The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced that its approximately 6,500 members — passenger service and reservations agents — have overwhelmingly approved a new contract between the union and Southwest Airlines.
The contract, with a four-year term, maintains the airline industry's most lucrative defined-contribution retirement plan, according to the union, and also made other gains: wage improvements that preserve the highest base wage rates in the industry, a signing bonus, industry-best job security provisions and improved vacation flexibility, among others.
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The IAM, the largest transportation union in North America, represents not only the workers at Southwest, but also over 100,000 workers in the airline and railroad sectors.
"I thank IAM members at Southwest for their support and solidarity throughout this process," said IAM District 142 President Dave Supplee in the union's announcement. "The negotiations team did a great job maintaining industry-leading terms for IAM members at Southwest Airlines."
"Through their collective voice, IAM members at Southwest proved that the best agreement in the industry can be achieved by standing together," said IAM General Vice President Sito Pantoja in a statement. "I thank IAM negotiators for demonstrating great resolve during a tenuous round of bargaining."
The airline is also currently engaged in negotiations with several other unions ranging from pilots to flight attendants and facilities maintenance technicians; some of those have asked for assistance from federal mediators.
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