Southwest Airlines (Dallas) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing the carrier’s more than 180 Dispatchers, announced yesterday that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through November 2014, and will be presented to all Southwest Dispatchers pending a final review and approval from the TWU 550 Board of Directors. The current contract became amendable in November 2009.

In early 2011, the Carrier sought assistance from the National Mediation Board (NMB) through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. Both Southwest and TWU 550 would like to thank the NMB for its role in reaching this current tentative agreement.

In other news, Southwest has announced today the addition of e-Miles as a new Partner of the carrier’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards. e-Miles is an opt-in online advertising channel that rewards its members for watching, reading, and responding to targeted advertising. e-Miles members now have the opportunity to redeem their e-Miles currency for Rapid Rewards Points.

Finally, the company is deferring 30 Boeing 737-800 (above) deliveries (20 in 2013 and 10 in 2014) to 2017 and 2018.

Read the full report from Reuters: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Tony Storck.

Southwest Slide Show: CLICK HERE