Southwest union leaders send contract to pilots for vote

Leaders of Southwest Airlines' pilots union agreed to send a tentative contract agreement to its members, clearing the way for a vote on the deal that would boost pay and retirement benefits. The Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association board voted 21-2 to authorise balloting, union president Jon Weaks said Wednesday. Southwest wants to secure new contracts with pilots, flight attendants and mechanics in part to reassure investors concerned about rising labour costs. Leaders of the flight attendants union are reviewing their tentative agreement this week while talks continue with mechanics. The new pilots contract, which would extend through Aug 31, 2020, provides a 15% pay increase Oct 1 to cover the years the pact was being negotiated and 3% annual increases going forward. <br/>