Transport Workers Union Will Vote On New Contract

Southwest Airlines announced last week the Dallas-based low-cost carrier reached a tentative agreement with Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 555, representing Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and Freight Agents.

The tentative agreement is for a new, three-year contract through June 30, 2011. The current contract became amendable on June 30, 2008; Southwest Airlines began contract negotiations with the union in January 2008.

"The negotiation process has been long and arduous -- both negotiating committees have certainly worked diligently and in good faith," said Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly. "We urge our Employees to give serious consideration to the tentative agreement, keeping in mind that in these uncertain economic times, our common goal should be to take needed steps to protect Employee jobs and to ensure the financial viability of our Company."

The TWU Executive Board has voted to submit the tentative agreement to all members of TWU 555 for review and a ratification vote. TWU Local 555 represents approximately 7,780 Southwest Airlines Employees.

FMI: www.southwest.com, www.twu.com/