Unionized flight attendants at Southwest Airlines voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike Tuesday, one month after members said no to the union’s contract proposal.
Around 98% of voting members voted to go on strike, according to Transport Workers Union Local 556. The landslide support for a strike contrasts last month’s split vote to reject a contract, with 64% of members declining the deal.
“98% YES sends a strong message of solidarity,” the union wrote on X. “We will do whatever it takes to get a Contract that recognizes our contributions to the success of our co.”
While the union didn’t announce a strike deadline, many of Southwest’s flight attendants are expected to participate in the worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on Feb. 13, when thousands of airline workers will be on the picket lines.
TWU represents 15,000 Southwest flight attendants nationally. If the union can’t deliver a popular contract to its members, the airline could face a significant attendant shortage.
Unions from across the airline industry spent much of 2023 pushing for higher wages and better working conditions. Pilots secured historic gains, with many getting massive pay and benefit raises.
Southwest’s flight attendants are demanding better pay to match inflation and better work-life balance. Since most airlines are dealing with staffing shortages, the unions have outsized influence in contract negotiations.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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