Southwest, Pilot Union Reach Tentative Agreement

Southwest Airlines and the SWAPA pilots union have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a new contract.

The agreement is for the period to August 31, 2020 and provides pay increases back-dated to 2013, and changes to the pilots’ retirement plan, the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association said in a statement.

The union’s board will meet from September 19-22 to review the offer, and if approved, it will go out for a 30-day membership ratification, with the vote completed in early November.

“While a new contract is certainly not a done deal, this is the next step in the process,” SWAPA President, Captain Jon Weaks said in the union statement. “Our negotiators were able to bring back an agreement worthy of review and discussion by our board of directors. However, the membership will have the final decision as always.”

Southwest’s chief operating officer Mike Van de Ven said "We appreciate our Pilots and recognise their role in the Company's success. With the support and assistance of the NMB (National Mediation Board), the negotiating teams were able to reach an agreement that balances the needs of our Pilots and the Company."

Negotiations will continue this week to draft final language of the agreement.