A Lawsuit was Filed Against Southwest Airlines

A lawsuit was filed against Southwest Airlines by a union of pilots due to forced time off and other changes to working conditions that were practiced by the airline during the pandemic time.

The complaint was filed in federal court in Dallas on Monday by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association claiming that the airline implemented an “emergency time off”, altered schedules, and retirement benefits without bargaining that violates the federal labor law.

The lawsuit marks an escalation in mounting tensions between the airline and its staff. Its pilot’s union has threatened to picket over the winter holidays to protest against a host of issues including a grueling work schedule, a lack of food and accommodation, and COVID-19 protocols.

This lawsuit marks an escalation of rising tensions between the airline and staff. The pilots union threatened to slack off from work and to protest about the issue of tiring work schedule, lack of food and accommodation, and COVID-19 protocols this coming winter holidays.

The pilots union wants Southwest Airlines, to stick to the provisions of their mistakes in the agreement, and negotiate the terms for an “emergency extended time off”, and COVID 19-related work conditions.

In an email sent to its members on Tuesday, they said the lawsuit was the only option to push the company to meet its duty and obligation to its staff.

Southwest vice president of labor relations, Russell McCrady, said in a statement that the airline disagrees that any COVID-related changes adopted in recent months required negotiation.

“As always, Southwest remains committed to pilots’ health and welfare and to working with SWAPA, and our other union partners, as we continue navigating the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic,” he added.

© Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters