Southwest airline had distinguished itself in still another way. Its most influential union, was an in house organization, unaffiliated with outside organizations and totally committed to labor management cooperation. Representing more than 2000 pilots,. In 1995, following seven months of negotiations, representatives of swapa and Kelleher signed a 10 year contract that linking southwest pilots compensation to the financial success of the airline, effectively freezing wages during the first five years in flue of stock options and limited bonues tied to profitability. Beyond the first five yers, the contract guaranteed pilots an annual wage hike of 3 percent, in addition to compensation based on profitability. Described by swapa president gary kerans as a positive example of good faith bargaining. Called by kelleger a bold statement by our pilots, and cited by southwest vice president james f. parker as a tribute to the farsightedness and……. Visionary attitude of our pilots and their confidence in the company, the contract reflected southwest pilots willingness to gamble on the financial future of the carrier.