In a bold turn of events, Southwest Airlines mechanics rejected the proposed contract offer that was on the table saying it fell short of the pay rates they wanted. This will send the the company and the mechanics back into negotiations.
Southwest had said the proposed contract offered “industry-leading pay increases and a ‘sizable’ ratification bonus.” AMFA is describing the opposition as “overwhelming.”
“The SWA AMTs deserve a compensation package that reflects their value to Southwest Airlines, it’s justifiable to be rewarded for their efforts and contributions to the success of the company over these years,” says Bret Oestreich, AMFA National director. “Southwest made billions in profits, while lowballing our AMTs in negotiations. They were stalling our negotiations and pay proposals to ‘to allow [their] competitors a chance to catch-up.’ Meanwhile, Southwest has never been in a better economic environment to reward our group. We know it, and our members know it. It’s time the Company recognizes the AMTs for their hard work.”
“The AMTs have been in negotiations with Southwest for more than six years,” Oestreich continues. “Southwest believed by dragging out the process, the AMTs would be exhausted enough to ratify the TA, anticipating 50+1% to ratifying this Agreement. By this vote, it’s clear that Southwest’s tactic failed and clarifies just how out of touch SWA management is with their employees. 96.53% of the workgroup voted, and the majority has clearly spoken to reject this deal.”
The AMFA-SWA Negotiating Committee is calling for a survey of their membership regarding the recent rejection of the AMFA-SWA AMT Tentative Agreement, saying “Your feedback will help guide your Negotiating Committee to pursue an agreement worthy of the membership’s approval.” The survey web site will be open for responses through October 9, 2018.