Southwest Stock Clerks Ratify New Contract

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Mar 23, 2011, 02:26 ET

Five-year Agreement Improves Wages, Job Protections

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Stock clerks at Southwest Airlines ratified a new, five-year agreement with the company, Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division, announced today.

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"This is a prime example of Teamster power in the airline industry," Bourne said. "Our members have ratified a contract that enhances quality of life and offers peace of mind."

Sixty percent of the work group voted in favor of the contract, which improves wages, work rules and job protections.

"We have worked hard to improve an industry leading contract and I am pleased that our membership accepted this proposal," said Robert Rasch, President of Teamsters Local 19 in Humble, Texas and chairman of the Southwest stock clerks negotiating committee.

The previous 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.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.Teamster.org.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters