Southwest Airlines is sending millions of dollars in ‘gratitude pay’ to workers after the historical meltdown that led to 16,700 flight cancellations in late December.
Pilots are among “several operational workgroups” offered the bonus pay for their efforts during the “unprecedented disruptions over the holidays,” said Southwest Airlines spokeswoman Brandy King, although the company would not disclose exactly which workgroups were given the bonuses or the total payout.
The Dallas-based carrier’s union of 10,000 pilots will take in “approximately $45 million” in additional pay, on top of extra pay already given for holidays and reassignment pay. That would equal nearly $4,500 per pilot. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association voted to accept the pay bonus Thursday.
