IAM/Southwest Airlines Reservation Centers

Southwest Airlines just announced they are closing all the Reservation Centers and transitioning to 100% remote work. The Company made this decision without input from your Union. The Company has chosen to implement practices that were discussed and proposed by your IAM Negotiations Team during negotiations (such as but not limited to stipend for internet service, Global bidding/trading) with their plan. The Company has provided a FAQ page with what they thought would be asked by you, our members. If you have additional questions not addressed on this page, that will impact you, please reach out to your IAM General Chair and we will seek to get you the answers you deserve from the Company to update the FAQ.

While Southwest Airlines is following the Agreement correctly in providing Article 15, Reduction in Force rights, they did not follow the Letter of Understanding Number Four, which states:

“This letter of understanding will confirm the discussion during negotiations between Southwest Airlines and the International Association of Machinists District 142 in regard to a Remote Representative worker concept. The duties of the Remote Representative will be within the scope of the Customer Support and Services work within the current agreement. Upon the Company’s request, both parties agree that they will meet to discuss the Remote Representative worker implementation, if agreed to, during the life of this current agreement.”

Your Union will request immediate dialogue with the Company to ensure your rights are protected. We are scheduled to meet with the Senior leadership the week of June 27th in Dallas. We will keep you informed as we progress through this process. Fraternally,