Keep in mind that when the SWA pilots negotiated their contract (and extensions) they were no where near achieving an "industry leading" contract. SWA management, however, has lived up to their bargain and continued to pay the agreed-upon wages while other companies have continously sought concessions. Thus, SWA didn't so much rise to the top as all the others fell.

SWA is currently involved in an aggressive cost reduction program. Unlike other carriers, SWA looks to impact their employees LAST. SWA's pay scales are fully in line with the company's goals of maintaining an overall LOW COST structure.