The agreement for ramp service and stores agents was ratified by 85 percent of the employees who voted, while the clerical, office and passenger service work group rejected their proposed contract extension by 65 percent. "We're pleased that our ramp service and stores agents resoundingly approved the extension and will continue to have a stable labor agreement that recognizes their dedicated efforts to provide our customers with outstanding service," said Kelley Dobbs, Alaska Airlines' vice president of human resources and labor relations. "While we're disappointed that our clerical, office and passenger service employees rejected the same extension proposal, we respect their choice and will begin preparations for contract negotiations early next year." 

The contract extension approved by ramp service and stores agents provides them with a 1.5-percent pay increase in June 2010 and 2011, plus an annual pay raise based on their seniority with the company. In addition, they will now participate in the same performance-based incentive plan as all other Alaska Airlines work groups, except clerical, office and passenger service employees. 

Under the Railway Labor Act, which governs collective bargaining agreements in the airline industry, contracts do not expire. Instead, they become amendable. The current contract for Alaska Airlines' clerical, office and passenger service employees becomes amendable on July 19, 2010. Negotiators for Alaska and the IAM will commence the bargaining process in early 2010. 

Alaska Airlines, (NYSE: ALK) is an airline based in SeaTac, Washington, United States, near Seattle. It operates four hubs located at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Portland International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.  

The airline traces its roots to McGee Airways, which flew its inaugural service between Anchorage and Bristol Bay in 1932 with a Stinson single-engined, three-passenger aircraft. Mergers and acquisitions produced changes in the name and saw business expand throughout Alaska. As of 1942, the airline was known as "Alaska Star Airlines." The name Alaska Airlines was adopted in 1944 having narrowly beat a competitor applying for the name. Alaska Airlines moved to the jet age when it introduced a Convair CV-880 in 1961.