Southwest Airlines pilots union to open Baltimore-area ‘strike center’ amid contract talks

The union for Southwest Airlines Co. pilots will open a Baltimore-area “strike center” as negotiations for a new contract continue. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, also known as SWAPA, will open a regional strike center in Columbia on Nov. 28, which will act as a centralized space for pilots if a strike occurs. The center’s opening comes ahead of a last attempt at negotiations with the assistance of the National Mediation Board on Nov. 30 and is the latest development after more than three years of contract talks.