Southwest Airlines Co. and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union that represents Southwest Airlines Aircraft Appearance Technicians, announced Sept. 8 they have reached a Tentative Agreement.
"Our Appearance Technicians contribute to Southwest's success every day, and I am proud of both Negotiating Committees for reaching an agreement that rewards our Employees for their continued hard work," said Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines.
Southwest's nearly 170 Appearance Technicians help deliver safe, secure, clean, and reliable aircraft for Southwest's Customers and Employees. AMFA will communicate to its members the details of the Tentative Agreement and the ratification process.
AMFA on its website posted the following:
AMFA and Southwest Airlines have been engaged in bargaining exchanges, held virtually and in person, regarding an extension letter of agreement to the Appearance Technician (AAT) collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These discussions commenced not long after the first tentative agreement (TA) was overwhelmingly rejected on July 1, 2022, and the subsequent membership survey determined what needed to be improved.
The Parties, on September 7, 2002, finalized a second TA. We believe this TA addresses the what the survey indicated was the main reason for the first TA being voted down, including: an increase in the initial snap up in pay from six and a quarter (6.25%) to twelve percent (12%) for anyone at the fourth year and above in the pay scale; the elimination of the efficiency bonus; and an additional year to the agreement which again like in the first TA has three percent (3%) increases for each step of the scale in each out year of the agreement.
AMFA National will be starting the process of a ratification vote.
