Southwest said in a brief statement that it respects the right of employees to express their opinions, "and we do not anticipate any disruption in service as a result of this single demonstration." The airline declined to comment on the union's concerns. In the first five months of this year, Southwest pilots reported feeling fatigued at more than triple the rate of a year ago, according to figures from the union, which says this raises safety concerns. Our fatigue rates reflect that," he said. On Tuesday at Love Field, which is next to Southwest headquarters, pilots in crisp white short-sleeved shirts with epaulets on their shoulders stood at attention, holding signs that read "Southwest's operation: From first to worse," and "Our passengers and pilots deserve better."Ĭasey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, the union for the airline's 9,000 pilots, said work has turned into a "flightmare" for pilots because of over-scheduling. So-called regional carriers, which operate American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express flights, are being hit hardest by a shortage of pilots. Two regional subsidiaries of American will give pilots a wage premium of 50% through August 2024 in addition to longer-term increase. The deal still needs to be ratified by pilots. Terms have not been disclosed, but they likely included higher pay – United's CEO called it an industry-leading proposal. United Airlines reached an agreement with ALPA last month. Some held signs such as, "Frustrated with AA? So are we."Īirline unions are hoping to take advantage of the strong demand for travel this summer to win increases in wages and benefits. The union said Delta has scheduled more flights than it has pilots to fly, and pilots were working record overtime hours.Įarlier this month, American Airlines pilots picketed near the New York Stock Exchange, and before that, at major airports. Last week, the Air Line Pilots Association, or ALPA, posted an open letter to Delta Air Lines customers, saying its members empathized with travelers whose flights were delayed or canceled, and blaming Delta management. Sometimes they vote to authorize a strike – Alaska Airlines pilots did that last month – even though there is little chance that they will walk off the job. That slow pace causes unions to look for creative ways to put pressure on management. What's going on?: 'Travel Armageddon' as flight delays, cancellations pile up Southwest's flight attendants have been working under an old contract since 2018.ĪAA predicts: Record number of people expected to take road trips for Fourth of July weekend Contract negotiations tend to drag out – often for years. The protest, which the union said drew up to 1,300 pilots, was the latest example of airline workers trying to put pressure on companies by taking their demands for higher pay directly to the flying public.įederal law makes it nearly impossible for airline unions to conduct legal strikes. Most passengers made a beeline for the security checkpoint inside the terminal. DALLAS – Hundreds of uniformed Southwest Airlines pilots stood in perfect lines in the scorching Texas sun at Dallas Love Field on Tuesday, holding signs that blamed Southwest management for delays and cancellations that have upset passengers.Įvery once in a while, a motorist would honk or yell encouragement.
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