Southwest Finalizes Its Last Labor Deal

The airline completed a 2-year process of renewing agreements with its 12 unionized labor groups.

Southwest aircraft at the airline’s Houston Hobby hangar (Photo: Southwest Airlines)

[ Labor Unions ]September 16, 2024 10:17 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Southwest announced on Monday that it has concluded its final labor contract negotiation, bringing an end to a two-year process of contract renewals for its unionized workforce.

The latest agreement was ratified by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 19, representing the airline’s flight simulator technicians. The contract includes increased pay rates, a new job classification, and enhanced maternity and parental leave benefits, becoming amendable in September 2028.

“At Southwest, we pride ourselves in nurturing an Employee-first Culture, and one of the ways we do that is through the pay and benefits we provide to all of our Employees,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a press release. “We are extremely pleased that all of our union-represented workgroups now have contracts in place to provide for their futures while we continue our work to build a sustainable and profitable future for the airline, our Employees, and all of our Shareholders.”

With the completion of this agreement, Southwest has now finalized labor contracts with all 12 of its unionized workgroups, encompassing approximately 83% of its employees.

Earlier this year, the airline and its pilots – represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association – inked a new collective bargaining agreement valued at $12 billion. In April, the airline’s flight attendants also ratified a new contract, which provided immediate pay increases of roughly 22%.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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