Southwest Airlines and Teamsters Union announce contract ratification

DALLAS /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier’s Material Specialists (formerly known as Stock Clerks), announced today that the IBT membership ratified a mutually beneficial tentative agreement. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through Aug. 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on Aug. 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with this valued workgroup,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The new agreement incorporates a job title change that better reflects the functions performed by the IBT members. The new contract also provides for wage and benefit enhancements in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility, which are important elements for Southwest to effectively compete and set a path toward growth.”

Source: Southwest Airlines