Southwest Airlines reaches tentative labor agreement with mechanics
Southwest Airlines’ very public spat with mechanics could soon be resolved.
The airline has reached a labor contract agreement in principle with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association which would give mechanics a bumper 20% raise.
If ratified the five-year deal would take effect on April 1 and give workers a guaranteed 3% annual increase.
They will also get $160 million in retroactive pay.
Southwest has gained work rule changes to increase efficiency and the agreement will be put to a membership vote.
The carrier has been engaged in a heated battle with mechanics resulting in mudslinging and lawsuits.
Southwest accused the AMFA mechanics of undermining the business by purposely grounding planes for unnecessary maintenance issues, which CEO Gary Kelly said is costing millions a week.
The FAA also warned Southwest and the union to settle their differences as it was putting safety at risk.
The two parties had been unable to agree a permanent labor accord for more than five years.
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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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