Southwest Airlines is well-known for its success in the airline industry as well as its overall high quality of service. Despite the company’s success, an internal battle has been occurring with the company’s mechanics. David Koenig, writer for Travel Weekly, explains the battle between Southwest and its mechanics union in his article, “Southwest Grapples with New Labor and Revenue Problems.”

The union, referred to as the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), has made claims that their pay level needs to be increased and that the safety of the company’s planes needs to be examined further before being deemed ready for flight. As a result of the dispute, several of the company’s flights have been cancelled.

There are two sides to every story, which can clearly be seen in this situation. On one hand, Southwest is claiming that its mechanics are purposely stalling the readiness of several of their planes to incentivize Southwest to raise their pay. On the other hand, AMFA believes that they should be receiving higher wages due to having a smaller crew of mechanics.

Additionally, AMFA believes that Southwest is too eager to have their planes in flight instead of undergoing longer safety examinations. According to Koenig, “AMFA accuses Southwest of pressuring mechanics to approve planes for service too quickly because planes that are grounded do not make money for the airline.” Regardless of either side’s argument, around 200 flights have been cancelled in a day due to the ongoing disagreement between the airline and its mechanics.

Ultimately, the lesson that can be taken away from this disagreement is the importance of all of the members of a company working together towards a common goal. Although the dispute with its mechanics has remained veiled from its passengers, several customers have had flight cancellations partially due to the ongoing negotiation between the two parties.

If the mechanics’ claims about the airline prematurely clearing planes for flight to increase revenue are true, the revenue is nevertheless going to be negated by the resulting flight cancellations. If the airline isn’t able to come to an agreement with its mechanics, the overall profits, as well as Southwest’s brand reputation, could decrease.

-Alli

To read the full article, visit David Koenig’s “Southwest Grapples with New Labor and Revenue Problems” Travel Weekly, (Feb 20, 2019). https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Southwest-grapples-with-new-labor-and-revenue-problems