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Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines

jharris
Explorer C

I became an Employee of SWA in December 2005.  However, as an attorney in private practice, I represented SWA in labor and employment matters for over 34 years before becoming an Employee.  Often, when people would learn that I represented Southwest Airlines, they would ask, “How does Southwest manage to remain non-Union?”  I would chuckle and explain that, in fact, Southwest is the most heavily unionized airline in the industry.  (We currently have ten collective bargaining agreements covering over 85% of our approximate 34,000 Employees.) 

But why was I so often asked this question?  I believe it is because there has been so little labor strife at Southwest.  But what is the explanation for such a remarkable labor relations history?  I believe it is attributable to two factors: (1) commitment to positive labor relations at the highest level of Leadership; and (2) our positive Employee Culture. 

Southwest Airlines began flying in June 1971, and I began representing Southwest in May 1972.  During those early years, I was privy to discussions at Southwest concerning what approach Southwest would take with regard to Union representation of its Employees.  Lamar Muse, the first operating CEO and President of Southwest, was of the opinion that we should not expend time and resources in an attempt to remain non-Union.  Lamar’s reason for doing so was both pragmatic and financial.  We were small and broke.  In Lamar’s opinion, if we were to be successful at remaining non-Union, we would have to lead the industry in wages and benefits, something we could not even begin to do.  Lamar also expressed the opinion, based on years of dealing with Unions at other airlines, that if Unions were voted in by our Employees, we could build and manage successful relations with them.  Herb Kelleher, recently retired Chairman of the Board at Southwest, believed that it was important for our Employees to have a voice.  He also strongly believed that we should not be adversaries, but rather partners, with any labor organization representing our Employees.  Although Lamar is now deceased and Herb is retired, there is still today at the highest levels of Leadership at Southwest a commitment to sustain and nurture the sound relationship we have with our labor organizations.

There is yet another factor that contributes to positive labor relations at Southwest: our Culture–how we view and treat our Employees.  At Southwest, our Employees come first; our Customers come second; and our stockholders come third.  The rationale is pretty simple.  If we treat our Employees right, they’re going to treat our Customers right.  If our Customers are treated right, they will come back and our stockholders will benefit.  Moreover, if we are committed to the proposition that we are going to treat our Employees right, then it follows a fortiori that we should treat the labor organizations that represent them no differently. 

My role at Southwest falls under the Labor & Employee Relations Department, and the mission of our Labor & Employee Relations is to promote effective and respectful relationships with all of our Employees, as well as the Unions and Associations who represent our Unionized Employees.

Of course, this sounds great in theory, but the challenge is in execution.  It requires a daily commitment to do the right thing in our dealings with our Employees and the labor organizations that represent them. 

  • To disagree without being disagreeable. 
  • To avoid character assassination and vilification when things don’t go our way. 
  • To learn to listen, not just for the sake of being courteous, but with a goal of genuinely understanding and evaluating another point of view.  
  • Learning to appreciate the value of loyal opposition. 
  • To learn that we are not always right. 
  • To be willing to compromise and appreciate the value of joint resolution of disputes. 
  • To understand that a short term “win” at any cost can be destructive to a longterm relationship.

 

I believe Southwest and the labor organizations representing our Employees share two common goals: (1) to adequately and properly provide for the safety and economic wellbeing of our Employees; and (2) to keep our Company healthy and prosperous.  In these times of everincreasing costs and volatile fuel prices, it is a difficult challenge.  But we feel more confident knowing that our labor organizations are partners with whom we can join hands in this effort.

In summary, we value the relationship we have with our Employees and the labor organizations that represent them.  We believe that this relationship has contributed to the remarkable success of Southwest Airlines.  We are, after all,  in a Customer Service business that depends for its success upon our Employees.  As Colleen Barrett,  has often said, “We are in the Customer Service business.  We just happen to fly airplanes.”

In the entrance lobby at our HDQ building in Dallas, Texas, there is an inscription etched in glass that eloquently describes how the success of Southwest Airlines is attributable to our marvelous Employees: 

The people of Southwest Airlines are the creators of what we have become–and of what we will be.  Our people transformed an idea into a legend.  That legend will continue to grow only so long as it is nourished–by our people’s indomitable spirit, boundless energy, immense good will, and burning desire to excel.  Our thanks–and our love–to the people of Southwest Airlines for creating a marvelous family and a wondrous airline.

(See a video from Herb in our video blog section.)

