Southwest ramp workers picket at RSW

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.-  Southwest Airlines ground crew workers and members of Local 555 picketed at Southwest Florida International Airport on Tuesday.

Andrew Almanza, Union Steward for Local 555 says they’re picketing to make their passengers and the public aware of the fact that Southwest is more interested in profits and not the employees.

“Southwest doesn’t care about people anymore, employes or the passengers, they just care about the profits. It’s money now, it’s not what it used to be back in the day where the company had a huge heart,” said Almanza.

In a statement released by Southwest Airlines to WINK news, the airline said in part. “Reaching the right deal for our Employees remains a top priority. And we are committed to ensure that it is fair to all Employees, enables the Company to grow, and protects our position as a low-cost leader in the industry.”

Airline workers also say they continue to reach little progress with Southwest in gaining a new contract that has been on the negotiating table since July of 2011.

Ramp operations and Southwest flights in and out of RSW were not impacted by the picket. Southwest ground crews also picketed at 15 other airports on Tuesday.

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