Southwest Airlines Co. and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) recently reached a tentative agreement to update work rules and improve employee compensation. The agreement also includes a ratification bonus.
“We’re glad our employees will have the opportunity to vote on this tentative agreement, as we feel it rewards them for the hard work they demonstrate every day,” Russell McCrady, Southwest vice president of labor relations, said. “I appreciate the work by both negotiating committees to reach this agreement.”
AMFA represents Southwest’s 2,400 aircraft mechanics and those in a related workgroup.
The association will talk to its membership about the ratification process.
If the contract is approved, it will become amendable April 1, 2023.
The agreement comes as Southwest deals with a Department of Transportation Inspector General audit of the Federal Aviation Administration and its oversight of Southwest’s risk management systems. The audit was triggered by April’s fatal accident when an engine fan blade detached and broke a window. An engine fan blade also detached in August 2016.
Jon Weaks, president of Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association, said the audit doesn’t surprise him, according to a June 26 article first appearing in the Chicago Business Journal. He said he was concerned about recent reports regarding the difficult safety culture in the airline’s maintenance department.
The airline needs to ensure there is no intimidation in the maintenance department, Weaks said.