Southwest Pilots Approve New Contract

Pilots at Southwest Airlines have ratified a new contract with the airline that will lift pay and changes pension arrangements.

The Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA) said 84.26 percent voted to accept the contract on a 96.3 percent turnout.

The agreement provides a ratification pay increase of 15 percent followed by 3 percent raises each year from 2017-2020.

The pilots’ retirement plan will change to a defined contribution plan where pilots do not have to contribute to receive the retirement benefit.

“This has been an incredible year of pilot unity and resolve. We are now seeing the results,” SWAPA President Captain Jon Weaks said.

Southwest VP Flight Operations Alan Kasher said the contract “rewards our pilots for their professionalism and leadership… this forward-looking agreement delivers the operational flexibility needed to grow our network.”

The contract becomes amendable in November 2020.