DALLAS — The board of directors of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association voted on Dec. 20 to send a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines to its pilots for consideration.

According to the board, this agreement accomplishes the goals of the pilot group, supports their families' security and acknowledges their exceptional productivity.

From now until December 2028, the agreement guarantees significant compensation gains and pay rate increases over the next four years. Work rules and flying schedules will be improved as part of the deal, along with better disability coverage and increased retirement benefits.

Negotiations for a new contract between Southwest and its pilots have been ongoing for more than three years, with federal mediation starting in September 2022. The most recent contract concluded in 2020.

“We know that the last few years have been difficult for our pilots as well as our customers, but we believe that this TA rewards our pilots as well as improving reliability for our passengers,” SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray said.

Pilots will have until Jan. 22 to vote on the tentative agreement.