In a close vote, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association has rejected a tentative agreement reached by its bargaining team and management.
Nearly 51 percent of the pilots, with a turnout of more than 95 percent, voted against the new contract. Vote results were announced Wednesday.
Work to reopen talks will begin immediately, according to the union that represents 5,900 pilots. The union’s board will meet next week and will poll members on issues. A date to return to the bargaining table could come as soon as 60 days, or the delay could be indefinite.
Pilots for the Dallas-based carrier will continue to work under terms of the current contract. Contracts do not expire but are amended on a certain date under the Railway Labor Act, which governs airline-union negotiations.
Negotiations have been held since the agreement became amendable in September 2006.
“We are naturally disappointed and acknowledge it was a very close vote,” said Chuck Magill, Southwest’s vice president of flight operations.
“Our pilots have spoken, and the group has stated there is more work to be done,” said Capt. Carl Kuwitzky, association president.
Kuwitzky said in a release that “despite some financial gains,” there were “too many other negative aspects.”
Insiders said the biggest obstacle involved “quality-of-life issues,” including the pilots’ ability to manipulate their schedules.
Ann Schrader: 303-954-1967 or aschrader@denverpost.com
