DALLAS, July 2, 2015
/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that
it has reached a tentative agreement with its Flight
Attendants. Terms of the deal were not released, but the
airline said they include wage increases, bonus opportunities, and
work-rule adjustments.
"I applaud the efforts of everyone who worked so hard to craft
an agreement that rewards our Flight Attendants for their
excellence," said Mike Van de Ven,
Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer. "This tentative agreement not only provides additional
money, it also supports Southwest's low-cost structure and
positions the Company to be competitive in the years to come."
Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cabin Services Mike Hafner said, "We have the finest Flight
Attendants in the industry. Each day and on every flight, our
Flight Attendants bring Southwest's Purpose to life for our
Customers—connecting them to what's important in their lives
through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel."
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by Transport
Workers Union (TWU) 556, will be presented with the details of the
agreement in the coming weeks, and members will have the
opportunity to vote on ratification. The current contract became
amendable May 31, 2013. If approved,
the new agreement will run through May
2019.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest
Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other
air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than
47,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.
Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 95
destinations across the United States and six additional
countries. Southwest service
to Belize City, Belize, begins October 15,
2015, and Liberia, Costa Rica, on November 1, 2015,
both routes are subject to foreign government approval.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent
data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms
of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates
the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of
which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate
connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity
enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming
music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and
television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV
compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest is the only
major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first
and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply,
some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for
qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare
differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a
bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery,
airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their
lives.
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines
launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel
described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The
Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger
traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 42
consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most
honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line
approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and
productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they
serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The
2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by
phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines