#USA #Seattle #Seattle-Tacoma #Horizon Air #Teamsters Local 1224

Horizon Air Pilots to Picket in Seattle

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Horizon Air pilots, under the representation of Teamsters Local 1224, are set to conduct an informational picket at 10:30 a.m. at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This rally is a call for urgent dialogue about pressing issues impacting the pilots, including stalled negotiations over their collective bargaining agreement.

The group, comprising nearly 650 pilots, has been engaged in negotiations for almost four years, advocating for enhancements in their wages, staffing levels, and training provisions. Their efforts underscore the necessity for fair treatment amidst ongoing operational challenges, which have been exacerbated by corporate mismanagement.

The comparisons between Horizon Air and its sibling carrier, Alaska Airlines, expose a troubling gap in wages despite both groups performing similar amounts of flight operations. Alaska Airlines offers competitive compensation reflective of industry standards, while Horizon Air pilots lag behind, a situation attributed to the airline's resistance to negotiate a fair contract.

The planned picket is not solely a demonstration of discontent but a strategic effort to galvanize support for an end to what the pilots describe as detrimental tactics employed by Horizon Air during negotiations. Teamsters Local 1224 accuses the airline of prioritizing corporate profit over the welfare of its workforce, calling it a clear example of corporate greed that neglects the fundamental needs of its employees.

The picketing event will also see participation from various affiliated groups, including representatives from the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, Horizon Air Flight Attendants, and Horizon Air Dispatchers, all of whom have their grievances against the management of Horizon Air. Their combined efforts serve to illustrate a united front among workers demanding adequate treatment and respect.

As tensions rise over stagnant contract negotiations, the decision to hold this informational picket signals a crucial moment for Horizon Air and its management. The pilots and supporting union members hope to leverage public attention and media coverage to pressure the airline to return to the bargaining table in good faith and to address the urgent issues that impact all facets of their operations.

Organizers encourage members of the public, fellow workers, and stakeholders in the aviation industry to join the picket line to show solidarity with the pilots. They argue that now is the time to stand together against a backdrop of corporate refusal to compromise on essential workplace matters.

The action at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just one of several initiatives planned by Teamsters Local 1224 as they seek to raise awareness and gain momentum in their fight for fair contract terms.

As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Horizon Air to see if the management will respond positively to the mounting pressure from its employees and the broader labor community. The pilots at Horizon Air firmly believe that fair bargaining is not just a benefit for them, but a necessity that will ultimately bolster safety and efficiency for their operations and the flying public alike.