Southwest Airlines And International Association Of Machinists Reach Agreement

DALLAS, Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that its Customer Service Agents (CSAs) and Customer Representatives (CRs), represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have voted in favor of a new four-year contract. The agreement includes pay increases, as well as bonus opportunities that are tied to Company and Employee performance.

"I am proud to have a new, lucrative contract that rewards our Employees for their exceptional performance, while adding flexibilities that support our mission of being the number one low-cost carrier in the country," said Randy Babbitt, Southwest Airlines' Senior Vice President Labor Relations. "With the ratification coming before the end of the year, our IAM Employees will benefit from Southwest's outstanding 2014 financial accomplishments."

Southwest Airlines is approximately 83 percent unionized and actively engaged in negotiations with six out of its 12 unions. The airline is known for its friendly Customer Service and currently serves as the largest domestic carrier in terms of passengers boarded.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate more than 3,400 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Subject to government approvals, service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, and service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in June 2015.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which is equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate to gate connectivity while over the United States.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music, or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of DISH.  Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer Bags Fly Free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at Southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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