In a significant milestone for unionized flight attendants in the aviation industry, Southwest Airlines' nearly 20,000 flight attendants have voted in favor of a new contract. The Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents the flight attendants, announced on Wednesday that the contract had passed after a voting period that took place from April 10 to 24.

The four-year contract, set to commence on May 1 and expire on May 1, 2028, includes several noteworthy provisions. One of the most notable aspects is an immediate 22% snap-up raise, followed by 3% raises in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Additionally, the contract includes retroactive pay to compensate for the absence of raises since the last negotiation.

The voting turnout was impressive, with 92.7% of eligible union members casting their ballots. Of those, 81% voted in favor of the deal, while 19% voted against it. The contract aims to improve the overall working conditions, wages, and benefits of Southwest Airlines flight attendants.

Under the new contract, flight attendants will see a significant increase in their earnings. Currently, a flight attendant at the highest level earns $63.30 per hour, resulting in a base pay of $60,768 annually. However, with the new agreement in place, that same level of flight attendant will make $77.43 an hour, equating to an annual salary of $74,332 before additional incentives or bonuses.

The contract also introduces enhanced maternity leave benefits. Flight attendants will receive six weeks of paid leave for natural birth and eight weeks of paid leave for cesarean section births. Additionally, there is a ratification bonus based on individualized 401(k) eligible earnings, totaling at least $364 million, which will be paid in two installments.

Lyn Montgomery, president and lead negotiator of TWU Local 556, expressed her pride in the unity and determination demonstrated by Southwest Airlines flight attendants during the negotiation process. She underscored the significance of this contract as not only uplifting the members themselves but also setting a precedent for the industry.

Southwest Airlines, recognizing the important role flight attendants play in ensuring customer satisfaction and safety, expressed their appreciation for the professionalism and dedication exhibited by their flight attendants. Adam Carlisle, vice president of labor relations at Southwest, has stated that the new contract provides just rewards for flight attendants and strengthens the airline's operations.

This agreement is a significant step forward for flight attendants in the airline industry, particularly as contract negotiations have continued for years without resolution. While other major U.S. airlines' pilots have secured new contracts, flight attendants at American Airlines and United Airlines are still in the process of bargaining for new agreements.

Southwest Airlines flight attendants have now become the first among their unionized counterparts at major airlines to successfully secure a new contract. This achievement serves as a reference point for other flight attendant unions, such as the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA representing United Airlines flight attendants, who have recently picketed and utilized Southwest's success as a talking point.

The ratified contract signifies a renewed sense of solidarity and a fairer deal for Southwest Airlines flight attendants. It marks yet another labor agreement to be reached at Southwest, with the airline having now ratified 11 labor deals since October 2022.