Brings Non-Unionized AirTran Instructors Under TWU 557

Flight Instructors from Southwest Airlines, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, and Flight Instructors from AirTran Airways have voted to ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement. This tentative agreement, reached late last year, integrates the two groups' seniority lists.

"I want to commend all the parties involved for accomplishing something that is very rare in the airline industry—a successfully negotiated integration agreement outside of arbitration," said Capt. Chuck Magill, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations. "I couldn't be prouder of both our Flight Instructors and our Pilots for reaching integration agreements in such a forward-thinking and decisive way. Our Flight Operations Team continues to demonstrate Leadership throughout this integration process, and their efforts should be recognized and commended."

The Flight Instructors from AirTran, who currently do not have Union representation, are now integrated into the master TWU 557 seniority list. The AirTran Instructors will continue to work for AirTran until January 2015, but may be moved over to Southwest based on operational needs. TWU 557 represents approximately 70 Southwest Airlines Flight Instructors. AirTran has 17 Instructors.

FMI: www.southwest.com