Southwest seeks mediator for flight attendant pact
Southwest Airlines Co. has asked the National Mediation Board for help in contract negotiations with the low-cost carrier's 7,200 flight attendants.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Dallas-based airline said it expects the board to appoint a mediator to establish a schedule and ground rules for negotiations as Southwest aims to reach a new contract with the Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents the flight attendants.
"We are committed to negotiating a new contract which recognizes the unparalleled excellence of the flight attendants of Southwest Airlines," Chief Executive Jim Parker said in a statement. "Unfortunately, it no longer appears that this is possible without outside assistance. This is why we have requested the assistance of the National Mediation Board."
The two sides have been in negotiations for 16 months. Southwest (NYSE: LUV) said it expects the board's involvement to expedite the talks.
Flight attendants, who are looking for better pay, are against a proposal that would add two-and-a-half hours to 10.5-hour workdays without breaks or meals, according to news reports.
Company Web site: www.southwest.com
Southwest Airlines Co. has asked the National Mediation Board for help in contract negotiations with the low-cost carrier's 7,200 flight attendants.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Dallas-based airline said it expects the board to appoint a mediator to establish a schedule and ground rules for negotiations as Southwest aims to reach a new contract with the Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents the flight attendants.
"We are committed to negotiating a new contract which recognizes the unparalleled excellence of the flight attendants of Southwest Airlines," Chief Executive Jim Parker said in a statement. "Unfortunately, it no longer appears that this is possible without outside assistance. This is why we have requested the assistance of the National Mediation Board."
The two sides have been in negotiations for 16 months. Southwest (NYSE: LUV) said it expects the board's involvement to expedite the talks.
Flight attendants, who are looking for better pay, are against a proposal that would add two-and-a-half hours to 10.5-hour workdays without breaks or meals, according to news reports.
Company Web site: www.southwest.com
