Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Alaska Pilots Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Alaska MEC
Alaska MEC Podcast. Discussions and interviews with ALPA leaders and committee chairs about issues effecting airline pilots.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago18 min
ALA-HAL: JCBA Negotiations Update (Sept. 2026)
On Labor Day, the Alaska-Hawaiian Joint Negotiating Committee met for the latest round of bargaining with Alaska management. While some progress was made, there are still critical items unresolved. To discuss the current state of negotiations after 18 months of bargaining, this episode features our elected pilot leaders, Alaska MEC Chair Captain Drew Coyle and Hawaiian MEC Chair Captain Larry Payne, offering their perspective. In this discussion, the MEC Chairs go over the recent negotiating developments, why the MECs are drawing public attention to the ongoing negotiations, and what pilots can do to help in the near future. In this conversation: 0:00 – Introduction 1:04 – Recent Negotiations Progress 2:59 – Remaining JCBA Items 4:40 – Public Engagement Events 11:31 – Labor Day and Unity 13:30 – The Value of Pattern Bargaining 14:53 – Patience vs. Speed in Negotiations 16:37 – Final Thoughts
- Aug 13, 202635 min
ALA-HAL: Grievance and Contract Enforcement
One of the core functions of a labor organization is ensuring the contract is appropriately enforced. In this episode, ALA Grievance Chair Larry Freer and HAL Grievance Chair Iam Bouret discuss how our Grievance Committees operate behind the scenes to defend our contracts. The two Chairs and their respective committees monitor contract violations and advocate on pilots’ behalf for remedies whenever violations occur. Their work requires comprehensive contract knowledge, historical research and analysis, strategic problem solving, dedication, and resolve. In this episode, we discuss the recommended steps pilots should take if they are affected by a potential contract violation, then provide an overview of the process from the perspective of the Grievance Committee, including ways a grievance could be resolved and the potential timeline to get that resolution. If you have a potential contract violation to report, click the links below or visit our respective MEC websites for more details. Alaska Pilots: Click here to file a pre-grievance. Hawaiian Pilots: Click here to file a CCR.
- Jul 31, 202623 min
JCBA Update & Fleet Announcement
18 months into JCBA negotiations, talks have slowed with key sticking points around pay banding for larger narrowbodies, vacation and sick leave provisions, and other cost and control items. The Transition and Process Agreement (TPA) is guiding how new and growth aircraft are assigned—recently assigning 737 freighters to Alaska pilots and an A330 freighter to Hawaiian pilots until seniority list integration (SLI). The TPA protects minimum fleet and block-hour levels for each pilot group until SLI, complicating plans to replace Hawaiian 717s with 737-800s in Honolulu. If the JCBA is ratified, SLI could take up to about 13 months to complete; next negotiation meetings are scheduled for August 18–19. Pilots are encouraged to stay engaged through updates and local events.
- Jun 2, 202632 min
JCBA Update: Where We Are and What Remains
In this episode of the Alaska Pilots Podcast, MEC Chair Drew Coyle and NC Chair David Wilhelm provide a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement (JCBA) update. They discuss how we got here, how pilot feedback is shaping the work at the table, where progress has been made, and why the remaining issues are critical to getting this right. This episode is designed to give you a clear understanding of where we stand—and why continued engagement matters as negotiations move forward. ALPA Pilot Webpage
- May 23, 202636 min
ALPA's Role Behind the KEF Launch
This Alaska Pilots Podcast episode takes us behind the scenes of what happens when Alaska Airlines announces a new destination. Using Keflavík as the example, we walk through the work that takes place beyond the route announcement itself, hotel and transportation planning, security considerations, scheduling issues, flight planning, training pay, and some contractual pieces that come with launching a new route. This episode is meant to give pilots a better look at the moving parts ALPA is engaged in early, often before the flying appears in a bid packet. ala.alpa.org
- Mar 13, 202637 min
Where We Stand/Officer Update
In this episode of the Alaska Pilots Podcast, hear about a general overview of the state of the union, updates on the JCBA/merger, and associated timelines. Some other included topics will cover a recap of the previous months' work, updates from your newly elected officer group, and also touch on some points of progress and contention we are seeing overall. This episode is broken down into two distinct portions. In the first portion, you will hear MEC Chair Drew Coyle talk about the state of the union and where we stand, not only with the company on merger issues, but also with some day-to-day challenges the pilot group is facing. In the second portion, you will hear from MEC Vice Chair Scott Rubin as he breaks down the grievance process and provides a small update from the Hotel and Security committees. Secretary Will Swoveland discusses the importance of calling your rep, and Treasurer Dan Richards will give some insights into the budget as we start the new year. Alaska Pilots Webpage Joint Alaska-Hawaiian Webpage DART
- Dec 16, 202538 min
San Diego Base & Bid
This episode goes into details about the San Diego base, how it came to be, and the contractual language that is associated with vacancy and displacement bids. Joining the discussion is the Alaska Chair – Will McQuillen, Membership Chair – Tom Samson, and Membership Committee Member – Will Swoveland. Not only will you hear about contractual language and concepts that will help you decide how to bid, but the committee will also share news about a new seniority tool coming out soon to assist pilots in planning and prepare for such changes. Ala.Alpa.Org AlaHal.Alpa.Org
- Nov 7, 202526 min
ALA-HAL: State of the Merger After SOC
With Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines attaining Single Operating Certificate (SOC) status at the end of October, the two airlines are now a single carrier from the FAA’s perspective. To discuss how this marks an important transition for our pilot groups, Alaska MEC Chair Will McQuillen and Hawaiian MEC Chair Larry Payne sit down to offer their perspective on the state of the merger and what comes next with respect to our joint contract negotiations and the evolution of the airline. They also discuss recent hiring trends, route announcements, and important changes to our contract language that will come into effect later this year. Ala.Alpa.Org Alahal.Alpa.Org
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Alaska Pilots Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Alaska Pilots Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Alaska Pilots Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Alaska Pilots Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Alaska Pilots Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Alaska MEC.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Alaska Pilots Podcast release new episodes?
The Alaska Pilots Podcast publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Alaska Pilots Podcast cover?
The Alaska Pilots Podcast covers topics including Business, Careers. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Alaska Pilots Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.