Southwest Airlines, flight attendants' union reach tentative agreement

foxbusiness.com:

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Kansas City were treated to a very special «MVP» on board. Donna Kelce, mother to NFL stars Travis and Jason, was introduced by crew members as a «Most Valuable Parent.»

Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced a tentative agreement with its flight attendants union on a new contract that will impact nearly 20,000 cabin crew members.

Union representatives have demanded higher pay and better work rules under the terms of any new contract. The previous contact came up for renewal in 2018.

«Southwest's Flight Attendants support the Safety and comfort of our Customers while providing legendary Southwest Hospitality,» said Adam Carlisle, vice president labor relations at Southwest Airlines. «I am glad they will have the opportunity to vote on this new agreement.»

In the past two years, unions across the aerospace, construction, airline and rail industries have demanded higher wages and more benefits in a tight labor market.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CUTS CAPACITY, PAUSES HIRING DUE TO BOEING ‘CHALLENGES’

A Southwest commercial airliner takes off from Las Vegas International Airport on Feb. 8, 2024. (Mike Blake/File / Reuters Photos)

Since October 2022, nine Southwest labor unions have ratified new agreements with the airline. 

The Transport Workers Union's local chapter, representing the flight attendants, will present details of the agreement directly to the cabin crew members for a ratification vote.

«Today, the TWU Local 556 Executive Board approved a proposed tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines. Member education will begin on Monday and voting will commence in a few weeks,» said Lyn Montgomery, president of TWU Local 556. 

«Our Membership is the ultimate