Southwest Airlines and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association Reach Agreement in Principle for Facilities Maintenance Technicians

Sept. 13, 2017
This is the second agreement reached by the parties and, if ratified, the five-year deal includes a complete set of work rules, a wage scale, and a ratification bonus.
DALLAS, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AFMA), the Union that represents Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT), announced today that negotiators have reached an Agreement in Principle that outlines the group's first contract. This is the second agreement reached by the parties and, if ratified, the five-year deal includes a complete set of work rules, a wage scale, and a ratification bonus. "I am thankful that both negotiating teams were able to come together and finalize a new agreement that recognizes our Facilities Maintenance Technicians and supports the needs of our operations," said Vice President Labor Relations Russell McCrady. "I appreciate our Facilities Maintenance Technicians and their many contributions to the success of Southwest Airlines.""Our Negotiating Committee has negotiated for a second time an agreement for our Southwest FMT members," said AMFA Committee Chair Earl Clark. "It's time for those members to review what we have accomplished and determine if it meets their needs and expectations."The Agreement in Principle is subject to final review by AMFA's National Executive Committee before it is submitted to its 37 members for a vote. A date for a ratification vote will be determined by AMFA in the near future.ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.In its 47th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 55,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 99 destinations in the United States and nine additional countries with more than 4,000 departures a day during peak travel season. Service to Turks and Caicos is expected to begin Nov. 5, 2017.Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart. A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 44 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2016 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.