Southwest Airlines pilots have voted to authorize a potential strike, adding another challenge to what has already been a difficult year for the airline.
The union hopes this vote will increase pressure in the ongoing contract negotiations, which have been going on for years.
The results, released by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, showed that 99% of the pilots voted to authorize a potential strike. The airline has stated that this vote will not affect scheduled operations.
Due to federal laws that make it difficult for airline unions to go on strike, the vote does not necessarily mean that pilots will walk out anytime soon.
Southwest Airlines has resumed operations after technical issues halted departures. Southwest is one of three major airlines currently negotiating new labor deals.
Pilot unions reportedly have more leverage to push for higher pay and changes in scheduling practices due to a shortage of pilots industry-wide, a shortage that was exacerbated by carriers encouraging retirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Negotiations between Southwest and its pilots have been ongoing for over three years, with pilots advocating for a major overhaul of the company’s scheduling practices.
Southwest Airlines plans further measures to prevent another winter operations meltdown.
The airline experienced significant flight disruptions at the end of last year when weather-related cancellations led to an operational meltdown.
“Our negotiating team continues to bargain in good faith and work toward reaching a new agreement to reward our pilots,” said Adam Carlisle, Southwest’s vice president of labor relations.
Pilots at American Airlines approved a strike vote earlier this month, but the airline has indicated that progress is being made on a deal.
Canceled Southwest Airlines flights are seen in red on the departures flight schedules at the Southwest terminal at the Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 27, 2022.
Delta Air Lines pilots authorized a strike last year before reaching a deal that included raises of at least 34% over a four-year term.
