As contract negotiations continue, pilots for Southwest Airlines have voted to authorize a strike.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association says 98% of its members participated in the vote and that 99% of them voted to authorize a strike. They say the vote is historic.
“This is a historic day, not only for our pilots, but for Southwest Airlines,” said SWAPA President Casey Murray. “The lack of leadership and the unwillingness to address the failures of our organization have led us to this point. Our pilots are tired of apologizing to our passengers on behalf of a company that refuses to place its priorities on its internal and external customers.”
The pilot's union has been negotiating with Southwest Airlines on a new contract for pilots since 2020. The strike authorization vote does not mean that pilots are ready to walk off the job. They would have to get permission from federal regulators under the Railway Labor Act.
Permission for a strike would only be granted if the feds deternime that there's no chance to reach an agreement. That could take several months or even years.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to “PLAY 1080 KRLD”
Sign Up and Follow NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram