Southwest Airlines’ flight attendants union ratify a tentative agreement for the Boeing 737-800

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) announced today its flight attendants, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the Company in September to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Flight Attendants’ current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable May 31, 2013, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the company’s financial performance. TWU 556 is made up of more than 9,700 flight attendants.

The decision to add the -800 still isn’t final. The carrier is still waiting for a ratification vote with its pilots’ union, SWAPA, and is continuing to evaluate network and configuration options. Any details regarding firm orders with Boeing, timing, and quantity of deliveries are still to be determined. If the company pursues the -800, a joint committee would meet to work on the logistical details related to scheduling and bidding procedures that adding a fourth flight attendant will require.

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