Summary
- Southwest Airlines has ratified a brand new collective bargaining agreement with its mechanics, providing significant pay raises.
- The agreement covers nearly 2,900 Southwest mechanics and related employees, and the pay raise puts their wages above those of employees at other airlines.
- Southwest and the union have returned to a mutually useful relationship, with the agreement showing appreciation and respect for the workers’ exertions and dedication.
Dallas-based low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines announced that it has ratified a brand new collective bargaining agreement for its mechanics and related employees on Thursday. It comes as several employees at airlines within the US have pushed to enhance working conditions and increase wages.
Southwest reached a tentative agreement with the union representing its mechanics over a month ago. The union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), indicated that its members have now voted overwhelmingly to approve the agreement.
Greater than 20% pay raise
In line with Southwest, the newest agreement is the seventh contract ratified by the airline and its union partners since October of last 12 months. The AMFA confirmed that the deal is a contract extension and provides significant pay raises of just over 20% throughout three years.
AMFA National President Bret Oestreich spoke concerning the latest agreement.
“We’re happy with each negotiating committees who worked hard during these negotiations. It’s gratifying to see our wages rightfully increase and AMFA continuing to guide with industry-changing agreements. We’re meeting our objective to proceed to boost industry standards and make the carriers recognize the importance of our highly expert professionals as a stakeholder to each carrier’s operations and the general public trust.”
Photo: Denver International Airport
Oestreich also mentioned that the agreement indicated that the union and airline have returned to a relationship that advantages one another mutually.
the AMFA National President said.
The agreement covers nearly 2,870 Southwest mechanics and related employees, including aircraft maintenance technicians, aircraft inspectors, maintenance controllers, training instructors, and ground support equipment technicians.
“Industry-competitive compensation”
With the brand new contract, wages shall be at a level that competes with the industry, Adam Carlisle, Southwest’s Vice President of Labor Relations, said.
“Our Mechanics and Related Employees bring their technical expertise in lots of areas and do an important job maintaining Southwest’s fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. This contract provides them with industry-competitive compensation while continuing to support the needs of our operation.”
Photo: F Armstrong Photography/Shutterstock
The agreement increases aircraft maintenance technicians’ pay to $65.79, compensating employees for his or her exertions and dedication, in keeping with AMFA.
Oestreich explained.
Comparing other airlines
In line with AMFA, the pay raise puts wages above employees at other non-union and union-represented airlines, corresponding to the large three. American Airlines’ pay is reportedly $58.45, while United Airlines’ compensation is $60.25. Delta Air Lines pays its mechanics $62.02. The raise represents a rise of 20.5% over three years. Southwest confirmed that the agreement would turn out to be amendable on August 16, 2027.
In January, Southwest confirmed that a brand new contract was approved for the airline’s flight instructors represented by the Transport Employees Union Local 557. Greater than 200 instructors provide classroom instruction and simulator training to pilots.