DALLAS, Nov. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) announced today that it has
received a rating of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, which earns us the
distinction of being a "Best Place to Work for LGBT
Equality". The Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is a national
benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices
related to LGBT workplace equality, administered by the Human
Rights Campaign Foundation.
"We are proud to be recognized as a company dedicated to being a
top place to work for our LGBT Employees," said Ellen Torbert, Vice President Diversity &
Inclusion at Southwest Airlines. "We're committed to hiring and
retaining diverse talent and we believe that one of the best ways
to do that is to ensure Southwest Airlines offers industry-leading
pay and best-in-class benefits to our Employees and continues to
create an environment where all of our Employees feel valued and
appreciated."
This recognition reflects Southwest's continuous efforts to put
Employees first, offer great benefits, and positively impact the
communities the airline serves. Southwest Airlines has been a
longtime supporter of the LGBT community and is proud of the
continued community relationships it has with organizations that
are working hard to make a positive difference in the lives of the
LGBT community.
The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which
evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including
non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner
benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency
programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.
Southwest's efforts in satisfying all of the CEI's criteria results
in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to
Work for LGBT Equality.
For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to
download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
ABOUT HRC
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights
organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC
strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a
nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with
exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 48,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 97 destinations
across the United States and seven
additional countries.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent
data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms
of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates
the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of
which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate
connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use
their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Apple
Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as
well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our
valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a
philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which
low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S.
airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second
checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some
airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for
qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare
differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a
bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery,
airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their
lives.
From its first flights on June 18,
1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented
affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and
increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new
markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability,
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known
for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's
performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the
communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and
the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online
at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines