Southwest Pilots On The Verge Of Strike As They Seek To Be Released From Mediation

Southwest Airlines Co.'s (NYSE: LUV) pilots' union is reportedly moving closer to a possible strike.

LUV's pilot union filed a request with the National Mediation Board (NMB) to be officially released from mediation.

The union stated that talks began more than three years ago and were joined by a mediator in September 2022, but several critical problems remain unsolved.

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) said negotiators have become increasingly frustrated with Southwest's lack of commitment to negotiating in earnest and the pace of productivity during this negotiation cycle.

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"If released from mediation, our Pilot group will continue down the path afforded to us through the Railway Labor Act (RLA)," stated SWAPA President Casey Murray. 

"We strongly disagree that we're at a point which justifies either party asking to be released from mediation. We feel confident that mediation will continue to drive us even closer to a final agreement," reported Bloomberg, citing Adam Carlisle, Southwest's vice president of labor relations, in a statement.

In May, Southwest pilots overwhelmingly authorized union leaders to call for a strike if the National Mediation Board approves it.

Price Action: LUV shares are trading higher by 0.64% at $36.18 premarket on Friday.