OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that Flight Attendants from AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., have reached a tentative agreement on the collective bargaining agreement that became amendable in May 2013. AirTran Flight Attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA). This tentative agreement still requires membership ratification.

“I applaud the efforts of both parties in reaching an agreement that incorporates rewards and incentives for increased productivity and perfect attendance, while remaining mindful of AirTran’s low cost structure,” said Mike Hafner, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cabin Services. “This contract includes progressive concepts that are beneficial for AirTran Flight Attendants, while supporting Company objectives.”

The parties have been in discussions since February 2013 on an agreement that would serve as a bridge for the AirTran Flight Attendants until they ultimately transition to Southwest. To date, more than 400 Flight Attendants have made the transition, while approximately 1,700 Flight Attendants remain in the AirTran partition. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc., on May 2, 2011.