Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines have ratified a new contract that includes pay increases totaling more than 33% over four years. The contract, which was approved by a margin of 81% to 19%, provides the largest pay raises in the history of Southwest flight attendants and sets a standard for the industry.
The agreement includes raises of more than 22% on May 1 and annual increases of 3% in each of the following three years. In addition to pay raises, the contract provides industry-leading benefits, including the shortest on-duty day, the highest pay, compensation during disruptions, and paid maternity and parental leave. The deal also includes a $364 million ratification bonus for workers.
The new contract comes as Southwest and other airlines continue to benefit from the industry’s recovery since the pandemic. Cabin crews at United Airlines and American Airlines, which are represented by other unions, are still negotiating contracts. The Southwest contract is the latest in a series of agreements that have raised pay for airline workers in recent months. Pilot unions at Delta, United, American and Southwest approved contracts last year that raised pay by more than one-third over several years. This week, Delta said its flight attendants and other nonunion workers will get 5% raises.
The Southwest contract includes changes in scheduling that will help the airline’s operation. The contract also includes provisions for training and career development for flight attendants. The union said the contract provides record gains for flight attendants and sets a standard for other flight attendants.
