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Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association Board of Directors Endorses Tentative Agreement for Ratification

Posted on: Friday, 27 March 2009, 10:07 CDT

Agreement increases job security, improves compensation while keeping the Company financially competitive

DALLAS, March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors for the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) on Thursday, March 26 voted to send the current Tentative Agreement to the membership for a ratification vote. The board also voted to endorse the Tentative Agreement. This decision continues the collective bargaining process and now allows the more than 5,900 Southwest Airlines pilots to vote on their first contract in 15 years.

"The SWAPA Board of Directors is pleased to have finished this part of the process. We believe this contract addresses the needs of our pilot group," said Capt. Carl Kuwitzky, SWAPA President. "Another positive is that it keeps our Company financially competitive in a trying and unknown time in our industry."

The five-year agreement, which became amendable in September 2006, includes pay increases, stronger job protection language, increased retirement benefits and scheduling improvements.

"While this contract isn't perfect, it does include improvements in many areas and shores up very old language that will protect our pilots," Capt. Kuwitzky said. "Many in our pilot group are extremely sensitive to codesharing flights that Southwest Airlines could possibly fly. While some degree of codeshare is allowed in this contract, limitations on the Company help keep our jobs secure."

The full Agreement will be made available to the pilots soon and a ratification vote will take place in the coming weeks.

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 5,900 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit www.swapa.org.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association

Source: PR Newswire

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