What made Southwest airlines Pilots to Sue the Company Now ?

They Sued !

Thats true !  an union representing Southwest Airlines pilots has sued challenging " forced time off"  and  "other changes"  to working conditions imposed by the Dallas based carrier during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) complaint in federal court details that the carrier implemented an "emergency time off" program, altered schedules, and scaled back prescription drug and retirement benefits without bargaining, in violation of federal labor law.

• The union - SWAPA  , which represents 9,000 pilots, said it seeks to block further similar actions and asked a judge to order Southwest to make every effort to negotiate an agreement. 
• The pilots view it this way - they remain among the most at-risk groups for Covid during the pandemic, “while management employees protected themselves by closing down headquarter offices to work from home and meeting virtually.”
• COVID-19 protocols are not being follwed by the airline, as claimed by the staffs.

SWAPA also claims, Southwest should have collectively bargained with the union instead of giving itself  "force majeure" rights when global and domestic air travel saw the worst during the pandemic.

Increased Tensions !

The lawsuit has witnessed an escalation in mounting tensions between Southwest and its Cockpit Crews . Its pilots union has threatened not to co-operate during the winter holidays, which will again be a sign to protest against a series of issues including a gruelling work schedule, a lack of food and accommodation and COVID-19 protocols.

Last week, Company anticipating disruptions arising due to the protest , took prompt action to trim flight schedules for this fall in a bid to better align its operations with available staffing.

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

Union also asked the court for an injunction, requiring Southwest to stick to the provisions of the lapsed agreement, and negotiate the terms for an "emergency extended time off" program, and COVID 19-related work conditions.

• SWAPA communicated to it's members saying, the union said the lawsuit was the "only recourse" to compel the company to meet its duty to collectively bargain.

Russell McCrady, Southwest airlines vice president of labor relations, released the statement saying that the company 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 said.

SWAPA website reads : Since 1978, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) has been the sole bargaining unit for the almost 10,000 Pilots of Southwest Airlines. Southwest Pilots are leaders in aviation industry productivity and are the world's leading experts on flying the Boeing-737. 

Picture : SWAPA / LAX FO Greg Wilterink .