SWAPA offers support for the WPPA

[idledetent]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Neal Hanks
June 1, 2015 Director of Communications
214.722.4209, nhanks@swapa.org
Southwest Pilots Support the Efforts of WestJet Pilots to Unionize
Leadership in Calgary to discuss union history and success
DALLAS – As the pilots of WestJet continue their efforts to achieve legally certified representation, the Southwest
Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA) is offering support to the WestJet Professional Pilots Association (WPPA) to bring
legal, independent and accountable representation to the pilots of WestJet. Today, SWAPA 2nd Vice President Capt.
Tom Gasparolo is in Calgary to discuss with WestJet pilots how SWAPA, through independent union representation,
has worked to negotiate industry-leading contracts and protect the careers of its members.
“In this ever-changing airline industry it is paramount to have a recognized collective bargaining agent working on
your behalf to protect your career and provide the ability to negotiate for the collective interests of each member on
a pilot seniority list,” said SWAPA 2nd Vice President Capt. Tom Gasparolo. “We know this first-hand as we continue to
fight for our members through tenuous negotiations that will net our pilots a contract comparable to our peers. The
pilots of WestJet deserve that same ability.”
WestJet pilots are currently working under a new agreement signed in December after overwhelmingly rejecting an
original tentative agreement last fall that was supported by WestJet management and leadership of the current nonunion
pilot representation group.
“Ultimately, the choice is up to the pilots of WestJet,” continued Capt. Gasparolo. “SWAPA is simply here to support
the unionizing efforts and provide sound information on why an independent pilot union has been successful for the
pilots of Southwest Airlines for the previous 38 years.”
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Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing
the more than 8,000 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and
their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For
more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association, visit http://www.swapa.org.
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[Realitychex]

Kind of ironic, given the restrictions SW pilots would have put on WJ's transborder growth aspirations.

[No Quarter]

Can't happen soon enough.