Southwest Airlines has agreed a 36 percent cumulative pay raise for its flight attendants in a new five-year contract.
This comes after prolonged negotiations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.
Various labor groups, including pilots and flight attendants, pressed for better pay and improved work rules as travel resumed.
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The proposed labor deal entails a 20 percent pay increase upon signing in January.
It’s followed by an additional three percent, along with retroactive raises dating back to late 2019, according to a union message to flight attendants.Â
The agreement remains contingent on ratification by the union’s members, with voting scheduled to commence in mid-November.
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If approved, Southwest will also enhance pay for on-call flight attendants by eight percent.
The airlines will also introduce overtime compensation for work outside their on-call schedules.
Flight crews have frequently raised concerns about erratic schedules and securing assignments during flight disruptions.
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It’s a matter that was particularly notable during Southwest’s operational challenges towards the end of 2022.
Southwest declined to comment on the matter.
Additionally, the airline is still in negotiations with its pilots over their pay.
