Southwest Airlines' dispute with its mechanics could stall flights to Hawaii

Four months after Southwest Airlines announced plans to start flights to Hawaii, a smouldering dispute between the carrier's management and its aircraft mechanics threatens to delay the highly anticipated launch to the islands. The discord also could affect passenger safety if changes aren't made, the FAA has warned. Southwest is in negotiations for a new contract with the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, or AMFA. The negotiations have dragged on for more than 5 years. Southwest plans to outsource maintenance work related to its Hawaiian operations — a plan the union opposes. The issue has become a main sticking point in the negotiations. “Southwest Airlines needs to stop playing games and negotiate in good faith with their aircraft maintenance technicians,” said the AMFA. <br/>