Southwest Airlines flight attendant will be weighing a deal worth $456 million in increased pay and incentives upon casting the votes on a new contract later this month, according to the details recently released by the union.
Compared to the tentative pact that was overwhelmingly rejected last year, this current deal for flights attendants does not have any direct effect on their vacation pays or even the length of their work day.
Once approved, the flight attendants would have their pays increased by six (6) percent on November 1, with three (3) percent additional upsurges in 2017 and 2018. They would also receive a ratification bonus worth 15.9 percent of their average annual salary to cover the three years flight attendants who went without pay-scale increases during the duration of the negotiation of the said agreement.
According to the figures provided by the union, the said items would add up to $456 million in increased pay for Southwest's flight attendants over the next two years.
Audrey Stone, President of Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents more than 13,000 Southwest flight attendants, said that this upcoming deal ensures that through the proposed duration of the contract, flight attendants would not only maintain but increase as well the industry leading pay status.
"We currently have industry leading work rules and this not only maintains but improves those as well," furthered Stone.
Unlike many other unions, Southwest's flight attendants union does not recommend whether its members should approve or reject the contract.
Compared to the more typical minimum of 13 hours at other airlines, one issue for the Southwest Airlines crew and personnel is the minimum length of their work day, which sits at 10.5 hours per day.
The contract up for approval contains no changes to either issue, instead focusing on increasing compensation for flight attendants at a time when Southwest is bringing in record profits.
"This makes sure we don't go without a pay raise in this time of historical profits," Stone said.
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