Memorandum
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To:
From:
Date:
Re:
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AMFA-SWA Members
AMFA National
March 3, 2019
Southwest Airlines Files Suit Against AMFA
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AMFA–SWA Members:
On Thursday, February, 28, 2019, Southwest Airlines filed yet another federal lawsuit against AMFA, as well as your elected negotiating representatives individually. This is but one more step in a long-standing campaign aimed at your Union and at you and the very job that you do.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of the Company’s self-styled “State of Operational Emergency” at several maintenance locations where it believes too many discrepancies were being generated and resulted in aircraft not being pushed back into service fast enough. When AMFA asked for evidence of even a single illegitimate write-up, none was produced – instead, this new lawsuit was filed. Furthermore, this “State of Operational Emergency” was instituted with wholesale disregard of many contractual provisions that provide employees with schedule flexibility and earned time off, as well as outsourcing covered work to third party vendors.
It is disturbing and extremely concerning that Southwest Airlines misunderstands the most fundamental duties and responsibilities of federally licensed airmen and the services that they provide to a point at which it spitefully sues their representative body in attempt to suppress their mandated role.
This legal attack on its own employees is unprecedented in the history of this Company. In the context of the so-called emergency – aimed only at AMFA – it seems clear that Southwest Airlines is sending a message to all its employees. The message to AMFA is, “we are going to attack your Union and force its demise.” AMFA is being made the example. Therefore, the messages for the other work groups on property are, “you will be next, and “comply with Federal Aviation Regulations at your own risk.”
Know that AMFA will vigorously defend against these latest attacks, and we will press our own legal claims against all those accountable for these outlandish, frivolous threats and intimidation. In the meantime, as always, follow the law, be safe, and stay united. Remember, we must engage in no job action until released by the National Mediation Board.
In Solidarity,
Bret Oestreich
National Director
