Southwest Airlines

Senior Labor Relations Manager

Southwest Airlines • $125K — $139K *
Dallas, TX 75217In-Person
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in labor relations, specifically managing Collective Bargaining Agreements.
  • Deep understanding of AMFA and IBT contract interpretation and application.
  • Experienced in grievance resolution and arbitration processes.
  • Preferred background in frontline leadership within a Tech Ops environment.
  • Knowledge of labor laws and industry regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee onboarding and training for new Labor Relations Employees.
  • Develop training materials for Company Leaders on labor matters.
  • Engage with unions, government, and other stakeholders regarding labor issues.
  • Monitor compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
  • Advise Leaders on employee disciplinary issues and company policies.
  • Represent company positions in grievances and arbitration meetings.
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor contracts.

Benefits

  • Free flights on Southwest for you and eligible dependents.
  • Company contributions up to 9.3% towards your Retirement Savings Plan.
  • Potential Profit-Sharing contributions based on company performance.
  • Health insurance for you and eligible dependents from your first day of employment.
  • Comprehensive benefits options available for selection within your first 30 days.
Full Job Description
Department:
Labor Relations

Job Description:

As a Senior Labor Relations Manager supporting Tech Ops, you'll serve as a subject matter expert on the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division (IBT) Collective Bargaining Agreements, providing strategic guidance to Leaders on their interpretation and administration. You'll help ensure the consistent application of contract provisions, advise on complex labor matters, and represent the Company's position throughout the grievance and arbitration process. This role partners closely with union representatives, Leaders, and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes, foster collaborative relationships, and support positive, productive labor relations across the operation.

Additional Details
  • The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.
  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.


Responsibilities
  • Oversee onboarding and training for new Labor Relations Employees focused on labor administration to include grievance resolution, System Board, and Arbitration preparation training
  • Update the Department Onboarding Manual as needed
  • Develop and administer training material for Company Leaders related to fact-finding, System Board players, and investigation training
  • Call or meet with union, Company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
  • Advises Leaders who lead employees covered by collective bargaining agreements on disciplinary issues and Company policies
  • Monitor Company or workforce adherence to labor agreements
  • Present the position of the Company or of labor during negotiations and arbitration and prepares summary of Company arguments in written briefs
  • Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor processes
  • Interpret Union contracts as they relate to Payroll, Leaves of Absence, Bid processes, and other work rules
  • Consult Senior Leadership on all areas of Union contractual issues and correspondence system-wide for contract Employees
  • Negotiate, prepare, and distribute settlements for grievances, including from System Boards and Arbitrations
  • Act as an advisor to Leaders to help meet deadlines or resolve complex problems
  • Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to Labor Relations or labor contracts
  • Communicate grievance denials and resolutions between the Company and union
  • Prepare documentation to present at Systems Boards, Med/Arbs, and other grievance meetings
  • Ensure compliance with contractual timelines and inputting details into Company database
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreements
  • Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
  • Skilled at understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
  • Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
  • Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, which does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem


Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED


Experience
  • Expert level experience, expansive and far-reaching knowledge in:
    • Collective Bargaining Agreements
  • Preferred previous Tech Ops frontline leadership experience
  • Preferred experience working in a union environment and with union contracts
  • Preferred experience addressing labor issues, including the grievance and arbitration process
  • Preferred experience investigating union grievances


Licensing/Certification
  • N/A


Physical Abilities
  • Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
  • Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job


Other Qualifications
  • Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive personnel information
  • Must be able to travel, with overnight stays, several times a year and to work some nights and weekends


Pay & Benefits
  • Competitive market salary from $125,900 - $139,900 per year* depending on qualifications and experience, with opportunity for future pay increases based on performance and market movement. For eligible leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.


Benefits you'll love
  • Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
  • Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
  • Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
  • Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
  • Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits


*Pay amount doesn't guarantee employment for any particular period of time
**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company

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About Southwest Airlines

AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet.

Southwest Airlines Careers

Join the vibrant team at Southwest Airlines, a leading entity in the aviation industry known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and diversity. As we continue to expand, there has never been a better time to explore job opportunities with us. Work You’ll Do At Southwest Airlines, we offer a variety of career paths ranging from aviation mechanics to customer service professionals, all united by a common goal of providing excellent service and maintaining the highest standards of safety. Our team members are the heart of our operations, and we empower them to succeed in their roles and beyond. Transform Your Career Step into a role at Southwest Airlines and join a team that values leadership, professional growth, and diversity training. Our employees are encouraged to lead from their first day, supported by our robust leadership development programs. Innovate with Us Southwest Airlines is at the forefront of innovation in the aviation industry. Join us and contribute to projects that redefine the future of air travel. Our collaborative environment fosters innovation, allowing every team member to make an impact. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture is built on connectivity and teamwork. At Southwest Airlines, you will work alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for excellence. We celebrate diversity and believe it drives innovation, making us stronger and more responsive to our customers' needs. Future-Proof Your Career Southwest Airlines is committed to the professional development of our employees. With a wide range of benefits, from comprehensive health coverage to employee travel perks, we ensure that your career with us is rewarding. Continuous learning is part of our DNA, and we provide extensive training and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a Southwest Airlines internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, build your network, and learn from leaders who are eager to mentor the next generation of aviation professionals. Our internships offer a deep dive into the aviation world, preparing you for a full-time position in your chosen field. Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to new heights. Explore our job opportunities and find out how you can contribute to the Southwest Airlines family. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who make Southwest Airlines a great place to work. Explore Discover how innovation at Southwest Airlines is shaping the future of air travel and how you can be a part of it. Read more about our projects, team achievements, and the impact we’re making in the industry. Southwest Airlines Careers Our commitment to professional growth, a dynamic culture, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace makes Southwest Airlines not just a great place to work, but a community where you can build a fulfilling career. Join us and see where your skills and passions can take you.
Learn more about Southwest Airlines
Size
58,865 employees
Market Cap
$19.8 billion
Industry
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
-$3 billion
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
-4.9%
Revenue
$9 billion
NASDAQ
LUV
* Ladders Estimates

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