Southwest Airlines Technicians Ratify New Teamsters Contract

The Facts -

• • Teamsters Local 19 ratified a four-year contract with Southwest Airlines.

• • The contract includes a 23% wage increase and improved benefits.

• • New provisions add engineering classifications and job protections.

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(DALLAS) – Teamsters Local 19, representing 54 flight simulator technicians, voted by 66% to ratify a four-year contract with Southwest Airlines. The new contract includes a 23% wage increase, reduced years to top pay scale from 12 to nine, improved retirement, maternity/paternity leave benefits, and significant ratification bonuses.

“I’m extremely proud of our members for securing this phenomenal four-year contract,” said Jesse Ruiz, President of Local 19. “This agreement is a testament to the strength of the Teamsters’ power. We fought hard, and our unity allowed us to secure this amazing deal.”

In addition to improvements in pay and benefits, Southwest Airlines Teamsters secured an engineering classification. This provision gives technicians responsible for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the carrier’s flight simulators a faster track to higher base wages and hiring assurances for engineers from within the Teamsters. Protections for specialists were also added to the contract.

“From the industry-leading pay increase and benefits to safety and job security, this is the best deal this group has ever seen,” said Arnold Villarreal, Local 19 Trustee. “This is a well-deserved victory for the dedicated Teamsters who make this airline safe and successful.” Teamsters Local 19 represents aviation workers throughout Texas. For more information, visit teamsterslocal19.org.

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