DALLAS — Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced a tentative labor agreement with flight attendants' union Transport Workers’ Union Local 566 (TWU 566) for Southwest's almost 20,000 flight attendants.

What You Need To Know

  • Southwest Airlines announced Wednesday it has reached a tentative labor agreement with flight attendants' union TWU 566

  • The announcement comes after calls from Southwest flight attendants to introduce higher pay and new contracts. The last labor contract for flight attendants was introduced in 2013 and expired in 2018

  • In December, Southwest flight attendants rejected a contract that would have raised pay by 35% over the course of five years

  • Flight attendants across multiple leading U.S. airlines, including Southwest, in February rallied outside of airports to protest the lack of pay raises and new contracts

The announcement comes after calls from Southwest flight attendants to introduce higher pay and new contracts. The last labor contract for flight attendants was introduced in 2013 and expired in 2018.

"Southwest's Flight Attendants support the Safety and comfort of our Customers while providing legendary Southwest Hospitality," wrote Adam Carlisle, vice president labor relations at Southwest Airlines. "I am glad they will have the opportunity to vote on this new agreement."

In December, Southwest flight attendants rejected a contract that would have raised pay by 35% over the course of five years.

Southwest pilots in January approved a contract that will boost their pay by nearly 50% by 2028, giving them “industry-leading compensation.” Flight attendants, on the other hand, have not had such critical financial boosts.

Flight attendants across multiple leading U.S. airlines in February rallied outside of airports to protest the lack of pay raises and new contracts. Flight attendants from Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Allegiant Air participated in the "Day of Action."

“Corporate greed plagues the industry,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen in a statement in February. “While airlines and their bosses are raking in record profits, hard working Flight Attendants across the country are standing up for better pay and working conditions. Workers must always  fight for every gain. The employers will never willingly share the profits. This Day of Action is super critical.”

It's not clear when flight attendants will vote on the new agreement.