Pilots of Southwest Airlines voted in favor of a strike, according to their union.
The Daily Caller reports that the union is encouraging everyone possible to engage in the strike. Reportedly, 99% of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) voted in favor of the strike, and 98% of members are expected to engage.
The union states that operational disasters and a lack of progress via negotiations have forced them into this situation. They say that the stagnation that has been occurring between the pilots and the company leadership has put them in a spot where they feel they have no choice but to strike.
SWAPA President Casey Murray said in a press release: This is a historic day, not only for our pilots but for Southwest Airlines, and The lack of leadership and the unwillingness to address the failures of our organization have led us to this point. Our pilots are tired of apologizing to our passengers on behalf of a company that refuses to place its priorities on its internal and external customers.
The unions Negotiating Committee chair, Captain Jody Reven, can now negotiate with the National Mediation Board following the vote by the union.
Murray stated that the airline wants our passengers to understand that we do not take this path lightly and are disheartened that the LUV airline has gotten so far away from the values set forth by Herb Kelleher. Kelleher was the co-founder of Southwest Airlines and passed away in 2019.
In 1998, Southwest Airlines was voted the best place to work, which was attributed to Kellehers heart and dedication to his employees.
The Daily Caller reports that SWAPA wants to warn passengers that they might see disruptions to their summer and fall flights with Southwest Airlines. Southwest suggests that the vote will not impact its ability to move passengers around the country wherever they need to go.
Southwest Airlines Vice President of labor relations Adam Carlisle released a statement that read: Our negotiating team continues to bargain in good faith and work toward reaching a new agreement to reward our Pilots and This anticipated authorization vote result does not change our commitment to the negotiation process, and we look forward to continuing discussions with SWAPA at the negotiating table.
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