Southwest Reaches Tentative Agreement with Pilots Union

Southwest Airlines and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), the union representing 11,000-plus Southwest pilots, have reached a tentative agreement on a contract. 

The pilots, who had been ready to strike if a deal was not met, now have until Jan. 22 to vote to approve or reject the contract, which the union’s board says, “achieves the goals of the pilot group, provides security for their families, and rewards their industry-leading productivity.” 

“We know that the last few years have been difficult for our pilots as well as our customers, but we believe that this TA rewards our pilots as well as improving reliability for our passengers,” said SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray. “Our membership has fought for almost four years to reach an agreement with Southwest Airlines. They now have the opportunity to evaluate this deal and cast their vote accordingly.” 

The agreement would run through December 2028 and give pilots pay increases over the next four years. It also includes improvements to work rules, staff schedules, disability coverage, and retirement benefits. 

“Our pilots are exemplary aviators, and this agreement would give them industry-leading pay rates, and numerous quality-of-life enhancements, while also providing opportunities for operational efficiencies,” said Adam Carlisle, vice president of labor relations at Southwest. “I thank both negotiating committees and the National Mediation Board for their hard work to achieve this milestone, and I am glad our pilots will get to vote on this agreement soon.” 

Southwest’s flight attendants are also currently in contract negotiations. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 voted down a tentative contract earlier this month and are now back to negotiating a deal.