Home » US business news • US Employment News » Southwest Airlines and pilots’ union reach preliminary labor deal
Southwest Airlines and pilots’ union reach preliminary labor deal
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/usa/us-employment-news/southwest-airlines-and-pilots-union-reach-preliminary-labor-deal
By Nithya Bose in US business news, posted December 20, 2023
Southwest Airlines has reached a preliminary labor agreement with the union representing its pilots after three years of negotiations.
This makes Southwest the last of the major US carriers to secure a deal that promises significant pay raises for its pilots.
However, the airline didn’t reveal specific details of the pay increases.
Read More: Southwest Airlines Fined A Record $140 Million Over 2022 Holiday Travel Chaos
Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), said the five-year agreement is valued at approximately $12 billion.
In comparison, United Airlines' recently finalized four-year pilot contract is estimated to be worth around $10 billion.
The agreement is pending approval from Southwest's pilots, a process that follows recent reports suggesting the two parties were nearing a resolution.
Read More: Southwest Flight Attendants Secure 36 Percent Pay Raise
Southwest said: “We are pleased to reach an Agreement in Principle with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association for Southwest’s more than 10,000 Pilots.
“The AIP is a key milestone in the process, and we look forward to the next steps.”
Airlines have concluded better deals for pilots
Earlier this year, American, United, and Delta all concluded pilot deals, each valued at billions of dollars and featuring double-digit pay hikes.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted negotiations in the aviation industry.
It caused a pause in pay bumps even as demand returned and inflation surged to multi-decade highs.
Looking to boost your online brand? Create your FREE business profile at WhatBiz? here.
As travel demand rebounded, pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation workers sought higher pay and improved working conditions, including more predictable schedules.
Complaints from Southwest pilots and flight attendants centered around irregular schedules, particularly during disruptions.
Southwest Airlines faced challenges during the holiday season last year due to outdated software.
It resulted in crews being out of position for rescheduled flights.
The US Department of Transportation imposed a $140 million fine on the airline for handling the crisis.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
While Southwest's pilots are moving towards a labor deal, the airline's flight attendants recently rejected a preliminary agreement in a vote.
The union plans to conduct a re-vote, citing concerns about technical glitches in the online voting process.
Throughout the year, labor unions have shown their influence, leading to big wins in various sectors.
It includes Hollywood studios with actors and writers and automakers with the United Auto Workers union, often following prolonged strikes.
Follow us on YouTube, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
