The reservation center departments at Southwest will be 100% remote this fall. This would be a significant move for the carrier when it comes to saving on overheads since it holds several centers across the United States.
Making the leap
Southwest Airlines has approximately 3,200 customer service and reservations agents. There are offices in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix, as well as the carrier’s headquarters in Dallas. These departments are important to the company because airlines always deal with customer queries throughout the day. Booking and helping with flight changes are some of the tasks completed.
According to CNBC, The International Association of Machinists and Aeronautical Workers, the labor union representing the carrier’s customer service agents, sent a note to members on Wednesday.
“Southwest Airlines just announced they are closing all the Reservation Centers and transitioning to 100% remote work.”
Flexible opportunities
Associate HR Business Partner and Tech Lead Software Engineer are two of the remote jobs listed online. Southwest notes each role.
“Employees will be provided the same concern respect and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.”
The airline commented about its decision in a statement to Simple Flying.
“Evolving to a fully remote workforce brings increased flexibility, both in attracting and hiring new Employees from across the country, and in scheduling current Employees who have worked at record efficiency in a remote work environment,”
With the airline seeing success in the remote scene, it’s gaining confidence to keep going across its operations. On September 1st, the transition will take place. Since the rise of the global health crisis most reservation agents have been telecommuting. With business picking up, the firm is still interested in keeping such initiatives.
More aviation news can be found.
There will be staff members that are frustrated. The airline made the decision without input from the union, as highlighted by the highlights shared by the Aerospace Workers.
Many employees in different industries have welcomed remote working, but there are many people that prefer to go to the office even on a part-time basis. Several people say they work better when they are in the presence of their coworkers, rather than using technology, because working remotely can take away social aspects.
The airline is adapting to the current climate. Photo Gettt Images
The modern era
Southwest isn’t the only employer that is considering such a move. Offices can be closed to cut costs. Airport and fuel costs are some of the fees the operator has. This could go a long way.
Southwest Airlines closing its reservation centers and going completely remote, what do you think? What do you think about the initiative and how it could affect services? In the comment section, let us know what you think of the carrier.
CNBC is a source.
