Aloha Cargo's machinist union has reached a tentative deal with Aeko Kula, the new subsidiary of Saltchuk.

It's the first step, giving some reassurance to current employees that they have a future with the soon-to-be owners.

It's still too early for many members in the machinist union to celebrate because the specific terms of the contract have not yet been released.

But most say, a tentative contract is better than no contract.

"It's been kind of rough, first kind of fired me on Monday, hired me on Tuesday and asked me to come back full time for just a little while," says Jacob Celoza, a 40 year Aloha Airlines Employee.

And now there are talks about the future again.

Saltchuk, the prospective owners are signing off on some new promises.

"I hope it's reasonable and survivable," says Celoza.

The International Association of Machininst and Aerospace Union and Aeko Kula, the name of Saltchuk's new subsidiary, reached a tentative labor agreement late Saturday night.

What we know is that It is a four year contract which recognizes the union, provides wage protections for former Aloha airlines employees hired by the new company, and sets some work rules.

"I feel happy for the guys in cargo. I hope they have a better future for them," adds Celoza.

But until the terms of that contract are released, the future remains a question mark to those back at work.

"Theres really nothing we can answer," says Peter Koike, an Aloha Airlines Cargo Employee.

Since it's a new contract, with a new company, the union employees themselves don't have a say in what is being negotiated.

And one of the main issues of concern continues to be seniority.

"For some people might be happy because of the union they have seniority, they might be able to come. People with lower seniority, they are not happy because they might get bumped out," adds Koike.

"That was an issue they talked about, and I guess there's some movement already on the Big Island and the other islands," says Celoza.

Randy Kauhane, the machinists union lead negotiator is on his way to Seattle tonight to meet with Saltchuk tomorrow.

There are also reports that members from saltchuk have plans to meet with the pilots union early this week.