Integration Proposal Headed To Members Of Both Pilot Unions For
Ratification Vote
Southwest Airlines said Thursday that a tentative agreement has
been reached between the unions representing pilots of both
Southwest Airlines (SWAPA) and Air Tran (ALPA). This tentative
agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's
Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both
approved the agreement, allowing the membership of each Pilot's
Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a
ratification vote. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of the
acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. on May 2, 2011.
"The unions and Company negotiating teams never lost focus on
the ultimate goal of creating an integrated seniority list and
transition plan for our Pilots outside of arbitration," said Mike
Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer. "All parties took ownership of their role in the
integration of AirTran into Southwest Airlines, and I want to
congratulate our teams for delivering what we feel is a fair and
equitable deal for both sides."
"We
are proud of both Pilot groups' initiative and persistence to reach
a tentative agreement," added Capt. Chuck Magill, Southwest
Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations. "History has shown
the integration of two large airlines is no easy task, but our
Pilots continue to demonstrate forward-thinking Leadership through
this process, and their efforts should be recognized and
commended."
Reaching a negotiated agreement with the two Pilot groups avoids
the arbitration process and gives both groups ownership of the
combined list. Each Pilot group will now spend the next four to six
weeks reviewing the tentative agreement before putting it up for a
ratification vote. SWAPA represents more than 6,000 Southwest
Airlines Pilots, and ALPA represents close to 1,600 AirTran
Pilots.
On the corporate side, Southwest announced several executive
changes.
Bob Jordan, Southwest's current Executive Vice President
Strategy & Planning, has been promoted to Executive Vice
President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role
as President of AirTran Airways. In his new role, Jordan will
oversee several senior leaders and areas including Marketing,
Revenue Management, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards,
Customer Support & Services, the Customer Experience, and
Network and Corporate Planning.
Jeff Lamb, Southwest's current Senior Vice President
Administration & Chief People Officer, has been promoted to
Executive Vice President & Chief People & Administrative
Officer. In his new role, Lamb is responsible for People &
Leadership Development, Technology, Diversity & Inclusion,
Purchasing, Fuel Management, Facilities, and Corporate
Security.
Ellen Torbert, Southwest's current Vice President of Customer
Support & Services, has been promoted to Vice President of
Diversity & Inclusion. In this newly created leadership role,
Ellen will provide leadership, vision, and advocacy as Southwest
continues its work to foster an inclusive work environment.