Southwest Flight Attendants Reach Seniority Deal

Agreement needs ratification from unions

Southwest Airlines Co. flight attendants are the latest group of workers to agree on how they will integrate their seniority with that of workers at AirTran Airways.

The agreement, announced Monday, must be ratified by members of the Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents roughly 10,000 Southwest flight attendants. It must also be ratified by the Association of Flight Attendants Council 57, which represents about 2,400 at AirTran, according to the airline and the unions.

The unions said the pact provides seniority enhancements and job security for Southwest flight attendants and boosts wages and benefits for AirTran flight attendants. Southwest Airlines also will open an Atlanta flight attendant base.

Dallas-based Southwest bought AirTran in May. The airline's flight instructors and mechanics are to vote soon on seniority agreements.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us