Airline Says Primary Goal Is 'Speedy Resolution' To The Issue Without Arbitration

The merger of Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways hit a bump in what had been a pretty smooth road to finalization Tuesday, as the members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 11, which represents mechanics working for Southwest Airlines, rejected the seniority integration agreement proposed by the airline as part of its merger with AirTran. This tentative agreement would have integrated the two groups' seniority lists. Voting on the plan ended Tuesday, and the union had no immediate comment.

The next step in this process is the joint filing for arbitration by AMFA and IBT. Southwest says it hopes that the two parties come to a resolution before arbitration begins, and it remains open to working with both Unions to reach a solution that supports a comprehensive integration. AMFA represents approximately 1,600 Southwest Airlines Aircraft Mechanics, and the IBT represents more than 400 AirTran Aircraft Mechanics.

"With the rejection of the seniority integration proposal, we understand that Employees have different perspectives and opinions on this issue, but our goal continues to be the speedy resolution of seniority integration," said Jim Sokol, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Maintenance Operations. "Our vested interest remains focused on our Employees, and we fully support a proposal that meets their needs without increasing complexity, creating division, or diminishing Southwest's Culture."

Southwest and AirTran Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Flight Attendants have already successfully completed the Seniority Integration negotiation process. Work groups still in seniority integration negotiations include Aircraft Mechanics; Ramp, Operations, and Provisioning Agents; Customer Service Agents and Customer Support and Service Employees; Dispatchers; and Materials Specialists.

FMI: www.amfa11.com, www.southwest.com