28 Comments
Anonymous3905
Explorer C
So the employee comes first huh? Is that why the compnay does not want to give us any more money. There are employees that have gone several years with out any raises. The compnay does not even want to give us a wage of living increase. TWU555 Unite WE MAKE IT HAPPEN Southwest has made a profit for 30 straight years but they dont want to pay the employees what they deserve. Which is not right!!!!!!
Anonymous2446
Explorer C
Sounds like SOS. The corporate hub bubs who never venture out of there cubicles and offices are delusional as always. Let's have deck parties and hope this dream will stay alive. Reality will set in when all the front line employees stand together and make Southwest Airlines stand behind the commitment mentioned above. I challenge anyone in HQ to spend a week in the front lines and then pat themselves on the back for a job well done. If you do, then you are as selfish as your delusional "friends" who happen to be your leaders. I love Southwest Airlines but it's most valuable assets are being taken advantage of by the company and the unions. I hope that I see the day that we all prosper and make what our self worth and sacrifices attribute. OVER THE IAM!!!
Anonymous594
Explorer C
I think all us twu members should stand strong and not take this BS southwest is throwing at us. Every offer they give us is an insult to how hard we work. I would like to see Mr. (number fudger) Gary Kelly work one year on the line with the starting pay and see how he does and how and his family survive. I wish every one that flys southwest airlines hears and sees how we work hard day in and day out, and like them to see how the company treats us. This matter should really go to the media this would resolve all of this quick, they wouldnt want to ruin their name or reputation. We should be treated fairly and I am willing to go all ten yards and stand up for what I deserve. With that said TWU 555 will stand strong we are not bluffing.
drew
Adventurer B
To the first anonymous TWU555 commenter: Your union's website states, "When the first TWU backed contract was ratified in 2001 the starting pay had reached $8.60 on the ramp. The top out had come down to 11 steps and the pay had shot up to $24.00 an hour. We now lead the industry. We have added earned award days that hadn’t existed before and our 401K plan is one of the best around including corporations outside of the airline industry." Considering that your contract is already industry-leading, and that very high fuel costs and the faltering economy are exacting a heavy toll on the industry and present a real threat to SWA's profitability streak, I'm curious to know what you think SWA can afford to appreciably improve in your next contract. Thank you!
Scott51
Explorer C
For Drew, I think everyone wants to see that Southwest Airlines remains the successful company it is. However, that succes has been made posible by a workforce that has always gone the extra mile and then some regardless if you were at $8.60 hr as a new hire or at $24.00 hr after toping out after your 11th year on the ramp for example. No workforce in the industry can turn a aircraft in the time we do on the ramp today. The company has on numerous occasions since the last contract asked its workforce to increase its production with no monetary increases. Every request has been met by the workforce. Its not much to ask for at a minimum a cost of living increase after producing the way we have since 9/11/01. Its time for the company to step to plate and to do whats right. The employees have and always will be this company's greatest asset. If the Management team now in place wants to destroy what Herb and Colleen built so be it. Its a dangerous path and reverses what past leaders have always stated about the employees of Southwest Airlines. Treat your employees with respect and they will produce like they have always done. Its time to acknowledge and compensate this airlines greatest asset. Will the Company respond to us the way we responded to managements request in the past? Who Knows early indicators suggest otherwise.
Pissed_Off_Wife
Explorer C
I think Southwest is full of crap. My husband works long hard shifts everyday and barely makes enough to get by. Southwest is doing nothing to make life easier for their employees. MONEY is what comes FIRST to Southwest Airlines...not their employees. These guys can't even take a sick day without worrying about getting fired because this company thinks these employees should eat, sleep, and breath Southwest Airlines. They treat them like slaves....not human beings. I hear story after story about how some guys work all day long, busting their butts and then others get away with sitting around and sleeping. Why is that? Is it because of the color of my husbands skin that he can't take a 5 minute break? The management completely stinks....they are racist as far as I'm concerned. There are guys there that almost kill fellow employees by not doing their jobs right but get away with it ...but my husband has to fight to keep his job because he took A day off, due to having the stomach flu? That's garbage. The union needs to step in and do something or the men and women of Southwest (Ramp) need to take further steps towards getting what they deserve. I'd like to see any of the big shots come down and do what these people are doing because if it weren't for Ramp Agents, Southwest would go under. They are the spine of the company. The big shots can't even lie and make people believe it. One day they profited $120 mil (talking to employees) and the next they are telling WallStreet they profited $320 million or