Southwest Airlines union pickets over wages

NEW YORK, Nov 20 (Reuters) - The union that represents 7,200 workers at Southwest Airlines said it will begin informational picketing on Thursday afternoon at Houston's Hobby Airport after contract negotiations stalled over wages.

Transport Workers Union Local 555 said informational picket lines will also be in place at more airports on Southwest's routes over the next few weeks.

"Our members are struggling with everyday living expenses and wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living," TWU Local 555 President Charles Cerf said in a statement.

The TWU said contract negotiations began on Jan. 15, 2008, but recently stalled as the union and the company could not agree on wages.

The union said the TWU and Southwest filed for federal mediation on Oct. 31.

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