DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal
Association (AFMA), the Union that represents Facilities
Maintenance Technicians (FMT), announced today that negotiators
have reached an Agreement in Principle that outlines the group's
first contract. This is the second agreement reached by the parties
and, if ratified, the five-year deal includes a complete set of
work rules, a wage scale, and a ratification bonus.
"I am thankful that both negotiating teams were able to come
together and finalize a new agreement that recognizes our
Facilities Maintenance Technicians and supports the needs of our
operations," said Vice President Labor Relations Russell McCrady.
"I appreciate our Facilities Maintenance Technicians and their many
contributions to the success of Southwest Airlines."
"Our Negotiating Committee has negotiated for a second time an
agreement for our Southwest FMT members," said AMFA Committee Chair
Earl Clark. "It's time for those
members to review what we have accomplished and determine if it
meets their needs and expectations."
The Agreement in Principle is subject to final review by AMFA's
National Executive Committee before it is submitted to its 37
members for a vote. A date for a ratification vote will be
determined by AMFA in the near future.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 47th 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 55,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
proudly operates a network of 99 destinations in the United States and nine additional
countries with more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel
season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin
Nov. 5, 2017.
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 44 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 2016 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.