Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants Authorize Potential Walkout

The union representing Southwest Airlines Co.’s flight attendants voted to give leaders the ability to call a strike, a step toward a possible walkout if talks falter in federal mediation.

The authorization was approved by more than 98% of voting members of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, which represents about 21,000 Southwest flight attendants. Until a new contract is ratified, members are working under pay scales and rules that were part of a 2016 agreement.

While the vote doesn’t mean the union will strike immediately, it clears the way for a walkout if one is allowed ...