Boeing sued by Southwest pilots for USD100 million in lost pay
Although Southwest Airlines hinted it may share compensation for the Boeing 737 Max grounding with its pilots, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association has gone ahead and filed a lawsuit against the plane maker.
SWAPA is claiming $100 million for loss of earnings as a result of the grounding.
Southwest is the biggest Max customer in the US and the union estimates the months-long grounding has led to more than 30,000 flight cancelations.
That represents a 7% cut in passenger service.
The lawsuit also alleges Boeing misled pilots over the plane’s airworthiness.
"We have to be able to trust Boeing to truthfully disclose the information we need to safely operate our aircraft. In the case of the 737 Max, that absolutely did not happen,” said SWAPA president Jonathan L. Weaks.
SWAPA said flying duty in the Max was included in its collective bargaining agreement, and once the jets were grounded, pilots lost millions of dollars in pay and benefits.
"We believe the lawsuit is meritless and will vigorously defend against it," Boeing said.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship