Southwest Airlines pilots vote to authorize a strike
The move strikes another note of uncertainty for the summer travel season
Earlier this month pilots at American Airlines, who are also in contract negotiations with the carrier, took similar action.
That’s not to say pilots at either airline will actually go on strike, but it’s enough to make travelers booked on either of the airlines later in the summer nervous. Airline capacity has already been reduced because of fewer pilots. A reduction in American and Southwest flights would place added strain on the system.
At this point, almost no one is anticipating a Southwest strike, even though 99% of pilots gave the green light. Industry experts say the strike vote is likely a muscle-flexing move to put pressure on the airline to agree to a favorable deal. For its part, the airline doesn't appear worried.
“We are staffed and prepared to welcome travelers for their summer travel plans,” Southwest said in a statement.
The airline industry is different from other types of businesses when it comes to work stoppages. Under federal law, union employees at the nation’s airlines can’t walk out unless a mediator has determined further negotiations are pointless.
A number of grievances
Still, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) President Casey Murray suggests the union has a number of grievances and will drive a hard bargain.
"The lack of leadership and the unwillingness to address the failures of our organization have led us to this point,” Murray said. “Our pilots are tired of apologizing to our passengers on behalf of a company that refuses to place its priorities on its internal and external customers."
New rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) may also put added pressure on the two airlines. DOT has started the rulemaking process with the goal of requiring airlines to give stranded passengers compensation and reimbursement for meals, hotels, and rebooking when the airline is responsible for flight cancellations.
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