Union entering federal mediation with Alaska Air

NEW YORK

The union representing 2,700 clerical, office and passenger service employees at Alaska Airlines said Thursday it's entering federal mediation with the carrier next week.

"We have been in direct negotiations for months, but Alaska Airlines has been unwilling to adequately address our members' job security proposals," said Stephen Gordon, a local president at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, in a statement.

Bargaining began March 2 after members rejected an offer to extend their agreement until 2012. The extension was rejected over job security issues, the union said. The current contract was first able to be amended on July 19.

An Alaska Airlines spokesman wasn't immediately available to comment.

Alaska Airlines is operated by Alaska Air Group Inc., which is based in Seattle. Shares rose $1.25, or 2.8 percent, to close at $46.46.