Southwest Airlines’ mechanics ratify new labor contract
Southwest Airlines’ damaging spat with its mechanics is over.
Union members voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new labor contract agreed in principle recently with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association.
The union says more than 90% voted in favour.
It is a five-year contract that gives mechanics a total of $160 million in back pay dating to 2012 when the last contract ended in 2012.
Salaries are increased by 20% and they get 3% annual raises.
It is an improvement on the proposal it rejected last September the union says.
"Our focus now shifts to working together with Southwest Airlines, as we do the important work of restoring the safety culture Southwest Airlines has traditionally been known for," the union said in a statement.
Southwest had sued the union, accusing mechanics of deliberately slowing down maintenance work to use as leverage in contract negotiations.
The alleged slowdown had resulted in more than 100 daily flight cancelations.
"Our mechanics will receive well-deserved pay increases, and the company will realize additional flexibilities necessary to compete in today’s airline industry," said Russell McCrady, Southwest’s vice president of labor relations.
This week American Airlines filed a lawsuit against its own mechanics for also engaging in a work slowdown in an attempt to influence contract negotiations.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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