Southwest Airlines has upped the ante in its fight against mechanics with a lawsuit designed to stop overzealous reporting of maintenance issues.
The reporting of ‘excessive maintenance issues; is causing the airline ‘irreparable injury’ it says.
Southwest alleges the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association has been orchestrating a ‘system-wide campaign’ to give it leverage in contract talks which have stalled without a final resolution for years.
The airline has claimed planes are being grounded due to minor issues such as broken tray tables.
It blames a group of about 100 mechanics in four cities for the campaign to keep aircraft out of service.
"The concerted effort has and will continue to result in delayed or canceled flights and adversely affect the national transportation system," the suit says.
The alleged action by mechanics began on February 12, shortly after the latest round of contract talks.
"Drawing from the playbook of other unions, AMFA has attempted to shield its unlawful activity behind a claim that the disruption of Southwest’s operations merely reflects an increased focus on Southwest’s mechanics on ‘safety,’" Southwest said.
