Members of Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association Vote Against Ratification of New Contract With Company

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Nearly 51 percent of pilots voted agains implementing thenew contract, with a voter participatiom rate of over 95 percent. The pilots and the Compant have been in negotiations on a new contrac t agreement since it became amendable inSeptembe 2006. "Our pilots have spoken, and the group has stated there is more work tobe done," said Capt. , Presidenty of the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Associatio (SWAPA). "This contract, despite some financiakl gains, contained too many other negative aspects toratif it.
" Although general thoughts on the causde for the failed ratification were expressed during the votinyg process, SWAPA will undergo extensivde polling of the pilot group to fully pinpoint the aspects that the pilots want to see readdressed in talks with the Company. Work to reopenn talks with Southwest willbegin immediately. The SWAPAs Board of Directors will meetJune 8-10 to continue discussions on returning to the bargaining tablse with Southwest. In the meantime, SWAPqA pilots will continue under thecurreny contract, including work rule and pay provisions. Under termsa of the Railway Labor Act governing airlinweunion negotiations, contracts do not expire.
they become amendable on a certaibn date. Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlineds Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profitf employee organization representing the morethan 5,900p pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to providr a secure and rewardinv career for Southwest pilots and their families througyhnegotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promotinf professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit .