DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — Pilots with Dallas-based Southwest Airlines have approved a new contract from which they will receive an immediate 15 percent raise with more to come in future years. The deal also includes increased funding of retirement programs and better job security.
According to a statement issued by the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association, more than 95 percent of the 8,400 Southwest pilots voted and the contract was approved by 84 percent of them. The new deal will run through August of 2020 and took four years to negotiate.
The company issued a statement praising the deal, saying it “recognizes and rewards our pilots for their professionalism and leadership.”
Pilots union president Capt. Jon Weaks told the Dallas Business Journal the organization will continue to press the airline for more investment in technology. He also said the union will continue it’s no-confidence position on Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly.
