Alaska, Virgin America pilots’ pay rises under joint contract

Alaska Airlines and Virgin America pilots began working under a new, joint labor contract Nov. 1, following a binding arbitration ruling that settled pay and benefits issues. The contract with Seattle-based Alaska Air Group, which is in the process of merging Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, lasts until April 1, 2020. Alaska Air Group acquired San Francisco-based Virgin America for $2.6 billion in cash and $1.4 billion in assumed debt in late 2016. A joint contract covering pilots at the ...