The Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) pilots union set a timeline for a strike authorization date. The union leadership is calling for a strike authorization vote in early May in what could be the initial step toward a pilot walkout.
Following more than three years of stalled negotiations, more than 10K pilots represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association could begin voting on May 1 on whether to authorize a strike.
"Three years in the negotiating room, very little progress, a Christmas meltdown that has just defined what all of our problems are have led us to this decision," Southwest Airlines Pilots Association President Casey Murray.
Southwest Airline (LUV) said it plans to continue to follow the process outlined in the Railway Labor Act and work with the assistance of the National Mediation Board toward reaching an agreement that rewards its pilots. Negotiations are expected to continue next week.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is due to report earnings on January 26. See the consensus estimates and earnings history for LUV.