DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced that the Southwest
Airlines Facilities Maintenance Technicians, represented by the
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), ratified their
first collective bargaining agreement. The new five-year contract
includes a complete set of work rules, wage scale, ratification
bonus, and job protections.
"I am very pleased the Negotiating Teams completed an initial
contract that gives our Facilities Maintenance Technicians new
benefits and protections, supporting Southwest's commitment to
provide its People a stable work environment," said Vice President,
Labor Relations Russell McCrady.
"I would like to commend and express my appreciation to both
negotiating committees for their dedication to this process," said
AMFA National Director Bret
Oestreich. "After joint efforts by both parties in a second
attempt to get the Facilities Maintenance Technicians an improved
agreement, the membership made their voices heard by ratifying a
new contract with increases and improvements in compensation, job
security, and work rules."
The Union reports that 59 percent of those who cast ballots
voted in favor of the agreement. Negotiators for Southwest Airlines
and AMFA began contract discussions in June
2013. The newly-ratified contract is effective immediately
and becomes amendable in November
2022.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 47th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co.
(NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air
carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than
55,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 115 million passengers
annually, in recent years. Southwest became the nation's largest
domestic air carrier in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on
the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent reporting of
domestic originating passengers boarded. During peak travel
seasons, Southwest operates more than 4,000 weekday departures
among a network of 100 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries.
Southwest has announced its intention to sell tickets in 2018 for
service to Hawaii, subject to
requisite governmental approvals.
Southwest coined Transfarency® to describe its
purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and
low fares actually staying 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 carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in
qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare
differences might apply.
As launch customer of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 in North America, the Company operates the
largest fleet in the world of Boeing aircraft, all of which are
equipped with satellite-based WiFi. Customers who connect to the
WiFi network may use their personal devices to view on-demand
movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free,
live TV.
With a bold new look first unveiled in 2014, Southwest is
progressing through a multi-year refresh of its fleet to showcase
the carrier's Heart: a new logo, aircraft livery, interior
design featuring new seats, Employee-designed uniforms, and an
updated airport experience, all of which showcase a dedication of
Southwest Employees to 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 wherever the carrier serves. 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.