Flight Dispatchers Also Ratify New Agreement

Meteorologists for Southwest Airlines represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU 550) have approved their first-ever collective bargaining agreement following certification by the National Mediation Board late last year. The Company praised the efforts of the negotiating teams at a signing ceremony on Monday (June 1) and said that the inaugural agreement will provide adjusted wage-scale step increases and opportunities for individual and Company performance-based bonuses.

"I am very pleased the negotiation committees worked together to complete an agreement in such a timely manner," said Vice President Network Operations Control Matt Hafner. "This initial contract, with its benefits and protections, demonstrates the value this Team brings to Southwest and supports a Company priority to provide our Employees a stable work environment."

TWU 550 President Mike Connor said the agreement enhances collaboration between flight planning groups. "Our Meteorologists will be able to directly and proactively interact with Dispatchers. We see this opening communication channels that will benefit our Customers, our Company, and our operations, especially as we expand our International service."

Similar to agreements the Company recently reached with its Customer Service Agents and Customer Representatives, and Flight Simulator Technicians, the new Meteorologist agreement aligns with the Company's mission of providing its Employees a rewarding and stable work environment, while supporting the airline's Vision of being the World's Most Loved, Most Flown, and Most Profitable Airline.

The new, four-year contract becomes amendable on June 1, 2019.

At the same time, the airline's Flight Dispatchers, represented by the same union, have voted in favor of a new four-year contract. The agreement was ratified by 95 percent of Southwest's Dispatchers and replaces the group's previous contract well ahead of the November (2015) amendable date. The new collective bargaining agreement provides pay increases, as well as opportunities for bonuses tied to Company and Employee performance.

"I would like to thank our highly-skilled team of Dispatchers, along with their TWU representatives, for their continued partnership," Hafner said of the agreement. "I am thrilled to have a new agreement that rewards our Employees and remains true to our legacy of being the number one low-cost carrier in the country."

The Company values our Dispatchers, as evidenced by this agreement," Connor said. "This group works around the clock to support the operation and plays a vital role in getting our passengers to their destinations safely and efficiently. We are committed to Southwest and are enthusiastic about the future of our Company."

FAA-licensed Dispatchers are directly responsible for the conduct of safe and efficient flight operations and the dispatch, clearance, and movement of all Company aircraft.

FMI: www.southwest.com