NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release June 11, 2012 Contact: Jamie Horwitz, 202/549-4921 jhdcpr@starpower.net

Southwest Flight Dispatchers Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Margin

DALLAS Flight dispatchers at Southwest Airlines, members of TWU Local 550, have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new labor agreement. One hundred and eighty six out of 188 eligible voters participated, with 180 (98.9%) voting in favor of the agreement. The new contract the first new agreement for this bargaining unit since 1997 returns Southwest Airlines flight dispatchers to top of industry wages, said Mike Connor, president of TWU Local 550. The new contract also includes significant improvements in work rules and working conditions for TWU members. After all this time, were glad we were able to reach an agreement that won overwhelming support from our membership, said Connor. Our bargaining team worked long and hard and successfully to convince management that we needed an industry-leading agreement to recognize the enormous value that dispatchers contribute to the success of this airline. "Thanks to the efforts of our bargaining team and our members, Southwest Airlineshas recognizedour licensed and dedicated dispatchers,who are guardians of safety for every ightand share equally in ight safety and legal responsibility with Southwest captains. I look forward to the day when other airlines in the industry show the same regard for their respective dispatchers."
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) represents more than 15,000 workers at Southwest Airlines, including dispatchers, who became part of TWU in 2008, and flight attendants. TWU represents 200,000 workers and retirees, primarily in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

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