Southwest Airlines has announced a tentative agreement with the union representing almost 20,000 flight attendants. The contract with Transport Workers Union Local 556 expired in 2018.
TWU Local 556 says 98% of its members voted in favor of authorizing a strike in January. The two sides then entered into mediation.
They announced a tentative agreement Wednesday morning.
“Southwest’s Flight Attendants support the Safety and comfort of our Customers while providing legendary Southwest Hospitality,” said Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines. “I am glad they will have the opportunity to vote on this new agreement.”
"The TWU Local 556 Executive Board approved a proposed tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines. Member education will begin on Monday and voting will commence in a few weeks. Our Membership is the ultimate authority, and they will decide if this agreement becomes our new Collective Bargaining Agreement with Southwest Airlines," TWU Local President Lyn Montgomery wrote in an email Wednesday morning.
Southwest says nine other work groups have approved contracts since October of 2022 including technicians, customer service agents, dispatchers, and pilots. The airline is currently in direct negotiations with TWU Local 555, which represents almost 18,000 ramp and cargo agents. That contract expired in 2021.
A contract with 54 flight simulator technicians is the next to expire at the end of April.
Through 10 a.m. Wednesday, Southwest Airlines stock was trading up 1.4% from the day before.
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