DALLAS, June 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines
(NYSE: LUV) announced today that its Meteorologists, represented by
the Transport Workers Union (TWU 550), have approved their
first-ever collective bargaining agreement following certification
by the National Mediation Board late last year. The Company praised
the efforts of the negotiating teams at a signing ceremony on
Monday (June 1) and said that the
inaugural agreement will provide adjusted wage-scale step increases
and opportunities for individual and Company performance-based
bonuses.
"I am very pleased the negotiation committees worked together to
complete an agreement in such a timely manner," said Vice President
Network Operations Control Matt Hafner. "This initial contract,
with its benefits and protections, demonstrates the value this Team
brings to Southwest and supports a Company priority to provide our
Employees a stable work environment."
TWU 550 President Mike Connor
said the agreement enhances collaboration between flight planning
groups. "Our Meteorologists will be able to directly and
proactively interact with Dispatchers. We see this opening
communication channels that will benefit our Customers, our
Company, and our operations, especially as we expand our
International service."
Similar to agreements the Company recently reached with its
Customer Service Agents and Customer Representatives, Flight
Simulator Technicians, and Dispatchers, the new Meteorologist
agreement aligns with the Company's mission of providing its
Employees a rewarding and stable work environment, while supporting
the airline's Vision of being the World's Most Loved, Most Flown,
and Most Profitable Airline.
The new, four-year contract becomes amendable on June 1, 2019.
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 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