Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a new contract with Southwest Airlines, marking the end of prolonged negotiations that began in 2020.
The new contract, which extends through December 2028, was approved by a significant majority of the union’s membership, with 92.73% voting for and 7.27% against, in a vote where 98.8% of the members participated.
SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray commented on the agreement, saying, “This has been a long time coming and it is only through the unity of our pilot group that we were able to achieve the gains in this contract. This new CBA will bring our pilots the security and protections that have been long needed.”
Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines® said: “Our Pilots are world-class aviators who uphold Southwest’s commitments to Safety, Hospitality, and connecting People to what’s important in their lives. This agreement justly rewards our Pilots and supports our operational needs.”
Contract Details: Significant Pay Increases and Improved Benefits for Pilots
The newly ratified contract includes an immediate pay-rate increase of 29.15%, followed by annual raises of 4% in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and a 3.25% increase in 2028. Additionally, the agreement introduces comprehensive changes in pilot scheduling, sets industry-leading standards for maternity and paternity leave, provides company-funded disability coverage, and offers enhanced retirement benefits. It also maintains the pilots’ industry-leading scope protections.
SWAPA President Commends Pilots' Unity and Patience Throughout Negotiation Process
Emphasizing the significance of the new contract, Murray stated, “The implementation of this contract will take some time to get right. But we will work with Southwest to make sure that all of the changes that improve our pilots’ quality of life take place as quickly as possible. I want to offer a sincere thank you to our pilots for their support and backing over the last few years. You are the reason we got here.”
This agreement concludes extensive and complex negotiations, reflecting the collective efforts of SWAPA and its members to secure favorable terms for the airline’s pilots.