SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION LOCAL 550 REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF NEW CONTRACT FOR DISPATCHERS

Rhea-AI Summary

On February 8, 2022, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and the Transport Workers Union Local 550 announced a Tentative Agreement for over 400 Dispatch Employees. This agreement is aimed at rewarding skilled Dispatchers while enhancing operational efficiencies for Southwest. The negotiation process, which has stretched over three years, faced challenges due to COVID-19. The Tentative Agreement covers various roles, including Flight Dispatchers and Dispatch ATC Specialists. Further details are to be shared directly with TWU 550 members regarding the voting process on this agreement.

Positive

• Tentative Agreement reached with TWU 550 for over 400 Dispatch Employees, enhancing job satisfaction.
• The agreement aims to improve operational efficiencies for the airline.

Negative

• None.

DALLAS, Feb. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and the Transport Workers Union Local 550 (TWU 550) have reached a Tentative Agreement for the more than 400 Southwest Airlines Dispatch Employees.

"This agreement rewards our skilled Dispatchers, while providing Southwest additional efficiencies," said Vice President Labor Relations Adam Carlisle. "I'd like to thank both negotiating teams for their diligent work, which led to this agreement."

"It has been a long three years of negotiating with COVID-19 bringing a whole new set of challenges to the essential workers of TWU 550 and Southwest Airlines," said TWU 550 President Larry Merchant. "I would like to thank the TWU 550 and Southwest Airlines negotiating teams for all of their hard work and flexibility required to get to this new agreement and recognize the enormous value that our Dispatchers provide for the success of this airline."

This Tentative Agreement covers all Southwest Airlines Flight Dispatchers, Assistant Dispatchers, Flight Superintendents, Dispatch Specialists, and Dispatch ATC Specialists. The TWU 550 will share details directly with their members about the agreement and the voting process.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 

Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2021, Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline¹. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 55,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among as many as 130 million Customers carried a year. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years³ of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest continues to develop tangible steps toward an environmental sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering an opportunity for Customers to contribute toward helping Southwest offset its carbon emissions. For more information, please visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon. Learn more at Southwest.com/citizenship about how Southwest Airlines leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world.   

^{1) U.S. Dept. of Transportation most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded 
2) fulltime-equivalent active Employees  
3) 1973-2019 annual profitability}

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-and-transport-workers-union-local-550-reach-tentative-agreement-on-terms-of-new-contract-for-dispatchers-301478136.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What is the recent agreement between Southwest Airlines and TWU 550?

Southwest Airlines and Transport Workers Union Local 550 reached a Tentative Agreement covering over 400 Dispatch Employees, aimed at rewarding workers and enhancing efficiencies.

When was the agreement between Southwest Airlines and TWU 550 announced?

The agreement was announced on February 8, 2022.

What roles are covered in the Southwest Airlines and TWU 550 agreement?

The agreement covers Flight Dispatchers, Assistant Dispatchers, Flight Superintendents, Dispatch Specialists, and Dispatch ATC Specialists.

How long did the negotiations for the Southwest Airlines agreement take?

The negotiations took nearly three years, complicated by challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.