SEATTLE, Aug 14, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) and the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) today jointly announced ratification of a new five-year contract for the airline's 29 dispatchers.

Alaska's dispatchers are responsible for ensuring safety and monitoring the overall progress of each flight conducted by the airline from origin to destination. They are the carrier's primary ground-to-air communication link with Alaska pilots providing en route weather, airport facility and other information.

TWU represents nearly 60,000 workers in America's airline industry in virtually all classes and crafts. The union represents dispatchers at seven of the major carriers, and at several national and regional carriers.

Alaska Airlines is the nation's ninth largest airline with more than 11,000 employees. Alaska serves a total of 49 destinations throughout the West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, as well as Boston, Chicago, Denver and Washington D.C.

CONTACT:          Alaska Airlines
                  Jack Evans, 206/433-3134

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