FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2016
CONTACT: Ori Korin
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants Vote in Favor of New Labor Agreement
TWU Local 556 Reaches First Contract in Three Years
Today, members of TWU Local 556, flight attendants at Southwest Airlines, voted to ratify a new contract with the company after just over three years of negotiations. The final outcome was 54% voting in favor, with 89% of eligible members voting. The ratification marks a massive victory for the local, which, together with TWU International, launched a nationwide campaign to survey, educate and communicate with members about the ongoing negotiations.
The agreement secures members an immediate 6% wage increase, which is the first of 12.45% total wage increases compounded over the next two years. It also provides a ratification bonus and additional work rule changes. The contract is amendable in two years, allowing the Local 556 negotiating committee to return to the table to build on these industry-leading advances.
“We’re happy that we have a ratified contract that recognizes our flight attendants’ contributions to the continued success of Southwest Airlines,” said Local 556 President Audrey Stone. “While this vote shows that most members supported the TA, it’s clear that we still have a great deal of work to do on quality of life issues for our flight attendants.”
TWU International vowed to continue supporting Local 556 in their effort, and congratulated them on a job well done.
“This union is always going to have your back,” said TWU International President Harry Lombardo. “A good contract is a great first step, and we’ll keep fighting to make sure all of our members at Southwest Airlines are recognized for the work they do to keep that company moving.”
The Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO represents nearly 140,000 members across the airline, railroad, transit, university, utility, service and gaming sectors nationwide.