Southwest Airlines and Teamster-Represented Stock Clerks Announce New Tentative Agreement

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Feb 15, 2011, 11:09 ET

Clerks Will Now Vote on Ratifying Agreement

DALLAS, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airlines Division, representing the carrier's stock clerks, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement for a new, five-year contract through Aug. 16, 2013.

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"The negotiating teams reached a tentative agreement which improves wages, work rules and job protections while enhancing efficiencies and economic advantages," said Robert Rasch, President of Teamsters Local 19 in Humble, Texas, and the negotiations chairman. "We have worked hard to improve an industry leading contract."

"This further adds to the Teamsters Union's power as the world's largest airline union," said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

The current contract became amendable on Aug. 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act.

In the upcoming weeks, the stock clerks will be given the full details of the agreement and have the opportunity to vote on ratification. The Teamsters Union represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines employees.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters