SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS WITH TWO UNION-REPRESENTED WORKGROUPS

Rhea-AI Summary

On January 13, 2023, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced significant labor agreements with two union-represented workgroups. Flight Instructors overwhelmingly approved a new contract that includes pay increases and quality of life enhancements, recognizing their vital role in training pilots. Additionally, a Tentative Agreement was reached for Facilities Maintenance Technicians, acknowledging their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adam Carlisle, Vice President of Labor Relations, expressed gratitude for the swift negotiations, highlighting the importance of both roles in maintaining Southwest's commitment to customer service and operational excellence.

Positive

• Flight Instructors approved a new contract with pay increases and quality of life enhancements.
• Tentative Agreement reached with Facilities Maintenance Technicians, reflecting their integral role in operations.
• Quick resolution of labor agreements signals strong labor relations.

Negative

• None.

Flight Instructors approve contract; Facilities Maintenance Technicians to vote on Tentative Agreement

DALLAS, Jan. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced agreements have been reached with two of its union-represented workgroups.

Southwest's Flight Instructors Approve New Contract

Southwest's Flight Instructors, represented by the Transport Workers Union Local 557 (TWU 557), overwhelmingly voted in favor of their new contract.

"I'm very pleased we're able to acknowledge the important work of our Flight Instructors and implement pay increases and quality of life enhancements," said Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines^®. "I'd like to thank both Negotiating Teams for working to reach this agreement in such a short amount of time."

Southwest's more than 200 Flight Instructors provide Flight Operations classroom and simulator training to current and New Hire Pilots.

Southwest and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) reach a Tentative Agreement for Facilities Maintenance Technicians

"Our Facilities Maintenance Technicians play an integral role in Southwest's ability to provide great Customer Service," said Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines. "I appreciate both Negotiating Teams working to reach an agreement so quickly."

"The AMFA Negotiating Committee wants to express our appreciation to the Southwest Facilities Maintenance Technicians that participated in the bargaining process. This agreement is warranted after these Employees helped safely maintain Southwest's facilities across the country before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the membership's voice will be heard in a ratification vote in the coming weeks," said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich.

"The Committee would like to thank the negotiators from both sides of the table for their professionalism, which produced a Tentative Agreement less than six months from the time we held the first bargaining session. AMFA is proud to advocate and take care of our skilled members," said Oestreich.

Southwest's 50 Facilities Maintenance Technicians maintain, modify, and repair all of the facilities system-wide for Southwest to provide a great product to Customers and Employees alike. AMFA will communicate to its members the details of the Tentative Agreement and the ratification 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. Having celebrated its 50th 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 airline.¹ 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 64,000² 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 leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Southwest is also continuing to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers an opportunity to help the airline offset its carbon emissions. To be part of the solution, visit Southwest.com/wannaoffsetcarbon.

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-announces-agreements-with-two-union-represented-workgroups-301721710.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What recent labor agreements has Southwest Airlines (LUV) announced?

Southwest Airlines announced new contracts for Flight Instructors and a Tentative Agreement for Facilities Maintenance Technicians on January 13, 2023.

What are the main benefits of the new Flight Instructors contract for LUV?

The new contract for Flight Instructors includes pay increases and quality of life enhancements.

How many Flight Instructors does Southwest Airlines have?

Southwest Airlines has more than 200 Flight Instructors.

What is the significance of the Tentative Agreement for Facilities Maintenance Technicians at LUV?

The Tentative Agreement recognizes the critical role of Facilities Maintenance Technicians during COVID-19 and will be voted on for ratification soon.