After the American Airlines pilots union voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike on Monday, Southwest pilots also began casting strike-authorization votes the same day.
It comes despite American Airlines stating that it is close to resolving disputed contract issues with its 15,000 pilots.
The outcome of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) vote will be revealed after voting for its 10,000 members concludes on May 31.
This is the first time in Southwest’s 51-year history that pilots have taken such a vote.
Even if either company’s pilots do walk off the job, it won’t happen for many months.
Aviation expert Jay Ratliff told The Epoch Times, “It’s never an immediate ‘we vote to strike today; tomorrow, everything’s toast.’”…