Southwest Airlines pilots’ union has authorized its members to hold demonstrations over unfair working conditions this summer.
Leaders of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association claim that the airline treated union members poorly. According to the union, Southwest forced pilots to work additional days. Also, there were members who didn’t get the proper hotel and transportation arrangements. It is also a common occurrence to have confusing flight schedules as the airline struggles to keep up with the current travel demand.
SWAPA President Casey Murray said that “We are finishing trips and then being asked to come back on for two more days and then a day or two after that”.
According to a video that was sent to pilots this week, Southwest Airlines Pilots’ union may start demonstrations by the fourth quarter of this year. Murray said that they will be holding a picket demonstration “should Southwest Airlines continue its current trajectory”.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots’ union isn’t alone in its issues. The union for Southwest flight attendants also said that their members are “weary, exhausted, frustrated, and forgotten”.
Keeping Up With the Travel Demand
Last year, airlines had to ask their crew to take early retirement packages or even take leaves. When travel demand increased, that’s when things became problematic. Southwest had to increase flights to meet the uptick in travel demand. The airline scheduled 87% of the flights for July 21, which was the same as 2019 during the same month according to Diio by Cirium.
Southwest vice president of flight operations Bob Waltz released a statement regarding the operational challenges faced by the airline. Waltz said that “We have teams across the airline working diligently to adapt to the current environment and support our employees during this peak travel season”. He added that the airline is working with the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association on things that affect the pilots. However, Waltz noted that “but we also have a responsibility to consider a number of factors before implementation of suggestions”.
Fatigue Rates Are Through The Roof
Murray said that their “fatigue rates are through the roof”. The union’s board approved a $1 million budget on picketing and promotional campaign that would highlight their grievances.
