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.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season