Southwest Airlines And Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Reach An Agreement In Principle For Aircraft Mechanics And Related Employees
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced that it has reached an Agreement in Principle with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) for the Company's Aircraft Mechanics and Related Employees workgroup. The five-year agreement includes terms for updated work rules, improved wages and benefits, and a ratification bonus.
"I am pleased that we have reached an Agreement in Principle after these extended negotiations with the support and assistance of the National Mediation Board," said Southwest Airlines Vice President of Labor Relations Russell McCrady. "The agreement is good for our People and helps Southwest maintain an efficient operation."
"I appreciate everything our Employees do each day to ensure that our Southwest fleet is safe and reliable. This agreement rewards their efforts with an industry-leading offer," said Southwest Airlines Vice President of Maintenance Operations Landon Nitschke.
The Agreement in Principle will be committed to final contract language before it is sent to affected Employees for a vote. The date for a ratification vote will be determined in the coming weeks.
The current AMFA contract became amendable on August 17, 2012. Mediation was filed by AMFA on July 6, 2015. AMFA represents over 2,400 Southwest Employees in the Mechanics and Related Employees workgroup.
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 the 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 45 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.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.