something crazy like that. Well, which on is it? Either way....they are making MILLIONS of dollars all because of the EMPLOYEES efforts and hard work.....they can spare to give these people a raise....a LONG OVERDUE raise....one that keeps up with COST OF LIVING. Southwest Airlines has NO RESPECT for it's employees or customers. The leaders of this company are selfish, greedy, and ignorant. All they are after is how much money they can put in their own bank accounts. They don't care about anyone else and I pray to GOD that this business one day crumbles. Greed gets you nowhere. What goes around, comes around. The benefits are horrible too. They sound good to start but when my husband got hurt AT WORK...doing his job, they sent him to some chop shop doctor, who barely spoke ENGLISH, did nothing or close to nothing for his injury, tried to make him pay out of pocket for the bill AND THEN, tried to find a reason to fire him for being out on OJI. Tell me, how are those GOOD benefits? Tell me how Southwest Airlines is a GOOD employer if it's employees have to FIGHT for the little they have? Tell me how Southwest Airlines puts it's employees first? Cuz I think it's a crock. No, I KNOW it's a crock. I really hope this negotiation goes sour and that this is brought to the media so the public finds out the truth behind this "great company". They need to know how they REALLY treat their employees and hopefully they are smart enough to not fly with them anymore. The planes are cramped, the flight attendants are trashy, I rather cover myself with a peice of paper then their stupid "blanket" and their overall service to customers sucks. The big shots of this company need to look back to before they were big shots and remember how it felt to be UNDERPAID for the job they were doing. This economy is the way that it is due to Greed and selfishness and Southwest is just contributing to it. These people NEED A RAISE!!!
iloho
Explorer C
The way I see, just from where I stand on this, is that valuing the relationship with Employees and the labor organizations that represent them is one of the most essential and basic things that a big city such as "Southwestern Airlines" should do. The essence of a team is common commitment. Without it groups perform as individuals; with it, they become a powerful unit of collective performance. This kind of commitment requires a purpose in which team members can believe. Whether the purpose is to "transform the contributions of suppliers into the satisfaction of customers" to "make Southwestern they can be proud of again," or to "prove that all children can learn," credible team purposes have an element related winning, being first, revolutionizing, or being on the cutting edge." http://www.iloho.com/flight-search Alexander Agostini
Anonymous3404
Explorer C
I have had the privilege of being part of the SWA family for the past 14 months. I knew what the starting salary was when I was offered the position as a CSA, and the acceptance of the position meant I was willing to work for the money offered. If so many long-time SWA employees are truly unhappy with their pay, we must wonder why they stay with SWA. This is not indentured servitude. . .could they be staying for the benefits. . .such as the 401K match that is very high, the chances given to employees to move about the company and grow within the company professionally? When you wake up in the morning and grimace about the idea of having to go to work, then isn't it time to find a new job? Having worked for another carrier for almost a decade, to only be told my position was being outsourced, I cannot agree that SWA does not stand up for their employees. That's just the opinion of one CSA who likes what I do every day, and finds something good everyday in what I do. Yes, it would be nice to be paid more. That's what the union and negotiations are all about. For now, add up all the benefits and perks and ask yourself again, why are you staying a SWA employee if you are so very unhappy?
Anonymous1847
Explorer C
In response to PISSED OFF WIFE of Southwest airlines.......AMEN!! In you paragraph you spoke of how we are in fear of jobs if we call in sick well on another view of that, I am a csa and have been wanting to go inflight for the longest time. I was working on getting my points and occurences down to 3 and 3 just so i can put in, when i got really sick in the hospital and sure I came back with doctor's note but then 3 weeks later i relapsed and went back to hospital. So now i am over points and occurences and being forced to have to wait. I have a four year old son and am a single mother like alot of us and the only reason i have to go inflight is so i can make better pay to make ends meet. While Gary Kelly sits back nice with his feet up i am working 2-3 doubles in a row to afford bills and for a "family airline" that sure leaves no time for my small family of my son and I. But isn't it funny that swa will hire inflight off the street but will not allow it's internals to transfer with more than 3 points!!!!!!! Hey Gary why don't spend some time on the front line and recieve our pay for a while and let me know......can you take care of your family????
Anonymous2446
Explorer C
OMG Alex! What in the world are you babbling about? Besides, it's Southwest Airlines, not Southwestern.
John12
Explorer C
