October 27, 2014
By Stephanie West
Washington, DC – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have announced it reached a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines covering approximately 6,500 Passenger Service and Reservations Agents.
The four-year tentative accord contains wage improvements that preserve the highest base wage rates in the airline industry, a signing bonus, industry-best job security provisions, maintains the highest company match defined contribution retirement plan and improved vacation flexibility, among other gains.
“I thank IAM members at Southwest for their patience and support throughout this process,” said IAM District 142 President Dave Supplee. “The negotiations team did a great job maintaining industry-leading terms for IAM members at Southwest Airlines at a time when the carrier had other ideas.”
“This is a contract that IAM members at Southwest Airlines can be proud of,” said IAM Transportation General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “IAM negotiators demonstrated great resolve during a tenuous round of bargaining.”
The IAM negotiating committee unanimously recommends ratification of the tentative pact.
*** The IAM represents approximately 6,500 Passenger Service and Reservations Agents at Southwest Airlines and is the largest airline union in North America.
