The Dallas carrier has been among the hardest hit by the grounding of Boeing Max 737 airplanes in March after a pair of deadly crashes. Without the planes, Southwest has said that it will cancel about 175 flights each weekday. Southwest had 34 Max planes when they were grounded and had expected more to be delivered this year
Earlier this month, the airline pushed back the return date forthe troubled aircraft. The planes will not be included on flight schedules until at least March 6, a month longer than previously planned, citing continued uncertainty.
Southwest pilots union chief: 737 Max ‘arrogance, ignorance, and greed should and will haunt Boeing for eternity’ »
The airline said Thursday that the money given to employees will be funded as part of its annual 2019 profit sharing distribution next year. Southwest workers will also find out next year more details on the percentage of money they will receive.
The settlement details with Boeing are confidential.
Southwest is in ongoing talks with Chicago-based Boeing about compensation for damages related to the Max groundings.
Source: Chicago Tribune