CHICAGO (Reuters), – Pilots at Alaska Air (NYSE.) Group Inc has voted to authorize strikes if an agreement is not reached on a new employment contract. This was announced by their union on Wednesday.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents over 3,000 pilots at the Seattle-based carrier, said 99% of those who cast their ballots backed strike-authorization.

The vote means that Alaskan pilots can’t walk away from their jobs until they are granted permission by the National Mediation Board. The board first needs to decide that the two parties have reached an impasse. Further negotiations would be futile.

Since the summer 2019, Alaska Air has been working with its pilots to negotiate a new contract. ALPA claims that Alaska Air has failed to “meaningfully” address its concerns about schedule flexibility and job security.

The pilots of the company are protesting and asking for better compensation.