Southwest Airlines and Pilots’ Union Reach New Labor Agreement
In a significant development, Southwest Airlines and its pilots’ union have reached a new preliminary labor agreement, putting an end to months of tense negotiations. This agreement marks the last of the largest U.S. airlines to strike a deal that will provide pilots with substantial raises.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association has not yet disclosed specific details about the pay increases. However, according to Casey Murray, president of the association, the five-year deal is estimated to be worth approximately $12 billion. In comparison, United Airlines’ new four-year pilot contract is valued at around $10 billion, as reported by the aviators’ union.
Approval from Southwest’s pilots is required for the contract to be finalized. Earlier this month, CNBC reported that the two sides were close to reaching a deal. In a statement, Southwest expressed its satisfaction with the progress made, stating, “We are pleased to reach an Agreement in Principle with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association for Southwest’s more than 10,000 Pilots. The AIP is a key milestone in the process, and we look forward to the next steps.”
American, United, and Delta had already finalized pilot deals earlier this year, each worth billions and providing aviators with double-digit pay hikes. Negotiations across the aviation sector were disrupted by the Covid pandemic, leading to a pause in pay increases despite the return of demand and inflation reaching multi-decade highs.
As travel demand rebounded, pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation workers have advocated for not only higher pay but also improved working conditions, such as more predictable schedules. Southwest pilots and flight attendants have voiced concerns about erratic schedules, particularly during disruptions. Last year, Southwest experienced a holiday meltdown that stranded approximately 2 million customers due to outdated software that left crews out of position for rescheduled flights. The U.S. Transportation Department subsequently fined the airline $140 million for its handling of the crisis.
While Southwest’s pilots have reached a preliminary agreement, the flight attendants recently rejected a similar deal in a vote. However, the union has announced that there will be a re-vote due to complaints about technical glitches in the online voting process.
Labor unions have demonstrated their influence throughout the year, resulting in a series of significant labor agreements in various industries. These agreements include deals between Hollywood studios and actors, studios and writers, as well as automakers and the United Auto Workers union. Many of these agreements followed prolonged strikes.
Overall, the new labor agreement between Southwest Airlines and its pilots’ union signifies an important milestone for the airline industry and highlights the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and compensation for aviation workers.
