IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 142 members who are Network Operations Control Customer Planners (NOCs) announced a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines, marking a significant milestone in the union’s efforts to deliver strong first contracts across the airline industry.
The IAM members are part of the Southwest Customer Service Employees, also known as Passenger Service Employees (PSEs), which is the class and craft of employees. PSEs process passengers at the airport and handle customer reservations.
This tentative agreement is the first for the NOC group after a majority of the workgroup signed authorization cards to join the IAM in 2024. It reflects months of negotiations and represents a major step forward in recognizing the essential work performed by these professionals in maintaining and enhancing Southwest’s operational network.
The 2.5-year tentative agreement includes:
- Transition wage scale with an 8% wage increase on the date of ratification, effective first full pay period. (True Up)
- A pay increase of 3% on Dec. 15, 2026.
- New wage scale with anniversary pay increases
- 3% of the current wage from March 1, 2025, to date of ratification paid in a lump sum.
Click here for full highlights of the agreement.
“An industry-leading IAM Union contract is exactly what our newest Southwest Airlines members have earned,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Southwest Airlines’ NOCs are critical to the carrier’s everyday operations – and we couldn’t be prouder to have delivered this agreement for our members and their families.”
“These members know just how important they are to Southwest Airlines, and this industry-leading first contract will set the stage for many years to come,” said IAM District 142 President/Directing General Chair John M. Coveny, Jr. “I am especially proud of our negotiating team. Their dedication and commitment to their fellow members were unmatched, and this agreement resulted from their hard work.”
“As a Southwest Customer Service employee, I know that our power grows when we have more members in the IAM family,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “This agreement sets a new standard in the industry and shows all airline workers the true power of North America’s largest airline union.”
“It was a pleasure to work with Southwest NOCs in their successful quest for a first agreement,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “We’re excited to build on this momentum and continue to grow our bargaining strength at Southwest and throughout the airline industry.”
IAM District 142 represents thousands of airline industry workers across the United States and continues to lead the way in securing strong contracts and workplace protections.
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