Thu, Feb 02, 2012
Join Pilots And Flight Instructors In Clearing The Way For
Final Merger
Flight Attendants from Southwest Airlines, represented by the
Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, and AirTran Airways, represented
by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 57, voted
Tuesday to ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement. This
tentative agreement, reached late last year, integrates the two
groups' seniority lists. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of
the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc., on May 2, 2011.
"I want to commend the Company negotiating team for their
leadership in facilitating an agreement and the Unions for
educating the membership and giving our Flight Attendants a chance
to vote, and a voice in this process," said Mike Van de Ven,
Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer. "The Flight Attendants make up one of our largest work
groups and to have this crucial first step in integration process
complete is a testament to everyone involved."
"I'm grateful for the many hours those on the Negotiating Teams
dedicated to this effort," added Mike Hafner, Southwest Airlines
Vice President of Cabin Services. "I'm pleased for the favorable
outcome and excited we can now focus on the next steps in the
integration process. The Southwest and AirTran Flight Attendants
have proven they can rally together for the greater good of
Southwest Airlines. I'm proud to lead such a passionate and
committed work group, and we're ready for all the exciting things
to come."
TWU represents approximately 9,800 Southwest Airlines Flight
Attendants, and the AFA represents close to 2,400 AirTran Airways
Flight Attendants.
Tuesday's vote by the Flight Attendants means they now join the
Pilots and Flight Instructors as having successfully completed the
Seniority Integration negotiation process. Mechanics from both
airlines are currently reviewing their tentative seniority
integration agreement and will vote in the next several weeks. Work
groups still in seniority integration negotiations include Ramp,
Operations, and Provisioning Agents; Customer Service Agents and
Customer Support and Service Employees; Dispatchers; and Materials
Specialists.
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