Tentative agreement between Southwest Airlines and union

(Dallas-AP) -- Southwest Airlines and the union representing ramp operators and other employees have reached a tentative agreement.

If ratified, the agreement would end the possibility of labor unrest over the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The Transport Workers Union has called off plans for informational picketing after word of the tentative deal came yesterday.

In a taped telephone message to its members yesterday, the union says it will announce terms of the proposed contract after presenting it to the group's executive board. The board must approve the contract before it's sent to the membership for a vote.

The employees have been in contract talks since last December over issues that include improved wages, Southwest's 401-(k) and an attendance policy.