership.

"Every day, Horizon pilots are expected to do more with less," shared Jason Welch, a Horizon pilot and member of Local 1224. "We’ve watched these challenges persist for years, yet management refuses to address the issues that matter most to us. Enough is enough — it’s time for the company to start delivering real solutions."

Teamsters Local 1224 represents aviation professionals across the nation, including flight crews at ABX Air, Cape Air, Horizon Air, Omni Air International, and Silver Airways. More details are available on their website at apa1224.org.

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