Over 1,300 Southwest Airlines Pilots Protest Inadequate Pay and Long Hours at Airport in Texas

In response to an increase in flight cancellations during the summer travel season, the pilots held signs reading, “Our passengers and pilots deserve better” and “Summer of Luv: delayed, rescheduled, canceled.”

Due to the pilot scarcity and increased travel demand due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions worldwide, there have been an increasing number of flight delays and cancellations in recent months.

Even though the entire industry suffers from the pilot shortage, Southwest Airlines’ poor scheduling procedures for pilots, according to SWAPA, have worsened the situation.

The union claimed that because of the labor shortage and harsh weather, its 8,300 members had been subjected to frequent flight reassignments and impromptu scheduling adjustments, according to SWAPA president Capt. Casey Murray, around a third of pilots, is moved every day.

According to SWAPA, they have seen an increase in pilots calling out due to exhaustion due to constantly shifting schedules and overscheduling.

The problem is hoped to be resolved by a new contract, which has been in the works since 2020.

All-off-duty pilots joined the protest on Tuesday, and Southwest Airlines claimed to be aware of it and respected the right of its employees to express their dissatisfaction.

“Southwest Airlines respects the rights of our employees to express their opinions, and we do not anticipate any disruption in service as a result of this single demonstration,” the company said. “For 51 years, we’ve maintained a legendary Southwest Culture that honors our valued Employees.”

As summer travel picks up, flight cancellations and delays will likely persist. In preparation, many airlines have already reduced their flying itineraries.