DALLAS, Nov. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced that the Southwest Airlines Facilities Maintenance Technicians, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), ratified their first collective bargaining agreement. The new five-year contract includes a complete set of work rules, wage scale, ratification bonus, and job protections."I am very pleased the Negotiating Teams completed an initial contract that gives our Facilities Maintenance Technicians new benefits and protections, supporting Southwest's commitment to provide its People a stable work environment," said Vice President, Labor Relations Russell McCrady.  "I would like to commend and express my appreciation to both negotiating committees for their dedication to this process," said AMFA National Director Bret Oestreich. "After joint efforts by both parties in a second attempt to get the Facilities Maintenance Technicians an improved agreement, the membership made their voices heard by ratifying a new contract with increases and improvements in compensation, job security, and work rules."The Union reports that 59 percent of those who cast ballots voted in favor of the agreement. Negotiators for Southwest Airlines and AMFA began contract discussions in June 2013. The newly-ratified contract is effective immediately and becomes amendable in November 2022.ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.In its 47th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 55,000 Employees to a Customer base topping 115 million passengers annually, in recent years. Southwest became the nation's largest domestic air carrier in 2003 and maintains that ranking based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent reporting of domestic originating passengers boarded. During peak travel seasons, Southwest operates more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 100 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. Southwest has announced its intention to sell tickets in 2018 for service to Hawaii, subject to requisite governmental approvals.