Amen anonymous. You folks knew the pay rate when you signed up. See if you can find any job that gives you a free day per month. How about an airline that buys your uniforms each year. Now lets find another airline that let's you bid a new shift every month. Oh and last but not least how about a carrier that still has real employees in your home town. How would you like to be uprouted and sent off to Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Phoenix and on and on. Quit crying and man up and do your job or move on. Anyone who doesn't have 20 years with Southwest has no reason to complain. You new guys are living off of the senior agents blood sweat and tears. The senior agents give you everything you have today.
jharris
Explorer C
Thank you for your comments. These are arguably the most perilous times ever experienced by our industry, and the challenges we face are unprecedented. But at a time when our competitors are furloughing thousands of employees, reducing wages, and cutting benefits, Southwest Airlines remains committed to protecting jobs, wage rates, and benefits. Since 1971, our Leaders have been focused on the same thing—delivering the very best product in the marketplace to our External Customers, while providing Internal Customers, our Employees, with a stable work environment in which they can grow, develop, and plan for the future while providing for their families today. Of course it's important that we're profitable. Samuel Gompers, the first president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) said, "The worst crime against working people is a company that fails to operate at a profit." Our Leaders, within Southwest and within the Unions who represent our Employees, realize that the financial stability and security of individual members of the Southwest Airlines Family is dependent upon our Company’s profitability and longterm prosperity. We are grateful for the mutual respect and positive, productive relationships between the Company and our Unions, since these relationships have been—and will continue to be—one of the primary reasons for our continued success.
jmk22574
Explorer B
Two weeks ago I was offered a CSA position with Southwest. I have since passed all the background checks and fingerprinting and am currently waiting in the "pool." I was thrilled to learn that I had been chosen for the position and have been so excited ever since. I do understand that when people are angry, they will tell 10 times as many people about it versus just a few if they are pleased with a situation (hence many of the negative comments on this topic). I take a lot of these comments with a grain of salt, but I do want to clarify one thing. John, you wrote that the new hires are "living off the senior agents' blood, sweat, and tears" and that "the senior agents give you everything you have today." Is this anger/resentment toward new hires really so prevelant at many of the airports? I have no problem being the new hire, given a starting pay and the less desirable shifts, but if it's widely known that the more "senior employees" feel so negatively toward the new hires, I may have to rethink taking this position.
Anonymous1517
Explorer C
Let me throw in my few cents. My buddy next to me brought up a good point. Let me clean it up a bit... if I went spent a bunch of money on a college education I sure as hell wouldn't want to be breaking a sweat! You knew what you were going to get paid before you got the job. Sure it might be hard but hey I bet you're in better shape than you were before you got hired! I guess all I'm saying is stop crying, do your job, get paid and learn how to manage your money. Or you can always go get yourself an education and not worry about breaking your back. But if you want to be an exec that just means you got a lot more pressure, your gonna have to use your brain and worry about employees complaining about their jobs! oh yeah and for the p.o wife instead of being so negative try encouraging your husband to do something better. for the one that ones to be a flight attendant it's your own fault sure you got sick but what about the other times? you mean to tell me that you've practically been sick since you got hired? hey everyone has their problems. And that dude anthony...dude i got nothing for you cuz I have know idea what the hec you're talking about. I got more to post but hey I gotta go to lunch and eat my bologna sandwich with fake cheese and no mayo cuz I can't afford the good stuff. 🙂 just kidding. n
JayTheOrc
Explorer C
So who do I complain to about the ...online activities of a Southwest Employee? You, the lawyer? The chairman of the board? The union? All three?
Anonymous3410
Explorer C
Gee, if y'all are so miserable working for SWA, why don't you go to work for someone else? You aren't a tree, are you? Find another opportunity where "things are better". Or, would you rather just complain?
Anonymous4541
Explorer C
I love the comments from the person who wants to be a Flight Attendant but is over points. Let's see here... You have more than three occurrences, which means you have been absent from work "more" than three times in a 12 month period (this doesn't mean three days, but at least three periods of time). And you failed to mention what the other three points were?? Ohhh.....those would be times you were tardy to work!! So let me get this straight. You have issues with being at work, which means that your fellow employees are left to handle what your not there to do, and then on top of that your not dependable enough to show up to work on time. All of us have burdens of our own and some of us still manage to keep complete control over our points. You want to be a Flight Attendant?? I can just imagine how dependable you would be.... YIKES!! Quit complaining and blaming others. Take responsibility for your own actions. And to the others who are so bitter about their jobs at SWA. Leave!! It's as simple as walking your little butts out the door. No one wants you