DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines
Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that its Pilots have ratified a new
collective bargaining agreement. According to the Southwest
Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), 84.26 percent of Pilots
who cast ballots voted in favor of the deal.
"This contract recognizes and rewards our Pilots for their
professionalism and leadership," said Alan
Kasher, Vice President Flight Operations. "Beyond the
compensation and work rule improvements, this forward-looking
agreement delivers the operational flexibility needed to grow our
network and ensures that Southwest will remain well-positioned for
long-term success in our intensely-competitive industry."
New contractual terms, including a new wage scale and bonus
provisions, will be implemented according to an agreed timeline.
Negotiations began in 2012 and have been guided by the National
Mediation Board (NMB) since 2014.
"We would like to thank our Mediators and the Board members of
the NMB for their assistance in helping us reach this agreement,"
said Russell McCrady, Senior
Director of Labor Relations.
The newly-ratified contract becomes amendable in November 2020.
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 53,000 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 Varadero, Cuba beginning Nov. 13,
2016, and to Havana, Cuba,
beginning Dec. 12, 2016, both routes
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 nearly 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.