Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations

Department:

Labor Relations

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, 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.

Job Description:

The Senior Lead Counsel Labor Relations serves as the Company’s chief spokesperson in labor negotiations and leads high‑stakes bargaining efforts with Air Ops workgroups. In this role, they partner closely with Operations, Finance, and key internal stakeholders to shape enterprise labor strategy and deliver sophisticated legal and strategic counsel throughout the negotiation lifecycle. They will lead complex negotiations that have meaningful impacts on operations and costs; cultivate trusted, influential relationships with union and operational leadership; and ensure adherence to labor law, regulatory requirements, and contractual commitments. They will lead cross-functional negotiation teams and be expected to make presentations at the negotiation table and internally to Company Leaders and other stakeholders.  With a steady presence under pressure and a deep command of labor relations, the Senior Lead Counsel provides forward‑looking guidance that supports mutually beneficial labor agreements, strengthens labor partnerships, and advances Southwest’s long‑term success. 

Additional Details: 

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.   This role involves travel that may vary significantly, ranging from little to extensive travel, depending on business needs.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.   

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We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Company as Chief Spokesperson in negotiations, utilizing novel labor relations strategies and legal frameworks that redefine the approach to collective bargaining
• Advise Company leadership on labor relations strategy, legal and operational risks, and compliance with government regulations and contractual obligations
• Lead transformative, enterprise‑wide negotiations for the Company’s most complex and high‑impact labor groups
• Identify and analyze Labor Relations and operational issues related to the collective bargaining agreement, draft key documents, present clear recommendations on complex issues to minimize company exposure to liability or to ensure compliance with governmental rules and regulations
• Ensure necessary retention and cataloging of labor relations records (e.g., collective bargaining agreements, negotiation notes, arbitration decisions, grievance settlements, court and administrative agency decisions.)
• Drive cross‑functional alignment across Legal, Labor Relations, Operations, HR, and senior leadership to execute transformative labor initiatives
• Serve as an integral partner in long-term labor strategy, anticipating regulatory, technological, and workforce shifts
• Influences industry direction through engagement with national labor organizations, regulators, and industry forums
• Ensure consistency in application of government regulated policies (e.g., FMLA & ADA) and contractual interpretation and practice
• Resolve unprecedented, enterprise‑critical labor disputes requiring creative legal interpretation and strategic innovation
• Mentor and develop senior legal and labor relations talent to strengthen enterprise labor capabilities
• Stay current on legal practices by performing extensive law research and analysis
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abi