Pilots at Southwest Airlines have tentatively agreed to a new contract that includes improvements to scheduling and overall remuneration in addition to an immediate salary increase of 29.15%.
There was an astounding 98.8% turnout for the most recent vote on the proposed pilot contract with Southwest Airlines. The tentative deal between the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and the airline was approved by a significant majority of participating pilots, 92.73% of them, following more than three years of discussions. The airline is the only of the "Big Four" American carriers without a new contract. According to the deal, there will be an initial wage increase of 29.15%, then three years of 4% increases, and then a final 3.25% increase.
This newly negotiated contract, which is good until 2028, includes significant improvements in scheduling, parental leave policies, disability coverage supplied by the employer, increased retirement benefits, and industry-leading Scope protections.
While acknowledging that the contract's implementation may take some time, union president Casey Murray promised that the union will work with the airline to quickly incorporate improvements to the quality of life. Murray thanked the pilots for their unwavering confidence and support throughout the protracted negotiation phase.
On behalf of the pilots, the union had reached an agreement in principle (AIP) with the airline in December. The Board of Directors met after the AIP to discuss whether to submit the agreement for a membership (pilot) vote. Although a $12 billion contract value was indicated in the first AIP reports, pay increase details were not made public at that time. Afterwards, the disclosed information shows a significant salary rise of around 45% during the course of four years.
It is hoped that this recently agreed contract will address Southwest's recent attrition concerns. The airline continues to be able to hire enough pilots to staff its fleet in spite of significant attrition rates. Southwest modified its minimum flight hour threshold for new personnel in order to combat the attrition rate.
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