After years of negotiations between Southwest Airlines and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), agreement has been reached on a preliminary labor deal. The arrangement will, among other things, provide pilots with the largest pay increase in the company’s history.
The potential labor deal was created to address issues that were causing tension in the airline’s work environment, including management’s discounting of pilot compensation and an alleged lack of feedback from Asiana management on labor issues.
The agreement was praised by both sides as an improved labor deal for pilots that includes a “substantial” increase in pay. David Endersby, SWPPA President, stated, “Southwest Pilots have achieved an industry-leading collective bargaining agreement that ensures our place at the forefront of the airline industry.”
Endersby went on to say, “The heart of this agreement is the pay package. From industry-leading pay rates to rate of pay increases, and from flexibility in scheduling to our benefits package, this agreement provides pilots with secure lives and excellent careers.”
The negotiation between Southwest Airlines and the Pilots Association was viewed by many as an attempt by the airline to control costs, but the final outcome has been seen as a victory for pilots. This new labor deal will serve as a starting point for Southwest to continue to move forward in a more positive direction, making sure that all employees are provided with fair treatment, and that the airline continues to prosper.