Tue, Nov 18, 2008
'Sick-Out' Ruling Bars Pilots From Disrupting Operations
A federal judge has spoken... and pilots at United
Airlines have been rebuked for an alleged "sick-out" at
the embattled carrier earlier this year.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the United chapter of the Air
Line Pilots Association and four pilots were barred from conducting
activities that could disrupt normal business operations at the
airline.
As ANN reported, both sides went to court
after United accused ALPA of organizing a "sick-out" over the peak
summer travel season, which the airline blamed for the cancellation
of 329 flights from July 19-27. Such labor actions are not allowed
under the Railway Labor Act.
While it's no secret pilots are the most vocal opponents of
United CEO Glenn Tilton and other executives, ALPA denied the
charges... while also noting such allegations would be difficult
for United management to prove in the first place, as the pilots
accused of organizing the sick-out used an unofficial phone-tree
system designed to leave nothing behind in written or e-mail
form.
Nevertheless, the judge agreed with United... and if past
history is an indicator, the pilots may face steep fines for their
alleged actions. United says the sick-out cost the carrier $8
million in lost revenue, and $3.9 million in operating profit.
"While there is always room for discussion and tough
give-and-take about our business, deliberate actions that unfairly
or unlawfully impact our customers and employees — and that
keep us from achieving our full potential — will not go
unchallenged," United COO John Tague said in an e-mail to
employees.
An ALPA spokesman did not immediately return a call from the
Tribune for comment.
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