DALLAS, Nov. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that its
Appearance Technicians, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics
Fraternal Association (AMFA), have voted to ratify a four-year
tentative agreement with the Company. The new collective bargaining
agreement takes effect immediately, ahead of the current contract's
February 2017 amendable date.
"I am grateful our Appearance Technicians have a new contract
that provides increased pay and benefits and supports the Company's
long-term business plan," said Landon
Nitschke, Southwest Airlines Vice President Maintenance
Operations. "I also applaud the work of both negotiating teams to
secure this agreement."
AMFA represents just over 200 Southwest Airlines Appearance
Technicians and reports that of those who cast ballots, 88 percent
voted in favor of the new contract.
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 99 destinations in the United States and eight additional
countries with additional Cuba
service to Havana, Cuba, beginning
Dec. 12, 2016, and Santa Clara
beginning Dec. 15, 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.