Southwest labour acrimony threatens fun-loving family culture

Southwest Airlines, proud owner of a storied corporate culture that values fun, hard work and a maverick mind-set, is contending with an unaccustomed challenge: hostile public disputes with its labour unions. Employees are showing up for picketing like never before and waving anti-Southwest placards. Unions representing more than two-thirds of the workforce called on CE Gary Kelly to step down this month. Contract talks have dragged on for years even as Southwest posted record profits. The acrimony is fuelling concerns about higher expenses as many employees fight for their first pay raises in years. The airline says it needs productivity gains and new work rules after losing much of its advantage in operating costs over American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other larger rivals. <br/>