Alaska Airlines makes deal with mechanics

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines and the union for its mechanics said on Thursday that they have reached a tentative agreement for a new five-year contract.

Details of the agreement were not released, although both the company and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association said it includes annual raises, job protection, and “a shared commitment” between the airline and the union to try to minimize health care cost increases.

Union members are expected to finish voting on it by mid-November.

The deal was reached before the current contract became amendable on Oct. 17.

Shares of parent company Alaska Air Group Inc. ( ALK – news – people ) rose $2.29, or 4.1 percent, to close at $58.05.