Southwest Airlines flight attendants recently voted to ratify a new four-year labor contract that will go into effect on May 1st. This new agreement includes a 22.3% immediate raise for flight attendants and $364 million in retroactive wages based on their flying hours during the lengthy contract negotiations. The members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 union approved the contract with an overwhelming majority of 81% to 19%.
With the new wage rates in place, Southwest flight attendants will become the highest paid in the industry, earning 14% more on average than their counterparts at Delta Airlines. According to TWU International president John Samuelsen, the improvements in the new contract will set a benchmark for other major carriers, such as United, Alaska, and American, as they negotiate with their own flight attendant unions.
Apart from the significant compensation increases, the new contract also includes various quality-of-life enhancements for Southwest flight attendants. These improvements range from on-call scheduling enhancements to company-paid maternity and parental leaves. Adam Carlise, the carrier’s vice president of labor relations, emphasized that the agreement not only rewards the flight attendants but also strengthens Southwest’s overall operations.
While Southwest Airlines flight attendants have successfully negotiated a favorable contract, other airline unions have faced challenges in their own contract negotiations. Members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants at American Airlines voted to authorize a strike last year. In February, representatives from various unions picketed at over 30 airports, highlighting the ongoing issues within the industry.
The approval of the new labor contract by Southwest Airlines flight attendants marks a significant milestone in the industry. The improvements made in the contract not only benefit the employees but also set a new standard for compensation and work conditions for flight attendants across different airlines. As the industry continues to evolve, such agreements play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of airline employees and maintaining the efficiency of airline operations.