Roughly 82 percent of Southwest Employees are represented by a Union. Our goal is to maintain collective bargaining agreements that take care of our Employees, the Company, and Shareholders in ways that support our Vision to become the world's most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline.

Yes, Southwest Airlines is one of the most heavily unionized airlines in the United States. Approximately 83% to 85% of Southwest’s total workforce is represented by a labor union. This includes almost every major operational group: pilots are represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), flight attendants are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, and ground crews, including ramp agents and cargo agents, are also under the TWU. Even the airline's mechanics and customer service agents have union representation (AMFA and IAM, respectively). This high level of unionization is a hallmark of the major U.S. carriers, providing employees with collective bargaining power for wages, benefits, and working conditions. Despite the high union density, Southwest is often cited for having a relatively "collaborative" relationship with its labor groups compared to its competitors, which has historically contributed to its unique corporate culture and "warrior spirit" brand identity, even during intense contract negotiations or operational meltdowns.