The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) has announced that a new contract with Southwest Airlines has been approved by its members. The new agreement received a high voter turnout of 98.8%, with 92.73% voting in favor and 7.27% voting against.
The previous agreement became open for changes in 2020, and after negotiations lasting over three and a half years, a mutually satisfactory deal was reached by the pilots. This fresh contract will be in effect until December 2028.
The agreement consists of a pay-rate increase of 29.15% upon ratification, followed by raises of 4% in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and a 3.25% raise in 2028. It also involves significant modifications to pilot scheduling, leading the industry in terms of maternity and paternity leaves, company-provided disability coverage, enhanced retirement benefits, and continued industry-leading Scope protections. According to the union, the implementation of this contract will require some time, but the union will collaborate with Southwest to ensure swift integration of all changes that enhance the pilots’ quality of life.
