Southwest pilots union denounces carrier for changes in work rules during pandemic fall

The Southwest Pilots Union sued the carrier this week, alleging that the airline violated federal labor laws by changing labor rules during the fall of the travel pandemic without negotiating changes.

These included changes in working conditions and pilots ’pay rules and rates, such as an“ emergency ”rest program, according to the lawsuit, which the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association filed Monday in federal court. of Dallas.

Southwest denied allegations that its change required negotiation with the union.

“Southwest Airlines, like the rest of the industry, has been forced to respond to the unpredictable challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” Russell McCrady, Southwest’s vice president of labor relations, said in a statement. “The airline does not agree with SWAPA’s claims that any COVID-related changes in recent months required negotiation.”

The pilots’ union said in the complaint that it is requesting a court order to force the company to return to the terms of its collective agreement.

Demand comes as tensions between workers and Southwest management increase.

The Southwest Pilots Union this month said it was considering pickets at airports for Thanksgiving and Christmas to protest working conditions.

The company said last week it would reduce its hours for the rest of the year, following complaints of staff exhaustion. Pilots and flight attendants have also complained about the shortage of hotels and on-road dining options.

Southwest told workers this week that it is negotiating an agreement with a “food delivery service provider” to deliver hot food to hotels during night trips.

“Southwest will cover the cost of the monthly subscription to this service and we are negotiating to eliminate shipping costs and significantly reduce service costs,” wrote Rachel Loudermilk, the base’s director of operations in an email to staff.