to miserable. The fact of the matter is most of you complaining are complainers. Just because you work hard does not make you a great SWA employee. Your negative behaviors are poisonous. What does it say when an Employees wife blogs on here and states that she "prays to God that this business one day crumbles". That's just messed up. She lost complete credibility with me. And for those of you who say you haven't seen a raise. That's just not true. Each of you on the ramp receives an increase in salary every year until your topped out. And if your topped out , your making around $24.00 an hour to work with luggage. Do you realize what people make out in the real world? And if your just starting on the low end of the salary charts, you knew what you were getting yourself into. No one lied to you about how hard you would be working. I might be missing something here, but lets be honest with ourselves. That's not a bad salary for the type of work you do. I'm not saying it's easy. I'm just saying I think you need to take a good long look in the mirror and see where the real problem is. I love my job! I love my SWA !! I just want everyone to know that the people who are miserable are probably that way no matter how good they have it. For them, nothing is ever good enough.
swablogr
Explorer C
The working conditions at southwest are slowly deteriorating. I'm not sure about the ramp and how it is, but i do know that it is that way on the customer service end. It comes from the fact that the higher ups, in there offices in Dallas have decided to not re-hire and replace full time employees but just let the staffing drop to the lvl's they think it should be through attrition. That's good that they are not laying off, that would be bad. But it also means that productivity has to go up with what you have therefore people are having to work harder when they are at work. Which is also not a bad thing, you should have to do your job when your at work. The company is slowly trying to replace people with electronic check in machines so the passengers can help themselves. Therefore creating the problem where one person has to work 5 or 6 machines at a time. The increased work load on the employees is going to affect the fact that they think they should get more money. Not the mention the fact that SWA has made a profit for the past 30 yrs. Sure you get a pay raise every year. But with things getting more expensive, even if your topped out a cost of living increase every year would only be fair, in my opinion. I know the company needs to save money in every way possible to keep making a profit. But with the way they are handling it, i just don't see that continuing. The company has already stated, for you passengers out there that read this blog, that they do not care or mind if a person has to wait in line 12-20 minutes to be waited on. The reduction in staffing is causing resentment towards the company and it is carrying over to the employees and they are beginning to not care about the service they give to the passengers and the legendary service that SWA is known for is about to end. I have friends that still work for SWA and i would hate to see them lose their jobs. But i honestly feel like SWA owes there employees something else. Whether it be a cost of living increase every year or to not go up on the benefits that are provided. All Gary Kelly is trying to do is line his own wallet. He is gonna run SWA in the ground and jump ship after he's made all the money he can and the company is in the toilet. Gary Kelly is a wolf in sheeps clothing if you ask me and I have nothing good to say about the man. And for the guy who said get a college degree so you don't have to sweat. Half the people I worked with at SWA had college degrees. And they don't sweat, they sit around in the office and do nothing and then want to reprimand the employees and say they aren't showing the "southwest spirit" because they get frustrated with not having the adequate staffing to help the customers and say something about it. So you cut your staffing to save money, don't pay your employees anymore money or ever praise them for a job well done. Talk about how we are not making enough money and that we aren't making the profit we need to. The employees are fed up with hearing it and it's just going to trickle down to the customer and SWA is going to become just like every other carrier. I hate to see it happen, but i can't see it being any different if it stays on the track it's going. What the employees need to worry about is just surviving long enough for Gary Kellys contract to end so hopefully the guy will go elsewhere and stop destroying the airline so many people have worked so hard to establish as the number one carrier out there. The employees and the unions need to stick together and make southwest appreciate the employees that keep the company operating day in and day out. Only way i see the company getting better or staying stable is if management steps up to the plate and shows the appreciation to it's employees that each and everyone of them deserve.
swablogr
Explorer C
