Dispatchers at Southwest Airlines, represented by TWU Local 550, opened negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement today, Dec. 11.

"We look forward to continuing a positive relationship with Southwest Airlines during the negotiation and obtaining an agreement that truly recognizes the outstanding service and unparalleled safety records our dispatchers provide Southwest every day," said International Representative Gary Shults. “We are confident that the current relationship the TWU has with the airline will bring a fruitful contract for our members that recognizes their value to the daily operation.”

Southwest dispatchers’ previous 12-year contract became amendable November 30, 2009 and the Local looks forward to negotiating the solid new contract. Local 550 was formed when the dispatchers’ independent employee association merged with the TWU last fall. The Local now represents about 180 employees.