Southwest does not condone Employees sharing their personal political opinions while on the job serving our Customers, and one Employee’s individual perspective should not be interpreted as the viewpoint of Southwest and its collective 54,000 Employees,” the airline said in a statement. “The Southwest Team takes pride in providing a welcoming, comfortable, safe, and respectful environment for the millions of customers who fly with us each year. The pilot allegedly said “Let’s go, Brandon” - an anti-Biden phrase popularized after a reporter misheard a crowd chanting “f*** Joe Biden” - during a flight from Houston to Albuquerque. Southwest Airlines is conducting an internal investigation into reports that one of its pilots said “Let’s go, Brandon” over the intercom during a flight The airline released a statement Sunday condemning the reported incident and announcing an internal investigation. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.On Saturday, an Associated Press reporter sparked a national story by claiming that a Southwest Airlines pilot had signed off his greeting last Friday to passengers by saying, “Let’s Go Brandon,” the ubiquitous phrase used as a substitute for “F*** Joe Biden.” But further reports indicate that not only was the phrase in the audio clipped so it was possible the pilot was saying “Let’s Go Braves,” rather than “Let’s Go Brandon,” the audio reportedly did not come from last Friday, but at least two weeks earlier. Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.Īlso Read: Indian Students Deported Back to Delhi from USA on Delta Flight – Aviation A2Z However, the National Mediation Board, which holds the authority to permit the termination of negotiations and potentially lead to a strike, has rejected SWAPA’s appeal. This action is crucial if the pilots intend to go on strike, a move they nearly unanimously voted to authorize. Further, claiming that negotiations have not been conducted in good faith.Ĭonsequently, SWAPA has formally requested to be released from federal mediation concerning their contract disputes with the airline. The pilots’ union has been openly expressing dissatisfaction with the airline. Kelly stated, “Arguably, our shareholders have endured a prolonged period without significant returns while our employees have received considerable care.” Photo: By Johnnyw3 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, However, Kelly’s remarks portrayed a less favorable view of employees. Kelleher, the company’s founder and former CEO who passed away in 2019, expressed this sentiment. Ultimately, it’s shareholder value that you’re producing.”

So there’s no constituency at war with any other constituency. If you treat your employees that way, they will treat your customers well, and your customers will come back, which makes your shareholders happy. In January, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) published a strongly critical letter that juxtaposed a statement made by the airline’s founder, Herb Kelleher, with one from the current Chairman (and former CEO), Gary Kelly. Instead of rallying behind the airline, Southwest Pilots, who have been engaged in contract negotiations for more than a year, exacerbated the situation.

Yet, the picture of unity started to show signs of strain during Southwest’s holiday-season disruption. This cooperative atmosphere persisted even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the airline successfully steered clear of employee layoffs.

Over the years, the alignment between the company’s workforce and management was evident. Unlike many airlines that upheld a certain level of formality between staff and passengers, Southwest employees embraced a company-endorsed sense of irreverence. These were tear-inducing tales of Southwest Airlines (WN) employees doing incredible things to serve the company’s passengers.

Southwest airlines pilot comment