February 16, 2023, Austin, Texas Southwest Aircraft is located at the gate at Bergstrom International Airport.
Jordan Vondeher | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Southwest Airlines It has closed two flight attendant bases amid a cost-cutting push that has also led to its first mass layoffs in more than 50 years of flight.
The airline is closing satellite bases at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport in Florida and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas.
“The company is within its right to make this decision, but it does not mean it does not affect flight attendants,” said Bill Bernal, president of Twu Local 556.
He said the union and company agreed to bring the closure back to a month, and it was in effect on July 1st.
“This will allow the affected members to arrange this change in their professional and personal lives,” Bernal said.
The airport is so-called satellite-based, for flight attendants rather than pilots, and is smaller than its main base.
A Southwest spokesman said Career opened the base in early 2018 and the 280 affected flight attendants could move to 12 major bases.
“The changes will ultimately help to strengthen our crew network and support more reliable operations for our employees and customers,” the airline said in a statement.
The Dallas-based career has impacted hundreds of frontline employees, including Atlanta, reducing unprofitable routes. Last month, the airline said 15% of its corporate staff (1,750 people) would save about $210 million this year.
The move comes after the airline settled last year with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The company also pushed Bob Jordan to replace the CEO, but it was not successful.
