Southwest Mechanics get Warn Notices that Jobs are at Risk

Throughout 2020 we've seen many disheartening headlines about pilot layoffs and tearful final announcements from flight attendants who were furloughed or laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we're seeing mechanics jobs are in jeopardy as well.

Southwest Boeing 737 MAX sits on the tarmac. (Photo Courtesy Southwest Airlines)

Southwest Airlines gave WARN notices to more than 400 of its mechanics and technicians, about 15 percent of the work group, about potential furloughs as cost-cutting talks falter.

Southwest has never had to furlough its employees in its nearly 50 years of flying, and the Dallas-based airline has asked its employees to take 10 percent pay cuts to avoid furloughs.

But as cost-cutting negotiations with airline labor unions continue, and COVID infection rates increase across the United States, these talks are raising tension.

Southwest said it has sent 403 mechanics and technicians federally mandated notices warning them that their jobs are at risk. Southwest warned 42 material specialists about possible furlough this month as well. The involuntary cuts could take effect as early as Jan. 25.

“We are not closing the door to further discussions, but we need agreements to be reached to help us save these employees’ jobs and address the extremely challenging economic conditions we face,” said Russell McCrady, vice president of labor relations at Southwest.

The airline plans to continue talks with the union, according to an employee memo.

U.S. airlines have furloughed more than 30,000 workers as they struggle from weak demand in the coronavirus pandemic. Executives have called the crisis the worst in their history.

On the other hand, mechanics working in aircraft repairs and MRO have seen a rise in demand as airlines have shifted from purchasing new aircraft, and instead want to see their current fleets last. Suppliers like AeroBase Group and buyaircraftparts.com work closely with these shops to get older aircrafts the parts they need to stay in flight.

Including buyouts, voluntary departures and retirements, the airline industry have the equivalent of 90,000 fewer employees by the end of 2020, according to Airlines for America, a trade group that represents most U.S. carriers.

Negotiations Southwest Airlines pilots and flight attendants are ongoing, but unions for both groups have disagreed over a force majeure clause the company proposed, which the labor groups say threatens job security.

It seems no matter the decision in these talks, mechanics in the airline industry will not have the easiest time moving forward.