Monday, September 16, 2024 In a significant development for the airline industry, Southwest Airlines Co. and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 19 have jointly announced that the airline’s Flight Simulator Technicians have voted to ratify a new labor agreement. This contract marks a crucial step for Southwest Airlines, further reinforcing its commitment to employee welfare and operational safety.
As the final labor agreement to be reached among Southwest’s 12 union-represented workgroups, this deal solidifies the company’s efforts to secure long-term stability for its workforce. The agreement, which will remain in effect until September 2028, includes increased pay rates, the introduction of a Simulation Engineer classification, and improved maternity and parental leave benefits for eligible employees. This contract covers more than 50 Flight Simulator Technicians who play an essential role in maintaining the airline’s flight training equipment, which is a critical part of Southwest’s training and safety protocols.
Adam Carlisle , Vice President of Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines , emphasized the importance of this new contract and the role that Flight Simulator Technicians play in ensuring operational safety. “Our Flight Simulator Technicians have a critical role in supporting a safe and reliable operation,” Carlisle stated. “I am proud of the work by so many people to help us reach this agreement, as well as the agreements with ever.