Southwest Airlines Facilities Maintenance Technicians Reject Tentative Agreement

DALLAS, Dec. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that its Facilities Maintenance Technicians have rejected the tentative agreement negotiators reached in late October. The five-year deal would have become the group's first contract since being accreted into the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

According to the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), 34 of 37 eligible Employees voted on the agreement, with 19 voting against it.

"I appreciate the time and effort negotiators spent creating an entirely new agreement," said Senior Director Corporate Facilities John Zuzu. "The Company will take a step back to assess the results of the vote and determine how we might structure a contract that respects and serves the interests of both the Company and our Employees."

Section VI Negotiations officially began in June 2013. The Company will not speculate as to when negotiations will resume.

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In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 53,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest proudly operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV. Southwest created Transfarency®, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.