By Daniel Wiessner
(Reuters) – A union representing Southwest Airlines Co pilots has filed a lawsuit challenging forced time off and other changes to working conditions imposed by the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association filed a complaint in federal court in Dallas on Monday claiming Southwest should have collectively bargained with the union instead of giving itself “force majeure” rights when air travel plummeted during the pandemic.
The union claims Southwest implemented an “emergency time off” program, altered schedules, and scaled back prescription drug and retirement benefits without bargaining, in violation of federal labor law.
A representative of Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
