For years, Southwest Airlines and its pilots’ union have been in a contentious battle, but after nearly four years of stalemate, the two sides have finally reached a Preliminary Labor Contract. The deal is the culmination of years of tense negotiations and represents a major step forward for the airline and its employees.
The deal includes a sixteen-percent wage increase for Southwest Airlines pilots, along with improved vacations and other benefits. It also guarantees pay increases for first officers and includes improvements to pilots’ retiree benefits. Due to the extended duration of the negotiations, the deal will not go into effect until July 1, 2021.
Southwest Airlines praised the union’s willingness to come to the table and negotiate in a fair and reasonable manner. The deal was also celebrated by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union that represents the airline’s pilots. ALPA President Joseph DePete thanked the airline’s leadership and its pilots for their hard work and dedication in reaching a deal that is beneficial to both sides.
The agreement means peace of mind and job security for Southwest Airlines pilots, who have been operating under a stagnant contract for more than four years. The deal also provides a boost of confidence for the airline, which has been struggling with stagnant profitability and declining passenger numbers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deal is just the latest in a series of labor milestones for the airline, which inked a new deal with its flight attendants in 2020 and its mechanics in 2019. This new labor deal helps create a more stable and secure future for Southwest Airlines and its employees.
Overall, the agreement is a positive step for the airline and its workers. Southwest Airlines will now be able to begin focusing on its financial recovery and rebuilding its customer base. With a new, improved contract in place, the airline should be better able to navigate the turbulent times ahead and continue to provide its customers with reliable service.