Southwest flight attendants approve new labour contract

A majority of Southwest Airlines' 14,500 flight attendants who cast ballots approved a new labour agreement Monday, according to their union and the carrier. The vote ushers in a two-year contract that will raise their pay by 12.5% and provide a signing bonus of almost 16% based on the average hours worked over the past three years, said two people familiar with the pact. The group’s last contract opened for renewal in May 2013. The vote was 54% in favour and 46% against, said the Transport Workers Union local that<br/>represents the group. More than 89% of the eligible voters cast ballots.<br/>Southwest, which is trying to find labor peace after a tumultuous period, was “thrilled,” said Sonya Lacore, VP of cabin services. Audrey Stone, president of TWA Local 556, said the short term of the new deal gives the group “the opportunity to go back to the table in just two years and build on these industry-leading advances.<br/>