Southwest Airlines Tells Employees To Brace For ‘Tough Decisions’

Image: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 on a taxiway. (photo via Southwest Airlines Media)
Image: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 on a taxiway. (photo via Southwest Airlines Media)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 7:55 AM ET, Mon September 23, 2024

Southwest Airlines has issued a warning to employees without actually warning them. It’s more preparatory that something ominous is likely coming.

Southwest told employees that ‘tough decisions’ are ahead. Read into that what you will, but it’s part of an overall strategy to boost profits at the airline.

A video message was sent to employees by Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson.

"I apologize in advance if you as an individual are affected by it," Watterson said. He did not offer any details on the potential moves.

Southwest did not immediately comment further.

Southwest is the fourth-largest airline in the United States. The carrier is still struggling because of the pandemic and a delay in deliveries from its primary manufacturer, Boeing.

An investor in the company with 10 percent shares in the airline said it would like to replace CEO Robert Jordan. It has not been a good year financially for Southwest.


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Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

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