Sisters and Brothers:
After over three years of negotiations, your negotiating committee was able to reach a tentative
agreement with Southwest Airlines. The committee fought hard for the issues the members raised
in their proposals and they felt they accomplished what the members demanded – an improved
quality of life for all members.
Over the last eight weeks, District General Chairs, along with negotiating team members, have
been visiting all locations and centers to answer questions and concerns of the tentative
agreement. The members were given the opportunity to cast their vote for the tentative agreement
and those votes were counted this week in the District office in Kansas City. Participating in the
vote tally were eight active Southwest members from across the system. They were assisted in
the tally by the two District trustees. I would like to thank these members for their time to
participate in this important tally. Those members were:
Alex Aponte – TPA Guy Johnson – SJC
Larry Bride – GC Teresa Merritt – SC
Dina Burke – MCI Jami Meyer – OC
Maxx John – HC Kimberly Sparkman – ONT
Today, the tellers completed their task of counting the ballots. The overwhelming majority of
those who voted rejected the tentative agreement. We have notified the company of the results
and advised the National Mediation Board (NMB). An NMB representative will arrange dates
for the parties to meet. Both parties will continue to work on an agreement that addresses the
outstanding issues IAM members raised during the ratification process.
We want to thank all the members for taking the time to come and participate in the vote.
Sincerely and fraternally,
David Supplee
PRESIDENT-DIRECTING
GENERAL CHAIR
DS/cg
cc: Rich Johnsen
Edison Fraser
Tom Regan
DL 142 Executive Board
