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SWAPAfamily Waypoint: July 2022

SWAPAfamily Waypoint: July 2022

July 06, 2022

Hello, SWAPAfamilies! First and foremost, I want to say thank you. Thank you to the husbands, wives, and kids who act as CEOs of the households and support our Pilots each and every day while they are out supporting our guests. Without each of your sacrifices, our Pilots wouldn’t be able to support Southwest Airlines. And ultimately SWAPA is here to support all of you, all the time. It’s a symbiotic relationship where it takes a village. 

Speaking of support, I also want to send a heartfelt thank you to every one of our volunteers who helped make the June 21 Informational Picket (IP) in Dallas a success. Of course, we won’t know the full success until we see meaningful progress from Southwest. But every contribution from Pilot spouses, partners, family members, and friends was huge and helped further our cause. Your assistance helped us pull off the IP seamlessly and allowed Pilots to focus on demonstrating our unity and empowering our negotiations. 

Now is the time for an industry-leading contract that rewards the most productive, professional, safest, and most committed Pilot group in the world. Unfortunately, we have yet to reach agreement with Southwest regarding the contract topics that are the most important us. When there is a lack of action from Labor Relations and negotiations stall, our Strike Preparedness Committee (SPC) is called upon to organize an IP, which is a valuable and effective tool to show the Company how united we are as a group in our frustrations.

If Pilot interests aren’t being relayed from the negotiating room up the chain of command, there is one way to make sure we are heard: 1,300 Pilots lining the roads outside Love Field, which made up the largest single-site picket in aviation history. Pilots and supporters stood as one and spoke directly to SWA leadership, the Board of Directors, investors, and the traveling public. We demonstrated our value to the Pilot profession, with 100,000 professional Pilots and millions in organized labor all watching. Together, our voices were heard.

Today, specialized and skilled workers are in high demand, with none more so than Pilots. Our value is at its peak, and that value was demonstrated through the IP.

Even if you were not able to join us in person, we heard you on social media and saw your shares, retweets, and likes. Your support means so much, and there will be more volunteer opportunities in the future.

Again, thank you for your support. And please, let us know how we can help you. That's what SWAPA is here for. Call us any time. 

Casey Murray

SWAPA President

Join SWAPAfamily In BWI!

Next stop on our SWAPAfamily Reunion Tour — BWI July 21! Registration is still openso grab the family or come by yourself for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. It's the perfect chance to hear from execs and committee members firsthand about negotiations with the Company and other relevant topics.

Register Today!
 

Did You Know?

SWA has hired 627 new Pilots since January of this year. SWAPAfamily welcomes all of our new families! If you or someone you know is new to the Company, join our SWAPAfamily Facebook page! All of the need-to-know information can be found there, as well as ways to connect with families in your area! Join today! 

 

Don't Miss SWAPA's Podcast
with Benefits Chair, Brent Weisner

Our benefits are more important than ever. Don't miss this podcast with Benefits Chair Brent Weisner on Aviation Medicine Services, Resolute Health Care, the Mayo Clinic, and other benefits topics important to you and your family. Listen to all of the SWAPA Number Podcasts here.  

 

Summer Scheduling Travel Tip from
SWAPA SRC: Use Your GDOs!

Don't let your Pilot's days off or vacation plans be ruined by rescheduling chaos! Protect those days by using Golden Days Off, or GDOs. For more information on placing GDOs, reference Chapter 5 of SWAPA SRC's Scheduling Handbook that can be found on swapa.org.

 

Father's Day Flight

OAK FO Matthew Schmidt flew his very first scheduled SWA flight with his father, PHX CA and 30-year SWA Pilot Tom Schmidt, on June 19 — Father's Day! The day was a dream come true for both father and son.

Helpful SWAPA Numbers

SWAPA Main Line:

800-969-7972

Mental Health Support & Incidents:

855-737-5438

Addiction Support:

301-535-9871

Family Outreach:

770-313-0045

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