Home/Markets/Southwest Flight Attendants Reject Contract, Tensions Rise Between Labor and Airline Management\n\nIn a recent vote, Southwest Airlines flight attendants overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer from the airline. This move is just the latest in a series of growing tensions between cabin crew and U.S. Airline management, potentially leading to the industry’s first labor action in over a decade.\n\nThe proposed contract included a 36% pay increase over five years and other quality of life improvements, but it was not enough to satisfy the flight attendants. In fact, 64% of those who voted rejected the offer, with union president Lyn Montgomery stating that it is not going to heal the hurt.\n\nOne of the main points of contention is boarding pay, as almost all U.S. Flight attendants are only paid when the aircraft door is closed, rather than during the boarding and deplaning process. This is in contrast to Delta Air Lines, the only U.S. Carrier that pays cabin crew for boarding. The issue of ground pay and work rules for delayed and canceled flights is also a major concern for Southwest crews, especially after the airline’s meltdown last December.\n\nLabor unions for cabin crew at other major U.S. Airlines, including Alaska, American, Spirit, and United, are also currently in active contract negotiations. American flight attendants have even authorized a potential strike.\n\nAccording to Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, people are furious and demanding recognition for their hard work. Flight attendants have been on the frontlines during the pandemic, dealing with unruly passengers and enforcing controversial rules like the mask mandate.\n\nAs negotiations continue, tensions are rising between labor and airline management. While some executives have received significant pay increases, flight attendants have not seen a raise since January 2019, despite inflation driving prices up by 18%. This has only added to the frustration and sense of urgency among flight attendants.\n\n Strikes at airlines are governed by strict rules under the U.S. Railway Labor Act, which includes a lengthy process of mediated talks, a strike authorization vote, and a cooling off period before a strike can occur. The president also has the power to intervene and force workers back to their jobs.\n\nIn a the rejection of Southwest’s contract offer highlights the growing tensions between labor and airline management in the U.S. Airline industry.

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Southwest Flight Attendants Reject Contract, Tensions Rise Between Labor and Airline Management\n\nIn a recent vote, Southwest Airlines flight attendants overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer from the airline. This move is just the latest in a series of growing tensions between cabin crew and U.S. Airline management, potentially leading to the industry’s first labor action in over a decade.\n\nThe proposed contract included a 36% pay increase over five years and other quality of life improvements, but it was not enough to satisfy the flight attendants. In fact, 64% of those who voted rejected the offer, with union president Lyn Montgomery stating that it is not going to heal the hurt.\n\nOne of the main points of contention is boarding pay, as almost all U.S. Flight attendants are only paid when the aircraft door is closed, rather than during the boarding and deplaning process. This is in contrast to Delta Air Lines, the only U.S. Carrier that pays cabin crew for boarding. The issue of ground pay and work rules for delayed and canceled flights is also a major concern for Southwest crews, especially after the airline’s meltdown last December.\n\nLabor unions for cabin crew at other major U.S. Airlines, including Alaska, American, Spirit, and United, are also currently in active contract negotiations. American flight attendants have even authorized a potential strike.\n\nAccording to Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, people are furious and demanding recognition for their hard work. Flight attendants have been on the frontlines during the pandemic, dealing with unruly passengers and enforcing controversial rules like the mask mandate.\n\nAs negotiations continue, tensions are rising between labor and airline management. While some executives have received significant pay increases, flight attendants have not seen a raise since January 2019, despite inflation driving prices up by 18%. This has only added to the frustration and sense of urgency among flight attendants.\n\n Strikes at airlines are governed by strict rules under the U.S. Railway Labor Act, which includes a lengthy process of mediated talks, a strike authorization vote, and a cooling off period before a strike can occur. The president also has the power to intervene and force workers back to their jobs.\n\nIn a the rejection of Southwest’s contract offer highlights the growing tensions between labor and airline management in the U.S. Airline industry.

” Southwest Flight Attendants Reject Contract, Tensions Rise Between Labor and Airline Management\n\nIn a recent vote, Southwest Airlines flight attendants overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer from the airline. This move is just the latest in a series of growing tensions between cabin crew and U.S. Airline management, potentially leading to the industry’s first labor action in over a decade.\n\nThe proposed contract included a 36% pay increase over five years and other quality of life improvements, but it was not enough to satisfy the flight attendants. In fact, 64% of those who voted rejected the offer, with union president Lyn Montgomery stating that it is not going to heal the hurt.\n\nOne of the main points of contention is boarding pay, as almost all U.S. Flight attendants are only paid when the aircraft door is closed, rather than during the boarding and deplaning process. This is in contrast to Delta Air Lines, the only U.S. Carrier that pays cabin crew for boarding. The issue of ground pay and work rules for delayed and canceled flights is also a major concern for Southwest crews, especially after the airline’s meltdown last December.\n\nLabor unions for cabin crew at other major U.S. Airlines, including Alaska, American, Spirit, and United, are also currently in active contract negotiations. American flight attendants have even authorized a potential strike.\n\nAccording to Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, people are furious and demanding recognition for their hard work. Flight attendants have been on the frontlines during the pandemic, dealing with unruly passengers and enforcing controversial rules like the mask mandate.\n\nAs negotiations continue, tensions are rising between labor and airline management. While some executives have received significant pay increases, flight attendants have not seen a raise since January 2019, despite inflation driving prices up by 18%. This has only added to the frustration and sense of urgency among flight attendants.\n\n Strikes at airlines are governed by strict rules under the U.S. Railway Labor Act, which includes a lengthy process of mediated talks, a strike authorization vote, and a cooling off period before a strike can occur. The president also has the power to intervene and force workers back to their jobs.\n\nIn a the rejection of Southwest’s contract offer highlights the growing tensions between labor and airline management in the U.S. Airline industry.”$LUV2023-12-15T17:26:19.324Z

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