DALLAS, Oct. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal
Association (AMFA) announced today that they have agreed to terms
on a tentative agreement for the Company's more than 200 Aircraft
Appearance Technicians, the group primarily responsible for
aircraft detailing and appearance care services. AMFA
representatives will be communicating the provisions of the
proposed 5-year extension agreement in the coming days.
"I want to commend both Negotiating Teams for their work in
getting us to this point," said Landon
Nitschke, Southwest Airlines Vice President Maintenance
Operations. "This agreement enhances pay and benefits for our
Employees, and it supports the Company's long-term strategic
business plan."
"The AMFA NEC is proud of the Local Airline Representatives and
their commitment and dedication of what they have done to get this
agreement. The AMFA NEC provides the affected Members the
opportunity to express their opinion by a vote," said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National Director.
If approved, this extension will run through February 2021 and replace the current collective
bargaining agreement that becomes amendable in February 2017.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 46th 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 52,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season
across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional
countries with service to Cuba
expected to begin later this year, subject to governmental
approvals.
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. That connectivity enables Customers to use
their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and
television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV
compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created
Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers
honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low.
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. The
airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart.
A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat
and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an
updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees who 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 43 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 2015 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 Co.