DALLAS, June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines
(NYSE: LUV) announced today that its Flight Dispatchers,
represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU 550), have voted in
favor of a new four-year contract. The agreement was ratified by 95
percent of Southwest's Dispatchers and replaces the group's
previous contract well ahead of the November (2015) amendable date.
The new collective bargaining agreement provides pay increases, as
well as opportunities for bonuses tied to Company and Employee
performance.
"I would like to thank our highly-skilled team of Dispatchers,
along with their TWU representatives, for their continued
partnership," said Matt Hafner,
Southwest Airlines Vice President Network Operations Control. "I am
thrilled to have a new agreement that rewards our Employees
and remains true to our legacy of being the number one
low-cost carrier in the country."
TWU 550 President Mike Connor
said, "The Company values our Dispatchers, as evidenced by this
agreement. This group works around the clock to support the
operation and plays a vital role in getting our passengers to their
destinations safely and efficiently. We are committed to Southwest
and are enthusiastic about the future of our Company."
FAA-licensed Dispatchers are directly responsible for the
conduct of safe and efficient flight operations and the dispatch,
clearance, and movement of all Company aircraft. Their new
agreement supports the Company's mission of providing its Employees
a stable work environment and Southwest's core vision of being the
World's Most Loved, Most Flown, and Most Profitable Airline.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 44th 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 94 destinations
across the United States and six
additional countries. Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins on
June 7, 2015. 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 freeĀ® 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 Reportā¢ 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