According to a report from Reuters, Southwest Airlines approached union leaders about possible concessions late last week to address potential options to recover from economic slowdown.
However, representatives of the Transportation Workers Union (TWU) issued a letter to Southwest president Gary Kelly, indicating the union would not open or negotiate concessions to its members' contracts.
The letter, signed by TWU international president John Samuelsen and international administrative vice president Mike Mayes, states in part:
"While we certainly understand that Southwest management wants to explore how the company moves forward, the TWU has no interest in regressing from our current negotiated contracts. We have no interest in concessions."
The letter goes on to say:
"If the company is interested in discussing a seniority based voluntary early out, a paid leave program, or other non concessionary options, which present our members with voluntary opportunities - we are certainly willing to listen."
