Machinists Union Reaches Industry-Leading Tentative Agreement for 7,000 Members at Southwest Airlines

Approximately 7,000 IAM-represented workers at Southwest Airlines will be voting on a contract that delivers industry-leading job protections and pay scales for members at the carrier. The IAM represents Customer Service Employees, including Customer Representatives, Customer Service Agents and Source of Support Representatives, at Southwest Airlines.

The four-year tentative agreement also provides better mandatory overtime rules and creates a better quality of life for IAM members. The IAM negotiating committee unanimously recommends a “yes” vote.

“Our members should be proud to have stood strong for a contract they deserve,” said Richie Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “Thanks to this negotiating committee and the solidarity of our membership, we were able to secure a much stronger tentative agreement that will benefit our members at Southwest Airlines, their families and communities.”

Read highlights of the agreement here.

“I want to thank every member who has stood strong and made their voices heard through surveys during this process,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. “We have listened to the needs of our membership and are extremely proud of this tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines.”

In the coming days, the full version of the tentative agreement will be provided to members.

“We are very grateful to the membership, negotiating committee, District 142 leadership, Airline Coordinator Tom Regan, Grand Lodge Representative Jeff Tobius and National Mediation Board Mediator Gerry McGuckin,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “We also want to thank Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan and his team for being partners toward securing a strong tentative agreement.”

The IAM will also hold informational meetings for contract explanation as soon as all ratification vote locations and dates are confirmed.

“It has been an honor to work with this negotiating team,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “Every IAM member at Southwest Airlines should be proud of the work done on their behalf to secure this industry-leading tentative agreement.”

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