I would expect labor relations with the company to go into the toilet really soon. All contracts are up for negotiation and the only people who they are not cutting staffing on is pilots and flight attendants. The company is not actually cutting staffing, but they are not hiring to replace people that have left. At least not in some departments. The company is showing more and more everyday that it does not care about its employees. Staffing is inadequate to help passengers in a timely manner. Although the company has stated that they do not care or mind if a person has to wait 12-20 minutes in line to be helped. Agents are having to work harder and the company is not wanting to compensate them for it at all. They continually poor mouth that the airline does not make enough money and that they need to try to save money every way possible. Keep on and on about how high fuel prices are the biggest concern right now and that is what is keeping them from making the profit they need to to insure job security. The employees are sick of hearing it and are tired of not being appreciated or even getting a pat on the back and someone telling them they did a good job. It is already starting to trickle down into the customer service area. Agents are rude and condescending to passerngers and overall don't treat them very good. I've seen it firsthand and its not fun to watch. You can't go anywhere without an employee saying that they hope they get more money in the next contract or at least a cost of living increase every year for the ones that are topped out. Something the company is not going to agree to at all. The management in Dallas seems to be out to get their own wallets as fat as possible at the expense of the employees. Just the way it appears to the average agent working at a ticket counter or on a ramp somewhere in the system. The unions and the employees need to stick together and be tough with the company and make them step up to the plate and show the appreciation to them that each and everyone of them deserves.
Anonymous1517
Explorer C
We came close to losing our jobs here at reservations. It was quite stressfull trying to figure out what we were going to do. Some agents and management left and most stayed. Some were thankful to keep their jobs here at home others say it was a stunt SW was pulling before the contract was up. Whatever the case may be, we should all worry about doing our own jobs and not worry about what everyone else is doing. If we all do our part everything should work out fine. It's completely understandable for us to feel frustrated every once in while, everyone goes through that no matter where you work. Take a step back, look at what you have and what you have achieved working with us. If your not satisfied with what you've done look at other departments.You were hired because they saw potential in you.All the benefits starting with medical, flight and 401k are great. Where else are you going to find this? This is a great company that is undergoing some changes and all I can say is be ready for what ever comes our way. Fix those occurences, smile and look around to see what else interest you. Till then let me remind you that you have one of the best jobs in the world no matter what dept you work in.
Amy24
Explorer C
I'm sorry but I don't think standing in line for 12-20 minutes is out of the questions. Not when I realize that I stand in line nearly everywhere I go these days - banks, grocery stores, etc. Why should I expect to get through a line at a ticket counter in 5 minutes??? Also, if I'm only standing in line for 5 minutes then why in the heck am I told to be at the airport at least an hour before my flight departs??? I'm just saying...it's not the line, it's the manner in which Customers are treated that counts. In my opinion, of course.
an_employee_of_
Explorer C
you know what I think is really funny? when people bitch about how the company is screwing them out of everything and anything. have any of you dim-wits ever worked for another airline ever?.. .. and if you answer is yes, then you'd know that they're no such thing as an over-20 dollar per hour top-out, no such thing as a real "profit sharing check" and the words "overtime and double time pay" don't exsit? People (and I'm saying employee) don't get how good we have it. They think that because we have to SLIGHTLY tightin our belts a little bit that the company is falling to shit and everyone in management are nothing but assholes. But let me ask you this.. Have theyre been any layoff in the past year? Have the contracted any department? (ramp, csa, ops) Has ANYONE gotten a pay cut EVER in they're carrier here? i'm sure the answer to all 3 is no. Altailia as annoucned that they're going belly up, this coming after ATA, Aloha, and SkyBus shut down. American has cut over 7000 jobs and cut back flights. The companys not all evil. Granted that tend to, shall we said, "mess up" every now and then (somtimes more then often) but come on people...
Anonymous880
Explorer B
To SWA ramp and operations employees: When TWU sent out the questionaire regarding our contract, did you notice that every question had a space for your personal comments, that is EXCEPT for the question asking if you would participate in picketing, handing out literature or striking. I wonder why that is???? I'm sure TWU didn't like my questionaire because I made a space for my own comments. Could it be that TWU is more concerned about money than what their members actually think? I believe TWU needs to re-examine their goals. Unions don't hold as much power as they once did. To back up this statement, just look at the other airlines that have cut jobs and pay to their employees. Face reality! Southwest carries more passengers than any other US airline, so do you really think that the government would let a strike at Southwest happen? I would venture to say ---NOT! Southwest could have said a long time ago that they needed to layoff employees to cut costs, BUT THEY DIDN'T! Unions don't have a lot of say-so when a company lays off employees, except making sure it is done by seniority. I've spoken to quite a few employees over this issue, and the majority will do everything possible to ensure