Hoping Southwest Airlines was serious about reaching agreements, District 142 conducted Executive level virtual negotiations with Southwest Airlines Management on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, under the auspices of the National Mediation Board (NMB).
Fortunately, Southwest publicly agreed to our position that IAM members need not take a pay cut due to the coronavirus pandemic. They recognize, like you, that there hasn’t been a raise for our membership for nearly 2 years while all others (including management) have had raises. The Company has demanded unreasonable scope (job protection) concessions to your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that would threaten the future strength of your contract. Scope is the most important piece of any contract – the language defines whom performs what work – and the company’s proposal is that it not be you.
The Company’s tactic is simple – obtain through fearmongering what they haven’t achieved at the bargaining table. Southwest has threatened to once again furlough IAM members instead of addressing the most important quality of life issues our members have. This disrespect to you is unacceptable.
Your Union will fight to protect the best Scope in the industry; preserve the jobs our members have; prevent any cut in pay; and solve the last of the issues at the bargaining table. Your continued support will get us over the finish line.
To Southwest we say – get serious about reaching an agreement that is at your fingertips. And do it now!
Sincerely and fraternally,
Dave Supplee
PRESIDENT DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIR
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