OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing the carrier's 250 Flight Dispatchers, have agreed to amend their collective bargaining agreement, extending their current agreement through November 2015. The contract was previously amendable in November 2014. The Contract, ratified last week, provides opportunities for continued bonuses that are tied to the performance of the Flight Dispatchers and the Company.

"I am extremely proud of both negotiation teams and their dedication to accomplishing this important task," said Mike Ryan, Vice President Labor Relations. "This agreement represents hours of hard work and I’m pleased to say it is mutually beneficial for our hard-working Flight Dispatchers and the Company."

FAA-licensed Flight Dispatchers are directly responsible for the conduct of flight operations and the dispatch, clearance, and movement of all Company aircraft. Dispatchers are often referred to as the heart of the organization, working around the clock to keep the airline running seamlessly and ontime.