the success of SWA. Those who are thankful for what we've got will not do ANYTHING to hurt the reputation that so many thousands of employees have worked so very hard at since SWA started back in '71. Some may accuse me of drinking the proverbal "Kool-Aid" and I can assure you I do not. I will stand up when I need to. Do I agree with everything Southwest is doing, absolutely not. But from my past 10 yrs of employment, I have realized there's a lot to be thankful and proud of. So what if we have to work an extra flight or two! We're paid to do our job and we knew exactly what that meant before we accepted the position. I just want to raise the question to employees: Since 9/11 have you made changes in your spending due to the economy? Well then, I guess you're not that different from Southwest huh? Don't be Toxic to employees who are thankful for what we've got. If you're not happy, go somewhere else!---but you probably won't because you make too much money to start over! P.S. I loved the comments posted by "an employee of swa"!
warrio3634
Explorer C
I honestly think that some people are complaining way too much. First, when you fill out the application, you know what you are getting yourself into. They tell you what you will be making and the kind of work you will be getting involved in. I'll be honest, I just quit a 30,000 a year job to come work here and I don't care. The pay may be only 10.18 to start, but the benefits are FABULOUS and CHEAP which make the difference in pay easier to withstand. Raises are given every year and I have the chance to work as much OT if needed. Being a salary employee, I was never given breaks, a lunch break, and worked pretty much every week-end for the last 5 years. OT is not a word in a salary dictionary. I wish some of you knew how good you have it working for a company like this. I looked on here and I see regular joe schmoes being able to talk to the company president. I don't know where else that is possible. I think the lines of communication between managers and employees are wonderful and I haven't even worked a day here yet. I think someone said it best above, people who complain make the workplace toxic and if you don't LUV it, LEAVE it. That will make room for more people who have a true passion to work with planes and LUV their job.
Robin_A__Kelly
Explorer C
I am not an employee of SWA, but am a producer at a manufacturing plant, and am pursuing a BA in Business Management. I have been researching SWA, concerning an Organizational Behavior research assignment, and I am amazed at the negative feedback some of you are giving to your coworkers and leaders. This company is supplying you with the worlds most desirable benefits package ever, and good wages and the best you can do in appreciation is to bad mouth their decision making? I noticed that all of the negative feedback was left by anonymous complainers. If you are so conviced that you are right in your statements, why not back it up with your name. I think many of you need to rethink your chosen careers, as you do not fit the bill, concerning SWA's high standards of customer service representatives. The organizational culture, that I have discovered at SWA, during my research is impeckable. Your leaders provide heart felt benefits, such as the employee assistance program, in which you are able to help those in your organization in need, by salary deductions. They get you involved in societal matters, such as the giving of goodie bags to service members in war. These are good things that better peoples lives, and each of your contributions, I know have been appreciated. In this time of financial hardship, I know it is frustrating, but we as emplyees need to show appreciation to our employers for what they currently do for us, not criticise for what they are not doing. I realize than many of you feel under valued as employees, but from the outside looking in, your company truly shows its value for your worth. I am not complaing about my employers at all, they do for us, as they can, and I love where I am. But just so you can see how good you have it, i'll tell you what it's like in the real world. I am a nine year employee of a manufacturing company, who can earn no paid days, can get insurance, if I am able to afford $70 a week, am a 190-200% producer, and still lucky to top out at $7.50 an hour. But I can say that my employer lets me know my worth, because he thinks my line can't run if i'm not there, so I do have accumulated vacation days.....lol.. The point is SWA does show their appreciation, even though they do not choose to increase your wages. So show some SWA pride, and thank your leaders for all they do and have done for you....
Anonymus
Explorer C
Are u people kidding? Really? Tell u what....Go across the tarmac in Atlanta and try working for widget city air lines with their "direct relationship" and see how well u relate directly. Your Southwest CEO earns near the bottom of the airline CEO's salary while u r @ the top in every job classification. We in Widget city do nothing but make our CEO and hIs cronies rich while he promises us "industry average" pay. I'd trade my 15 years at Widget land for your 7.5 years @ Southwest ANY DAY!
Anonymus
Explorer C
Oh by the way: At least u have a voice! !All we do @ Widget land is read results from company polls taken that nobody knew existed, deciding something FOR us!
Vikki_B_
Explorer C
Mucho kudos for you for great labor relations. It is important to me to know that employees are treated well. Southwest is getting most of my business from now on. If Southwest would fly from Boston or Providence to Minneapolis, it would get all of my business!