Southwest Airlines has spent the past four years negotiating with its pilots, whose last contract expired in 2012. Though they have continued to fly during this time, the pilots are now growing impatient. After United gave its cockpit employees a generous contract extension, the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA) has let it be known that they are growing tired of the years-long impasse.
A short press release was sent to the media yesterday explained this frustration and announced that pilots would take the unprecedented step of picketing Southwest headquarters at Dallas Love Field:
"Southwest Airlines pilots have been without an acceptable contract since 2012. After nearly four years in negotiations toward a new contract, SWAPA has decided to demonstrate their collective displeasure to management, the flying public, and Southwest shareholders.
Four years, particularly during a time of record profits, is far too long for a company known for its “LUV” to not provide a worthy contract offer to its operational front line leaders – the pilots. After numerous sacrifices to help ensure the current financial success, it is time for Southwest Airlines management to finalize a contract with its professional pilots and move forward together toward a prosperous future."
The protest is scheduled for the afternoon of Feb. 3. Pilots will picket at the entrance of the airport and also inside the lobby of Southwest’s headquarters. The release calls this an “informational picket.” It is the first such event at Southwest headquarters, but it is not the first move that SWAPA has ever made. They have been hinting at the possibility of a strike for some time, first announcing a “strike preparedness” plan in May of last year.
It remains to be seen if the picketing inspires Southwest to change the sticking points that led to the failure of the November vote.
