Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union have asked the National Mediation Board to help them negotiate. The union, which represents about 8,500 ground workers, and the airline have been in negotiations for about 14 months. The union says that the proposals made by the airline are concessionary, including a pay cut and reducing sick leave, as well as outsourcing some workers. The airlines says that the outsourcing claim is incorrect, but that they felt the need for outside help to resolve negotiations. The airline is currently in mediation with its pilots, aircraft mechanic, and service representatives.
See "Southwest, ground workers request federal mediation", Bob Cox, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 19, 2012