Alaska Airlines pilots authorize if contract talks fail

SEATTLE (AP) — Alaska Airlines pilots have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a future strike if current contract negotiations with management and federal mediation efforts fail.

The Air Line Pilots Association said May 25 that almost 96% of its members cast mail-in votes and that 99% of those authorized the union’s leaders to call a strike if necessary and when permitted after a prolonged process managed by the National Mediation Board, The Seattle Times reported.

Following by two months an informational picket in April by off-duty pilots, the vote may increase pressure on Alaska Airlines mana...