Southwest Airlines Ratifies Agreement With Mechanics Union

Image: PHOTO: Southwest Boeing 737-300. (photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines)

by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:10 AM ET, Wed May 22, 2019

Southwest Airlines announced the company has voted to ratify a new tentative agreement with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

The AMFA represents Southwest's 2,400 mechanics and related employees, and the deal provides them immediate coverage by the ratified contract. The agreement will become amendable in April 2024.

"Our mechanics will receive well-deserved pay increases, and the company will realize additional flexibilities necessary to compete in today's airline industry," Southwest Vice President Russell McCrady said in a statement. "This new contract benefits all parties as it takes care of our people and preserves the long-term health of Southwest Airlines."

The news of a ratified agreement comes just over a week after Southwest announced plans to add four daily Hawaiian flights between Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Hilo International Airport later this year.

The airline also announced it plans to launch direct flights between Hilo and mainland U.S. before the holidays. When the new service begins, Hilo International will be the airline's fifth airport serviced in the state.

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Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.