The pilots’ union is suing Southwest Airlines and alleging violation of federal labor law

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August 31 (Reuters) – A union representing Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) pilots has filed a lawsuit against forced rest and other changes in working conditions imposed by the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association filed a lawsuit in federal court in Dallas on Monday alleging that the company implemented an “emergency free rest” program, modified schedules and reduced drug benefits with prescription and retirement without negotiating, violating federal labor law.

He claims Southwest should have bargained collectively with the union instead of giving itself “force majeure” rights when air travel plummeted during the pandemic.

Demand marks an escalation in growing tensions between the airline and its staff. His pilots ’union has threatened to picket during the winter holidays to protest a number of issues, such as a grueling working hours, lack of food and accommodation and COVID-19 protocols.

The protest prompted the company last week to cut flight schedules this fall to try to better align its operations with the staff. Read more

In the lawsuit, the union said the airline is bound by the terms of the collective agreement that expired in August last year, but remains in effect until a new agreement is reached and does not contain a “force majeure” clause.

He applied to the court for a court order, which required Southwest to comply with the provisions of the expired agreement and negotiate the conditions for an “extended emergency time” program and COVID-related working conditions.

In an email sent Tuesday to its members, the union said the lawsuit was the only recourse to force the company to fulfill its duty to bargain collectively.

Russell McCrady, vice president of Southwest Labor Relations, said in a statement that the airline does not agree that any COVID-related changes adopted in recent months require negotiation.

“As always, Southwest continues to be committed to the health and well-being of pilots and to working with SWAPA and our other union partners as we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic,” he said.

Report by Daniel Wiessner in New York and Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago; Edited by Richard Chang, Mark Porter and Richard Pullin

Daniel Wiessner

Dan Wiessner (@danwiessner) reports on labor and labor legislation and immigration, including litigation and policy formulation. You can contact him at [email protected].

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