Southwest Airlines mechanics approve contract, ending long impasse

The union representing about 2,500 Southwest Airlines mechanics voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to ratify a new contract proposal, ending a labour impasse that lasted nearly 7 years and wound up in court twice. The 5-year deal gives the mechanics US$160m in back pay to cover the period since the last contract ended in Aug 2012, increases salaries 20% immediately and includes 3%t annual raises, according to the union, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The union said that the proposal was better than one it rejected in September, and that more than 90% of its members had voted to approve it. The union said its major concession was allowing Southwest to continue outsourcing some mechanics’ work to foreign contractors. <br/>